skip to main content

Lighting Design Dilemma entry

Two story, 20 ft foyer lighting help needed

Michelle Bliss Cole

3 years ago

We have a 2-story foyer. The peak ceiling height is approximately 20 ft high. We are doing some remodeling (as you’ll see from the photos) and I want to get a new light fixture. I need to keep the current location of the fixture. With the current height of the fixture, it limits me to something fairly narrow. Is the current height of the fixture appropriate? Would you hang it higher to allow for a larger fixture? All ideas welcome! (It’s not usually as dark as shown in these photos... only 1 of 3 bulbs are lit.)

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

PRO
Beth H. :
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
from the pics it appears as if the fixture itself is too small.

would something this size work better?

what kind of remodeling are you doing? otherwise, we don't know what kind of lights to suggest
Michelle Bliss Cole thanked Beth H. :
Brown Dog
3 years ago
I would go bigger and hang higher. Current light is too small.
Michelle Bliss Cole thanked Brown Dog
Related Discussions
Need help with chandelier in two story foyer please!
Q
Comments (12)
Sorry, I have to disagree with the others and say it's definitely permissible to hang the chandelier where you propose. No one is going to see the chain through the window, and the light should be down where the people are so it can give light to them. Well, I love two-story chandeliers and I LOVE palladian windows more than I can say. And I love big Williamsburg brass chandeliers. I have all three in this house, LOL, and my chandelier is hanging with the tip of its bottom about 8.5' off the floor. The chain is not visible through the window. Two decorators and a very smart lighting store owner have told me this is permissible, so I'm sticking with it. You mention getting a small fixture. How small? You want to make sure it's not too tiny for the space it will be filling. Now that would be bad! LOL. Light store lady and decorator #1 once told me the formula for size vs. space, but I do not remember, sorry.
...See More
lighting for tiny 4' x 7' two-story foyer with dormer
Q
Comments (13)
Pendant lighting would look beautiful showing from the second story and dropping down to the first story like rain fall. Led bulbs do not burn out so fast and last. Our glass would need light feather dusting twice a year. If you are looking for unique art lighting, in Galilee lighting we make unique lighting made of hand blown glass in beautiful styles. We specialize in custom lighting. We invite you to visit our website to view our unique lighting collections. If you would like to receive our catalog by email and get more ideas, contact Sales@GalileeLighting.com or visit www.GalileeLighting.com We offer free design consultation, to design the perfect size of chandelier for your space. Call us at 305-807-8711
...See More
I need help with this two story foyer wall color.....ideas please.
Q
Comments (16)
Yes, to your first question. You can see the lower TV room ceiling here and how it opens to the foyer. That walkway measures 47" width ( including future baseboard.) I thought a post against that wall would balance the newel on the other side and allow for a "separation" between spaces? I don't know what the color should do in this area? My husband wants the darker brown for the TV room. Also, our color "cocoa" drives me crazy- it goes pinky (flesh beige) with an east facing window light-(the picture below was taken this morning) and goes blue(brown) and relaxed in the evening with sconce/lamp light. I love the color in the evening. Most mornings, I think I need to repaint! Thanks for your interest.
...See More
Need help decorating a 2 story foyer.
Q
Comments (26)
The demilune table you have is very nice for the spot. Don't make the mistake of thinking you need to fill the whole wall just because it's tall. Try to keep things in proportion and remember to "decorate where you live". That means hanging artwork, mirrors, etc. as if your ceilings were 8 or 9 feet tall. Whatever you hang over your entry table should be about 2/3 to 3/4 the width of the table and no taller than the height of your door frames. I know it seems like there's going to be a lot of empty space, but that's okay. I moved from a 1949 cape with 7 1/2 foot ceilings to a house with 11' vaulted ceilings and had to learn that things really do look better hung at normal height. The current chandelier seems to be well proportioned for the space and hung at the right height. When you replace it, try to stay to something in that same size range. Congratulations on your new home!
...See More
Michelle Bliss Cole
Original Author
3 years ago
Beth, The fixture is definitely too small. But, it cannot be larger unless it is hung higher... It will be too close to the stairs. I’m asking if the height is appropriate, or if I can hang it higher to go larger.
PRO
Beth H. :
3 years ago
yes, you may hang it higher to go larger.
Brandie May
3 years ago
We are currently building a new home with 24 ft ceilings in the kitchen, it has been so hard to find lights that are long enough without splicing the wires for extra length. Take a look at Feiss brand fixtures, most come with 180" cord and you can buy the proper chain length from any lighting store if needed. AllModern is a site that has a search by hanging length which is great as well.

I have read that the ideal width will be the dimensions of the room added together, example a 15 x 15 room would be best fit with a 30" wide fixture. There are other theories on this as well but this is the simplest.
Michelle Bliss Cole thanked Brandie May

Related Stories

LIGHTING Help! I Need a Light!

TRANSITIONAL HOMES Reworking a Two-Story House for Single-Floor Living

By Becky Harris

An architect helps his clients redesign their home of more than 50 years to make it comfortable for aging in place

MORE ROOMS Tall Tales: Ideas for Two-Story Great Rooms

By Erika Ward - Erika Ward Interiors

Make a Great Room Grand With Windows, Balconies, Art and Dramatic Ceilings

DREAM SPACES 20 Dream Home Ideas From This Week’s Stories

By Mitchell Parker

Let’s play a little make-believe and imagine a home in which the sky’s the limit

HOUSEKEEPING When You Need Real Housekeeping Help

By Becky Harris

Which is scarier, Lifetime's 'Devious Maids' show or that area behind the toilet? If the toilet wins, you'll need these tips

WINDOWS Small Skylights Add Comfort and Light Where You Need It

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Consider this minor home improvement in rooms that don’t get enough natural daylight

LIFE Decluttering — How to Get the Help You Need

By Alison Hodgson

Don't worry if you can't shed stuff and organize alone; help is at your disposal

ORGANIZING Get the Organizing Help You Need (Finally!)

By Laura Gaskill

Imagine having your closet whipped into shape by someone else. That’s the power of working with a pro

KITCHEN DESIGN Soapstone Counters: A Love Story

By Alison Hodgson

Love means accepting — maybe even celebrating — imperfections. See if soapstone’s assets and imperfections will work for you

INSIDE HOUZZ Tell Us Your Houzz Success Story

Have you used the site to connect with professionals, browse photos and more to make your project run smoother? We want to hear your story

Sponsored

More Discussions

Help with light over kitchen table!

18

Lighting help for powder bath

14

Lighting Plan Help

3

Foyer light assist!

20

Educate me on lighting, please!

7