The Entryway Lighting Mistake That Is Immediately Making Your Guests Uneasy

As the first glimpse of your home that your guests encounter, your entryway plays an important role in setting the tone for the rest of your space. That's why this part of your home deserves a design that will make it a welcoming space that leaves a great first impression. Among the ways to make your entryway feel more inviting, choosing the right kind of lighting is a task that requires special attention. Just as insufficient lighting can make the space feel dim and unwelcoming, lighting that's too harsh can make your entryway feel cold and put your guests off.

While lighting is one entryway design element that's often neglected, it's something that can make or break the look of the whole space. If your lighting is too harsh, many factors could be the culprit, including wrong bulb tones, inappropriate lighting schemes, and fixture sizes and styles that miss the mark. Luckily, this entryway design mistake can be easily fixed with just a couple of smart tweaks.

One of the biggest mistakes that makes your entryway lighting feel too harsh is a light color that's too cool. Bright white lights or tones that lean toward blue can create a sterile atmosphere, making your entryway feel like a hospital waiting room rather than a cozy, welcoming area. To avoid this effect, opt for lights in warmer tones that help create a soft ambiance, choosing bulbs that are from 2700 to 3000 Kelvin for the best results.

Your lighting scheme plays a key role in the overall atmosphere as well. While many stick to overhead lighting only, going overboard with just this kind of light can contribute to the sterile look, as these lights can cast an uncomfortable downward glare. Incorporating layered lighting is key if you want to fix this mistake and add depth and ambiance to the space. Apart from your overhead light, add some wall lights and a lamp or two to complete the scheme and ramp up the warmth.

Finally, consider the style and size of the lights you put in the space. For example, an overhead light that's too big for your entryway can overpower the space and make it feel tiny. Similarly, while you'll want an entryway chandelier that looks cool and modern, styles that are too eye-catching can feel tacky and out of place. For the best results, choose light fixtures that are appropriately sized for your space and make a statement without clashing with the surroundings.