When it comes to creating a memorable first impression, few elements are as impactful as lighting. The soft glow of a beautifully placed fixture can transform an ordinary entryway into an inviting, elegant focal point. At Halo Outdoor, we specialize in designing and building custom outdoor lighting systems that bring both beauty and function to your property—starting with one of the most timeless features: outdoor carriage lights.
Carriage lights, once used to guide horse-drawn carriages safely to their destinations, have evolved into a classic design element for today’s homes and commercial spaces. Their traditional charm, combined with modern lighting technology, makes them a perfect addition to front doors, garages, gates, and walkways.
Whether you’re illuminating a historic residence or enhancing a modern storefront, the right carriage light does more than brighten a space—it defines the character of the architecture and creates a warm welcome.
Established in 2008, Halo Outdoor is a niche Design and Build firm trusted by discerning homeowners and property developers across the region. From conceptual design to final installation, our expert in-house team handles every detail, offering premium lighting services that include everything from architectural lighting to holiday lighting displays.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to choose, size, and install outdoor carriage lights, and answer common questions our clients ask when planning their outdoor lighting systems.
What Is the Best Light Bulb for Outdoor Carriage Lights?
Choosing the right bulb is essential for getting the most out of your outdoor carriage lights. It’s not just about brightness—it’s about creating the right ambiance, ensuring durability in outdoor conditions, and achieving long-term energy efficiency.
At Halo Outdoor, we recommend bulbs that balance both form and function, especially when they’re part of a larger outdoor lighting design.
Top Bulb Recommendations:
- LED Bulbs
These are by far the most popular choice today. LEDs are energy-efficient, long-lasting (often 25,000+ hours), and come in various brightness levels and color temperatures. They’re ideal for modern outdoor lighting systems. - Warm White (2700K–3000K)
This temperature range emits a soft, welcoming glow—perfect for residential entryways and patios. It mimics the warmth of traditional incandescent bulbs, enhancing the charm of carriage-style fixtures. - Clear Filament-Style LEDs
Want the look of old-world gas lanterns with the efficiency of modern lighting? These LED bulbs are styled to look like vintage filaments, making them a favorite for traditional and transitional home designs. - Weather-Resistant Bulbs
Always ensure your bulbs are rated for outdoor use, especially in wet or damp locations. Look for bulbs that are UL- or ETL-listed for exterior applications. - Dimmable Options
When paired with a dimmer switch or smart home system, dimmable bulbs let you adjust brightness to suit the mood or time of day—perfect for layered outdoor lighting systems.
Expert Tip from Halo Outdoor:
If your outdoor lighting includes holiday lighting or decorative seasonal fixtures, we can help integrate color-changing LED bulbs that switch between everyday warm white and festive colors at the touch of a button.
The right bulb not only enhances curb appeal but also plays a crucial role in overall lighting performance and energy use. As part of our complete lighting services, we help clients select the best lighting solutions for beauty, durability, and energy savings.
How Big Should Carriage Lights Be?
One of the most common mistakes in outdoor lighting design is choosing carriage lights that are too small for the space. While the fixture may look appropriately sized in the showroom or online, it can appear underwhelming once installed on your home’s exterior—especially when viewed from the street.
At Halo Outdoor, we help our clients select carriage lights that not only illuminate but enhance the architecture and scale of the structure. When chosen correctly, outdoor carriage lights frame doorways, garages, and entrances beautifully, making the entire façade feel balanced and refined.
General Sizing Guidelines:
- For a single wall-mounted carriage light:
Choose a fixture that is approximately one-third the height of the door. - For two lights flanking a door:
Each fixture should be about one-quarter the height of the door. - For large entryways or multi-story façades:
It’s often better to size up. Fixtures that seem slightly oversized up close typically look perfectly proportioned from the curb. - Garage lighting tip:
For three-car garages or wide façades, multiple fixtures or oversized carriage lights can provide better balance and coverage.
Pro Tip: Visual Mock-Up
Before purchasing, we often recommend clients use cardboard templates or painter’s tape to mark out the fixture size on their wall. This simple test can help visualize how the light will appear in context with windows, trim, and other design elements.
As part of our lighting services, Halo Outdoor’s design team ensures every fixture—from outdoor carriage lights to landscape accents—is carefully scaled to complement your home’s style and structure.
Remember, lighting is not just functional—it’s architectural. Choosing the right size fixture plays a huge role in creating a polished, high-end look.
