Brighten Your Entryway - Expert Lighting Tips

A well-lit entryway sets the tone for your entire home. Here's how to create a welcoming space that's both functional and stylish:

Key Takeaways

Aspect	Recommendation
Lighting Types	Use a mix of chandeliers, wall sconces, and pendant lights
Layering	Combine different light sources at various heights for depth
Fixture Size	Choose sizes appropriate for your entryway dimensions
Style Consistency	Match lighting fixtures with your home's overall design
Smart Options	Consider smart lighting for easy control and versatility

Entryway Lighting 

There are different types of lights you can use in your entryway: chandeliers, wall sconces, and pendant lights. Each has its own purpose. Chandeliers light up the whole space. Wall sconces add soft light along the sides. Pendant lights work well in smaller areas or to highlight specific spots.

Using a mix of these lights is called layered lighting. It makes a space feel cozy and well-lit. You can change the mood of your entryway by switching on different lights.

When choosing lighting fixtures, think about your home's style. Modern homes might like sleek designs, while traditional homes could use more detailed fixtures. Try to create a look that matches the rest of your home.

Check out our foyer lighting collection for inspiration

Picking the Perfect Chandelier

For entryways with high ceilings, a chandelier can be great. To choose the right size, add the length and width of your entryway in feet, then use that number in inches for your chandelier's width. For example, if your entryway is 10 feet by 12 feet, look for a chandelier that's about 22 inches wide.

Your chandelier should match your home's style. If you have a modern house, pick something simple. For a traditional home, you might want more details. LED options can save energy and last longer.

Hang your chandelier at least 7 feet above the floor so people don't bump their heads. If you have a second floor or balcony, make sure the chandelier can be seen from both levels.

Browse our chandelier collection

Wall Sconces: Adding Depth and Style

Wall sconces are great for entryways. They don't take up floor space, which is good for smaller areas. They add light at eye level, which helps for seeing yourself in a mirror or greeting guests.

Put wall sconces on either side of a mirror or piece of art. If you have a long hallway in your entryway, space them out along the wall to light the way.

Try to pick sconces that go with your chandelier if you have one. They don't have to match exactly, but they should look like they belong together.

Some sconces provide overall lighting, while others focus light on specific areas. A mix of both can be good for entryways. Overall lighting creates a welcoming feeling, while focused lighting helps near mirrors or coat areas.

Pendant Lights: Versatile and Stylish

Pendant lights work well in entryways too. They're great if you have a small table in your entry area. You can hang one pendant over the table or use a group of smaller pendants to spread out the light.

Hang pendant lights about 7 feet from the floor so people don't bump their heads. If you're putting them over a table, leave about 30-36 inches between the table and the bottom of the light.

Pendant lights come in many styles, from simple globes to fancy artistic pieces. Choose a style that matches your entryway's look and gives enough light.

Adding Extra Touches

After your main lights are set up, you can add some extra touches. Table lamps on a console table can add a warm glow. If you have art on the walls, small picture lights above them can make your entryway feel like a mini art gallery!

If your entryway has cool features like arches or columns, you can use uplighting to show them off. This means putting lights on the floor pointing up. It creates interesting shadows and can make your space look bigger.

Don't forget about natural light. If your entryway has windows, use sheer curtains or blinds to let in daylight while keeping privacy. At night, your chosen lights will create a welcoming atmosphere.

Smart Lighting for Easy Control

Smart lighting options for your entryway can be really cool. These lights can be dimmed to change the mood. Some can even change colors! Imagine making your entryway lights festive for holidays or parties.

Smart lighting is easy to control. You can use your phone to turn lights on and off, or even your voice if you have a smart home setup. This is handy when your hands are full of groceries!

You can program smart lighting systems to create different scenes for various times or occasions. For example, you could have a "welcome home" scene that turns on warm, inviting lights when you arrive, and a "nighttime" scene with soft, low lighting for late nights or early mornings.

Installation Tips

When installing your new lights, decide if you want to do it yourself or hire a pro. If you're good with electrical work, you might handle simple installations. But for anything complicated, especially adding new wiring, it's best to call an electrician.

If you do it yourself, always turn off the power at the breaker box before starting. Have all the right tools and follow instructions carefully. It's good to have someone help you, especially when hanging heavy fixtures like chandeliers.

Before installing, plan where you'll put the lights. Use painter's tape to mark spots and live with the markings for a few days. This helps you see how it will look and make changes before doing anything permanent.

Keeping Your Lights Looking Great

To keep your entryway lights looking good, dust them regularly with a soft cloth. For deeper cleaning, check the manufacturer's instructions. Some fixtures can be cleaned with a damp cloth, while others need special care.

Remember to change bulbs when they burn out. Keep track of what kind of bulbs each fixture needs for easy replacement. LED bulbs last longer, so you won't need to change them as often.

Think about the environment when choosing lights. LED bulbs use less energy and last longer, creating less waste. When getting rid of old bulbs, especially CFL bulbs with small amounts of mercury, follow proper recycling rules to protect the environment.

Wrapping Up

Lighting your entryway doesn't have to be complicated. Use a mix of light types, choose fixtures that fit your space and style, and add some fun touches. With the right lighting, you'll create a warm welcome for everyone who visits your home.

Good entryway lighting does more than just light up a space – it sets the mood for your whole home. It creates a good first impression, makes things safer, and shows off your personal style. Take time to try different lighting combinations until you find what makes you happy every time you come home.

Need more ideas? Check out our blog post on foyer lighting for even more tips.