Proper lighting is an important part of any well-designed interior, and as one of the smaller, more utilitarian rooms in the home the entryway is an often forgotten space when it comes to lighting upgrades. However, the entryway is the first thing people see when they enter your home so it’s important that it feels welcoming, and good lighting plays a big role in that. Besides the look and feel of the space, proper lighting can actually make your entryway more functional too.
If you’re looking to swap out your entryway’s builder-grade light fixtures for something a little nicer, we’ve got you covered. Here are 40 lighting ideas to brighten up your entryway.
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01
of 40Keep It Simple With a Semi-Flush Mount Fixture
Even if you already have a flush mount fixture in your entryway, swapping it out for a semi-flush can make a big impact. Semi-flush mount fixtures have come a long way, and there are lots of different unique styles and silhouettes to choose from. It can be a particularly great option if you have strong design elements in other areas of the space and you don’t want the lighting to be the focal point.
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02
of 40Bring in Texture
Use your entryway’s light fixtures to bring in some major texture to the space. This small entryway by Interior Impressions packs a punch with texture, featuring a fabulous 3D floral table lamp that ties the space together.
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03
of 40Hang a Group of Pendants
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04
of 40Pair a Table Lamp and Mirror
One of the easiest ways to encourage more light in your entryway is to pair a light source like a table lamp with a mirror. The mirror will help to reflect light around the space, making it appear brighter even if you only have a couple of light sources. Plus, mirrors are just handy to have in entryways.
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05
of 40Elevate the Room With a Chandelier
Chandeliers are a classically elegant lighting choice, and there are tons of different options to choose from. Whether you are a fan of traditional interiors, modern farmhouse style, bohemian-inspired decor, or anything in between, there is a chandelier out there for you.
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06
of 40Create a Symmetrical Look
Symmetry is a classic design principle that is pleasing to the eye and evokes feelings of harmony. There are various different ways to achieve symmetry in your entryway, including using your light fixtures. We love the way that Victoria Meadows Interiors styled this entryway table between interior doors with two matching table lamps for a symmetrical composition we can’t take our eyes off of.
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07
of 40Add Picture Lighting to the Mix
If you are displaying artwork or family photos in your entryway, then picture lighting is a great option. These wall-mounted bar lights help to illuminate wall decor below them, creating a focal point in the space while also providing a light source. The best part is, these types of light fixtures can be purchased in hardwire and plug-in options.
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08
of 40Let Natural Light Do the Work
HausChic / Christopher Lee Foto
Is natural light your thing? Sometimes, you really can’t do better. Plus, there are changes you can make to encourage more natural light in your space. Glass front doors, front doors with window panels, dutch doors, front doors with sidelites, and extra windows are all great ways to encourage more light.
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09
of 40Feature a Tiny Table Lamp
When it comes to table lamps, there truly are endless options to choose from. However, tiny table lamps are a great choice for small spaces or areas where you are looking to create some contrast and scale.
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10
of 40Get Artsy With a Neon Sign
Wall art that doubles as lighting? We’re in. Neon signs add an artsy, retro feel to an indoor space and are available in endless styles, colors, and shapes. Plus, you can even get them custom-made to say or display anything you want.
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11
of 40Add a Tall Table Lamp
Tall table lamps are great for drawing the eye upwards and adding some scale and visual interest to a space. It’s usually best to pair any table lamp with some kind of overhead fixture as well to ensure you get enough light at all times. This entryway features a tall and thin table lamp that complements the design flawlessly.
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12
of 40Go for a Rustic Glam Fixture
Elevate your entryway design with a rustic glam light fixture. This caged pendant light features opaque glass and rubbed gold metal that adds a subtle rustic touch to the otherwise glamorous entryway design.
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13
of 40Try a Hanging Lantern Fixture
Hanging lantern fixtures are similar to chandeliers, but usually include glass paneling around the outside like a traditional lantern. They lend well to a variety of different design styles but are popularly popular with country, cottage, and vintage-inspired designs.
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14
of 40Highlight Architectural Features With Drop Lights
If your home has tall ceilings then you may want to consider a cluster of drop lights. They’ll help to draw the eye upwards, highlighting your home’s architectural features as soon as you walk in the door. And if you have the space, why not use it?
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15
of 40Hang an LED Pendant Light
Decorate the entryway to a contemporary home with sculptural LED pendant lighting. Overlapped black circles echo the mirror over the console in this bright Southern California space for a cohesive look.
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16
of 40Hang a Vintage Fixture
Hang a vintage-style glass and metal pendant in a modern entry to add warmth. Hang the fixture low enough to anchor a floating round table to create a focal point.
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17
of 40Get Playful With Candlesticks and Neon Signs
@my_colourfulsquares / Instagram
This bright and colorful entryway by Instagrammer @my_colourfulsquares is made even more fun and playful with the addition of secondary lighting like the small neon signs and multi-colored candlesticks. Talk about dopamine decor.
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18
of 40Go Oversized
Fill empty space in your entryway with an oversized light fixture. This option is particularly pertinent if you have tall ceilings and a balcony overlooking your front door, where the ceiling space feels wasted. Keep the rest of your decor in the space minimal so it doesn’t feel cluttered and overwhelmed.
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19
of 40Feature a Geometric Pendant
@kath_cooke / Instagram
Geometric pendant lights are a great addition to any entryway. Not only are they eye-catching, but they can throw light in super unique and interesting ways too. We love how this star-shaped pendant light perfectly complements the stained glass door and vintage-inspired decor of this stylish entryway.