How to Install an Outside Carriage Light Fixture
Installing outdoor carriage lights is a key step in bringing your outdoor lighting vision to life. While the process might seem straightforward, proper installation is critical for safety, durability, and optimal performance.
At Halo Outdoor, our expert team provides comprehensive lighting services that include professional installation to ensure every fixture is securely mounted, properly wired, and weatherproofed for long-lasting beauty.
Basic Installation Steps for Outdoor Carriage Lights:
- Turn Off Power
Always start by switching off power to the circuit at your breaker box to prevent electrical accidents. - Remove the Old Fixture (if applicable)
Carefully detach any existing light fixture, checking the condition of the electrical box behind it. - Inspect the Electrical Box
Ensure the box is securely mounted and rated for outdoor use. If necessary, upgrade to a weatherproof box to withstand the elements. - Mount the Bracket
Most carriage light fixtures come with a mounting bracket. Secure it firmly to the electrical box using the provided screws. - Connect the Wiring
Match the wires by color: black (hot) to black, white (neutral) to white, and ground wire to the green screw or ground wire on the fixture. Use wire nuts to secure connections. - Attach the Fixture
Fasten the carriage light to the mounting bracket, making sure it’s level and stable. - Seal Around the Base
Apply a bead of outdoor-grade silicone caulk or sealant around the fixture’s base to prevent water infiltration. - Install the Bulb(s) and Test
Insert the recommended bulb(s), turn the power back on, and verify the light works correctly.
Why Choose Professional Installation?
While these steps provide a basic guide, outdoor lighting installation often involves working at heights, navigating uneven surfaces, and ensuring compliance with electrical codes.
At Halo Outdoor, our licensed electricians and installers:
- Guarantee safe, code-compliant wiring
- Use specialized tools and equipment for precision
- Protect your property during installation
- Provide warranty-backed workmanship
Proper installation maximizes the lifespan of your carriage lights and ensures they perform beautifully through all seasons—including when paired with seasonal holiday lighting.
What Is the Rule of Thumb for Outdoor Lighting?
When planning your outdoor lighting scheme, there are several time-tested rules of thumb that guide designers and homeowners alike. These principles help ensure that your lighting is both beautiful and functional, enhancing safety and curb appeal without overwhelming the space.
At Halo Outdoor, we rely on these key guidelines to create balanced, inviting environments with our full range of lighting services—from architectural illumination to subtle landscape accents.
Key Rules of Thumb for Outdoor Lighting:
- Layer Your Lighting:
Effective outdoor lighting combines ambient, task, and accent lighting. For example, carriage lights provide ambient illumination at entry points, pathway lights offer task lighting for safe footing, and spotlights accentuate architectural details or landscaping. - Maintain Scale and Proportion:
Choose fixtures that fit the size of your home and outdoor spaces. Overly bright or oversized lights can cause glare, while undersized fixtures may look lost and underperform. - Position Lights Thoughtfully:
Lights should be placed to guide movement and highlight features without shining directly into neighbors’ windows or creating harsh shadows. - Minimize Glare and Light Pollution:
Use fixtures with shields or frosted glass to soften light. Aim lights downward or use directional fixtures to reduce light trespass and protect the night sky. - Consider Energy Efficiency:
Use LED bulbs and smart controls to save energy while maintaining desired brightness and ambiance.
How Halo Outdoor Applies These Rules:
Whether designing a cozy residential courtyard or illuminating a large commercial façade, we blend these principles into every project. Our team ensures that your outdoor carriage lights and other fixtures work in harmony with additional outdoor lighting elements—like path lights, uplights, and even festive holiday lighting—for a cohesive look.
Following these guidelines not only beautifies your property but also enhances security, improves usability after dark, and complies with local lighting ordinances, including Rule 17 standards.
What Is the 5:7 Lighting Rule?
The 5:7 lighting rule is a practical guideline used by lighting designers to determine the ideal height for mounting outdoor carriage lights and similar wall fixtures. This rule helps create balanced illumination that is both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable for people approaching your home or building.
Understanding the 5:7 Rule:
- 5 feet: This represents the average eye level of most adults. Lighting fixtures should be designed and positioned so that light is directed at or just above this height, ensuring the light effectively illuminates faces and entry points without causing glare.
