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?
Kristen says
I love the light but think they sit up too far. I guess that may be a good thing for the garage though, since you’re adding a pergola. I LOVE your house and am always excited to see the next project. You’re full of inspiration and have taught me a lot :)
Lori says
I loved your post today! We just bought our first house a few months ago. The exterior light the previous owner had was hideous and was also installed upside down. We fell in love with a Heath Zenith rubbed bronze light at Lowe’s. The best part is that is has a motion sensor included. The next best part was that it really was super easy to install.
Pam says
$59? I would leave it and see how it melds with future improvements. Plus it really looks more impact full lit up.
Pam says
impactful, I spell better than iPad’s corrections….
Margie says
I didn’t read through all the comments, but lightingdirect.com has a large selection and has been a go to for us. And if you’re looking for huge, you need to add industrial to your search terms. Barnlightelectric.com goes up to 27″ but you’ll be adding major dollar figures. Good for eye candy though.
Stephanie says
I love the idea of using the 2nd light that’s currently above the garage for the french doors when they’re installed and finding a hanging lantern that you love for above the garage. Maybe just keep the new one there for now until the french doors go in and the garage area gets beefed up. It’s beautiful as is also!
Barbara says
I vote you return the light on the garage wall. Consider this you guys always get good value for your money, I am a financial planner & you guys rock in my book for being careful how you spend your money so hang in for the light you want; sometimes you just need to get what you really want.
Barbara
Phyl says
Keep an eye on LampsPlusOpenBox.com. They have some good deals on lighting.
LInda says
Return vs. Not Return of Garage light.
My 2cents: If the old fixture provided enough light for safety and functionality then I’d return the new one and use the old one while you figure things out. But if the old light didn’t do it’s primary job of “lighting things up” then keep the new one. Safety and convenience are worth a few bucks and you can craig’s list the fixture later when you replace it.
Bailey says
I feel like there are usually small “spot light” type lights that people use out in that spot over their garages right? I bet you guys could find a classy version of something like that!
Bailey
Danielle Purtle says
I don’t think it looks bad! Honestly my first thought was the garage door. I know y’all painted the trim and door within the veranda white. Do you plan white for the remaining exteriors doors? I think the light would really pop if the garage door was white (or same as grey siding?) and maybe had some accents that mirrored the black light? Like this: http://www.amarr.com/images/related-products/CHA-BeforeAndAfter_390x385.jpg
I do like the idea of two lights though if you decided to do a more intense fix.
YoungHouseLove says
I think we’re planning to go charcoal or black with the garage doors (inspired by our shutters, which we’ll eventually add around the entire house). One of our neighbors has dark doors and they look so posh (we painted our first house’s garage door black and loved it too).
xo
s
Jenny B. says
Lots of opinions. :) Can the light be relocated? Or more lights added? I think if it was lower on the wall — between the two garage doors — and then you added two more identical ones at the same height on either side of the garage doors, that might be a big improvement. :)
Jenny B. says
Oh, I forgot you wanted to add a pergola. That would nix the lowering the lights idea. ;)
kathy says
I don’t think one light is so bad, but I do think the light needs to hang lower. Maybe a different large fixture that drops down rather that goes up.
Anna, Sydney says
It would require more work and wiring (and cost) but what about three lights, one on each side of the garage doors and one in the middle?
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for all the ideas and suggestions guys! We are definitely weighing all the possibilities and will keep you posted!
xo
s
Karen Little says
One of the most common mistakes people make with lights is not getting them large enough—-we’ve done the same thing a couple of houses ago. (We’re on our 11th house due to many corporate moves.) So, I’d say, wait to buy a larger one for between the garage doors. You’ll be glad you did!
Megan J. says
I have a super easy way to clean the green algae no power washer needed. Fill a basic spray bottle with half water and vinegar. Spray it on the area and come back in a day or two. All the green will be gone.
YoungHouseLove says
LOVE THAT! Thanks so much for sharing!
xo
s
Bonnie K (BornInaZoo) says
I second this suggestion! I had mold like that on fiber cement siding. A gallon of vinegar & a gallon of water in a garden sprayer worked wonders. I also use that same mixture to keep weeds from growing in between my patio blocks. I love that is cheap & if my dogs lick it they will only be a sour puss for a moment & not at risk of being dead.
YoungHouseLove says
Love that!
xo
s
Kelly says
If you’re planning a pergola there for the future you could attach lights to it once it is built. If you planned the pergola design with this in mind it would be easy to incorporate hiding the source of the electrical. Get an outdoor waterproof cap to run the wires out of and walah!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s a great idea!
xo
s
[email protected] says
Return the light. I think you need two with a space that massive. One on the outside of each door.
Stephanie P says
I agree that additional lights on either side of the garage doors would help balance out the light and fill the void, but as you mention cost may be an issue. Something that was wider and hung down could work in the meantime. What about using garden spotlights on either side of the driveway to shine upwards illuminating the doors? It would add another dimension of light and could work with the pergola you’re planning.
Michelle says
What if you added another light and put one on each side of the garage doors?
