To ensure you have an adequate amount of light for your patio, deck or outdoor space, it's crucial to make sure your outdoor lighting is placed in the exactly the right spot and is the right size. For outdoor lighting placement ideas, outdoor lighting types and recommendations, read our guide.

Overview:

Where to Place Your Outdoor Lights
Lighting for Your Front Door, Back Door or Garage Door
Above a Doorway, on an Entryway or on a Porch
Garden Paths
Covered Porch or Patio
Security Lights
Driveway Posts
How to Estimate Wattage
Bulb Types
Bulb Base

Where to Place Your Outdoor Lights

It's crucial to consider your outdoor lighting placement before you buy the right size light and corresponding lightbulb.

What You'll Need:

• Tape measure
• Paper
• Pencil
• Step ladder

Lighting for Your Front Door, Back Door or Garage Door

If you have one light next to your front, side or garage door, then it should be ⅓ of the height of the door. If you're going to be placing one light on each side of the door, then the lights should be ¼ of the height of the door. To do this, measure from the floor to the top of your door, then divide by 4 for two lights or 3 for one light. For example, if your door is 2m tall, divide by 4 and buy two lights that are each 0.5m tall.

The lights should also be placed 1.6m from the floor or ground to properly illuminate the lock and handle. Lights should also be placed 0.15m from the edge of the door. If you choose to have only one light, make sure it is placed on the side of the door closest to the door handle.

Above a Doorway, on an Entryway or on a Porch

Flush or Semi-Flush Lights
If a fixture is placed above your doorway, it should be at least ¼ of the width of the doorway. To figure this out, measure the width of your doorway and divide it by 4. For example, if your doorway is 1m wide, divide that number (in inches) by 4, and buy a light that is 0.25m wide.

The fixture should also be ¼ of the height of the doorway. Measure the height of the doorway and divide that number (in inches) by 4 to determine your fixture height.

Hanging Lights
If you are hanging a light from an entryway porch or ceiling, we recommend having a fixture that is ⅕ of the door's height. Measure the height of the door in inches and divide by 5. For example, if your door is 2m tall, divide it by 5, and buy a light that is 0.2m tall.

Make sure the bottom of the light hangs at least 7ft off the ground. If you have low ceilings, choose a flush mount or semi-flush mount to ensure you have enough clearance underneath. Either way, make sure there is at least 0.15m of space between the top of the door and the light fixture.

Garden Paths

Lights should be placed every few feet and should be 0.15m away from the path. Try alternating or staggering the lights on each side of the path to make it more visually appealing and illuminate the path more effectively.

Covered Porch or Patio

Chandeliers or Pendants
If you are hanging a chandelier or pendant from a covered patio or porch, make sure the base of the light hangs at least 7ft above the ground and is centered above the seating area. If the light will be hanging above a dining table, measure the width of your dining table and subtract 0.15m on either side to find the right size light. The light should also hang at least 0.8m above the surface of the table.

Ceiling Fans
Make sure your fan is installed at least 7' above the floor and there are at least 0.2m – 0.25m between the ceiling and the top of the fan's blades. The fan blade tips should also be at least 0.75m from surrounding walls or other obstructions.

Security Lights

There is no hard and fast rule to find the right size flood or spotlight. However, we recommend installing them at least 6ft – 8ft from the ground, whether they are on your garage, back porch or other areas of your garden – both to get more coverage and to keep intruders from tampering with the lights. While you may want to light up the front and back of your home, don't forget the sides and corners of your home. Just make sure the light won't annoy your neighbours. For areas where you want added protection, make sure to buy enough lights so the beams overlap – this provides full coverage and eliminates dark spots. We also recommend motion sensor lights to save power and to ward off unwanted visitors.

Driveway Posts

The post should be secured about 1½ft – 2ft below the ground, the light fixture should be ¼ the height of the exposed pole, and the exposed pole should be 5½' – 6½' tall. When placing a post light, make sure it is at least a foot away from your driveway or sidewalk to allow for easy plowing and shoveling.

How to Estimate Wattage

To estimate the amount of wattage needed for outdoor lighting, measure the dimensions of the area that needs to be lit and use this formula: [Length] x [Width] x [1.5] = [Total wattage required]. If using LED lights, divide the total wattage required by four.

If you plan to use multiple lights for one space, go with a lower wattage for each fixture to achieve a warm, soft glow and to avoid overlighting and light pollution. Be sure never to exceed the maximum wattage for your light, as this can lead to damage to the fixture and your home’s wiring.

Bulb Types

Incandescent bulbs are commonly used in outdoor lighting and are the least expensive option in initial purchase price. However, they only last 700 – 2,000 hours and will need to be replaced often. They emit a warm color, give off more heat than LED, and are sensitive to water.

Compact Fluorescent (CFL) bulbs are more expensive than incandescent bulbs, but they can last around 10,000 hours and consume only 25% of the energy that incandescent bulbs do.

Light-Emitting Diodes (LED) lights are the most expensive option, but they can last up to 20 years – making them the most energy-efficient option. They give off a bright light and are often smart-home compatible. However, they can overheat while outdoors.

Tip: Learn about the different types of bulbs available with our guide: Choosing the Best Light Bulb Just Got Simpler.

Bulb Base

The final important aspect in selecting the right bulb is the bulb base. You need to make sure that the bulb can properly screw into the socket. Most lightbulbs use an Edison Screw Base, which is designated by an 'E' in the first letter of the base description. Some common subtypes of the Edison bulb include Candelabra, Intermediate and Medium bases. Double check before buying a bulb what base your fixture requires in its product description.

Tip: For more outdoor lighting ideas, read:

• Illuminate Your Outdoor Space With These Outdoor Lighting Ideas
• The Ultimate Guide to Installing Outdoor Lighting
• Landscape Lighting Ideas That'll Lighten & Brighten Your Garden