Choosing the right lighting for a big entrance can be tricky. Let's look at some smart ways to light up foyers with tall ceilings.
Key Points for Foyer Lighting with High Ceilings
- Size Your Chandelier: Room length + width (in feet) = chandelier diameter (in inches)
- Hang Lights at the Right Height: 7 ft for 8 ft ceiling, 7.5 ft for 9-12 ft ceiling, level with 2nd story for 18-20+ ft ceiling
- Mix Different Types of Lights: Use ambient, task, and accent lighting for balance
- Choose Energy-Efficient Bulbs: LED lights offer efficiency and customization
- Consider Smart Tech: Remote control and automation options available
- Match Your Lighting to Your Home's Style: Coordinate with overall decor (modern, traditional, etc.)
- Complement Architectural Features: Ensure lighting doesn't obstruct staircases or views
Sizing Your Chandelier
Getting the size right is key for high ceiling foyers. A good rule of thumb is to add the room's length and width in feet. That number in inches is a good diameter for your chandelier. For example, in a 20 by 15 foot foyer, a 35-inch wide fixture would fit well.
Height matters too. In general, hang your chandelier about 7 feet above the floor in 8-foot rooms. For taller ceilings, go up to 7.5 feet. In really high spaces like two-story foyers, try to line up the bottom of the light with the second floor. For ceilings over 20 feet, consider a multi-tiered chandelier to fill the vertical space effectively.
Check out our entryway chandelier collection for options in various sizes.
Foyer Dimensions (Length x Width) | Suggested Chandelier Diameter | Recommended Hanging Height | Special Considerations |
---|---|---|---|
10 x 10 feet (3 x 3m) | 20 inches (50 cm) | Hang 7 feet above the floor in 8-foot ceiling rooms | For two-story foyers, align the bottom with the second floor |
15 x 15 feet (4.5 x 4.5m) | 30 inches (75 cm) | Hang 7.5 feet above the floor for ceilings taller than 8 feet | Consider a multi-tiered chandelier for ceilings over 20 feet |
20 x 15 feet (6 x 4.5m) | 35 inches (90 cm) | Hang 7.5 feet or higher depending on ceiling height | Multi-tiered chandeliers help fill vertical space in high foyers |
25 x 20 feet (7.5 x 6m) | 45 inches (115 cm) | Hang 7.5 feet or higher depending on ceiling height | Multi-tiered fixtures work best for very high ceilings |
Crystal Chandeliers: A Classic Choice
Crystal chandeliers never go out of style. They catch the light beautifully and add sparkle to any space. Here's a great option for high ceilings:
The Lonas Large Foyer Crystal Chandelier costs $1,299.99. You can get it in chrome or gold. It's perfect for big spaces and really catches the eye. This chandelier measures 32 inches in diameter and 36 inches in height, making it ideal for foyers with ceilings 12 feet and higher. The adjustable chain allows for customization based on your specific ceiling height.
Browse more crystal chandeliers to find your perfect match.
Rustic and Farmhouse Styles
If crystals aren't your thing, rustic styles can work great in high ceiling foyers too. They bring a cozy feel to big spaces.
Rustic lights often use materials like wood and iron. They can fit in many rooms, from kitchens to outdoor spaces. In a foyer, they add warmth and character. Consider a large wagon wheel chandelier or a cluster of Edison bulb pendants for a dramatic rustic statement in a high-ceilinged entryway.
Check out our rustic chandeliers and farmhouse style fixtures for more ideas.
Layered Lighting for Big Spaces
One big light might not be enough in a tall foyer. Layered lighting can help. This means using different types of lights together:
- A main chandelier for overall light
- Wall sconces to light up the sides
- Maybe some small lights to highlight art or plants
- Recessed lighting in the ceiling for additional ambient light
- Floor lamps or table lamps on console tables for lower-level illumination
This mix helps fill the space and makes it feel cozy, even if it's big. It also allows for flexibility in lighting intensity and mood throughout the day.
Find more foyer lighting options to create your perfect mix.
Energy-Smart Choices
High ceilings mean lots of space to light up. LED bulbs can help keep energy use down. They last a long time too, which is good for hard-to-reach fixtures. Look for LED bulbs with a high lumen output to ensure adequate brightness in large spaces.
To figure out how much light you need, use this simple math: Room size in square feet x 1.5 = total watts needed. So a 20 by 15 foot room (300 square feet) would need about 450 watts of light. For LED equivalents, divide this number by 5 to get the LED wattage needed.
Smart Tech for Easy Control
Tall ceilings can make it hard to reach light switches. Smart lighting fixes this problem. You can control your lights with your phone or even your voice. Some options let you:
- Turn lights on and off from anywhere
- Dim lights to set the mood
- Change light colors for different looks
- Set schedules so lights turn on when you come home
- Create custom scenes for different times of day or occasions
- Integrate with other smart home devices for a cohesive system
This tech makes it easy to manage lighting in big spaces. Consider installing a smart hub to control all your foyer lighting from one central system.
Matching Your Home's Style
Your foyer lighting should fit with the rest of your house. If your home is modern, a sleek chandelier might work best. For older homes, something more traditional could be a good fit. Consider these style-matching tips:
- Contemporary homes: Look for geometric shapes and minimalist designs
- Traditional homes: Opt for classic crystal or candle-style chandeliers
- Transitional spaces: Mix elements of both modern and traditional for a balanced look
- Industrial style: Choose fixtures with exposed bulbs and metal finishes
Think about special features in your foyer too. Got a cool staircase? A long chandelier could show it off. Tall windows? Make sure your light fixture doesn't block the view.
Find the perfect style match in our modern chandelier collection.
Putting It All Together
Lighting a high-ceiling foyer takes some planning, but it's worth it. The right lights can make your entrance amazing. Remember these key points:
- Size your chandelier based on room dimensions - Hang lights at the right height for your ceiling - Mix different types of lights for balance - Choose energy-efficient bulbs for big spaces - Consider smart tech for easy control - Match your lighting to your home's styleWith these tips, you're ready to create a welcoming and well-lit entrance to your home. Don't be afraid to mix and match different lighting elements to achieve the perfect ambiance for your unique space.