- 7 feet: This is the recommended maximum mounting height for outdoor carriage lights on walls or columns. Mounting fixtures higher than this can cause harsh glare or uneven lighting, reducing both comfort and visibility.
Why It Matters:
Placing carriage lights between 5 and 7 feet above ground level provides:
- Optimal illumination of pathways, doorways, and architectural features.
- Reduced glare by preventing direct line-of-sight into the bulb.
- Balanced light distribution that enhances curb appeal and safety.
Applying the 5:7 Rule in Your Outdoor Lighting Design:
At Halo Outdoor, our design team carefully measures and plans fixture placement based on this rule and other industry best practices. For example:
- When flanking a front door, carriage lights are typically installed around 66 to 72 inches (5.5 to 6 feet) from the ground, measured to the center of the fixture.
- This height works well for both residential and commercial properties, contributing to a harmonious and inviting entrance.
Following the 5:7 lighting rule as part of your overall outdoor lighting strategy helps ensure your outdoor carriage lights deliver both beauty and function. Combined with our expert lighting services, this approach maximizes the impact of your lighting investment.
What Is Rule 17 Lighting?
Rule 17 is a lighting regulation commonly applied in many municipalities and community developments to promote responsible and efficient outdoor lighting practices. While specifics can vary depending on local codes, Rule 17 generally aims to reduce light pollution, prevent glare, and minimize light trespass onto neighboring properties.
Key Components of Rule 17 Lighting:
- Lumens and Brightness Limits:
Rule 17 sets maximum brightness levels for outdoor fixtures to avoid excessive glare and energy waste. - Light Trespass Prevention:
Lighting must be designed so that it does not spill beyond the boundaries of your property, protecting neighbors from unwanted illumination. - Dark-Sky Compliance:
Fixtures should minimize upward light emission to reduce skyglow, preserving night sky visibility and protecting nocturnal wildlife. - Directional Shielding:
Lights must be shielded or aimed downward to focus illumination only where it’s needed—such as on pathways, building facades, or entrances.
Why Rule 17 Matters for Outdoor Carriage Lights
When installing outdoor carriage lights, it’s important to select fixtures and bulbs that comply with Rule 17 to:
- Maintain neighborhood harmony
- Enhance safety without glare or over-illumination
- Ensure your lighting system meets local ordinances and passes inspections
Halo Outdoor’s Commitment to Compliance
At Halo Outdoor, our comprehensive lighting services include a thorough understanding of local codes, including Rule 17 requirements. We design and install outdoor lighting systems that not only enhance your property’s aesthetics but also comply with these important standards.
Whether you’re upgrading your home’s carriage lighting or planning a commercial lighting project, our team ensures your lighting is effective, beautiful, and fully compliant—giving you peace of mind and long-term value.
Why Choose Halo Outdoor?
When it comes to creating exceptional outdoor lighting experiences, choosing the right partner makes all the difference. Since 2008, Halo Outdoor has been a trusted name for discerning homeowners and commercial clients seeking expert lighting services that combine design excellence with flawless execution.
What Sets Halo Outdoor Apart?
- Niche Design and Build Expertise:
We specialize exclusively in outdoor lighting systems, with a focus on stunning, high-quality outdoor carriage lights and complementary fixtures that elevate any property. - In-House Team of Experts:
From our skilled designers to certified electricians and project managers, every stage of your lighting project is handled by professionals who understand the unique challenges and opportunities of outdoor environments. - Custom Solutions for Every Project:
Whether your project is a single-family home, multi-unit development, or commercial space, we tailor our designs and installations to meet your specific needs and aesthetic goals. - Comprehensive Services:
Beyond permanent lighting, we offer seasonal holiday lighting packages that transform your home or business with festive brilliance, adding joy and curb appeal during the holidays. - Commitment to Quality and Compliance:
We prioritize energy-efficient solutions, durable materials, and adherence to all lighting codes—including Rule 17—to ensure your system is beautiful, safe, and sustainable.
Experience the Halo Outdoor Difference
Our approach is collaborative and transparent, from the initial concept through final installation and beyond. We guide you through bulb selection, fixture sizing, placement, and maintenance—ensuring your outdoor carriage lights and overall outdoor lighting plan enhance your property’s beauty and functionality for years to come.
Ready to bring your lighting vision to life? Contact Halo Outdoor today to learn how our full suite of lighting services can brighten your space, spotlight your architecture, and create an inviting atmosphere day and night.
