Let’s talk about something that was simply too small for the space: the tiny lantern that was hanging in our carport. Unlike the mini mirror I mentioned previously, this time the project took us outdoors. Do you remember that little lantern dangling from the ceiling?
It wasn’t doing well. Rust along the metal, cracked glass, and an overall dollhouse-sized scale that made it look out of place in the high, wide carport.
Since we moved in back in late 2010, we’d been searching for a larger outdoor fixture that fit the space. We checked big-box stores, online retailers, Craigslist, local lighting outlets and secondhand shops. Our ideal was a chunky, clean-lined lantern in a dark oil-rubbed bronze finish—something substantial that wouldn’t look lost in the tall carport or quickly rust away. We also wanted an outdoor-rated fixture for safety and durability; indoor fixtures don’t always have the proper listings for wet or exposed locations and can be a hazard if used outside.
After more than a year of looking, we finally found one at a local lighting outlet we visit periodically. It felt like a miracle: the lantern was the right scale and style, and the price had been severely reduced. The original tag had been $295, then $159, and ultimately marked down to $19. That’s a huge markdown and exactly the kind of score you hope for when hunting secondhand or clearance finds.
The reasons for the steep discount were minor and easy to deal with. The canopy that covers the ceiling electrical box was missing, which is an inexpensive fix—costing only a few dollars for a matching piece. One of the four glass panes in the lantern was also missing. That didn’t bother us much since the lantern would hang more than seven feet above the ground and the missing pane could face the side of the carport where a wall of bushes blocks most views. If it ever became an issue with insects or birds, we can have a replacement pane cut at a local glass shop for under $15. The lantern’s bottom panel slides out, too, which makes cleaning and keeping bugs out simple.
Installing the lantern was a true two-person job. I steadied the fixture on a ladder while John connected the wiring with the power off. It was one of those delicate moments of balancing, measuring, and double-checking the clearance to ensure taller vehicles could still fit. Before finalizing the hanging height we measured our friend’s tall SUV to make sure there’d be plenty of headroom for trucks and SUVs, not just our own shorter sedan. The carport’s ceiling is over nine feet high, so we could allow for a bit of drop and still keep generous clearance underneath.
The new lantern made a dramatic difference. From up close you can see it’s much more in proportion with the house and the wide carport. From the driveway the small fixture had been nearly invisible; the new, properly scaled lantern reads as intentional and balanced. For reference, the old light was about the size of a small tea-light holder; the new one feels sturdy and stately. Even accounting for the canopy we purchased, the whole update cost just around twenty to twenty-five dollars—an enormous value given the visual impact.
Although we plan to convert the carport into a garage someday, we’re glad to have a switched light that looks and feels right for the space now. We also love that the lantern is visible from the curb, where previously the tiny fixture was almost lost against the house’s façade. The larger lantern only hangs about four inches lower than the old one, so it doesn’t intrude on the space, but it reads much more substantial and balanced.
The bigger lesson here is one many DIYers already know: patience pays. If you look for the right item long enough and resist settling for something that’s either too cheap and unattractive or pretty but unaffordable, eventually the right thing turns up. It might take a year, but it’s worth holding out for a find that truly fits your needs. And as a personal aside, having snacks while you hunt for that perfect item—like a stash of Oreos—doesn’t hurt. They’re a tasty little morale booster during the wait.
So that’s our small carport lighting update: a simple swap that made the whole area feel more finished, balanced and welcoming. Have you hunted for something forever and finally found the perfect fit? Any memorable reasons it was on sale or tricky moments during installation?