Your entryway is super important - it's the first thing people see when they come to your house! Good lighting can make it feel warm and friendly, but there are some common mistakes that can make it look not so great. Let's look at seven lighting mistakes to avoid in your entryway, so you can make sure it looks awesome and works well too.
Key Takeaways: Entryway Lighting Best Practices
- Use layered lighting: Combine ambient, task, and accent lighting for a well-lit space
- Consider scale and proportion: Choose fixtures that fit your entryway's dimensions
- Account for ceiling height: Select appropriate fixtures for high or low ceilings
- Prioritize functionality: Ensure adequate task lighting for everyday activities
- Choose warm color temperatures: Opt for 2700K-3000K bulbs for a cozy atmosphere
- Place fixtures strategically: Avoid shadows and glare with proper positioning
- Install dimmer switches: Create flexibility and control over your lighting ambiance
1. Not Enough Light
A big mistake is not having enough light in your entryway. A dark entrance can feel unwelcoming and even a bit scary. To fix this, use different types of lights together - like a main ceiling light, some wall lights, and maybe a lamp on a table. This makes sure every part of your entryway is bright and welcoming.
The Assena Large Black High Ceiling Entryway Chandelier is a great main light. You can add wall lights or a table lamp to light up specific areas, like near a mirror or a table where you put your keys. This mix of lights makes your entryway look great and work well for different things you do there.
2. Wrong Size Lights
Another mistake is picking lights that are too big or too small for your entryway. A tiny light in a big entryway looks weird, and a huge chandelier in a small space can make it feel cramped. To get the right size, add the length and width of your entryway in feet, then change that number to inches. That's how wide your light should be. But also think about how high your ceiling is and what style your house is when you choose.
3. Forgetting About Ceiling Height
Some people forget to think about how high their ceiling is when picking lights. This can lead to lights that hang too low and get in the way, or don't light up the whole space well. Your ceiling height affects what size and style of light you should get.
For high ceilings, try a big chandelier or a long hanging light like the Seus Modern Long Chandelier for High Ceiling Staircase. It's made for tall spaces and looks really cool. For lower ceilings, use lights that stick close to the ceiling so people don't bump their heads. Make sure any hanging light is at least 7 feet above the floor.
4. Not Thinking About What You Need
Your entryway lights need to look good, but they also need to work well. You need enough light to do things like put on shoes, find your keys, or check how you look in a mirror. Put lights near mirrors and storage areas. Wall lights on both sides of a mirror or a lamp on a table can give you the right light for these jobs. For closets or storage spots, use small lights in the ceiling or LED strips to make it easy to find stuff.
5. Using the Wrong Color of Light
The color of your light can change how your entryway feels. Some people use light that's too blue and cold, which can make the space feel unwelcoming. For a warm, cozy feeling, use light bulbs that are between 2700K and 3000K. This warm white light makes people look good and feels friendly. If you want it a bit brighter, you can use 3000K-3500K bulbs. Don't use bulbs over 4000K in your entryway - they're too cold and can make it feel like a doctor's office!
6. Putting Lights in the Wrong Places
If you put your lights in the wrong spots, it can create shadows or glare, which looks bad and can even be dangerous. It's important to put your lights in the right places to make your entryway look good and be safe.
Put your main ceiling light in the middle of the room or lined up with the front door. Put wall lights at eye level, about 65-70 inches from the floor. If you have stairs, a light like the Modern Crystal Square Chandelier for Staircase can make them safer and look cool. For big entryways, use more than one light to make sure everywhere is bright.
7. Not Using Dimmer Switches
Dimmer switches are super useful in entryways. They let you change how bright your lights are for different times of day or different things you're doing. Put dimmer switches on all your entryway lights if you can. This way, you can have bright light when you need it, like when you're looking for something, or softer light when you want a cozy feeling. Dimmers also help your light bulbs last longer and can save energy, which is good for your wallet and the planet!
Conclusion: Making Your Entryway Lighting Perfect
By avoiding these mistakes, you can make your entryway look awesome and work great. Remember to use different kinds of lights, choose the right size, think about how warm or cool the light is, and use dimmer switches. This will make your entryway a place that looks good and helps you do what you need to do.
If you want more ideas, check out our Entryway Chandelier Collection or read our guide on How to Choose Entryway Lighting. With the right lights, you can make your entryway look amazing and set the mood for your whole house!