Jenny F says
I’d keep it until you came across the perfect light fixture. At that point you can replace another light fixture somewhere. My honest opinion is that it looks too high, and not enough lighting (or symmetry) within the garage doors. I might play with 2-3 lights, lowered, and then maybe the scale wouldn’t be such an issue. But then again, that’s not an easy fix either – its cutting into brick, and yowza I’ve created a way more expensive project for you :)
kirsten says
I’m not sure if you’re planning on putting up more architectural features around the garage later on (like your previous house), but, what about something like the decorative moldings that are usually placed with ceiling fixtures? You can get them in different sizes and styles, paint it however you want, and it would be low-cost but large-impact, I think.
Ellen says
I would keep the new garage light but add two more to the ends of the garage doors.
Jasmin M says
I bought the 2nd lamp from your selection for the back and front of my house. It was a little bigger then I had visioned but they are SUPER nice and I am very happy with them. I also got the matching outdoor hanging light but put it inside my back entry mud room.
Donna says
John, show Sherry the warehouse lighting, specifically the galvanized gooseneck that you might be able to spray paint the color of your front door using a krylon metal paint at barnlightelectric.com
Teal gooseneck barn light. The warehouse galvanized is about $147
Felicity says
Rather than trying to dress it up, as it’s location kind of screams function rather than beauty, why not go for a double flood light with a motion sensor? It’s nice for taking the dog out at night, or the trash to the curb. Might frighten off the deer, too.
Denise Thompson says
If you are going to be there long term, I would look at gas lights, i.e., Charleston or New Orleans. They have a definite presence and a southern charm.
Carrie says
I recently bought the hanging version of this exact fixture for my front porch! It’s not hung yet because my house is still mid-professional-contractor renovations (re-wiring, new windows, etc.) but my fixtures will all get hung as soon as this round of work is done, and I can’t wait. In the mean time I’m prepping for my first big DIY project at the house – laying pre-finished oak flooring throughout the first floor, right before or right after Thanksgiving. (And no, I will not be hosting dinner in my total construction zone of a house…) Love your blog! :)
Megan says
I’m sure fifty thousand people already said this, but I’d take the garage light and install one on both outside edges instead of one in the middle. My house and a lot of my family members have it this way, and then we have a flood light up high in the middle. This way, the two sidelights are the noticeable ones that are used more often, but the floodlight can be turned on when there’s a lot of company who need to pull out at night and not crash into each other (or if there’s a super intense game of night basketball or late night hide-and-go-seek). :)
Ana Silva says
Get some motion sensor lights that go down not up.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_398463-2120-39426_0__?productId=3831273&Ntt=outdoor+wall+lighting&pl=1¤tURL=%3FNtt%3Doutdoor%2Bwall%2Blighting&facetInfo=
http://www.lowes.com/pd_203302-85538-SH-4298-SB-A_0__?productId=3880207&Ntt=outdoor+wall+lighting&pl=1¤tURL=%3FNtt%3Doutdoor%2Bwall%2Blighting%26page%3D2&facetInfo=
These are huge if that’s what you want.
I am so OCD that all my lights have to match. What’s cool about most lights sold at Lowes or Home Depot is that they have matching sets of two or three different sizes.
http://www.lowes.com/Search=outdoor+wall+lighting?storeId=10151&langId=-1&catalogId=10051&N=0&newSearch=true&Ntt=outdoor+wall+lighting#!&rpp=48&page=1&N%5B%5D=0&N%5B%5D=1z0zwym&Va=false
Amy W. @AmyEmu says
I’m just going to agree with everyone else, you should probably have 2 on the garage, one on each ‘end’ side. (When you place your pergola, it might interfere with the wiring for the center light/end up covering it – but, if you’re cool with 1 light for now, you maybe be able to split from that 1 center box to two ‘end boxes’ for your lights, and have that wiring run externally and hidden by your pergola, vs. having to cut out a section of brick on each side. Basically use the current center box as a plated junction box, with the wiring pipe mounded to each end, and you could build the light boxes unto the pergola, somehow. -Hopefully that made sense too. Electrician’s daughter- )
And you could reuse the fixture later, when you do the french doors, as some other people have mentioned. :)
But they are pretty awesome fixtures. We went with something similar to #2 for our house, in ORB.
YoungHouseLove says
Love that! Makes complete sense and it’s a great solution for down the road!
xo
s
Mary Jane says
http://www.lightology.com/index.php?module=cat&cat_id=64&page=2
I like the style of the “Circa 1910 Outdoor Wall Sconce” from Troy Lighting. There is a link above. It has more presence and you may like the style, however it is a little different than the style of the other light. and is more expensive.
I enjoy your blog and my best regards to you.
Allen says
With over 500 comments already, I’m sure somebody has said this by now: You guys always say that you don’t do something unless you both love it. It sounds like you don’t love the garage light. The right one is out there though I’m sure!
Another question; when you add the Pergola to the garage side of the house how will the light work? Will it be above? Would two off to the side be more effective?
