Outdoor lighting guide: entries, patios and paths

Outdoor lighting does three jobs: it welcomes guests, it keeps steps and paths safe, and it makes the house look good after dark. New England weather adds one more: surviving snow, salt and freeze-thaw.

Wall lanterns by the door

Most people buy lanterns too small. From the street, a fixture about one quarter to one third the height of the door looks right. With one light beside the door, go bigger; with a pair on each side, a bit smaller. Mount them slightly above eye level, about 66" from the threshold to the center.

Wet vs damp rated

Wet rated fixtures can take direct rain and snow and belong on open walls and posts. Damp rated fixtures are for covered porches only. When in doubt, choose wet rated.

Finishes that last

Powder-coated aluminum, brass, copper and stainless handle weather best. Near salted walkways or the coast, avoid plain painted steel. Brass and copper will darken to a natural patina, which many people love.

Paths, steps and patios

• Path lights spaced 6 to 8 feet apart, staggered, rather than a runway.
• Step lights on every other riser, or every riser on long runs.
• Patio and outdoor kitchen: task light over the grill and counters, soft ambient light for seating. See outdoor kitchens.

Color, glare and controls

Warm white (2700K to 3000K) looks most inviting. Shielded, downward-facing fixtures cut glare and are dark-sky friendly. Photocells, timers and motion sensors keep lights on only when needed. A lantern swap is one of our in-house quick installs in NH, quoted separately.

Common questions

How big should outdoor lights be by the front door?

About one quarter to one third of the door height for a pair, and a little larger if there is only one fixture.

What is the difference between wet and damp rated?

Wet rated fixtures can be exposed directly to rain and snow. Damp rated fixtures are only for covered areas.

What color temperature is best outdoors?

Warm white, 2700K to 3000K, looks inviting and flatters stone, brick and wood.