Adding the right exterior lighting to your 40s 50s or 60s ranch, Cape or colonial can make all the difference in the world — like the perfect jewelry on a little black dress. I’ve written previously about a few options from Rejuvenation Lighting. But for colonial style lighting similar to what was so very prevalent in the postwar period, I really like the Manor collection from Hanover Lantern.

These are exactly what I put on my brick colonial-ranch. They are especially good because you can get them in small sizes. Today, it seems, so many alternatives promoted are way too oversized, on steroids. But look at a vintage house, and the lighting was smallish, to scale for modest sized, middle class homes. I also like this set because it offers:

• A ceiling fixture for above the door that doesn’t drop too far down
• A single lantern with ‘curlicue’ scrolls for above the garage (if you have the fascia space)
• It’s simple, no florets or swirlies
• Complete line available
• Custom made in the U.S.A., and of good quality.
• BTW you can upcharge for real glass. And, I went for the classic wrought iron black.

Looking at other neighborhood examples, I also see lighting similar to the Salem collection (thumbnail), definitely a colonial revival design, and in particular appropriate for Capes (what do you think, NightingaleJen?).

You have to order these lights from a retailer. But you can get the catalogs from HanoverLantern.com. I’ll be doing some more informational posts about some of their other products soon.

click both images to enlarge