4: Entrance Hall
* This area creates the first impression, so make a statement with your lighting. Think about layers of light: ambient lighting for everyday use; accent lighting light to pictures/artworks, sculptures and architectural features; background lighting for evening/night-time.
* Consider the style of this area - Classic, Contemporary, Eclectic.
* A Classic hall layout would normally have a console table along one wall, with 2 table lamps and a picture/mirror over. Allow 5amp wall-sockets for the lamps, for ambient lighting, and, for accent lighting, a single directional downlight centred over the table, set 400mm back from the wall (450mm for ceiling over 3m).
* If stairs and ceiling layout allows, fit a large lantern or chandelier in this space for a dramatic effect. It will create ambient lighting but the light will be quite 'flat' ie. uniformly lit, so make sure there is at least one other type of light in the area.
* In a Contemporary space, look for wall areas for pictures and light with one ceiling downlight per picture, centred over the picture and set 400mm back from the wall (450mm back for ceilings higher than 3.0m). Note that walls washed with light will still create the right effect, even if there are no pictures.
* In a Classic space, use a combination of wall-lights and table lamps for ambient and background lighting. Don't mix pendants, with wall-lights and table-lamps, as the space will look too busy; use only 2 types in one space.
* If the area under the staircase is open (ie. not closed off to provide an understairs cupboard), feature light this area with small in-floor uplighters washing light up the wall behind. Alternatively, provide a 5amp wall-socket for a table lamp or standing lamp to avoid the 'black'hole' effect.
* In larger entrance halls, there might be features such as columns, arches, sculptures to be lit. Use in-floor uplighters to create dramatic accent lighting of these.
* Wall- or skirting-recessed floorwasher lights provide a soft, low-level background light, sufficient to move around the area without turning on the main lights. These would provide a 'pathway' from the Hall to other Ground Floor rooms and can also be extended up the stairs and along the landing.