One of the first projects we usually tackle when moving into a new home is swapping out the wall or ceiling light fixtures. Replacing lights, one at a time, is an easy way to refresh a space, introduce personality, and set a new tone for the house.
Recently we installed a new ceiling lantern in our entry. If you followed our bedroom refresh in January you may recognize this fixture — it’s the same navy lantern I originally ordered for the bedroom.
When it arrived I immediately loved it. The navy finish is soft and subtle, and the brass accents are a delicate touch. It didn’t take long before I imagined how charming it would look at the front door.
Here’s the light that was in our entry before.
It wasn’t a bad fixture by any means, but swapping it out gave us an opportunity to add more character to the entry.
It’s worth trying a fixture in a different room than you originally intended — sometimes it just clicks. Although this lantern would have been lovely in the bedroom, we hung it temporarily in the entry and it felt right. The ceiling height in this area allows the fixture to hang without feeling oversized or intrusive, even for taller guests, while still delivering a substantial, welcoming presence at the front door.
I’ve always been drawn to the coastal, lantern-style look, and this light helps set that mood as soon as you enter the house. The only downside is now I need to pick a new fixture for the bedroom, but that’s a fun problem to have.
Sources:
Ceiling lantern (available in multiple colors)
More entry details and sources are included in my previous post about decorating the front door and entry with a pretty basket of spring branches.