How far away from the door should an outside light be?

When installing an outdoor light near a door, there are several factors to consider to ensure it provides optimal illumination without being too harsh or too dim. The distance between the door and the light fixture will depend on the type of light you're using, the purpose of the lighting (decorative vs. functional), and the area you wish to illuminate. Here's a general guideline:

Ideal Distance Between the Door and Outdoor Light:

1. Height of the Fixture:

   • Mounting Height: Outdoor light fixtures (like porch lights or sconces) are typically installed at a height of 5 to 6 feet above the ground, with the center of the light roughly at eye level. This helps distribute the light evenly and avoid harsh shadows.
   • If the light is placed above the door, it should be mounted around 6–7 feet above the ground. This height ensures it provides ample light without being blinding or casting unwanted shadows.

2. Distance from the Door:

   • For wall-mounted lights beside the door (like sconces or lanterns), the ideal distance is usually 6–12 inches from the edge of the door frame. This positioning allows the light to illuminate the door area without obstructing the entryway or appearing too close to the wall.
   • If you're installing overhead lighting (like a porch ceiling light), it should be directly centered above the door or slightly off-center (depending on the door's size and shape). The distance will depend on the size of the area you wish to illuminate but is generally around 12–24 inches from the door.

3. Wall-Mounted Lights:

   • If you’re installing flank lights (lights mounted on either side of the door), position them approximately 12–18 inches from the door frame. This ensures they are not too close and that the light evenly covers the entrance area.
   • If the light is too close to the door, it can create shadows that obscure the doorway, making it less functional and visually appealing.

4. Purpose of the Light:

   • Functionality (Security and Visibility): If the light is intended for security or to provide clear visibility (e.g., for reading house numbers, unlocking the door), it should be positioned slightly higher and closer, focusing on the area directly around the door, especially in low-light situations.
   • Ambiance (Decorative Lighting): If the light is more for aesthetic purposes, such as creating an inviting atmosphere or highlighting the architecture, a wider placement and softer illumination (perhaps from the sides or overhead) may be more appropriate.

5. Type of Light:

   • Porch Lights: Typically placed at 6–8 feet above the ground, mounted either on the side or directly above the door.
   • Flood Lights: Used for broader area coverage, typically mounted higher and farther from the door, about 10–15 feet away, depending on how far you want to cast light.
   • Path Lights or Step Lights: These should be placed near the ground and positioned closer to the door, usually within 3–6 feet of the entrance, to provide illumination to the approach.

Additional Considerations:

• Light Spread: Ensure that the light you choose has an appropriate beam angle to cover the entrance area. Some lights may have a narrow beam, focusing the light in a small area, while others may provide a wider spread for general illumination.
• Shade or Housing: If your outdoor light has a shade or housing (as many porch lights do), make sure it doesn't obstruct the light beam in a way that makes it inefficient. The design of the light should allow the beam to spread effectively around the door area.
• Weather Resistance: Choose lights that are rated for outdoor use, ensuring they are resistant to the elements (rain, snow, etc.). An IP44 rating or higher is typically suitable for outdoor fixtures.

Summary of Recommended Distances:

• Wall-Mounted Lights (Beside the Door): 6–12 inches from the door frame.
• Overhead Lights (Above the Door): 12–24 inches above the door, typically centered.
• Flank Lights: Positioned 12–18 inches from the edge of the door frame.
• General Height of Outdoor Lights: 5–7 feet above the ground.

Proper positioning ensures that the outdoor light is functional, attractive, and provides the correct amount of illumination for safety and ambiance.