+ Outdoor Hanging Lighting Tips
OUTDOOR HANGING LIGHTS
An outdoor pendant light hangs from the ceiling usually with a chain or stem; it has a single light source, which might have one or more light bulbs. Outdoor hanging lights can have light directing up, called an inverted pendant, or down, called a downlight. Inverted pendants provide ambient light, while down lights are typically used for task lighting or illuminating a entry way or door.
SIZING A HANGING LIGHT
In sizing an outdoor hanging light, an important factor is overhead space. You need to know the distance between the door opening and the ceiling, A basic rule for a fixture located under an overhang or foyer is that its size in length is ½ the height of the available space. The outdoor hanging fixture should not extend beyond the center of the door trim. For fixtures that hang from a second story usually a larger fixture is recommended.
STYLES OF HANGING LIGHTS
When deciding on a particular style for an outdoor fixture one thing we recommend is ease of lamp replacement. Fixtures that have an open bottom tend to be easier when replacing the light bulbs. Outdoor fixtures that have closed bottoms will have either a removable glass panel or may need to have its bottom removed to reach the bulbs. The bottom part is usually secured by screws.