12 Most Popular Types Of Entry Foyer Lighting – Home Design

Lighting for the entryway can set the tone of your home's mood and feeling. There are a variety of options when it comes to entering foyer lighting, so let's take a look at some that may work for you.

Brief

There are many options when it comes to the placement of lighting fixtures. Some foyer lighting ideas include sconces on either side of your front door, or a single light fixture above your entryway table or console. It is a good idea to have multiple lighting sources in this area as well, such as floor lamps near couches where you sit to put on shoes before you leave, or a task lamp by the coat closet.

For those of you who like twinkles and sparkle, but don't want a lot of it, crystal fixtures are available that provide just enough illumination for safety coming into your home at night.

If you don't like the look of these, you can choose something like a chandelier that is more decorative. If your style leans more contemporary, pendant lights and track lighting can be used to provide ambient illumination throughout the entryway without being too obtrusive.

 12 types of entry foyer lighting

1. Victorian lighting

Victorian lighting can be made of crystal and is usually a hanging fixture with many bulbs that form a cluster. They are especially known for their decorative nature in addition to creating general brightness. These fixtures run through your house, and it's possible to attach more than one chain in order to get the exact amount of light you're looking for.

Lighting like this wasn't made to be bright, they were created more for the "look". The individual bulbs are hidden within a decorative frame in order to focus on the look of it. It's easy to find them at antique stores or online, so if you prefer the Victorian lifestyle, this could be a good addition to your home.

2.  Semi-flush mount lighting

Semi flush mount lighting is usually a group of lights that are mounted close to the ceiling. When they're off, all you see is the collection of bulbs, but when they're turned on, it creates a nice glow around your entryway.

It's best if you have an illumination piece where your foyer meets the rest of the house. This helps to create a seamless look, and it's also good for creating some general illumination in that area of the home.

If you have a very large ceiling, or the entryway is located on the top floor of your home, it can be a good idea to have multiple semi-flush mounts in that area. This way, there's enough light to get around safely without having to turn other lights on when you're coming back at night.

3. Chandelier lighting

Another basic type of stairwell lighting design can incorporate chandeliers without making your small space appear smaller than it is. The trick with larger fixtures like this is to try and hang them in an area where they can be seen from the most angles. If you have a tall ceiling, there's no reason not to add these decorative fixtures to your foyer or stairwell.

4. Under-cabinet lighting

If you feel that the space above your cabinets is too dark, or if you just want to create a different look in there, it can be a good idea to add some under-cabinet lighting. This is especially helpful if there are rarely used items in this area of the home.

You can use track lighting (also known as slat lighting) for this purpose. It is relatively easy to install, and it can add a nice touch of style to the under-cabinet area.

5. Overhead lighting

Overhead lighting is a series of recessed or decorative fixtures that are positioned directly above the entryway. They can be chandeliers, which are more formal and over-the-top, and they might even include more than one -like a pair of distinctive pendants; or they can be simple fluorescent track lights.

These types of fixtures can act as an accessory to the entry itself, or they can take on a more central role in defining and embellishing the foyer. The beauty of this type of foyer lighting is that it both illuminates the house's interior and creates a sense of grandeur and arrival with its greater-than-life presence.

6. Wall Mounted Fixtures

The wall mounted fixtures are a popular kind because there are various types of fixture to choose from like chandeliers, vintage and modern, traditional or contemporary. They occupy little to no floor space which makes them good for areas with a small foyer.

The wall mount fixtures are available in lots of different styles so you can choose the one that sticks out in your home interior design the best. Â Wall mount foyer lights are affordable too so if you want to add a luxurious touch to your home decor for not that much money this is the way to go.

The light fixtures can easily be attached directly to your wall and then you just plug them in. Some of them are not even connected with wires so they look really great, elegant, sophisticated and beautiful especially if they match the rest of the interior design of your home.

7. Area lighting

Area lights are placed on walls, columns, or suspended from the ceiling. These lights do not necessarily point to anything specific because they serve only as general area lighting and make a space more welcoming by emphasizing its shape and size.

They can be used to bring emphasis to an entryway and make an otherwise unimpressive space look more like a foyer. These lights are most often used in hotels due to their spacious entryways, buildings with multiple entrances (such as restaurants or clubs), and/or any other establishment that wants to ensure its clientele feel welcome upon entering.

The area lights' soft glow does not create a glare, and some are adjustable so that they can be directed to a focal point if necessary.

