Our exterior light situation is a little ho-hum, as evidenced by this tiny fixture outside the back door on our garage (don’t mind the grimy green brick that’s screaming out for some scrubbing).
And yes, I realize the door itself is looking a little rough. It originally sported a rusty, loudly-banging storm door (not just a medium bang, this was SCARE-YOUR-NEIGHBORS LOUD) that we removed. So we’re getting ready to repair some of the trim and prime/paint it white to match the door in the sunroom veranda that we already updated.
But let’s turn our attention back to the light. It was too small and very weather-worn, so we decided it was time to make an upgrade. Choosing the fixture to upgrade it with proved a bit more challenging than we expected. Maybe because we’re not really used to shopping for them. I think we might have bought three exterior lights in the course of seven years. So after hitting up a local outlet and some big box stores without anything screaming “I’m perfect!” at us, Sherry took the hunt to a few online sites to see what she could come up with. After about an hour of clicking around (and waaaay too many windows being open at the same time which led to not one, but two browser crashes) there were eight contenders:
- Black lantern $69 here (inspired by the ones here)
- Seeded glass lantern $75 here
- Outdoor wall lantern $87 here
- X-Lantern $37 here
- Bronze cross-cross sconce $35 here
- Bronze lantern $79 here
- Antique copper wall light $219 here (purely just for eye candy, since it’s way above our budget)
- Bronze lantern $117 here
Making that mood board didn’t give us a eureka moment either. But what did was strolling through the lighting aisle at Home Depot and Lowe’s again, and discovering that Option #1 had gone on sale (down to $59). It had been my favorite all along anyways (Sherry was really into #6, but it was significantly smaller) and my argument for #1 was that we were looking for something large and in charge, and it was the second biggest of the bunch while also being among the three most affordable ones in the roundup. Sherry gave me one of those “hold on I’m thinking” faces and then said “ok, let’s do it.” And into our cart it went.
Installation was just like installing any other fixture:
- Step 1: Turn off the power
- Step 2: Remove the old one after staring at the wires to see how they’re connected (or even grabbing a photo of them with your phone if it’s your first light-switching job)
- Step 3: Connect the new one to the same wires the old one had been connected to
- Step 4: Tuck all of the wires into the backplate and use the provided screws to adhere the light to the house
- Step 5: Turn the power back on and make sure the light is connected well and working correctly
So installation went nice and smoothly, and you can see from this photo that it’s a big improvement. Well, not the door. Or that green wall. But at least the light is no longer rusty and small.
You think I’m joking about the size difference, don’t you? Here’s a side-by-side with the old fixture so you can see just how much more substantial the new fixture is compared to the old one.
We personally like an outdoor fixture that has lots of visual presence, so this guy is doing the trick for us. Just imagine this with a freshly painted door and non-green bricks and a nice welcome mat and some plants on either side. I know… that’s a lot of imagining. We have a long way to go back here.
I like this shot the most, since it helps to show the size of the light, along with the traditional shape, which we think is pretty fitting with the exterior of our house (we’ve admired it on a lot of our neighbor’s homes, and also were inspired by this photo of an outdoor space with similar ones). At one point I suggested that we put them in The Artist Formerly Known As Prince The Veranda Formerly Known As The Sunroom (we’re looking for four sconces to go on the posts in there to provide some eye-level light) but after holding them up they didn’t look right – so we’re still on the hunt for what might work in there.
I’ll share just one more “after” photo of this guy because when I came out to take this picture I opened the door to find a herd of deer standing right outside. Of course they ran away at the sight of me.
But they didn’t go far and still make an appearance in the background of this picture.
Here they are, just giving me the ol’ deer staredown, when I stepped a little closer. If you’re on the edge of your seat for more of my stellar wildlife photography (or are just a fan of Where’s Waldo: Deer Edition) we’ve got this post on Young House Life for your deer-loving pleasure.
Sorry I keep getting sidetracked. Lights. We’re talking about lights. And obviously that back door isn’t our only outdoor fixture. We’ve got one more wall-mounted one above our garage. It was also looking a bit worse-for-wear and was also on the diminutive side.
