Front Door Lanterns

Size Them Properly for a Big Impact

These Harbor lanterns by Hinkley Lighting make quite a statement! Go big and bold with lanterns. photo - Hinkley Lighting

My friend is replacing the lanterns (some call them sconces) by her front door and asked me for pointers. That is why I am writing this post. A well-lit entry makes a big impact at night. And beautiful lanterns accentuate an entrance; they are like ‘jewelry for a door’. With all that said, many people do not make well-considered choices in front door sconces or they may place them incorrectly.

A well-crafted lantern accentuates a front door - this is especially important when it is under an overhang. This photo is from Lantern & Scroll - a U.S. company that manufactures outdoor lamps. They also feature period reproductions of classic Charleston gas lantern styles, among others.

Not Too Small

The size of the fixtures for a front door needs to be in proportion to the door. The height of ONE LANTERN should measure about 1/3 the height of your door.

TWO LANTERNS should be equal to about 1/4 the height of the door.

In all cases, the center of the light source should be approximately 66" above the floor, but that is up to you. Tall people may want them to be higher.

If you are not certain about the size of a particular fixture that you like, make a mock-up of it using cardboard. Cut it to the size and shape of the light and tape it next to the door. Look at it from the street or front walk. If in doubt, always go larger.

This is also true for lanterns atop pillars or piers. Many people buy lanterns that are too small for the pillars. Bigger is better.

A dear client of mine chose these lanterns and they make quite a beautiful statement. The tall base mount makes a striking silhouette. - photo Jan Johnsen

Not Too Close

If you can, place the wall sconces six to twelve inches out from the door casing, and a total of 8 to 10 feet apart. You can also place lanterns on a garage building at the corners or atop the center of the garage bay. Again, make them large enough to make a statement.

This photo is from Lantern & Scroll and features their traditional gas lanterns next to garage doors. I particularly like the wire trellis support for the climbing vine.

Not Too Low

Fixtures placed over the doorway should be sized at 1/4 or 1/3 the width of the door frame and centered six inches above the door. 

Hanging lights, such as pendants, should measure 1/5 the height of the door and centered six inches above the door.

A fun idea - you can emulate the look of a gas porch light by using flickering bulbs that resemble the appearance of a gas flame.

BTW, the lanterns on either side of my front door are way too small. (We installed them 30 years ago). 
Live and learn...