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A Simple Guide to Measuring for Outdoor Lighting: Tips for Homeowners

Outdoor lighting is key to enhancing your home’s curb appeal, safety, and security. Selecting the right size and placement for lights—whether at the front door, along walkways, or near the garage—can make all the difference in both style and function. At Light ‘N Leisure “The Purple Buildings,” our experts are here to help you find the perfect fixtures and guide you in choosing the right sizes to ensure your home is beautifully and properly lit. Whether you’re looking for door, pathway, or garage exterior lighting, we’ll make sure you get the best fit for your space.

Measuring Front Door Lighting

The lighting around your front door is one of the first things visitors will notice. To make sure the fixtures are proportional and provide enough light, start by measuring the height of your door. The height of your fixture should be 1/4 to 1/3 the height of the door.

For example:

  • If you have a standard 8-foot door, your light fixture should be between 24 and 32 inches tall.
  • If you have a larger entryway or double doors, consider a slightly larger fixture to balance the look.

When mounting wall sconces beside the door, the fixture’s width should be about 1/4 the width of the door. For double doors, you might use two smaller lights on either side for symmetry. Placement is key—your fixtures should be mounted approximately 6 feet from the ground to provide effective illumination without being overwhelming.

Lighting for Driveways, Walkways & Front Yards

Post / Pier lights are an excellent option for lighting up the driveway, front yard and walkways, providing both visibility and style. To ensure your post / pier lights are well-proportioned to the space, the height of the post should generally be about 1/3 the height of nearby structures or the surrounding landscape. For example, if you have a low fence or shrubbery, your post lights should not tower too high above them as this can throw off the balance.

Position your post lights at regular intervals along the driveway or walkway to create even lighting. A spacing of 10 to 15 feet apart works well for most driveways and walkways, ensuring full coverage without overcrowding. If your driveway or walkway is longer, you may want to space the lights further apart but ensure they are still aligned symmetrically for a clean and polished look.

In terms of size, consider the height of your home and the width of the driveway when selecting post light fixtures. Taller posts work well for large homes or wide driveways, while shorter posts can complement smaller spaces more effectively.

Measuring Garage Lighting

Garage lighting is essential for both functionality and curb appeal. The key to selecting the right garage lights is to measure the width and height of your garage door(s). The light fixtures should be 1/4 to 1/3 the height of your garage door to keep everything proportional.

If you have a double garage door, you might opt for two smaller fixtures on either side, or a larger fixture above the door. For single garage doors, one light on each side is often the best choice.

Make sure to position your garage lights so that they’re high enough to light up the driveway, but not so high that they miss their mark. The light should be high enough so it doesn’t interfere with opening the garage door while ensuring the light covers the entire area.

Lighting Outdoor Spaces and Patios

If you’re lighting a patio, deck, or other outdoor space, you’ll want to use a combination of functional and decorative lighting. Pendant lights, Chandeliers, and wall-mounted fixtures can provide overhead light for dining or seating areas, and they can also add ambiance.

For pendant lighting above outdoor seating areas, the fixture should hang 7 to 8 feet above the floor to create a cozy atmosphere without feeling cramped. You can also use smaller wall mounted fixatures to highlight key areas or provide additional lighting for outdoor gatherings.

Visit Light ‘N Leisure “The Purple Buildings” for All Your Outdoor Lighting Needs

Visit one of our lighting showrooms in Milford, MA. or Kingston, MA. to explore our wide range of outdoor lighting options. You can also shop online and enjoy exclusive discounts and coupons by signing up for our newsletter. We work with trusted vendors like Norwell Lighting, Northeast Lantern, Hinkley Lighting and Quoizel, offering high-quality fixtures to suit any style. Let us help you brighten your outdoor spaces with lighting that’s as functional as it is beautiful.


Two Ways to Shop at Light ‘N Leisure “The Purple Buildings”

Visit Us Today: “See It. Touch It. And Take It Home” – Stop by our lighting showrooms in Milford, MA. or Kingston, MA. for great lighting, ceiling fan & home décor options! Our showrooms are packed with items on display for all your lighting and ceiling fan needs. Our friendly team of ‘Purple People’ are ready to assist you in creating the perfect atmosphere for your home!

Shop Online Today: If you can’t make it to one of our lighting showrooms in Milford, MA or Kingston, MA, no problem! You can explore our wide selection of lighting and fan options on our website at www.lightneisure.com. Our website makes it easy to browse and order the perfect fixtures for your home. Plus, when you shop online, be sure to click the button below to easily sign up for our coupons to get exclusive discounts. Whether in-store or online, we’re here to help you create the perfect atmosphere for your space!

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