Most homeowners get the best results by lighting the front and one or both visible sides of their home. The right coverage depends on your home’s orientation, how it sits on the lot, which sides face the street or neighbors, and how much visual impact you want.
A homeowner recently reached out to us about getting a quote for permanent holiday lights and ran into a question we hear all the time: their house sits at an angle on the lot, and they weren’t quite sure whether to light just the front, one side, or both sides. It’s a smart thing to think through before getting an estimate, and the answer is different for every home.
At Modern Lightscapes, we help homeowners figure this out during every consultation. Here’s how we think through it so you can go into your estimate with a clear picture of what you want.
What Makes a Side of Your House Worth Lighting?
A side of your home is worth lighting if it’s visible from the street, a neighbor’s yard, a common area, or anywhere guests approach your front door. The goal is to maximize the visual impact of your lighting from the angles people actually see.
Think about where cars drive past, where your driveway runs, and where people walk up to your home. Those are the views that matter most. A side that faces a fence or a dark backyard with no foot traffic usually isn’t worth the investment.
- Is the side visible from the street or a main approach?
- Does it face a neighbor’s home or a shared walkway?
- Does it connect visually to the front in a way that looks incomplete if left unlit?
- Is it a gable, roofline, or architectural feature that adds visual interest when lit?
If the answer is yes to any of those, it’s probably worth including in your lighting plan.
Does the Angle or Orientation of Your House Change the Plan?
Yes, and this is one of the most common situations we run into when designing holiday lighting layouts. Homes that sit at an angle, on a corner lot, or on a curved street often have two sides that are both partially visible from the road.
When a house is angled on its lot, what looks like “just the front” might actually include a portion of one side that’s fully exposed to street view. Leaving that side unlit can make the finished product look unbalanced or incomplete.
Front Only vs. Front and Sides: What's the Difference in Cost and Impact?
Lighting only the front of your home is the most budget-friendly option, but adding one or both sides can dramatically improve the overall appearance, especially on larger homes or homes with prominent rooflines.
Front-only installations work well for homes that are set back from the street with a straight-on view and minimal side exposure. But for most homes, adding at least one side creates a wraparound effect that looks intentional and complete rather than like an afterthought.
Here’s a simple way to think about it:
- Front only: Best for homes with limited street-visible sides, smaller budgets, or minimal architectural detail on the sides
- Front and one side: Ideal for corner-facing homes, angled lots, or homes where one side is clearly more visible than the other
- Front and both sides: Best for homes on prominent lots, corner lots, or homeowners who want a fully immersive look from all angles
We can usually give you a quote for both options so you can compare and decide what fits your goals and your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About Holiday Lighting
Can I add more sides later if I start with just the front?
Yes, absolutely. Our permanent holiday lighting systems are modular and expandable. If you start with the front this season and decide you want to add a side next year, we can integrate the new run seamlessly with what’s already installed. There’s no need to start over.
Do permanent holiday lights work on all types of rooflines and fascia?
In most cases, yes. Our systems are designed to mount on a wide variety of home styles, including those with stucco, wood, tile roofs, and different fascia profiles. During your estimate, we’ll flag anything that might require a custom mounting solution so there are no surprises.
How long does a front and side installation typically take?
Most residential installations are completed in a single day. Homes with more complex rooflines or larger square footage may take a bit longer, but we’ll give you a clear timeline before we start. The goal is always to leave your home looking finished and clean when we wrap up.
Will the lights still look good if my house sits at an unusual angle?
Yes, and honestly angled homes often end up looking especially striking when lit well. The key is planning the layout around the visible faces of the home rather than treating it like a standard straight-on installation.
Ready to Figure Out the Best Holiday Lighting Plan for Your Home?
If you’re in Poway, CA and trying to figure out the right coverage for your home, we’re here to help. We’ll walk you through your options, provide accurate pricing for different layouts, and help you choose a solution that fits your needs and budget
No pressure, no guesswork. Just a straightforward conversation about what works best for your home. Reach out to us today and let’s get started.
