What’s up with the idiotic lanterns and porch lights being installed on otherwise nice houses? I’m talking about the brass “lanterns” with 100W bulbs that builders put on top of gates at driveway entrances and on either side of the front doorway. The bulbs are so bright that it’s usually impossible to see the house numbers, and the glare makes it dangerous for anybody driving on the street at night.
Indirect down-lighting from soffits is much better, and the cost is the same.
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I agree.
I think it has something to do with the more-is-better psychology. Both in terms of fixture and light output.
Those big brass or copper monstrosities seem to offer a lot of fixture. They are fine on the right building. A true southern mansion with huge columns cries out for a big fixture. Even the overbuilt entrances on the typical McMansion doesn't need anything this big.
Similarly the lamps, bulbs, used seem to be sized to allow micro-surgery on the front lawn or perhaps as an aid to aircraft landing on the driveway. Of some utility, I guess, if they might need to know where to drop the bales.
I have found the best lighting, aesthetically and economy wise, is usually understated. Enough to avoid accidents and allow localization of any intruder but not overstated. In this indirect lighting is often best as they tend to illuminate without calling unnecessary attention to the fixture itself. It also gives kinder, less glaring, and more complimentary illumination of both the area and objects.