Like the piece of jewelry that punctuates an outfit, the entrance chandelier completes your home. It is an important piece that sets the stage for the mood as soon as you enter the door.
But that choice can be a little tricky.
You want something eye-catching but not too heavy. The upside to all of this is that out of all those options, you’re bound to find the perfect fit for your entryway.
Consider the Foyer Size
The first factor to consider when choosing an entrance chandelier is your foyer space.
A small room requires a delicate fixture, while a grand two-story foyer can accommodate a showstopping statement piece.
For standard 8-10’ ceilings, a perfect size entrance chandelier would be 32-36” wide. This gives off plenty of light without flooding the space. In a grander entrance, you can scale up to 48-60 inches wide for maximum first impression impact.
Keep proportions in mind. You want the chandelier to feel balanced in the space, not swallowed or hanging like an awkward pendant. Scale is key.
Match Your Style
Your entryway chandelier should match your home’s design.
What’s your style? Traditional, modern, coastal? Again, the lighting should be matched to be seamless.
Ornate crystal chandeliers are best for traditional spaces. Choose for graceful curved arms, tumbling prisms and gold or silver tones.
Sleek linear fixtures are popular in contemporary interiors. Go with a geometric minimalist style in brushed nickel or bronze.
For rustic and farmhouse styles, wrought iron, antlers, or carved wood. You can also do pendant lighting grouped together.
Regardless of your style, choose timeless over trendy. A chandelier in the entrance hall is likely to remain on until years to come. Pick a timeless design you’ll appreciate over the long haul.
Consider the Finish
The finish on the metal makes a big difference to appearance and feel. Satin nickel and brushed bronze are quietly elegant. Shiny brass and tarnished silver add a vintage feel. Black wrought iron is a statement in itself.
Match existing hardware and lighting fixtures in a home. A consistent finish all over gives an overall polished, pulled-together aesthetic.
Oil-rubbed bronze has a weathered Old World allure. Also, the dark color and sheen give a sense of depth and dimension. It reads widely: in traditional, rustic or eclectic spaces.
Choose Bulb Types Wisely
Use bulbs that give off a warm welcome. Incandescent lighting has a warm and inviting glow. LEDs provide great brightness and energy efficiency.
Dimmable bulbs help create the right atmosphere. Lighter for chores and work, dimmer for relaxation. Dimming also lengthens the lifespan of bulbs.
Choose bulbs of all the same color temperature. Combining cold and warm tones feels incoherent. Stay with soft white or bright white if you desire.
Show Off Architectural Features
Since this should be an arrival space, be sure to place that entry chandelier in a way that highlights any lovely architectural details. Use lighting to highlight lovely niches, arches or decorative trims.
Place a linear fixture above the foyer entry to the living room. Hang a chandelier from a ceiling medallion or over a staircase. Install sconces on either side of windows or mirrors.
Good lighting can highlight and amplify what are your home’s best features. Use it purposefully to establish a cohesive, inviting aesthetic.
Layer with More Lighting
Don't stop at the entrance chandelier.
Add sconces, pendants and recessed lights for a well-lit space.
Install enough task lighting at the front door for unlocking and seeing guests. Use accent lighting to highlight plants, artwork, or a console table.
Walnut walls, a rangy fiberglass roof, and a golden-and-green commercial carpet bathe the walls and ceiling in ambient light. Incorporating multiple sources creates a bright, diffuse foyer you and guests will appreciate.
Take Action!
Now that you have some idea of the most suitable types of chandeliers for an entrance; you can shop and find the best one.
MH Lighting has an absolutely gorgeous selection here: https://mhlightings.com/
Of course, our team loves to help you enhance your entryway and home with lighting. Explore our site today for entrance chandeliers to light up the room.