So we purchased a second one to match the one we added to our backdoor. And… the results were a little less impressive.
Even though it felt nice to have a sparkly new light up there – and the ORB finish commanded a bit more attention than the rusty gold – the size wasn’t reading as much of an improvement between those two giant garage doors (we’ll be painting those black or charcoal if that helps you visualize where things are going). And yes, we have more green stuff to attend to on that concrete driveway pad. Yeehaw, I smell some power-washing in my future…
But back to the light.
It’s not terrible, but it’s not exactly what we were hoping for. It just looks kinda lost on that big brick wall with those big garage doors. And I’ll admit we’re feeling a little defeated because of all of the lights that Sherry mood-boarded, it was among the largest of them all (it’s about 19″ high, and the biggest – and most expensive – was only 20″). Update: We also have a pergola planned for over the double garage and we want to add shutters to all of the windows on the side and back of our house eventually (as seen on Listy McListerson) so those are things to consider for this side of the house too.
Part of us feels like we should just stick with this one for the time being and withhold judgement until we can do some other things to the garage side of the house (like the paint the doors). And the other half of us feels like we should just return it if we don’t love it there, and not settle for something that we might later end up regretting.
What do you guys think? Would you keep it or return it in the hopes of finding something better? Any tips for where else to look besides local lighting shops, Lowe’s, Home Depot, or Overstock?
Carole says
Go with your gut – this is not right for the space. If you are willing for the relatively small cost and may use the light somewhere else, it IS an improvement. It’s just not the best final choice. My vote goes for something that hangs down (loved the barn light). Photoshop all final improvements you have planned and see if the single light pleases you before incurring the cost of an electrician adding multiple lights.
Camille says
I agree with everyone that it’s an improvement. But I did want to warn you that the inexpensive outdoor lights from Lowe’s do NOT last long. We actually bought the #4 on your list, and the finish was gone within 60 days (we live in Texas so it could be the harsh sun). It dulled to an incredibly ugly gray. We lived with it for awhile and then I used your tutorial to re-ORB it. It was a huge pain but they look great now.
Actually the moral of my story is that despite being poorly made, they’re actually worth it after refinishing – because the nice ones I looked at in that size were at least $350 a piece (and we need 3).
YoungHouseLove says
Oh no! Thanks for the tip Camille!
xo
s
Angela says
I agree with most others…..Wrong fixture for your particular installation. Definitely want a fixture that extends down instead of up and with a cap so that the majority of the light goes down.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks to everyone for weighing in! We have a ton of things to think about, and I’m itching to run back out to the lighting outlet to see if anything new came in.
xo
s
Ashley says
I found a PERFECT light fixture at my local Habitat Restore, for $8!! I wanted to replace the tiny (TINY!) front porch fixture at my new place, so I kept my eyes open. I found a large (but brassy) beauty one day, ORBed it up, then worked up the courage to install it myself. I’m more proud of that light than any paint job I’ve ever done–it was the next step in my homeownership journey! I even sent my dad a picture along with a “Look what you don’t have to do for me anymore!” Sometimes all a girl needs for some self-esteem is a little electrical work :)
YoungHouseLove says
Love that!
xo
s
Ellie says
Personally, I would add matching lights on the outer side of the garages. I, too, have a double garage in a darkly wooded area and really appreciate the additional light out there. Leaving the center light above the garage doors ties it into the roof line. I expect the dark doors will absorb more light than anticipated.
Dizee says
Did you hear about the deer with the arrow stuck in his head?
It has a happy ending – the arrow was successfully removed and the deer has been spotted back in the area!
YoungHouseLove says
No way!
xo
s
Jennifer says
I think the problem with the garage light is the location. It might look better to have one light centered over each garage door. Another option would be three lights: keep the one you have but add one to the left of the lefthand garage door, and one to the right of the righthand garage door, at the same height as your current one.
