Are you looking to add a little curb appeal to your home with a barn light over your garage door? Choosing the right size can be a daunting task, but fear not! With a few simple tips, you’ll be able to find the perfect size to enhance the look of your home.
First, consider the size of your garage door. A general rule of thumb is to choose a light that is one-third the height of your garage door. However, if you have a double garage door, you may want to consider two smaller lights rather than one large one. Keep reading for more tips on how to choose the perfect barn light for your garage door.
Choosing the right size barn light for your garage door depends on the size of your garage and the height of your door. As a general rule, choose a fixture that is at least one-third the height of your garage door. For example, if your garage door is 9 feet tall, choose a light fixture that is at least 3 feet tall. This will ensure that the light properly illuminates the area around your garage door.
What Size Barn Light Over Garage Door?
Barn lights are a popular choice for lighting up the garage door area. They are not only functional, but also add a rustic touch to the exterior of the home. But, what size barn light should you choose for your garage door? Let’s take a look.
1. Measure the Garage Door Area
Before you choose the size of the barn light, it’s important to measure the area around the garage door. The size of the light fixture should be proportional to the size of the garage door. You don’t want a small light fixture on a large garage door, as it will look out of place.
Benefits:
- Proportional look.
- Looks good.
VS:
- Large fixture on a small garage door will look awkward.
2. Determine the Style of the Barn Light
Barn lights come in different styles, from traditional to modern. The style of the barn light you choose should complement the style of your home. If you have a traditional home, you may want to choose a barn light with a more traditional style.
Benefits:
- Complements home’s style.
- Enhances overall look.
VS:
- Choosing a style that doesn’t match the home can look odd.
3. Consider the Height of the Garage Door
The height of the garage door is another factor to consider when choosing the size of the barn light. If the garage door is taller than average, you may want to choose a larger barn light to balance the height. If the garage door is shorter, a smaller barn light may be more appropriate.
Benefits:
- Balances the height of the garage door.
- Looks proportional.
VS:
- Choosing the wrong size can look unbalanced.
4. Look at the Size of the Garage
The size of the garage is another factor to consider when choosing the size of the barn light. If you have a large garage, you may want to choose a larger barn light to match the size of the garage. If you have a smaller garage, a smaller barn light may be more appropriate.
Benefits:
- Matches the size of the garage.
- Looks proportional.
VS:
- Choosing the wrong size can look odd.
5. Consider the Amount of Light Needed
The amount of light needed in the garage door area is also a factor to consider when choosing the size of the barn light. If you need a lot of light, you may want to choose a larger barn light with a higher wattage. If you only need a little bit of light, a smaller barn light may be more appropriate.
Benefits:
- Provides the right amount of light.
- Meets your needs.
VS:
- Choosing the wrong size can result in too little or too much light.
6. Look at the Placement of the Barn Light
The placement of the barn light is another factor to consider when choosing the size. If the barn light is going to be placed close to the garage door, a smaller size may be more appropriate. If the barn light is going to be placed further away, a larger size may be more appropriate.
Benefits:
- Looks proportional to its placement.
- Looks good with other exterior lights.
VS:
- Choosing the wrong size can look odd with other exterior lights.
7. Determine the Color of the Barn Light
The color of the barn light is another factor to consider when choosing the size. If you choose a bright color, it may make the barn light appear larger. If you choose a darker color, it may make the barn light appear smaller.
Benefits:
- Complements the color of the home.
- Looks good with other exterior colors.
VS:
- Choosing the wrong color can look out of place.
8. Look at the Shape of the Barn Light
The shape of the barn light is another factor to consider when choosing the size. If the barn light has a wider shape, a larger size may be more appropriate. If the barn light has a narrower shape, a smaller size may be more appropriate.
Benefits:
- Looks proportional.
- Looks good with other exterior shapes.
VS:
- Choosing the wrong size can look odd with other exterior shapes.
9. Determine the Material of the Barn Light
The material of the barn light is another factor to consider when choosing the size. If the barn light is made of a heavy material, it may appear larger. If the barn light is made of a lighter material, it may appear smaller.
Benefits:
- Matches the material of the home.
- Looks good with other exterior materials.
VS:
- Choosing the wrong material can look out of place.
10. Consider Your Personal Style
Lastly, consider your personal style when choosing the size of the barn light. If you love a certain size, go for it. The most important thing is that you are happy with the size and it looks good to you.
Benefits:
- Meets your personal style.
- You will be happy with the size.
VS:
- Choosing the wrong size can result in buyer’s remorse.
In conclusion, choosing the size of the barn light over the garage door is about finding the right balance. By considering the factors listed above, you can find the perfect size that complements your home and meets your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors should I consider when choosing a barn light size for my garage door?
When selecting a barn light for your garage door, there are several factors to consider. The first is the size of your garage door. You want to choose a light that is proportional to the size of your door. A light that is too small may look out of place, while a light that is too large may overpower the door.
Another factor to consider is the style of your home. You want to choose a light that complements the overall design of your home. If your home is modern, you may want to choose a sleek, minimalist light. If your home is traditional, you may want to choose a light with more ornate details.
What is the recommended height to install a barn light over a garage door?
The recommended height to install a barn light over a garage door is between 8 and 10 feet. This height ensures that the light illuminates the garage door and surrounding area, without shining too brightly into your eyes.
It is also important to consider the size of your garage door when determining the height of your barn light. If you have a taller garage door, you may want to install the light higher to ensure that it adequately covers the door.
What type of bulb should I use in my barn light over my garage door?
The type of bulb you should use in your barn light over your garage door depends on your personal preference and the level of brightness you want to achieve. LED bulbs are a popular choice because they are energy-efficient and long-lasting. They also come in a variety of brightness levels and color temperatures.
If you prefer a warmer, more traditional look, you may want to choose an incandescent bulb. However, keep in mind that incandescent bulbs are less energy-efficient and have a shorter lifespan than LED bulbs.
Can I install a barn light over my garage door myself?
Yes, you can install a barn light over your garage door yourself, but it is important to follow proper safety precautions and have some basic knowledge of electrical wiring. If you are unsure about your ability to install the light yourself, it is recommended that you hire a licensed electrician.
Before beginning the installation process, make sure to turn off the power to the area where you will be working. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the light and make sure to secure it properly to prevent it from falling.
What are some popular styles of barn lights for garage doors?
There are several popular styles of barn lights for garage doors, including traditional, gooseneck, and industrial. Traditional barn lights typically have a more classic look with a rounded or conical shade. Gooseneck barn lights have a curved arm that extends from the wall, giving them a more decorative look. Industrial barn lights have a more modern, utilitarian look with a straight arm and angular shade.
When choosing a style of barn light for your garage door, consider the overall design of your home and choose a light that complements it.
In conclusion, choosing the right size barn light for your garage door is crucial in achieving the perfect balance of functionality and aesthetics. With the right size, you can achieve the perfect illumination for your garage door while adding a touch of style to your home’s exterior.
When selecting the size of your barn light, consider the size of your garage door, the height of your ceiling, and the overall style of your home. With these factors in mind, you can easily determine the appropriate size that will complement your home’s design and offer the necessary illumination needed for your garage door.
Ultimately, the right size barn light is essential in adding curb appeal to your home while providing the perfect amount of illumination for your garage door. So, take your time and choose wisely to ensure your home looks its best and functions its best too!