Decorating Tip : Picking The Right Size Outdoor Carriage Light

Deciding on the right size outdoor carriage light can be a brain teaser.  Hinkley Lightng shares these smart tips from the experts that will help you determine the perfect fit.   

SIZING GUIDELINES : OUTDOOR LANTERNS
Selecting the right-sized outdoor lantern can sometimes pose a challenge. Follow these sizing guidelines for a fit that’s just right. The height of an outdoor lantern should be based on the height of the door:

DON’T UNDERSIZE YOUR LANTERNS : As a rule of thumb, your lanters should appear to be proportionate to the size of your door from 50' away.

FOR 1 LANTERN: If you place a lantern on only one side of the door, it should measure one-third the height of the door. The center of the bulb should rest 66” above the threshold of the door.

FOR 2 LANTERNS: When two lanterns are used, they should each measure approximately one-fourth the height of the door. The center of the bulb should rest 66” above the threshold of the door.

TIP: In either case, if you choose a fixture with a long tail or top scroll, pay attention to the overall bulk of the fixture.

TIP: When in doubt, always go larger. via Hinkley

“When choosing decorative fixtures, consider the architectural style of your home and the interior design elements you wish to complement. Fixtures should be appropriate to the time period the house was built and its overall styling, whether Arts & Crafts or Colonial or Modern. Consider scale as well, making sure that the fixture is in proper proportion to the space it is illuminating and nearby architectural elements such as corbels and doors.”

AMY ELBERT
SENIOR ARCHITECTURE EDITOR
TRADITIONAL HOME

Start decorating, find Outdoor Lanterns by Hinkley and more at Lewis Lighting and Home.

Decorating Tip : The Perfect Finish

Enjoy exploring the extensive world of finish options – there is something to complement every style of design and personal taste. Decorarting tip : the Lewis Lighting and Home website allows you several ways to search and view finish options, so be sure to use this powerful tool as a resource. View finishes online or visit the showroom to get a true sense of the color before making a final decision.

How Much Light Do I Need In Here?

Here's a decorating tip, there's actually a proven formula for calculating the proper amount of general light (usually expressed as the number of watts) you should have in each room or area of your home . . . and it's not difficult, just some basic arithmetic.

Multiply the length times the width of the room. Then, multiply that number times 1.5. That gives you the amount of wattage you need to light the room properly for general illumination. Example: A room is 12 ft. x 16 ft. (12 x 16 = 192). Then multiply 192 x 1.5 = 288 watts. That means an 8-light chandelier using 40-watt bulbs would give 320 watts, which is even more light than needed.

For specific task lighting in areas where stronger light is needed, multiply the area's square footage by 2.5 rather than 1.5 to find the needed wattage. A kitchen work island or a desk area where schoolwork is done are examples of task areas in your home.