What Height Do You Hang Outdoor Lights?

Outdoor lighting is an important part of any home’s exterior design. Whether you’re looking for a subtle touch to highlight the beauty of your outdoor spaces, or something bold and eye-catching, light fixtures can make all the difference.

But one of the more important elements of outdoor lighting is getting the height just right. Too low and it may be ineffective, too high and it won’t have the desired impact.

The general rule of thumb when it comes to outdoor lighting is that fixtures should be installed at a height that’s around one-third to one-half the height of whatever they will be illuminating. For example, if you are installing lights on a fence or wall that is 6 feet tall, then they should hang between 2 and 3 feet off the ground.

When deciding on how high to hang your lights, there are also some other factors to consider. For instance, hanging them higher up will help create more ambient light in an area and give it a sense of warmth; whereas hanging them lower may create more focused light in specific areas for accentuation.

Another thing to keep in mind when it comes to hanging outdoor lights is that you don’t want them too close to any people or furniture. Lights should be hung at least 12 inches away from people so as not to cause glare or discomfort. Similarly, if you’re installing lights over furniture like an outdoor dining set or lounge chairs, try not to position them too low or they could cast a shadow when people are trying to eat or relax.

Conclusion:

When it comes to hanging outdoor lights, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The key is finding the right balance between ambient light and focused light that works with your particular space and design aesthetic. Generally speaking, lights should be hung at a height that’s about one-third to one-half the height of what they are illuminating and at least 12 inches away from people for comfort and safety.

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Chris Powell