Choosing the Lighting Fixtures for Your Home's Entryway

The entryway or foyer of a home is often the first look guests get, and it can make a lasting impression on them. More importantly, it sets the stage for the look of the home’s interior. Because first impressions are so important, light fixtures for foyers need to be a statement piece that represents the style of the home.

But there’s more than aesthetics involved, the lighting has to be just right to provide the ideal kind of warm, welcoming ambiance inside the home. Keep these things in mind before heading off to a lighting store near you.

Types of Lighting Fixtures for Your Foyer

There are many lighting styles for foyers available that can give entryways the wow factor they need. Getting it right can completely transform the entryway of a home with perfect illumination that is, in a word, breathtaking.

Chandeliers

A chandelier makes a grand and fancy statement in the entryway. They come in a variety of styles, shapes, and sizes, from totally glam crystal chandeliers to sleek drum chandeliers. Each type adds a special flair to the foyer.

Most people think of glitz and crystal when they think of chandeliers, and while there are many styles that fit the traditional description, there are so many more that do not. The difference is not only in the style, but how they light the space. A traditional chandelier with hanging crystal prisms illuminates the foyer by refracting light throughout the space. In contrast, a contemporary-style chandelier uses direct light, creating a more subtle and minimalist look.

Pendants

Although a more modernized form of lighting, pendants can work well in contemporary and modern spaces. They tend to create an illusion of height by drawing the eyes upward and softly illuminating the entryway. This makes them a good choice for smaller spaces with low ceilings.

Although both pendants and chandeliers hang suspended from the ceiling, there are some key differences. A chandelier has a central body with lighting arms or branches that have individual lighting sources. A pendant’s shape is much more defined, is a singular fixture, and the light sources are usually inside a shade or frame. Chandeliers generally provide ambient lighting, while pendants offer functional lighting.

Wall Sconces

Wall sconces give the entryway a warm glow without taking up too much space, making them ideal for smaller, tighter spaces. They make an alluring statement placed in pairs on either side of the entryway leading from the foyer to the rest of the house. They add supporting lighting when part of a system that includes a chandelier or pendant.

Ceiling Lighting

If the foyer doesn’t have space for a chandelier or pendant, a ceiling light can add visual interest. These lights are flush to the ceiling, so they don’t take up the space that a hanging fixture would. They come in traditional, modern, and contemporary style and can cast ambient light that offers a pleasing glow.

Features to Look for in Foyer Lighting

When choosing lighting for the foyer, begin by assessing the scale of the space and take into consideration any artwork, mirrors, or furniture that will be in the space. Choose lighting that complements the design and architecture of the home. Although there are no strict rules for what to look for in entryway lighting, there are some guidelines that can help homeowners wade through all the options.

Style

Begin by considering the current design of the home and its style and how the new lighting will either support that style or move it in a different direction. Review a variety of options against these criteria and create a mental picture of how they will look in the space.

For example, a small foyer will support smaller, more structured lighting, while a larger entryway can take a higher impact crystal chandelier or artsy pendant that makes a statement.

Size

When choosing the size of entryway lighting, as in any room, ceiling height is a huge factor. If the ceiling is low, then a semi-flush or flush mount would be ideal. Choosing larger lighting may result in mishaps as guests duck to avoid hitting their heads.

The foyer lighting should never overpower the other design elements in this space unless the plan is for it to be the focal point. Keep this in mind when selecting lighting for the entryway. An oversized chandelier will look stunningly proportional in an open entryway of a two-story home. For smaller foyers, smaller lighting will make a beautiful statement without crowding the space.

Weight

Another important factor to consider when choosing foyer lighting is the weight of the fixture. Standard ceiling outlet boxes can generally support a maximum of 50 pounds, so if the lighting is heavier, additional hardware and components will probably be needed.

Where to Find Lighting Fixtures for Your Foyer

The best lighting fixtures near you can be found at a store that specializes in all things lighting. You’ll find every size and style you can imagine, and probably some that you never even thought of. But more than that, you’ll also get the best advice from expert salespeople and lighting experts. They can help you choose the best light for any foyer and help solve any tricky lighting issues.