Sherri says
Love that side view of the light where you see the veranda. I’d wait and get another light above the garage doors. Something more substantial and that is perfect for the outdoor space. Meanwhile, WOW!! I love your home. Seeing all the various pictures today and the ones the other day with the grass coming in gives me an even deeper appreciation of your property. They all capture how beautiful your home is and the potential you saw when you purchased it.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, thanks so much Sherri!
xo
s
Bonnie says
I looked at SO MANY LIGHTS while trying to replace ours, and I was shocked at how expensive and how boring they all are. In the end, I just spray painted the one we had because the size was good, the shape was bearable, and it had a sunlight sensor.
I would keep the one you have – I don’t think you’ll find a better one for the size/money, and now you can focus your attention on the next project!
Emily R says
I think they both look wrong because they are hung too high. Like the too small ones I feel that the top of the light should be closer to the top of the door frame. I know it’d be hard to lower them because the junction box is in brick – so maybe a style that hangs would work better.
Christy Wiggins says
What if you added a double pergola thing and moved the lights under each side? Like this…
YoungHouseLove says
Aw man, for some reason certain links aren’t showing up for me or working today. Would love to see that. Is this a wordpress glitch? We didn’t change anything so I wonder if they’ll come back to us. Here’s hoping!
xo
s
Katie says
I’m not loving it. I agree, a light that hangs down would be better. It just doesn’t “feel” right.
Gretchen says
Return it and look for something you love. I agree with some of the others that a light that hangs down would be better.
Peggy Mckee says
Will the 60 Watt incandescent candelabra base bulbs continue to be available? I’m guessing the fixture was on sale because they will not. Will a CFL or similar fit?
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, I think they accept CFL and LED bulbs! Will have to double check, but I think that was on the box in bold.
xo
s
Allison says
I haven’t read the other comments, so maybe it’s already been said. I think the one over the garage should be a “hangy-downy” kind because it’s so high already. Your new one is higher than the old one and doesn’t have the lower-profile that the old one did.
The way it’s higher and pointed up, makes it feel like it’s not part of the door area. I think you should return the new one and look for something more similar in shape/style to the old one.
Courtney says
My vote is to return it. You need a bigger fixture for that space. Maybe a little fancier? http://www.lightingdirect.com/kichler-9736-traditional-classic-1-light-outdoor-wall-sconce-from-the-barrie-collection/p845327
YoungHouseLove says
Aw man, it says “down for maintenance” when I click it! Will check back later!
xo
s
Liz says
I think it looks great – and definitely ok to go with the bigger light as you only have one light in each location. But I was with Sherry from the beginning on option 6… only because it has a rustic charm to it which I absolutely love. Regardless, depending on the return policy, I’d hang onto the one you purchased for a little while because it is still very beautiful, looks great, and gives off a good amount of light (probably most important). It might also look more complete/together once you power-wash/paint/shutters/etc…
Linda V. says
I was a fan of number 4 — mostly because we have the same light in a smaller version on our house. However, seeing your choice in action, I love the angular look of it, and the bulb style!
The thing I love for us about number 4 is the bubbled glass! We went from a rusty gold 1970’s style porch light to number 4 and it was life changing for our front steps.
Long live number one AND four!
chelsea says
Gooseneck barn lights! They’d look so good with the brick.
YoungHouseLove says
Sadly I can’t get John to go for them! He thinks they’re too farmhouse and don’t go with a classic colonial style house. I keep looking for other houses like ours with them in our nieghborhood to sell him on them, but they’re nowhere to be found!
xo
s
Erin @ The Impatient Gardener says
Now I’ve never known you two to live with something that gives you that “meh” feeling! I say keep looking.
Now, about this pergola over the garage … when are you going to do that? I ask because we’re going to do the same thing. The mister is not in favor (he does not understand the purpose of pergolas and “just because it’s pretty/I like it” apparently doesn’t qualify as a purpose for him) so I have decided I’m going to build it myself this winter and then have him help me put it up in spring. I hope you do yours soon so I can learn from you guys instead of paving the way!