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20
of 40Choose a Sculptural Fixture
Add a piece of artwork to your entryway with a sculptural light fixture. It will instantly create a focal point in the space and is sure to be a conversation starter. Be sure to add a couple of other strong design elements into the room (like wall art, a patterned rug, or colorful accessories) to balance out the space and encourage the eye to move.
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21
of 40Add a Touch of Glam
Add the finishing touch to your entryway with a light fixture that exudes sophisticated glamour like designer Erin Fedderson. This overhead fixture features an opaque glass shade and gold base that elevate the space without going overboard, allowing the rest of the room’s decor to shine through.
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22
of 40Pair a Single Wall Sconce With a Table Lamp
@dacasabypriscilla / Instagram
Wall sconces or table lamps? No one said you need to choose one. This small entryway features both lighting options for a clever use of the limited space available. Plus, you can never go wrong by adding a mirror.
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23
of 40Opt for Recessed Lighting
For a super modern and sophisticated look, try recessed lighting. This formal entryway uses recessed lighting to illuminate the space, while sleek finishes and decor reflect the light for a super bright finished look.
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24
of 40Make It Coastal With Rattan
Interior design is having a love affair with rattan right now, and we’re totally here for it. Warm up a minimalist entryway with an oversized pendant light made from a natural material like rattan
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25
of 40Hang a Classic Globe Pendant
Classic globe pendant lighting can be a focal point or blend seamlessly into the background to allow features like a painted statement ceiling to shine in your entryway. Try a lightweight paper pendant for a budget-friendly alternative.
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26
of 40Capture the Eye With a Statement Fixture
Make the lighting the center of your entryway design with a unique and eye-catching fixture. The grand fixture in this entryway by Salthouse Collective steals the show, creating an instant focal point. Adding a couple of other bold decor pieces such as artwork and a console table will help to create balance in the space so the fixture doesn’t feel overwhelming.
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27
of 40Add a Candelabra
@dallasdecorhome / Instagram
Candelabras are classically elegant. While they may be mostly relegated to decorative purposes nowadays, they make an excellent addition to entryway benches and tables as a secondary, or tertiary, light source.
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28
of 40Add a Seasonal Twist With Hanging Flameless Candlesticks
@whereheartresides / Instagram
Here’s something you probably haven’t thought of before: Instagrammer Diana Fernandez (@whereheartresides) used flameless candlesticks to create a spooky light display in her entryway to welcome in the fall season.
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29
of 40Let the Light in With a Skylight
A skylight may not be a feasible option for everyone, but if you’re thinking about making some major changes to your space it’s worth considering. Nothing can beat natural light after all (and your houseplants will thank you).
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30
of 40Opt for a Bold Mid-Century Modern Fixture
Make a statement with a bold mid-century modern light fixture. Mid-century modern light fixtures come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, but we particularly love this bold and eye-catching fixture as chosen by Curated Nest Interiors.
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31
of 40Go Rustic
Amy Bartlam for Rincon Rd
If rustic design is your thing, here’s an idea that you’re sure to love. This country-inspired front entryway features a pendant light made from a metal basket and rope. Two black metal wall sconces act as a secondary source of lighting and help to create ambiance.
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32
of 40Try a Flush Mount Fixture
Flush mount fixtures don’t have to be boring and bland, and this vintage-inspired fixture proves it. It adds a touch of sophistication to the space without going overboard, and blends in seamlessly with the rest of the design.
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33
of 40Try a Beaded Fixture
Traditionally rustic and popular in farmhouse decor, beaded light fixtures have made a major comeback and lots of modern styles are available today. Beaded fixtures are a great way to add a little something extra to your entryway, without getting too flashy. Plus, they add lots of texture to the space which is always a win.
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34
of 40Keep It Subtle With Pot Lights
If you are working with a small space or are simply not a fan of big light fixtures, pot lights are a great solution. They’re subtle, a great source of light, and go with anything. They can be a bit more work to install than other light fixtures, but the extra work will be well worth it in the long run.
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35
of 40Try a Caged Chandelier
Caged chandeliers are intricate, eye-catching fixtures that are great for drawing the eye upwards as soon as your guests walk in the door. They come in various different sizes, so you don’t need to have tall ceilings to try one out. This stylish entryway by HW Interiors showcases how these types of chandeliers can highlight existing architectural features in a totally organic way.
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36
of 40Get Glitzy With Crystals
Sonya Sellers Photography for Victoria Sheffield Interior Design
Crystal light fixtures are a timeless choice, and will make your space feel instantly glamorous. Plus, they will reflect light in interesting ways throughout the day, especially if they catch some natural light.
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37
of 40Add a Touch of Gold
Adding some gold light fixtures to your entryway is a subtle and effective way to elevate the space. Gold is such a universal metallic that it doesn’t even need to be anywhere else in the space to work. Consider trying out gold overhead fixtures, table lamps, candle holders, or wall sconces.
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38
of 40Add Oversized Table Lamps
Make a statement with a pair of oversized table lamps. This is a great opportunity to keep the space’s color scheme going, as you can see in this coastal entryway design by Whittney Parkinson Design. Adding a mirror will help to illuminate the space even further by reflecting both natural and artificial light at all times of the day.
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39
of 40Go for a Two-Toned Fixture
Spice up your entryway with a two-toned light fixture. This entryway by Interior Impressions features a neutral color palette that is complemented by an intricate gold and black light fixture.
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40
of 40Try a Sputnik Sphere Chandelier
First popularized in the late 1950s, sputnik sphere chandeliers rose to fame in the mid-century modern era of design. These light fixtures are defined by a central orb surrounded by multiple arms that contain light bulbs—either in the middle or at the end. These eye-catching light fixtures are a great way to make a statement in your entryway.