design dilemma – coordinating entry foyer lighting

I’m back today with another design dilemma.  Katherine wrote in asking for help with the lighting selections for her entry foyer.  She’s right in the middle of giving it a makeover and figuring out what to do about the lighting has her stumped.   She’s not completely crazy about the lantern that is currently hanging in her foyer, and she’s already removed the square shaped flush mount down the hallway, hence that hole in the ceiling you see in the picture down below.

She’s aiming for an updated look and isn’t quite sure how to achieve the look she’s after in terms of lighting.

I have a few different ideas for lighting in this space.

Option #1  – Work with the Existing Fixture

I get that this lantern isn’t exactly modern or contemporary, but the classic traditional look is really quite nice.  You can always add in modern touches with the accessories in the space.  Plus the bonus is that the size of this lantern works perfectly.  There’s only about 14 inches of clearance space from the door to the ceiling so finding the right size lantern/chandy/ pendant to replace the one currently hanging by the front door could get a little tricky.  Why change a fixture if you don’t have to?  To update the look I’d switch the traditional chandelier bulbs out for these clear round ones, that you can find at any hardware store. You’d be surprised how much something as simple as a light bulb switch could change the whole look.

This would add a little modern edge to this traditional lantern.  Then I’d bring in this classic vintage style flushmount fixture  for the hallway.  It will compliment the lantern, matching the finish, without stealing the show.

Or for more of a cottage, farmhouse look this one, which is actually an outdoor flush mount fixture, would also compliment the current lantern.  (*Little tip – Outdoor fixtures can work indoors so don’t limit yourself when you’re shopping. )

Either of these flushmount fixtures would work well with this lantern and bring in an updated look to the space.  This would definitely be the easiest and least expensive idea.  So long as the flushmount fixture has the same finish as the lantern you could choose pretty much anything.   (*Another little tip – I highly recommend installing a dimmer switch on both lights.  It makes a world of difference in the evenings, especially when you’re entertaining.  I’m a huge fan of dimmers in general but absolutely swear by them in an entry foyer!)

One other little thing I would recommend if she decides to keep the existing lantern in place and chooses the vintage style flushmount (the first one) above to compliment it, would be to add a ceiling medallion to the lantern.  With the low ceiling and proximity to the front door you can’t really go too grand in size with the actual light fixture, but bringing in a medallion would help to make more of a grand entry statement and would also be an easy add-on.   This one from Ballard Designs would add a really unique touch to the whole space.  I’d spray paint it white, so it wouldn’t compete too much with the lantern.  It would bring in that updated look she’s after while maintaining a classic feel.   An entry foyer is a great place to play with your design and really go bold.  This medallion would really up the wow factor and make that simple lantern feel a little more special.

Option # 2 – Bring in the Star

Since Katherine mentioned that she wasn’t all that crazy about the lantern that was currently in place and really loves this statement piece……..

but wasn’t quite sure what to pair it with for the entry hall light, I came up with a few different options.  It can be a little tricky choosing a coordinating fixture to pair with something so bold and unique.  You’d want this girl to be the star of the show, pun intended.  😉   You’d also want the lighting to flow.  If you get too matchy-matchy in this scenario it can be a little too much, and too much special ends up making nothing special.  Does that make sense?

#1, #2, #3

Number 3 is probably my favorite and the most budget friendly, but it all depends on how much actual light she wants overhead as this would mean both fixtures would be single bulb lights.  I don’t think a foyer really needs much in terms of brightness so that would be my pick, but all three light options coordinate well with the star while playing their supporting roles just perfectly.

Option #3 – Start Fresh 

Even though Katherine said she was in love with the Morovian Star, which I can’t say I blame her, I wanted to give her a few other options that would work in her space as she did mention wanting to stay within a certain budget. Saving money in one area of a room makeover makes it easier to spend on other items you will need for your space.  Since lighting is often something that is left behind when you move, you want to choose fixtures you love but you also want to be savvy about how you spend your dollars on elements you can’t take with you.  Lighting is the easiest update to make in a home, but it can get costly rather quickly.

Lowe’s is a great place to look for budget friendly, beautiful lighting.  And one of the things I like most about shopping for lighting at Lowe’s is that they take the guess work out of coordinating fixtures.  They create groups based on style, many of which can easily be mixed and matched, so each fixture coordinates without looking the exact same.

#1, #2, #3 , #4, #5, #6

These are all different options that work in her space depending on the overall look she wants to create in her entry foyer.  Keep in mind that you can often find more lighting choice at Lowe’s online than you can find in a store.  My personal favorite of the above three combinations is the last one – #5 & #6 – simple, classic, understated, and I believe it’s the least expensive of the all three combinations.  The key when you’re buying lighting from a group is to select pieces that offer some differences – varied shape, size, height at which they hang, etc.  That’s what keeps the lighting elements from looking overly match.   In each set above one fixture is bit more of a statement maker than the other.  I think in an entry foyer the light right by the front door should be the main player.

So those are my thoughts on Katherine’s entry foyer lighting dilemma.  What do you all think?  Which option would you go with or do you have any other ideas for her?

Thank you to Katherine for submitting your dilemma to this new design series here at Our Fifth House.  If you have a design query and you’d like some help brainstorming ideas, feel free to shoot me an email at Carmel@ourfifthhouse.com.