Photo: Igadi House
The entrance is the space that welcomes you and sets the tone for the home. Proper lighting is essential to enhance it, but it can also improve safety and make access easier. Choosing the right lights for the entrance can make all the difference in terms of both style and functionality.
Outdoor entrance lamp
Outdoor lights above the entrance door are a timeless classic. They can be wall lamps, spotlights or ceiling lights.
These light up the outdoor area and provide safety and convenience, and are even more useful when connected to motion sensors.
For outdoor entrance lights, choose weather-resistant models with a design in keeping with the building, giving you ideal lighting to create a welcoming effect and improve visibility during the evening or night hours.
Types of internal entrance: long corridor
A long corridor entrance requires even lighting to avoid shadowy areas. Lamps running along the ceiling, positioned at regular intervals, create continuous and well-distributed illumination.
Alternatively, you can install wall lights, which create a cosier effect.
There’s no universal rule, but there are some guidelines to bear in mind for effective lighting in a long corridor:
- For standard-sized corridors (width 1–2 metres, height 2.5–3 metres), the optimal distance between lights should be between 1.5 and 2 metres.
- In wider corridors (over 2 metres in width), the distance can be increased to 3.5–4 metres.
- In long, narrow corridors (less than 1 metre wide), the distance should be reduced to 1-1.5 metres to avoid shadowy areas.
Other factors to consider include:
- Ceiling height: the higher the ceiling, the greater the distance between the lights should be to ensure good coverage.
- Type of lighting: more powerful lights or those with a wider beam can be positioned at greater distances.
The perfect lights for an entrance opening onto the living area
Entrances that open directly onto the living room can be enhanced with a central pendant or a series of decorative lamps, such as a row of pendants. In this context, the lighting can be less technical and more decorative, visually integrating the entrance with the rest of the living space. Choosing a warm colour temperature helps create a welcoming atmosphere that matches the living room.
A winning idea is to integrate dimmers or smart lamps to adjust the light intensity in the entrance, adapting it to different occasions, from welcoming guests to relaxing evenings.
Lighting ideas for your home entrance: design inspiration
For a sophisticatedly designed indoor entrance, you can combine multiple light sources: minimalist wall lights, ceiling lights, and perhaps a desk lamp can create interesting lighting effects. In a modern space, a mix of materials (such as metal and glass) adds depth and personality.
Choose the right colour temperature
For indoor entrances, a warm light (2700K-3000K) is perfect, as it creates a welcoming atmosphere. Outdoors, you can also opt for a neutral light (3500K-4000K), which offers visibility without altering natural colours.
Technology and smart lighting
Smart or dimmable lights are ideal for entranceways: they allow you to adjust the brightness according to the time of day or occasion, improving energy efficiency and atmosphere.
Practical tips for Entrance Lighting
- Choose warm and welcoming light tones, avoiding lighting that is too cold or harsh.
- Position the lights to eliminate shadowy areas and ensure good visibility.
- Consider integrating your entrance lights with motion sensors, for convenience and security.
- Keep the entrance lights clean and well maintained.
Entrance lighting is a key element in creating the right impression and improving the functionality of this area of the home. By carefully choosing the right lights, you can achieve a welcoming, safe and aesthetically pleasing result.
