Your Guide to Selecting Barn Lighting Fixtures

Barn lighting is a versatile and stylish choice that enhances both indoor and outdoor spaces with a rustic yet refined touch. With the functionality to withstand any environment thanks to durable powder coating, these fixtures are perfect for adding character to a range of settings. Here’s how to incorporate barn lighting into your space while keeping up with current trends.

Understanding Barn Lighting

Barn lights are distinguished by their wide, downward-facing shades and robust construction. Originally designed for utilitarian spaces like barns and workshops, these fixtures now bring a blend of practicality and style to homes and commercial spaces.

Selecting the Right Style

• Gooseneck Fixtures: Known for their traditional curved arm, gooseneck barn lights are gaining popularity for their classic design and ability to add architectural interest. They work beautifully over doorways or as statement lighting above garage doors.
• Straight Arm Mounts: Preferred in modern settings for their clean lines and simplicity, straight arm mounts offer a contemporary look that complements sleek architecture, making them a top choice for modern interiors and porches.
• Pendant Lights: Ideal for indoor areas like over kitchen islands or dining tables, barn light pendants bring focused lighting and a stylish element to any interior. They’re also fantastic for garage lighting, covered areas such as porches and awnings, and commercial applications such as coffee shops and restaurants.

Best Material? Go With Steel

All our fixtures are made from 18-gauge steel with a powder-coated finish, ensuring they can withstand the elements and maintain their aesthetic appeal. This coating allows for a range of color options to fit any design palette, from classic black to bold red.

Determining Appropriate Sizing

Choosing the right size for your barn lighting depends on the application. If you’re looking for smaller lights for porches, decor, or entryways, try to select a dome no larger than 12” in diameter. We recommend the Hawthorne, Westchester, and Venice.

If you want larger fixtures for additional light spread, the most common dome size is our Gardena fixture, which is 16” in diameter. This is a perfect size for most outdoor applications such as the sides of garage doors, mounted at roof peaks and barn sides. Oversized barn lights are also trending, in which case take a look at our Redondo fixture, which has a larger, 20” dome.

Trending Applications and Design Tips

• Outdoor Popularity: Gooseneck barn lights are a great choice for creating inviting exteriors and used commonly porches, sheds and garages for their vintage look.
• Indoor Versatility: Straight arm mounts are frequently used indoors in modern designs due to their minimalistic appeal, fitting well in both kitchens and workspaces.
• Layering Light: Combine different styles of barn lights to layer lighting effectively—use larger, statement pieces for ambient light and smaller fixtures for task or accent lighting.

Installation Considerations

Ensure that fixtures are installed at a height and location that maximizes both their utility and aesthetic appeal. Properly placed barn lights can enhance the visibility of areas and add to the overall decor:

Outdoor Installations: Should illuminate walkways, entries, and gathering spots without overwhelming the space.
Indoor Settings: Should complement other design elements and provide adequate light for tasks and ambiance.

Summary

When selecting barn lighting fixtures, it’s important to blend functional requirements with stylistic preferences. By understanding the latest trends and how different styles can enhance your decor, you can make informed choices that elevate the look and feel of your space. Barn lighting is not just a practical solution; it’s a way to bring a piece of tradition into contemporary settings, creating spaces that are both beautiful and brilliantly lit.