What Size Chandelier For A Foyer? (Find Out Now!)

Proportions are everything, especially when it comes to interior design. So, what size chandelier should you have in your foyer?

Depending on your foyer size and structure, you can calculate the proper chandelier for the space using a measurement formula. The formula is: (ceiling height) x 2.5 = ideal chandelier height; (room width) + (room length) = ideal chandelier diameter in inches. If you have a bright foyer, play around with shape by opting for an abstract or geometric fixture.

If you have a duller foyer, use a round or rectangular fixture. Lastly, make sure you have enough space between the base of the chandelier and the wall to give maximum light to all the entertaining guests of your home. Try our sample bedroom foyer to get an idea of the right size and shape.

Shining Effect: If your chandelier isn’t tall enough, test it by placing two boxes or two chairs at a 45-degree angle on the top of the base and right next to each other. The light from one will shine most evenly through each box.

Visual Appeal: Chandeliers and lighting are meant to make the space look larger, not smaller. Use twinkle lights to create a modern feel in the room by illuminating the entire room from all angles.

Price: The average room is between $350 and $500. Smaller rooms, such as guest rooms, can grab the attention of their guests with a few different lighting options and faucet arrangements. So, we designed our sample bedroom chandelier to be the perfect meeting place for the right style — it can sit in any corner of the room and provides direct access from the foyer with just a few feet of space between the base and the fixture.

2. Pillow Sculpture

Your guest’s pillow will make or break the experience of your sleepover. If you want to ensure a good night’s sleep, the first thing to keep in mind is to make sure everything is conducive to relaxation such as replacing your pillow with a softer option or freeing up a side of the bed to creak-free sleeping.

Often people try to place a piece of art in the center of their pillow to provide a calming backdrop for their possible tired eyes. However, this can actually lower the quality and cover the pillows’ natural texture. Additionally, visitors can slip and fall and damage the artwork if they aren’t careful. Look to purchase multiple pieces of artwork to get the right effect and to avoid potential damage to the art.

Shining Effect: A simple sculpting technique that looks a little bit like clockwork provides a relaxing, spa-like experience. It is most effective with pillows that have rolled tops and are quite heavy, so adjust the height of the sculpture accordingly to be at an optimal height for sleep.

Visual Appeal: Round pillow sculptures are elegant and warm — the most comfortable pillows for long-term snuggling.

First, let’s look at the most common exterior unit types.

3 Common Foyer Fixtures

As long as your home has a reception area, it's a good idea to have a vase of flowers in the center of your room. These simple, fresh designs appeal to both genders, adding a natural feel while still being considered work of art.

If you have an in-law suite, chances are it's better to keep the flowers simple. However, if you have a guest suite, consider adding a vase of flowers atop a bed of lovely greens or a bed of faux-woven paisley. The color and arrangement of the flowers will slight the overall effect and add some color to an otherwise dull office.

If spaces in your home are smaller, a simple sconce on an arm of the stairs works well. The sconce’s base needs to be at least 24 inches off the ground, though. An inexpensive, lightweight version of this vase allows for enough height for a high wick of candles without the base being a concern.

If the space between the living room and the kitchen is large, an estate-style foyer is the way to go. These cases are mostly found in homes built before the 1940s, though you might be able to build one in an older home thanks to a modern available finish.

What about your bestie or bFF’s office? Having a pitcher of tea or a laptop with you doesn’t make for a relaxing office setting. You’ll need a fixture that’s totally over-the-top for this space. Forget anything campy or kitsch. Go for an oversized chandelier to create an office worthy of your vintage coffee table and outdoor decor.

If your living room happens to be the largest room, consider a ceiling-mounted chandelier in your corner of the room. This gives the room a more formal feel than round or oval objects. Consider the following options for the centerpiece:

Chandelier with reach of 30–40 inches

Large colored and white lights for highlighting or accent

Snelt lights with hooks at the end for hanging arrangements

Repeatable light fixture with focal point

Small, clear work lamps for multiple uses

Iron man that’s always by your side

These small, amusing additions will brighten any room that’s otherwise dull and decorated with too many identical, matching decorations. Just make sure your fixtures are the right size.

What about a scenic, outdoor fixture in the backyard? Huge outdoor sconces on a large, grassy area can look prime at sunset.

If you have a sparse foyer and want to get a sense of what kind of look you want, you can custom-build it with smaller installations. (Illustrator Allison Jackson created an adorable chandelier mockup to help you visualize how you might decorate your foyer.)

The final foyer measurements should align with your specific property line and in line with the proportions you’ve established in your research. Then, measure your overall room width and record it.

Location, location, location: On to the foyer!

The main entrance of your house is king of the scene, and the focal point of your home. Ensure that the entrance looks good and is welcoming.

The number of windows you have (and the ways in which you’ve chosen to display them) will tell you a lot about how people would feel about your home. An unstaffed entrance, which is seen as open and inviting, will do wonders for your home’s home-buying credibility. Your chandelier, if any, should reflect that.

If your home lacks a front door, visual access to the foyer will depend on whether you choose a large single-pane window or a faux portico. Before you buy your turnkey property, visit a local home center and ask if they have the appropriate range of sizes. If you want to plaster in any window, talk to their window center and ask what’s available. At turnkey properties, the window must be removed before the carpet is installed to remove any hardware and chandelier.

Cordinating function and design: Pump up the chic with a matching fur vest!

In certain styles, like European Renaissance, there’s an overlap between function and design. When it comes to your foyer, design is key. An oversized fur vest, for example, is a classy way to convey function.

A chic fur vest is another way of saying “I’m a multi-level marketing ninja, and your suit is boring.