YoungHouseLove says
We did one on our carport so checking out our archives for that might help. I’m sure with brick it’s a whole new ballgame though, so we’ll keep you posted! This time we don’t think we’ll add columns, just sort of a pergola-awning if that makes sense.
xo
s
Brenda says
It’s true that in the straight on shot of the light above the garage doors it seems a little diminutive. But from the wide shot I think it looks really nice, so I’d probably keep it. The back door is a definite improvement, and I kind of like the idea of the same fixture for continuity’s sake.
I’ve always wanted to try power washing, so I will weirdly admit that I’m a little jealous of your green brick.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh man, it’s so much fun! You need to try it.
-John
angie says
To be 100% honest, I’m not a fan of the light in either spot. My personal preference is a light that points down. I would also add a light on each side of the garage for 3 lights in total. I really like these:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Illumine-1-Light-Outdoor-Antique-Bronze-Lantern-CLI-FRT1027-01-32DS/203089632?MERCH=REC-_-product-2-_-202500790-_-203089632-_-N#.UoZOJnCsiSo
YoungHouseLove says
Sadly I can’t get John on board with a gooseneck lamp. He thinks they’re too farmhouse looking for our classic/colonial house.
xo
s
angie says
Well that’s too bad. I found this too, although I am sure you’ve seen it and looked at a million lights by now.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/World-Imports-Sutton-Collection-6-in-1-Light-Wall-Sconce-in-Rust-WI910542/202047216?N=c7qqZ1z0u5x1%3Frpp%3D96#.UoaXQXCsiSo
Here is a picture of it I found on a house. I think they are so pretty.
http://highstreetmarket.blogspot.ca/2012/10/our-new-carriage-house.html
YoungHouseLove says
Those are gorgeous! Thanks so much for the links! I wish they still sold the 20″ ones (the biggest I see are 12″ ones for around $135, so that’s too small for us I think).
xo
s
Sara Richins says
I’m with a few earlier commenters. It’s not the size of the garage light that looks off. A hanging light with a boxier shape would look better. I’d be hesitant to go bigger. I also think the problem is having just one light. I prefer the look of garage doors surrounded by two lights rather than one in the middle. But that becomes a much bigger project to wire the house for that.
Laurel says
Keep it for use elsewhere, but plan on replacing it with something that can drop down between your garage doors when you build the pergola. Otherwise, your fixture will be above the wood structure – blocking the light from illuminating the driveway.
Allisen says
I don’t think it’s the light so much as it is the placement. It’s such a strange place for a light… It reminds me of a pimple in the middle of a forehead lol! It must have been intended to be an ugly utilitarian double motion light or something.
I would probably keep it for now because it is an improvement, but won’t it get in the way of the pergola anyway? I would also have your electrician give you a bid for putting two or three lights down lower on either side and possibly between the garage doors. It may not be that hard/pricey and it would cast a nice light under the pergola.
Melissa says
Someone may have already suggested the Habitat for Humanity ReStore… It’s my go to for light fixtures! We replaced almost all of our ho-hum builder grade fixtures with finds from the Re-Store. Our outdoor lights were $5 each and look great! I love walking through the house telling people, “that one was $3.77, that chandelier was $30…” :-)
Melissa says
Come to think of it, I probably learned this from you!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Melissa! We had luck finding a light fixture for our half bathroom there that I spray painted ORB! Will have to swing by to see if they have anything that works outside!
xo
s
Carolyn says
Since moving into our house two years ago, we’ve been on a constant hunt for exterior lights. We’ve replaced the two by our front door, but we have yet to find ones we like for the other ten lights. Yes, TEN! On a normal sized house! Pulling the trigger on more than $500 in lights is something I will gladly continue to put off.
