Barn Lighting Ideas

What if you want to minimize your dependence on the power company?
You want your barn to be as low of an impact on the environment as possible.
Should you go completely off the grid? Depending on what you are using your barn for you absolutely can.

Solar Lighting
One option is to install solar lights. Motion sensor solar lights are widely available and easy to install yourself. I just installed one on my shop. It was super easy to do and didn't require any electrical wiring which is a big plus for the do it yourself-er.


Here are some D-I-Y tips on installing your own motion sensor solar light.

Find a good location on your barn.
You want a clear view for the sensor to any common traffic areas. Where do you usually walk up to your barn from? Make sure the sensor points to that area.

Be sure to mount your barn light away from any doors direct path. The last thing you want to do is replace bulb after bulb, because you keep whacking it with the door.

Let the sunlight shine in!
Sunlight is a free lighting option. You can bring sunlight into your barn in a number of ways.

Add windows.
One of the advantages of a post and beam barn is that you can put windows almost anywhere. Even after your barn is built.

Install skylights.
Installing a few skylights in your barn will bring in much needed sunlight. Along with the benefits of free light sunshine is the worlds most natural and cheapest disinfectant.

Florescent lighting
What if you are going to work in your barn? Weather it's a wood-shop, studio, or a automobile repair shop. You will need a well lit work area. You will want a light that doesn't use a lot of energy, that has long lasting bulbs, and can cover a large area. The best solution for this might be fluorescent lighting. Don't worry you don't have to settle for some unsightly long shop lights. You can install the new fluorescent bulbs in any standard incandescent light fixture

What if you want to maintain the traditional look and feel of your barn?

You can add authentic reproduction lighting. These light fixtures are now widely available. You can light up your barn door with a nice goose-neck light and porcelain shade. Accent your posts and beams with some traditional style sconces. Hang a big chandelier from the massive rafter beams in your grand cathedral ceiling. Or light your aisles with some nice vintage industrial lighting fixtures.

There are many choices in barn lighting. Just keep in mind that you get what you pay for. If you buy a cheap imported light fixture you will get poor quality. You might think its tough to find good light fixtures that are made in the USA, but they are out there and priced reasonably.

Don't cheat yourself by buying the cheapest barn lighting that you can find. You will pay for it in the long run. Why not get the good ones?