Foyer Lighting creates a warm welcome
Let the entry to your house create a warm welcome for your guests!
Whether you have a grand entry or a narrow corridor, you can use lighting to make the entrance to your home inviting.
The right lighting can make a small space appear larger and a grand entry breathtaking.
With the open floor plans of today the space is often not clearly defined in the entry.
This might at first glance make the lighting design tricky. But just keep in mind what you want to accomplish and things will fall into place.
Safety of course needs to be addressed, changes in elevation need to be properly illuminated and you want to be able to see who is entering. When these concerns are checked off it’s time to think of the fun stuff: Setting the stage.
You can highlight architectural features like a beautiful cathedral ceiling or artwork on the walls and let the light bouncing off the walls act as accent lighting.
Overhead lights, like recessed cans or foyer chandeliers alone will have a hard time, especially in very large entries, of adding warmth and atmosphere or even illuminating the space properly. Just like everywhere else the word is: “Layers of Light”. The use of several light sources at different levels works like a charm, adding interest to the space. Place a small table lamp on a console next to a mirror and use wall sconces that will add focal points at eye level
This informative article from the American Lighting Association offers tips on lighting your foyer, stairways, and hallways:
The foyer conveys the first impression of a home’s interior. Center a traditional chandelier, contemporary pendant, or transitional ceiling light in your hallway to provide a functional light source and create a welcoming atmosphere. When choosing lighting for your foyer, hall, or stairway, consider the following:
For general lighting, make sure to size the decorative fixture to the space. Not all foyers can accomodate a large chandelier, so make sure the size proportions are correct. Likewise, if you have a larger space, you’ll need a larger light fixture such as a ceiling fan light or fluorescent floor lamp in order to provide light for the entire space. If you have the luxury of high, open ceiling space, consider a foyer chandelier or decorative pendant lamp that looks attractive from second story viewing.
Remember that stairways and halls must have good lighting for safety. To prevent accidents, stairs should be lit from top to bottom with switches in both places so that it is convenient to turn off light that is no longer needed. For safety in hallways, place hallway light fixtures every 8 to 10 feet. A few great options for lighting your hallway are flush mount lighting and recessed lighting. Tie in the fixtures you choose for each space by matching your chandelier or pendant with semi-flush ceiling lights for hallways and smaller chain hung lights for stairways.
For accent lighting needs, use matching wall sconces to complement the hanging foyer pendant or chandelier. Always mount wall fixtures above eye level (approximately 66″ from the center of the fixture to the floor) so that the lamp source is not visible. This creates a wonderful effect of illumination that reflects off the walls and into your space.
Additional Lighting Tips:
-Make your artwork come to life and illuminate it with halogen light from track or adjustable recessed down-lighting
-Add a dimmer and really set the tone of your room
-Mirrors add a special decorative touch to a foyer