YoungHouseLove says
Wow! That’s the most I’ve ever heard I think!
xo
s
Meghan says
Barn lights are the way to go! Barn Light Electric has an amazing selection of outdoor gooseneck lighting. Something like this would look so great:
http://www.blog.barnlightelectric.com/customer-submission-garage-lighting-that-leaves-a-lasting-impression/
YoungHouseLove says
Sadly John is just not convinced a barn light would work with our classic exterior, but I love them!
xo
s
Eri says
Sorry for the second reply, have you guys ever checked lightingdirect.com? It’s our go-to place for lighting — wide variety, good prices, and they do ebates, which is another plus. Check it out if you consider installing (a)nother one(s) up there.
YoungHouseLove says
Will have to check it out! Thanks to everyone for the sources and tips!
xo
s
Sharon says
We built our house in 1985. We spent a lot of time traveling around for the right look in light fixtures (there was not the blogs, etc to check out). At the time larger light fixtures had really come in. There were and still are some that are too large and eye catching. I like the one you picked and the price. Later on you may change because of later renovations, but I would wait until this. I have not had the chance to read other comments, so this may have been said, but I think if you check some with the too big look it will help you with the scale. In our neighborhood they are being replaced with large but not overwhelming lights. You are doing a great job! Enjoy your ideas.
JillM says
When building my house, I had good luck at places like LampsPlus and Bellacor. If you keep your eyes peeled, you can find good deals on Joss and Main sometimes. They actually have some outdoor lights mixed in with their lighting events taking place now.
Amanda says
What is the window at the peak of the main roof in the shot of the garage? Do you have a real window in the attic? Could it (the attic, not the window) someday be developed into a secret batcave?
YoungHouseLove says
Yup, that’s the unfinished room that’s behind the laundry room (on the same level as our bedrooms, not actually in the attic) so we want to finish that room and making it a fun family game room/bunk room someday. Or a secret batcave….
xo
s
Nina says
I say keep the garage light. I think it will work with the eventual changes you are planning. And, like somebody else mentioned, if you end up not liking it when all is said and done you can use it by the kitchen door.
Kim says
I think the light fixture itself is great, but I think what’s throwing me off is how high it is, and that the poor little guy is flying solo. I think it might look better to have three by the garage, one in the center and one on either side, and to set them lower than the top of the door. Just my opinion, but here are some inspiration pics for ya!
http://st.houzz.com/simgs/8131f65e01eec3da_4-2206/traditional-outdoor-lighting.jpg
http://www.sfallstars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/exterior-garage-ideas-popular-garage-lighting-ideas–exterior-garage-lighting-ideas-6g0mufbq.jpg
Melinda W. says
I think I would try to find another if the light is still essentially functional. If you think it’s little on the small side now, it might get lost once you put up the shutters and pergola….but then again, I like a nice big statement light (as in, I probably wouldn’t be opposed to a fancy pants chandelier in every room kind of statement lights).
Have you ever checked out wayfair.com or hayneedle.com? They have discount prices. I’m not sure what their sizes are, but I know they have lots of stock.
Love the progress so far!
http://poshpurpose.blogspot.com
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the suggestions and links and ideas everyone! So helpful!
xo
s
Carolyn says
Glad you didn’t go with No. 4. We chose that one just a couple years ago and it isn’t holding up well.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh no!
xo
s
Mary W. says
I’d return the garage light and spruce up the old one with a little spray paint, waiting for the right one for the space to come along.
Laura B says
Love the light! It reminds me of a little terrarium for plants :-)
Jo @ Let's Face the Music says
I’d wait to see if you like the whole thing better once the pergs are up. I used a different criteria for lighting around the exterior of my house. Formal at the front door; less formal, more friendly at the side door; special and magical for the back yard. Jo @ Let’s Face the Music
Check out my choices here: http://charlieandjo.wordpress.com/2013/09/11/i-forgot-to-buy-a-lighting-fixture/
YoungHouseLove says
Love the options Jo!
xo
s
Caroline says
Hi Sherry and John,
I would stay stick with the new light by the garage – you have so many plans for that side of the house that the smaller size might best suit your long-term vision. Just keep that in mind every time you see it :)
~C
oh Holland says
I think positioning is the problem. The lamp by your man-door would look better if it were lowered so the top of the lamp is even with — or a touch lower than — the door frame.
