How to make a nice looking light cover to go over an outdoor light?

LK
by LK

Anyone have any clever ideas on how to make a nice looking light cover to go over an outdoor motion light? I’ve attached a picture of the fixture. I’d like to put a cover on it to make it look nice but not interfere with the sensor that is towards the bottom of the fixture.

At the bottom is where the sensor is so I’d like to put a cover above the sensor, covering the lights.

  7 answers
  • William William on Apr 02, 2019

    Any kind of cover would only cover the lights and not the sensor. Also would need to have openings to dissipate heat from the bulbs. It would also defeat the purpose of having bright security lights to scare anyone/anything away.

    • See 2 previous
    • 34354174 34354174 on Apr 03, 2019

      I use LED lights, They do not put off heat. I have a very large fenced yard that backs up to a field. We have coyote problems here so I have to see my pets when they go out. I use bright ones and so far it has been 3 years and same bulbs in there.

      So anything would work for LED and they are more energy efficient and last longer

      Another idea would be to buy a motion porch light, they are very decorative and Home Depot carries very cost affordable ones.

      https://www.homedepot.com/s/motion%2520sensor%2520porch%2520light?NCNI-5

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Apr 02, 2019

    O would paint the figure the same color as the siding.

  • Linda Linda on Apr 03, 2019

    I would paint the fixture the same color as the siding also. However, the right lightbulb can make a huge difference. Find one that is flush to the fixture.

    • LK LK on Apr 03, 2019

      Interesting, I’ll have a look at bulb options. Thanks

  • Rgo13838060 Rgo13838060 on Apr 03, 2019

    Attach a wire basket vertically, cutting out areas for the light sockets and the sensor. Then you could insert silk plants or weave something into the basket.

  • CJ CJ on Apr 03, 2019

    Hi LK,

    You can buy attractive looking motion sensor lights. Think decorative porch lights.

    Anything you buy or build to partially cover the utilitarian fixture you currently have will cost something so maybe a new fixture wouldn't be cost prohibitive?


    Be aware, they make some light fixtures that require "special" bulbs that would add to the cost of replacement. Just be sure a new fixture uses regular light bulbs rated for outdoor use.

    Good luck finding whatever is best for you!


  • Nancy Turner Nancy Turner on Apr 03, 2019

    We had the same type of motion light over our side door that everyone uses. When it started acting funny, we replaced it with one for a porch that was smaller, and LED but still lit the stairs and a decent potion of the driveway. It looks much better, no huge bulb or sensor sticking out like a sore thumbs, they are much smaller and that makes it much less noticeable. In back, we went with the LED that goes on the eaves and just looks like a disc, sensors, bulbs and all and they light up the whole back yard, even up the two very steep tiers.