Beautiful Entryway Lighting Ideas

The entryway is the first impression that people have upon entering your home, so it’s important to make it look and feel inviting and welcoming. One of the key components of a well-designed foyer is the lighting. In this blog post, we’ll explore some entryway lighting ideas and discuss the best type of light bulbs to use in this important area in your home.

Importance of Entryway Lighting?

Proper entryway lighting is important for several reasons. First, it helps in creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for guests, which is particularly important if you’re always entertaining. Secondly, it can help to increase the safety and security of your home by illuminating the entrance and making it easier to see who’s coming and going. Finally, entryway lighting can also enhance the overall design aesthetic of your home by adding a touch of style and sophistication. Foyer lighting can also provide that ever important WOW factor upon entering your home.

Best Light Bulbs for Entryway Lighting

When it comes to choosing light bulbs for your entryway, it’s important to consider both the type of light bulb and the wattage used in the entryway. The most common types of light bulbs include incandescent, LED, and compact fluorescent bulbs.

Incandescent Bulbs

Incandescent bulbs are the traditional type of bulb and emit a warm, yellowish light. They’re a popular choice for entryway lighting because they create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. However, incandescent bulbs not the most energy-efficient option, and they tend to not last as long as some other types of light bulbs.

LED Bulbs

LED bulbs are a more modern option and are known for their energy efficiency and long lifespan. LED’s emit a brighter, whiter light than incandescent bulbs, which can help to illuminate the entrance and make it easier to see. LED bulbs are also available in a range of colors, making it easy to customize the ambient lighting to suit your personal preferences and tastes. 

Compact Fluorescent Bulbs

Compact fluorescent bulbs are a hybrid between incandescent and LED bulbs, and are known for their energy efficiency. They emit a brighter, cooler light than incandescent bulbs, which can help to make the entrance feel more modern and stylish. If you have a mixture of lights in your foyer than CFL’s might be the best bet as they mix very well with natural light and other lighting types.

Entryway Lighting Ideas

Now that you know the different types of light bulbs available, let’s explore some entryway lighting ideas that can help to create a warm and welcoming entrance to your home.

Double Hanging Pendants 

Double hanging entryway pendant lighting is a popular choice for entryways and can provide both functional and aesthetic benefits. This type of entryway lighting consists of two lights that hang from the ceiling, typically at parallel to one another and directly in front of the front door. You can try a mixture of small pendants and large pendant lighting to mix things up and create a unique look.

Sloped Ceiling Lighting

If you have a sloped ceiling do not let that stop you from adding light to the foyer of your home. As this example shows even homes with sloped ceilings can have great lighting at the entrance of their home.

Coordinating Wood Lighting

If you’re looking to add a touch of rustic charm to your entryway, consider adding coordinating wood lighting. The contrast between the dark wood, the lighter wood of the light fixture and the bright light will create a cozy atmosphere in your entryway, making it inviting for guests and others who visit your home.

Globe Light Fixture

Globe lighting is a great way to add a modern touch to your entryway. Place several globe lights in the entryway to not only make it easier for guests to see, but also create an eye-catching design element that will be sure to impress. What I like best about clear globe light fixtures is the ability to use vintage light bulbs which are also known as Edison bulbs. These types of bulbs are a great way to add rustic charm or just provide a unique look in your home.

Frosted Globe Entryway Lighting

If you aren’t a fan of being able to see the light bulbs then frosted globe lighting might be the best foyer lighting idea for you. Frosted globe lights come in huge variety of sizes so you are sure to find one that suits your exact needs and fits your entryway.

Off Center Lighting

Traditionally you see lighting fixtures placed directly in front of the door. This is because that’s usually the area you want to illuminate for safety and aesthetic reasons. It doesn’t have to necessarily be that way though. This homeowner decided to place the light fixture in a non traditional location in order to highlight the dropzone in the entryway of their home. This is a great non traditional lighting idea.

High Ceiling Lighting

Homes with high ceiling entryways can still be illuminated in a special way. Try using a single statement light fixture that hangs low from the entryway ceiling. This will help to draw attention to the entryway and also provide enough lighting for guests and visitors to see clearly as they enter your home. 

Geometric Lighting

If you’re looking for a modern lighting solution, geometric light fixtures might be the perfect fit for you. Geometric entryways look great in homes with modern decor and can bring an unexpected twist to your entryway. Try adding several geometric lights in various shapes and sizes to create an eye-catching, artwork like design element that will definitely make your entryway stand out.

Sconces

Wall sconce entryway lighting is a great way to add a classic touch to your entryway. Sconces can be wall mounted or ceiling-mounted and come in many different styles. Wall-mounted sconces help to create a cozy atmosphere while also providing functional entryway lighting. If sconce lighting interests you and you don’t already have electrical wired in to add sconce lighting to your foyer, check out this project I did to place sconce lighting anywhere.

Semi-Flush Mount Lighting 

Semi flush mounted lighting is a great way to add light to your entryway while staying true to the style of your home. These lights mount directly to the ceiling with a bit of a hang to them but they don’t hang too low, which is perfect for entryways with traditional ceiling height or low ceilings. Try adding several semi flush mounted entryway lights in a line across the entryway for maximum illumination and aesthetic impact.

Recessed Entryway Lighting

Recessed ceiling lights are a great way to add ambient entryway lighting without taking up any overhead space. Recessed lights are installed in the ceiling and are ideal for entryways with lower ceilings or those who don’t want any kind of visible light fixture in their entryway. Recessed lighting helps to create an inviting atmosphere while also providing enough illumination for guests and visitors. 

Entryway Lighting Flush Mounted Fixtures

Flush mounted lighting is a great way to add illumination without having to worry about your light fixture being too big and bulky. Flush mounted entryway lights are installed directly into the ceiling and provide a more modern look for homes entryway. Most flush entryway lights come in sleek designs that will help to create an eye-catching foyer design element.

 I have an entire post dedicated to finding affordable flush mount lighting if this is an idea that peaks your interest.

Skylight

Skylight entryway lighting is a unique entryway lighting solution for entryways. Skylights bring natural light into the home which can be a great way to brighten up your entryway. Natural lighting  can be in many forms such as from windows, doors with windows, stained glass and actual ceiling skylights.

Entryway Lighting Ideas Conclusion

If you’re looking for entryway lighting ideas, these are just some of the options available. There are so many ways to light up your entryway and it’s important to choose the best option based on your home’s style and your personal preference. Try experimenting with different types and styles of entryway lighting until you find the right lighting that works for you. You can even add in some other elements like table lamps, floor lamps, lanterns or candles to set your foyer apart.