Whatever you end up doing I know I’ll love it! And, at the end of the day, isn’t that what’s most important? ;-)
Justine Hunter says
I like the fixture that you chose. That was my favorite from the choices and it looks great at the back door but it is not proportional with the garage doors and I think that its because it is to high. You’d mentioned that your wanting to put in a pergola which will look amazing. I want to do one also. I also feel like 2 lights on the outer sides of the garage doors would look great of the 2 and a 3rd one in between the doors would look best if they were moved down.
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/167477679864603088/
This is a picture of how I want a pergola to look someday and it’s a great example of lights with 2 doors a pergola. Just not on a brick house.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks again for all the tips and links guys! We’re so grateful for all the ideas.
xo
s
Bonnie K (BornInaZoo) says
Thanks for posting that mood board! I have completely fallen in love with #4 for the new fixture on my garage.
My garage is detached and 70 feet away from my house. And … it is in the unlit alley. The place where the city requires off-street parking from December 1 to April 1. I have a motion light there right now, but everything triggers it (squirrels, leaves, snowflakes). Since it’s on all of the time, I just want an attractive fixture. That one matches the dusk to dawn lights that brightly light up the street side
I’m gonna order it & I’ll leave the light on for ya!
Shey says
I think you should cover the light with a basketball goal. You can put lights on the side. It’ll be more symmetrical which matches the style of your house.
gail says
Won’t the garage doors look less obvious and large when they’re painted charcoal? I think that will help. I also think it might look better if the light was lower, and between the two garage doors.
I had also picked out #1 and 6 as my favorites for the other door! Ha. Who would have guessed?
Claudia A. says
Love the light that you used because I love the how the light shines up too! But not loving it on the garage overhead door side. Would be better to have 3 lights on that side, but I understand “unable to hire an electrician” at this point. I like lights that hang down more so that up.
Barb says
Don’t settle unless it’s super cheap or you can reuse the light later. I like the 3 lights garage wall idea, but my husband could do all the work himself. We’ve replaced 2 outdoor and 5 indoor lights with fixtures having tan or milky glass so we can use compact fluorescent light bulbs. (Recycle these at Home Depot along with used batteries.)For moss on brick, scrub it off dry and then apply white vinegar. http://www.ehow.com/info_8522822_vinegar-kill-moss.html
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Barb!
xo
s
Sandi says
I really like the lights! As some others have suggested, I think the garage just needs more of ’em. I would leave the middle one and add one on either side of the garage doors (for a total of three).
Kara says
Are you still planning to create another pergola above your garage (similar to what you did above the carport in your 2nd house)? If so, does that influence the utility of a light in that particular spot?
YoungHouseLove says
Yup, that’s still in the down the line plan, so it’s probably not something we’ll tackle for a few years but a good thing to think about! Thanks for all the suggestions and ideas guys. We have a lot to mull over, but will keep you posted!
xo
s
Lisa says
Carriage doors need carriage lights…..but they belong on the side of the doors–not on top. I think you’ll see a dramatic difference in just placing the lighting in a different position. (I’d go buy two more….and put three up one to the left/center and right of the sides of the doors.)
donita says
What if you bought two more lights and put one on each outside corner of the garage doors. Three lights would give you more light and might balance things. Just a thought!!
Life With Munchers says
Don’t beat yourselves up about the garage light, it looks fab! Great transformation for only having changed the lights and I can’t wait to see the finished article! Great post and great work :)
Anne Phillips says
I’m sorry if this is a repeat (as I didn’t read through the comments) but I have one thing to say. BUGS. Get a light fixture with an open bottom so bulbs are easy to change and they don’t catch bugs. Huge maintenance win.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the tips everyone!
xo
s
Barb says
I just recently had to replace burned out light bulbs in my lighting features. I told myself that if I ever replace the outdoor lighting I would pay attention to how easy or difficult it is to change the bulbs.
Just a thought.
lisa says
I haven’t read through the comments, but it seems like you should have a light on each side of the garage doors, too. Is that an option down the line? One light right in the middle seems odd to me. If I were you I’d return it and wait until you make the changes. I really hardly notice a difference at all in the before/after.
The side door light looks great, though!
YoungHouseLove says
I think down the line it could be an option for sure! Might tackle that extra electrical when we add the pergola.
xo
s
Lynne R says
Did you think about down lights? They eliminate light trespass & glare. Shades of Light has a couple of compliant fixtures. You should read up on the Dark Sky movement.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Lynne!
xo
s
Rosalind says
I always look forward to reading your blog. I started thinking while reading the last couple of posts and wondered if you are signed up with ebates? I don’t order a lot but have received $187.27 total in checks this year. I ordered a gas grill online from Lowe’s and picked it up once they had assembled it and I earned $11.94 on that purchase alone. Just thought I would throw that out there. I know I am always looking for ways to save money. My bank also has a points program that earns me points every time I use my debit card. I can then get gift cards from many different companies.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the tips everyone! So helpful!
xo
s
Staci says
I always drool over the lights from barnlightelectric so you might like something from there…