As for the garage doors, ideally each one should have a downlight centered above. If you stick with a single lamp, it should be on the brick divider between the doors, lined up with — or a touch below — the door frames.
Christy Niebaum says
I’m quite fond of options #2 and #4. I wonder for the garage if you could find a fixture with dual lighting? Does that make sense? There’s probably a proper name for it. That way there would be a bigger presence and the light would direct to both garage doors. Is it possible to install additional fixtures to flank the garage doors? I don’t know how difficult new wiring is with a brick exterior. Probably pretty difficult. But that might even things out for a more robust lighting presence.
We also installed new exterior lighting over the summer and wow, what a difference! We actually ended up using the exterior lights from my parents house. They were weather worn, but otherwise in good shape, so I scrubbed them, sanded them and hit them with a couple of coats of hammered black paint from Rustoleum. We’re not great with electrical stuff, so my dad came over to help us switch them out (we had old rusted brass lights original to the house). I hit our house numbers with the same black paint and the combined result on our exterior was just incredible. Just enforces the importance of those small changes, you know?
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much for all the tips and ideas guys! We’re rethinking so much now. You’re all smarties, haha!
xo
s
Lauren says
everyone has already said smart things about the lights youdid buy- I just have to say, I’m with Sherry on loving the Nr. 6 lights. I get that they would be to small for this project, but could they be an option for the Veranda? They are so orgeous.
YoungHouseLove says
I definitely want to look into them for that!
xo
s
Brian says
Here are some ideas to upgrade the light above the garage:
Something like this treated for outdoor use:
http://www.houzz.com/photos/2941839/Atomic-Double-Market-Industrial-Guard-Sconce-modern-wall-sconces-tampa
And my personal favorite:
http://www.amazon.com/Spalding-79351-Backboard-44-Inch-PolyCarbonate/dp/B000M4KV4O/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1384533202&sr=1-1&keywords=basketball+hoop+and+backboard
janetl says
Maybe it’s more because it’s not in person but I think the light looks good as is and would look great with shutters. Although, I’m not sure I understand the position of the pergola. I assume the light would be under and in that case I actually think a smaller light would be better if you’re 100% going to do the pergola.
Is there anywhere else the light could go if you use it for now and move it later?
YoungHouseLove says
Someone mentioned that when we add french doors to the kitchen were those windows are we might want a light there so it could be moved there!
xo
s
Brittney Everett says
I think the light you chose more closely matched the feel of the abstract chandelier in your entry way. Some of the others were too round. I know they’re far apart, but that just means the “hard-lines-in-a-modern-shape’ feel travels throughout your whole house!
Nichole says
Like the new lights, the size is much better. As far as the one by the garage, you just need more of them. Which is pretty hard to do on an already built brick house.
Shutters: So excited that you want to add more shutters. Our house only had them on the front when we bought it 5 years ago. We got all new on the front and added them to every window on the house that could take them this summer. We did redwood, painted this time. They used to be plastic. And the guy custom made them for each window so they are actually the right size. If only we could have done truly functional shutters, we would be even happier. When you do that project it is definitely worth hiring someone who specializes in shutters. It makes a world of difference.
Tanya says
Can I just say I am stupidly excited about your pergola building plans! Really looking forward to that future post, and I don’t even have a garage. Vicarious pergola living I guess.
Sarah says
I love reading your blog everyday and I just wanted to wish John a Happy Birthday! The reason I remember this is because I met you at your book signing in Toronto last year and discovered that we share the same birthday! November 15, 1981, baby!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much Sarah! Happy birthday to you!
-John
amy c says
last year we replaced the two lights flanking our garage door and the light on our front porch with light/motion sensing ones. during DST my husband would always forget to turn them on when he came home first and we didn’t want to waste electricity and light bulbs by leaving them on all the time. now the switch stays on, but the lights don’t come on until it gets dark. during dark they stay on all the time with a dim setting and then go full power when they sense motion. love them! i’d do the same thing on the back patio, but the light attracts bugs which attracts geckos, gross!