Entry/Foyer

Choosing the right lighting for your entryway is all about setting the vibe for your home. It’s the first thing people see when they walk in, so you want to pick something that reflects your style. If you have a modern home, go for sleek, minimalist fixtures. If your style leans more traditional, a classic chandelier might be perfect. You also want to think about how much light you need—if it’s a smaller, cozier space, something subtle will do, but a bigger, more open entryway can handle a larger, more dramatic piece. It’s all about balance!

Yes, you absolutely can, and it can look amazing! Pendant lights are a great way to add a stylish focal point to your entryway. Just make sure you choose one that fits the size of your space—nothing too overwhelming if the area is small. Also, check the height of your ceiling. If it’s higher, you can get away with a longer drop, but if the ceiling is lower, you’ll want a fixture that hangs closer to the ceiling so people aren’t ducking under it.

For pendant size, it’s all about proportion. A quick and easy rule is to add the length and width of your entryway (in feet) and that’s roughly how many inches in diameter your pendant should be. So, if your entryway is 10 feet by 12 feet, you’d be looking for a pendant around 22 inches wide. If you have higher ceilings, you can go bigger for more impact, but just make sure it’s not too oversized for the space.

You want to make sure your sconces don’t crowd the door, so a good spot to place them is about 6-12 inches from the door frame. This gives enough space so it doesn’t feel cramped but still provides plenty of light right where you need it. The idea is to keep things functional while maintaining a balanced, polished look. If your entryway is on the smaller side, you might even consider using slimmer sconces that don’t take up too much wall space.

Entry sconces should be mounted around eye level—about 66 to 72 inches from the floor. This is the sweet spot to ensure the light spreads evenly and doesn’t cause any glare or awkward shadows. If you have a higher entryway, you can adjust the height a bit, but you generally want to keep the light at a height that feels natural when you walk by it. It’s all about creating that perfect balance of style and function.

Lighting a long or narrow entryway can be tricky, but it’s totally doable. The goal is to make sure the space doesn’t feel dark or cramped. A good trick is to space out a few lights evenly along the length of the hallway. Think wall sconces or recessed lighting for a clean look. If you want a bit more character, you could hang a series of small pendant lights. Mirrors are your best friend here too—they help reflect the light and make the space feel bigger and brighter.