Thoughtful exterior lighting can act as more than just a guiding light leading up to your front entrance. It can help to lend depth and definition, provide a warm welcome for guests and foreshadow the atmosphere and ambience of a home. Read on to discover an array of entryway lighting ideas that provide ample illumination and inspiration.

Contemporary candlelight

This lighting arrangement is composed of floor candle lanterns, candle-inspired electric wall sconces and a glass-box chandelier just inside the doorway. The combination of light styles forms an array of warm silhouettes that combine to bathe the doorway in light.

Layered spotlights

Recessed spotlights laid across multi-level surfaces can lift a contemporary entrance scheme and create soft layers of light that highlight the pathway to the front door.

See how this contemporary Gujarat home by Ace Associates is brought to life through parallel series of thoughtfully laid spotlights along the floor and multi-level roof.

 Light wreath

String lights left over from festivals and occasions can make for brilliant bespoke decorations all year round.

A fairy-light-strewn garland frames a fire-engine-red exposed-brick archway leading to a double-door entrance. Notice how the plant next to the door, also ornamented with lights, adds to the cheery decor. Although this porch has been decorated for the holidays, it serves as welcome inspiration for year-round lighting.

Flush-mounted fixtures

For low-hanging entryways, flush-mounted fixtures can serve as streamlined lighting sources that offer ample light without occupying too much space.

This contemporary Bengaluru entryway displays a restrained clean-lined aesthetic that is limited by space. Accessorised with circular flush-mounted fixtures, the entryway gets a break from the all-orange palette, as well as adequate lighting.

Tip: A 23- to 40-watt LED bulb or several bulbs that make up the same wattage are an ideal choice for flush-mounted fixtures.

Gas-style lanterns

Gas lighting was popularised in the the late 1800s, before electric lighting became mainstream. Today, gas-inspired electric lamps have gained popularity for their signature ambient glow. These gas-style lanterns exude a classical character, accentuated by the soft flickering of the flames within. The burnished mint lantern shells are reminiscent of lamps from centuries past.

Traditional chandelier

A traditional chandelier can transform the look of a house, giving it an elegant flourish.

Moroccon vibes echo effortlessly from this glamorous Hyderabad abode by Moriq, thanks to its frontal facade. The gold-inlaid front door is overarched by a dainty black-and-white chandelier and a set of matching wall sconces.

 Industrial pendant lights

Cage pendant lamps are perfect for an angular look rooted in clean, straight lines.
In this Goa home by Architecture + Design Ankit Prabhudessai, an edgy pendant light fitted with a cylindrical filament bulb gives an unfussy, geometric edge to the organic stone-clad doorway. Wall lamps on either side of the door complement the main lighting source. The doorway exudes a warm glow created by a combination of uplighting and downlighting.

Combination lighting

Together, task and accent lighting can conjure a halo of light around a doorway, and work to spotlight important elements like the doorknob and keyhole, while emitting a soft glow in other areas. In this vaulted entrance, a pair of diminutive checkered lanterns flank the wooden pillars in front of the house, working as effective task lighting. Meanwhile. the panelled roof holds accent spotlights that wash light across the ceiling, providing an uplifting effect.

Two-way wall lights

A two-way wall light can be a fitting addition to a contemporary exterior scheme. Two-way lights can be combined with other light forms, such as door backlighting and outdoor garden lighting. Bengaluru-based GBB Construction Solutions gives this traditional double door a contemporary spin by framing it between a pair of disc-shaped two-way wall lights.

Twin wall sconces

When it comes to the placement of door-framing lights, a general rule of thumb is to position each lamp 6 to 12 inches from the door casing to maintain an even, symmetrical look.
These slim and understated cylinder wall sconces are high on form and function but allow the heavyset coffered door to take centrestage.

Single wall sconce

When space is at a premium and the gap between the door and the ceiling is minimal, a single wall sconce can be just the solution. Install it on the wall nearer the doorknob to angle more light towards visitors. Note how a single contemporary sconce on this sleek stone wall serves just as much as a wall accent as it does as a source of light.