When thoughtfully chosen, exterior garage lights do more than brighten a driveway—they frame architecture, guide guests safely, and give your home a signature after-dark presence. The right fixtures blend utility with personality, shaping how the façade is seen from the street and experienced up close.
Why Lighting the Garage Elevates the Whole Home
Curb appeal that holds its own after sunset
Safe navigation for vehicles and footpaths
Security through strategic illumination of dark zones
Showcase textures—wood grain, masonry, and metalwork
Design Foundations for a Confident Look
Scale and proportion
Match the fixture size to the door and elevation. Larger doors and tall façades welcome bold profiles; compact garages benefit from slightly overscaled fixtures to avoid looking underdressed.
Mounting height and spacing
Height: Center the fixture 66–72 inches from grade for side-mounted units. Overhead goosenecks typically sit 6–12 inches above the top trim of the door.
Spacing: For dual fixtures flanking a single door, keep roughly one-third of the door width between the lights. Overhead lights should center on the opening.
Quantity: One substantial overhead fixture or two side fixtures often suffice; triple-bay garages may mix one overhead per bay with supplemental sides.
Beam control and glare
Seek shades that direct light downward to minimize glare and light trespass. Dome and barn shades offer soft, usable pools of light for drives and walkways.
Finish and color temperature
Finish: Matte blacks and deep bronzes anchor modern and traditional façades; galvanized or weathered tones suit farmhouse and coastal styles.
Color temperature: 2700K–3000K keeps warmth and welcomes guests; 3000K–3500K adds crisp definition for stone and metal details.
Material Matters
Exterior garage lights live in the elements. Durability isn’t optional—it’s foundational. Our lights are hand spun out of 18 gauge steel, since only the strongest materials can be trusted to tell the strongest stories.
Popular Forms That Work
Barn/dome shades: Broad, controlled spread, perfect for driveways.
Goosenecks: Architectural punctuation with practical reach over doorways.
Wall sconces: Flank garage doors to frame and balance the elevation.
Pendants (under soffits): Focused light with visual rhythm along a covered bay.
Installation and Longevity Essentials
Wet-rated fixtures and weatherproof boxes for fully exposed locations.
Robust backplates; ensure solid mounting on wood blocking or masonry anchors.
LED lamps or integrated modules for efficiency and long life.
Photo/motion controls or smart switches for automatic dusk-to-dawn reliability.
Seal penetrations with exterior-grade caulk to keep moisture at bay.
Quick Specification Checklist
Fixture size complements door width and façade height
Beam control avoids glare; light is directed downward
2700K–3000K for warmth, 3000K–3500K for crisp detail
Durable steel construction with weather-ready finish
Appropriate mounting height and spacing for symmetry
Smart controls for set-it-and-forget-it convenience
FAQs
How bright should garage fixtures be?
For general driveway and approach lighting, target 600–1,200 lumens per fixture. Large areas or higher mounting heights may benefit from 1,200–2,000 lumens, especially with dark surroundings.
What color temperature is best for curb appeal?
2700K–3000K feels warm and residential, flattering wood and stone. If you want sharper contrast on metal or painted trim, 3000K–3500K adds clarity without going overly cool.
How many fixtures do I need for a double garage?
Two side-mounted fixtures often deliver balanced results. For deeper drives or architectural emphasis, add a centered gooseneck above the header as a third, focal piece.
Can these stand up to coastal weather?
Choose tough steel construction, resilient coatings, and wet-rated assemblies. Regular rinsing and gentle maintenance extend finish life in salty air.
What’s the ideal mounting height?
Side-mounted centers typically sit around 66–72 inches from finished grade. Overhead goosenecks mount slightly above the door trim to project light outward and down.
Thoughtful placement, resilient materials, and precise beam control transform exterior garage lights from mere fixtures into nightly storytellers—guiding, protecting, and welcoming with purpose and style.