8. Recessed Lighting

Recessed lighting has a variety of benefits. Most lighting companies will provide a kit with the necessary parts to install recessed lights in your foyer. Recessed lights are aesthetically pleasing and save money by creating less heat than some other forms of light, such as an overhead fixture.

Recessed lights can be installed on either the ceiling or wall and can be adjusted to direct more light than an overhead fixture. The downside is that the lights may not be as visible in a dark entryway, and it also does not provide as much ambient light for entering parties.

Recessed lights are available in a variety of different colors and designs. They can be installed using either halogen or fluorescent fixtures, depending on your preferences. Some recessed lights come in a variety of colors, but the bulbs are all standard incandescent. For added ambiance and highlights in artwork, you may want to consider colored lightbulbs as well as colored wall and ceiling tiles.

9. Hanging Light Fixtures

Hanging light fixtures in the foyer generally provide a great deal of ambient light for entering guests, which can be helpful if you have high ceilings or little natural lighting in your foyer area. They are more decorative than recessed lights as well and available in a large variety of colors and styles.

Some hanging foyer fixtures include a chandelier, which hangs from the ceiling and contains prisms that bounce light off of them to create an even more ambient light. Hanging decorations are also available and can be placed throughout your entryway for added visual appeal.

The main downside is that it is aesthetically displeasing if you have low ceilings or high foyers. Additionally, hanging fixtures can be more expensive than other types of light. If there are a large number of individuals entering your home frequently, such as with a party and/or dinner gatherings, this may not be the best option due to its ambient lighting.

10. Pendant Lighting

Pendant lighting is popular when trying to create a decorative atmosphere in your foyer. In many foyers, pendant lighting is used to highlight artwork or a specific area of the room.

Pendant lights are available in several different styles, from traditional to contemporary. The bulbs can be fluorescent or incandescent as well depending on your preferences and your electric bill. Sometimes they are an open fixture like a chandelier, casting light onto the ceiling and walls.

They are also available in a close fixture that will hang directly over whatever you are trying to highlight (such as an artwork) using one or two bulbs. Pendant lights can be placed high above your foyer table which allows for more focused lighting instead of diffused lighting like recessed or hanging lights.

The main downside to pendant lighting is the safety factor of having a fixture hanging in a high traffic area. If you have children or pets around, there is a chance that they could knock them off and break them. Additionally, some pendant fixtures with exposed lightbulbs can be dangerous if you have small children in the foyer and keep them up high.

11. Track Lighting

Track lighting provides a good deal of light in your foyer, along with the ability to focus on one or two specific areas. The track itself is placed across a portion of your ceiling and can be directed toward whatever you would like highlighted in the area such as art work or furniture pieces.

Fluorescent and halogen bulbs are available; however, I recommend using fluorescent lights in track lighting, as they will use less electricity and produce less heat. Additionally, the bulbs can be different colors to highlight selected areas. The downside is that your track may not look aesthetically pleasing with a thin metal fixture across it.

Track lighting is generally a good option if you have high ceilings or want to light up a large space in your foyer. It is also relatively inexpensive and easy to install on most surfaces.

12. Beaded chandeliers

Beaded chandeliers are ideal for your foyer because they offer a more decorative base than other light types. They are great if you desire a unique piece of art in the entryway, along with lighting that is easy to clean and maintain. Beaded chandeliers can be acrylic or glass, and may have crystals or other decorative designs as well.

The main downside is that they are not very adjustable if you have a lot of people coming into your home at different heights. Additionally, it can be difficult to find one that fits your foyer in the exact way you want due to its unique shape and size. However, if you desire artwork for your entryway or a unique touch to your foyer, this type of light fixture is ideal.

FAQs

What color should I use for entry lights in my home?

Basic entry lights are a shade of white, but because they illuminate dark hallways and provide safety and security, you can use many warm colors as well. We recommend using light neutrals like grays or beige with accents of red for an elegant look that's not too bold.

What if I don't have front door lights?

Entries are intended to light the way to your home, so a lack of entry lights may make it uncomfortable and unsafe for people entering your house. Entry lights can be installed on an existing or new door, but it is recommended that you choose durable materials with a timeless look.

Where can I buy these lights?

Entry lights are available on all online lighting stores. You can also find them in hardware, kitchen and bath retailers and some home improvement stores. A great source is Amazon.com .

Conclusion

Lighting up your entryway can create a sense of security and peace of mind. It's also the first thing that visitors see when they arrive at your home. Don't forget it's important for safety, too!