The Rule of Thumb for the Size of a Light Fixture on a Front Door

Rule of Thumb

• There are no hard and fast rules in choosing the right-sized fixture for the front door. It is good, however, to start with the premise that the larger the house and front door, the larger the fixture should be. Another principle is that the function of the light should be reflected in its size.

Function

• At the most basic level, the front light fixture simply lights the way for residents and visitors to get to the front door safely. It also helps identify visitors to those inside the house. Too, new visitors always appreciate it when the house numbers are easily visible. Of course, a front light can also make a design statement, whether great or small.

Small Fixtures

• A 3-foot light fixture would not be appropriate for a small urban row house. Street lighting is usually adequate, and the front light simply supplements that light and highlights house numbers. A small fixture -- just big enough to house a regular light bulb -- would be appropriate. A larger town or suburban house would have a larger fixture -- perhaps big enough to house two light bulbs.

Larger Fixtures

• If you own a mansion with double front doors that are 9 or 10 feet tall, this is the place for a 3- or 4-foot lantern. In fact, larger houses -- especially those with double doors -- often have a fixture on each side. A house on a larger property must cast light farther and be seen from farther away than a small house on a small property. Large, high-end houses often feature custom-made lighting fixtures that boast of the good taste and prosperity of the homeowner.

Tips

• A fixture that is too large or too flashy can detract attention from an otherwise pleasing architectural ensemble. If you own a grand house, the front light fixture is not the place to skimp on expense. The puniness of a too-small light fixture can attract negative attention. You get what you pay for in lighting, so buy the best lighting you can and get it right the first time. You don't want to have regrets -- and replacement expenses -- in the future.