How do I add light to a dark foyer inexpensively?

Donna Gissel
by Donna Gissel



  5 answers
  • Laura Rogers Laura Rogers on Jan 05, 2019

    Re-paint to off white add a lamp minimize clutter to make the space look larger = brighter. Mirrors can reflect light from other areas.

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Jan 05, 2019

    Hi Donna! Lightening the color of the hall helps. If you can add plug in lighting or wired in lighting, it will help. A mirror helps reflect the light, also.

    • Donna Gissel Donna Gissel on Jan 05, 2019

      Thanks, Cynthia! Adding plugin lighting is a good idea, and if my foyer had any walls, I’d add mirrors. Maybe I’ll add mirrors close to the ceiling on the walls of our workout room. Hubby doesn’t want mirrors lower down. He doesn’t want to see himself working out.😊

  • Cindy Cindy on Jan 05, 2019

    Hi Donna. Mirrors are the best way to make a room look bigger than it actually is. Reflecting light is the best way to accomplish this. Do something interesting on the ceiling to draw the eye up. Either with paint or light. You could even install crown molding and run rope lights behind it. Paint with very light colors. Good luck.

    • Donna Gissel Donna Gissel on Jan 05, 2019

      Thanks, Cindy. If the foyer had walls (our entranceway is very open, but without overhead lighting), I would add mirrors. I like the idea of lights behind crown molding.

  • Mogie Mogie on Jan 05, 2019

    Paint will help lighten it. A white ceiling is especially helpful.


    Mirrors can bounce the existing light around some.


    You can make a fake window https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/faux-real-window-of-opportunity.


    Also you can lighten dark floors (even if you do that be putting down a light colored runner or throw rug).


    Use brighter light bulbs in existing light fixtures.


    Lighten up on accessories. Too much stuff can darken a room or area.




  • Oliva Oliva on Jan 06, 2019

    Painting the ceiling with a satin finish will bounce more light.

    Look for LED lighting in the 2400 -3000 Kelvin range, marked "soft white".