Lighting by Room: Foyer (Entry) Lighting

“Foyers and entries set the stage for the interior of the home.” -Dana Bigman, Casablanca Fan Co.

Most entry ways/ foyers will always need overall lighting whether it is day or night. Generally a source of illumination near the entry way ensures safety and a visual navigation aid when entering your home. Having lighting fixtures or lamps in your foyer space also helps set the tone for your home. So use entry way lighting fixtures that are versatile, functional, and aesthetically complementary to your home. Click on each category to browse chandelier, wall sconces, pendants, ceiling fixtures and lamps.

How Do I Determine The Proper Size Chandelier For a Foyer (Entry)?

Some things to consider before installing the right size chandelier for your foyer: For halls that are 75 square feet or more, plan on a fixture at least 12 inches in diameter or a chandelier at least 18 inches in diameter. The bottom of the fixture should be 7 feet from the finish floor, if you have a typical 9-10 foot ceiling height.

Another method is a general calculation adopted from Hinkley Lighting Inc. “When sizing a chandelier or pendant for your foyer, add the length and width dimensions of the foyer area together and convert the total into inches. Example: The area is 18 feet by 14 feet. Added together this equals 32 feet. Then convert your sum to inches: the chandelier’s diameter should be approx. 32 inches in width.” Also something to keep in mind before purchasing is the weight of your chandelier. A standard ceiling outlet box will only hold a maximum of 50 lbs, thus additional hardware and components might be needed. Its also a good idea to check for installation instructions and specifications of the chandelier because no one foyer is the same in every home. If you have a two-story foyer, center your chandelier so it may be viewed from outside.

What Other Types of Fixtures Can Be Used In Large Entries?

Foyer spaces will come in all sizes and this might create some challenges. A chandelier might not be enough illumination for extremely large entry ways. Thus, additional fixtures should be used to help illuminate your foyer space. For example if your foyer tends to be two stories in height (15-20 ft) it’s a good idea to have additional fixtures besides your chandelier. Lighting fixtures like wall sconces, pendants, and portable lamps might be nice additions for your foyer illumination needs. If your foyer has windows use them to your advantage in your lighting design. Windows above the front door is a good place for to hang your light fixture in public view. This is also a good way to show off your fixture from the inside-out. Another rule from Hinkley, install sconces 60" from the floor and six to eight feet apart.

Another thing to consider are architectural features like stairs, balconies, or specialty windows. This should not discourage you from installing or using light fixtures, but choosing fixtures might be challenging. A good way to have the best of two worlds is to choose fixtures that serve their purpose, but that are less conspicuous for these conditions. You don’t want to have the light fixture distract from the architectural feature, you want it to compliment it and serve its purpose. In some cases foyers might have the opposite problem; a plain space. This is when your fixtures should be focal pieces. Choosing a chandelier or ceiling fixture should make a statement to this empty space when entering your home.

Lighting trends: mini-lights are used to illuminate stairways for safe navigation and help accent stairs.