Light your entry for a warm welcome
Your entry is all about making a first impression. This is where everyone first enters your home. So, no matter if it is grand entry or a small hallway, use it to set the stage for the rest of your home. Be creative!With the open floor plans of today, the entry space is often not clearly defined. 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 first. Changes in elevation need to be properly illuminated, and you want to be able to see who is entering. Stairs should be lit from top to bottom and have switches in both locations. Hallway light fixtures should be placed every 8 to 10 feet to ensure even illumination. For your entry you can choose recessed lights, ceiling lights or wall sconces or a combination of these. Note: Mount wall sconces above eye level, approximately 66' from the center of the fixture to the floor. This ensures that you don't see the exposed light bulb and don't hit the wall sconce while walking down the hallway. When the safety issues have been addressed it's time to be creative! 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 ambient lighting. In very large entries, overhead lights, like recessed cans or foyer chandeliers alone will have a hard time illuminating the space properly, not to mention adding warmth and atmosphere. 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 and make it more inviting. Place a small table lamp on a console next to a mirror, illuminate a niche with a favorite piece of artwork or place a torchiere floor lamp in a dark corner. Use wall sconces to add focal points at eye level. All these smaller light sources add depth to your lighting design. The right lighting can make a small space appear larger and a grand entry breathtaking.
