Let’s talk about something that was too small for the space — but instead of yesterday’s mini mirror, this time we took the problem outside to the carport. See that tiny lantern hanging from the ceiling?
Yeah… it wasn’t doing us any favors. Rust stains, cracked glass, and a scale that looked like it belonged in a dollhouse rather than on a high, open carport.
Since we moved in, we’d been searching for a larger outdoor light. We checked big-box stores, online retailers, Craigslist, and local secondhand outlets like the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Our ideal was a chunky, clean-lined lantern in a dark oil-rubbed bronze finish that was built for outdoor use and priced reasonably. Plenty of fixtures fit the look, but jumbo outdoor lanterns often carried $200-plus price tags — more than we wanted to spend. It was also important that the fixture be rated for exterior use so it wouldn’t rust or become a safety hazard; indoor fixtures don’t always have the proper UL listings for wet or damp locations.
After a year of intermittent hunting, we finally found the right lantern at a local lighting outlet we’d been checking every few months. It was the right size, the right finish, and — as luck would have it — heavily discounted.
The original price had been $295, then $159, and ultimately it was marked down to $19. The reason for the steep discount? It was missing the ceiling canopy and one of the four glass panes. No canopy was a deal-breaker for us — they’re inexpensive and easy to replace at a hardware store — and the missing pane wasn’t obvious when the lantern would be hung more than seven feet above the ground. We planned to position the empty pane toward a side of the carport lined with bushes, out of direct view. If it ever bothered us later, a glass shop can cut a replacement pane for well under $15. Also, the lantern’s removable bottom makes it simple to clean or keep open if bugs try to get in.
Raising and wiring the lantern was a two-person task. I steadied the fixture from a ladder while John handled the electrical connection with the power off. Here’s a grainy photo I grabbed mid-install — ladder balancing act included.
Before finalizing the hanging height we measured a friend’s tall SUV to ensure there would be ample clearance. The carport’s ceiling is over nine feet high, so we were comfortable letting the lantern drop a bit to get that stately look without risking contact with taller vehicles.
Big improvement, right? The new fixture finally looks in proportion to the wide-open carport and the rest of the house. For comparison, here’s the old fixture:
And the new lantern, doing the heavy lifting for the space:
(Ignore the stack of wood on the right — that’s from our ongoing deck project.)
Old lantern from farther back…
And the new, scaled-up fixture:
It’s more noticeable from the driveway and reads better from the curb, even though our house sits well back from the street. The difference comes down to proportion — a large, high-ceilinged area needs a lantern that matches its scale. The tiny original fixture looked more like a tealight holder than a proper carport light.
All told, the fixture cost us $19, and with a replacement canopy it totaled about $25 — still far less than the full retail price. For a modest investment we gained a more substantial, updated entrance light that complements the house and improves curb appeal.
The real takeaway: patience pays off. We searched for over a year and resisted settling for something that was either too expensive or not quite right. If you keep checking local outlets, online listings, and secondhand stores, the right outdoor lantern or carport light is likely to turn up at the right price. And yes, a little snack while you wait never hurts.
We still plan to convert the carport into a garage someday, but for now it’s nice to have an attractive, switched light that feels intentional and well-sized for the space.
Here it is with our car parked in the carport, showing that there’s more than two feet of clearance for taller vehicles — we measured to be sure.
Doesn’t the new lantern look more balanced and substantial compared with the earlier setup? Even though it’s much larger, it only hangs about four inches lower than the old fixture, so it doesn’t feel oversized or intrusive.
That’s our little carport lighting upgrade. Have you ever hunted for the perfect fixture for a year or more and finally scored it? Did you find it marked down for an odd reason, and did the install involve a bit of ladder acrobatics and teamwork before the relief set in?