Your entryway is the first glimpse your guests have of you and your home, so choosing the right lighting to ensure that they feel welcomed while still showing your house in a warm and stylish way is important. Many types of modern entryway light fixtures come in different sizes, styles and designs, which could make it seem a bit challenging to find the proper design of entrance light for your home. This guide will cover everything you need to know about choosing the right lighting for your entrance to complement your home.
Step 1: Assess Your Entryway Space
The first thing you must do when choosing lighting for the entryway is to check your entryway space, size, and layout. Your light must complement your entryway, so it is important to consider it. Entrance lights come in many options, so your light choice depends on your hallway’s size, the ceiling’s height, and the dimensions of your entryway.
For example, a flush mount or semi-flush mount light is perfect for a smaller space with a lower ceiling, but if you have an open entryway, you have to choose a dramatic chandelier or lantern pendant to suit it.
Here’s a rule of thumb: Add the length and width of your foyer in feet to figure out the right diameter of your light fixture in inches.
Step 2: Determine The Ideal Hanging Height
Once you have made up your mind on the size and the style of your fixture, it is time to think about how high or low you want it to hang. If your ceiling is, let’s say, 8 feet high, then your light fixture must hang 7 feet above the ground and 1 foot from the ceiling. Raise the height accordingly if your ceiling is higher.
If your fixture will hang in front of a door or over a table/bench, ensure there is enough room for people to pass under it. For a two-story foyer, ensure your light can be seen above and below.
Step 3: Pick Your Vibe
The entrance to your home sets the mood for the rest of the house, so pick a hallway light that fits the atmosphere and design of your place. You have plenty of choices to match any style you prefer. Do you want your home to have a modern, minimalist look? Choose a sleek pendant with simple lines and matte finishes. Does your house have a farmhouse feel? Go for rustic lanterns or wooden chandeliers. Is your home décor inspired by traditional or classic design? A crystal or brass chandelier might be the very thing your home needs.
Here are some popular lighting styles that you can consider:
- Modern: Geometric shapes, matte black or gold finish, integrated LED
- Farmhouse: Lanterns, wrought iron, wood tones
- Industrial: Exposed bulbs, raw materials, metal finishes
- Bohemian: Rattan, woven shades, earthy tones
- Classic: Glass, crystal, elegant curves
Matching your lighting with your furniture and door hardware will also help create a flowy design as you enter your home.
Step 4: Pick The Lighting Type And Its Purpose
While style is important, functions cannot be ignored. Your entrance lighting should give out enough light to help you greet guests, find keys, and remove/wear shoes. Choose a fixture with multiple lights or one that spreads light evenly. You can also layer your lighting for both form and function. Here are three lighting types and their functions to help you decide:
- Overhead Fixture: Acts as the main source of illumination
- Accent Lighting: Used as wall sconces, table lamps and recessed lights
- Natural Lighting: Use sheer curtains or frosted glass if your entryway has windows or sidelights.
A dimmer switch can be a great idea, as it lets you set the mood with soft light in the evening or full brightness when needed.
Step 5: Choose The Right Finish
The finish of your lighting must match the finishes of your household furnishings and the finishes already present in your entryway. For a more symmetrical look, choose the metal of your fixture according to the doorknobs, mirror frames and console tables. You can also do something completely different by properly mixing metals, which works like magic. You can use matte black with aged brass or bronze to give your entryway a contemporary look.
Remember that some finishes go well with certain designs but might not look good with others. Take polished nickel or chrome, for instance. These work better in modern or transitional spaces. On the other hand, aged bronze or antique brass fits with vintage or classic décor.
Entryway light fixtures are more than décor; they’re about creating a welcoming and functioning space. Ensure that your entryway leaves an impression on anyone who enters your home with the right design specifics, size details, and number of lights. The foyer light is the welcome sign of your home, displaying your taste and setting the mood of your home. So, take your time, trust your instincts, and let your lighting do the talking, brightly and beautifully.
