Barn lights add character to the outside of modern farmhouse and industrial style homes. In this post, learn about what barn lights are, how to buy the right type of light fixture for your house and sources for my favorite barn lights online.
DESIGN + STYLE | Updated January 14, 2025
PHOTO CREDIT: Laine and Layne
Exterior lights not only illuminate the outside of your house, but they add to the style and curb appeal of your home.
One particular type, the barn light, is popular for houses of the farmhouse and industrial styles. As the old-fashioned trend advances, the light fixtures have become more modern and you may find some inspired by them but featuring a contemporary look.
In this post, you’ll learn the characteristics of this style of light, how to find one that works for your own home, and shop from a curated collection of stylish options found online.
PHOTO CREDIT: Grand Tradition Homes
What Is a Barn Light?
A barn light is characterized by a downward facing metal shade attached to the wall with a curved arm. The arm is thought to resemble a goose's long curved neck, lending to it also being known as a gooseneck light.
In addition to wall fixtures, there are pendant versions with similar shades that hang from a long pole.
Where Do Barn Lights Get Their Name
When homes first became equipped with electricity in the early 20th century, farmers would install this simply constructed type of light fixture both outside and inside their barns for light.
They served a utilitarian purpose, with the shades built to shield the light bulb from the elements outside or leaks inside the barn.
They were also commonly used in train stations, gas stations, and factories for the same reason.
PHOTO CREDIT: Ivory Home Design
Things to Consider When Purchasing an Outdoor Barn Light
Although authentic barn lights were originally very basic, consistent, and commonly painted John Deere green, the fixtures available today are practically endless. There are a few things you need to pay attention to in order to find the best gooseneck light fixture for your own home.
Size of the Gooseneck Arch
The metal arch connecting the shade of the fixture to the canopy on the wall varies greatly. Some rise way up into the air before coming back down, while others reach just to the top of the canopy.
Then there are some with no arch at all and instead have a single straight pipe-like connection between the two pieces.
If you have a low ceiling or overhang, something with a high arch will not fit without hanging the light at a lower than natural height.
Depth from the Wall to the Outside of Light Fixture
If you are hanging the light high on the side of a house or barn or over entry door or garage door, the depth of the fixture will not matter.
But if it must be placed next to a door, you'll want to avoid fixtures that stick out too far into your walking space.
Measure a depth that you think would be appropriate and then find versions that fit within that size.
Finish
Barn lights are most commonly seen in a black metal finish, but are available in different colors as well as galvanized, copper, pewter, or bronze finishes as well. Choose something that will pop against the color of your home and trim.
You may want to consider the other existing finishes you have outside like door handles and other exterior lighting and choose a finish that will match or compliment.
Angle of the Shade
Most of the lights have shades that hang downward, but there are barn light choices available that angle back toward the house.
Size
There are a variety of different sized barn light fixtures available so they will fit in practically any space.
If you have lower ceilings or roofline or a tight wall space, a compact option would be ideal. Whereas, if you have higher ceilings or a larger house, that tiny fixture will get lost hanging next to your door.
Details
While the general idea of a metal light fixture with a shade hanging from a gooseneck arm is the same, there are a variety of details that can make each one special.
- Some have fancier shaped shades than others like this stunning option from Rejuvenation.
- Other versions have a steel cage over a glass cover hanging from the shade.
- A few companies have taken the idea of a barn light and given it a twist to fit into more contemporary homes. West Elm has sleek modern barn light available in many shades and Target is selling a hammered bronze fixture that has the look of one that has been hand forged.
- There are even a few gooseneck lights with built-in motion sensors which are nice for security purposes.
Price
There are very affordable options for barn lights around $50 and some as pricey as $600. Most fall somewhere around $100.
Consider whether you see this style of light fixture as a trend or something timeless, because you don’t want to invest a great deal in an outdoor light that you will tire of in a few years and want to replace.
Height of Electrical Boxes
If you are replacing an existing light fixture and it was an upward facing model, it may be that the electrical boxes are installed lower than you’d like for the downward facing barn light.
Boxes can be moved, but it is best to hire an electrician. And it may require an adjustment to exterior siding or bricks to hide the original box location.
PHOTO CREDIT: Liz Marie Blog
Where Can I Buy Barn Lights for Outside?
Just about all online retailers who sell exterior light fixtures have barn light option available, as well as hardware stores like Lowes and Home Depot.
Click here to see over 50 of my favorite options available from different online shops. Know that a lot of the lights come in different finishes, so if you find a shape that you like be sure to click through and see what options are available.
PHOTO CREDIT: Cottonwood and Co
Barn lights are a style of light fixture that can lean farmhouse, industrial, or modern depending on the look of your home. Use the tips outlined above to find one suitable for your exterior!
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