Jul 24 2008 8:11AM | Permalink | Email this | Comments (0) |
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The right outdoor wall light can set the stage for guests entering a home, as well as those gazing from the street. The right lighting fixtures will both illuminate and increase the visual appeal of a home. Here is a guide to help you talk a client through the decision-making process:

1. Style: Start by discussing the architectural style of the house. Outdoor lights and wall lanterns in particular are designed to fit with certain tried and true architectural styles. The finishes, materials and details have been chosen to complement Arts & Crafts, Colonial Revival, Victorian, Spanish, etc..

2. Finish: Texture and color should both be considered. The finish will play off the color of the exterior walls. Colorful walls may work better with a brighter finish like brushed steel while neutrals may be better paired with a bronze or copper tone. Texture also plays a role. Choose hammered metal, slate, stone, or forged iron for a more organic, handcrafted look.

3. Size: This is the place where mistakes are most often made. Usually the lanterns chosen end up being too small. This guide will give you some specific proportions to follow. I would add that if you have a single door with only one lantern on one side then that single lantern should be bigger than it would be if you had lanterns on both sides. Also if you have double doors then the lanterns on either side should be bigger.

4. Placement: A lantern should be mounted slightly above eye-level. On a typical door this is approximately 66 inches above the threshold of the door. You can adjust for junction box placement by modifying the arm style of the lantern. This sort will give you sense of what options there are in up/down arm lanterns.