Lighting a hallway takes some planning, so we've broken it all down for you to make things easier in our guide ...
Looking for tips on how to light a hallway? Whether you're working with a narrow hallway , a compact space , or a generous space , all hallways need good lighting.
A hallway lighting project aims to make the most of the proportions of the space .
Providing adequate lighting for the tasks that take place there is essential, and creating a great first impression of a home.
So how do you tick all the boxes? We have the answers.
What types of lighting do you need in a hallway?
Just like other spaces in your home, there are three types of lighting to consider when lighting a hallway.
- The first is ambient lighting . This is the general light that allows you to use the space, and works like good daylight.
- Next up is task lighting . This is lighting that allows you to perform specific actions. In the kitchen, this might be chopping and mixing; in the living room, it might be reading or sewing, for example.
- Finally, there is accent lighting . It draws attention to a particular aspect of the space. In a hallway, this could be a piece of art on the wall, a mirror or a piece of furniture. However, it can also be used to illuminate a wall, for example, creating a decorative effect to add interest to the space.
How to illuminate the entire hallway space?
Ambient light in a hallway can be provided by a ceiling pendant light . Remember, however, that the idea is to illuminate the entire space, rather than leaving parts of the entryway in shadow.
Dark areas will make a hallway appear smaller than it actually is and will prevent easy movement through the space.
If a single pendant light isn't enough , consider hanging a series of them across a long, narrow hallway, like you would above a dining table or kitchen island.
In addition to providing uniform light , they will be an attractive and contemporary element.
You can also combine a single pendant light with wall sconces to provide adequate background lighting for the entire space.
When lighting a hallway, it's a good idea to consider using dimmers to soften the ambient light in the hallway when desired.
How to choose the best mood lighting for a hallway?
If your hallway has a high ceiling , opt for pendant lights or a chandelier (traditional or modern) to introduce an impactful focal point into this lofty space.
Make sure that the hallway lighting is proportional to the area . For example, if your hallway is large, the pendant lights should be smaller, while in a small hallway, large wall lights could make it difficult to move around easily.
Consider the color of the lampshade if you are using one or more pendant lights with a lampshade .
Light colors allow light to diffuse to the sides, but dark versions may not let enough light through.
Recessed ceiling lights can be a good solution if the hallway height is not generous , as can small spotlights .
How to choose the best task lighting for hallways?
The level of light you choose in very specific areas is more important in a hallway than anywhere else in your home.
Consider adding low wall sconces that will illuminate the floor space to allow everyone to move comfortably around the space.
They are also great for stair lighting , where they can illuminate each step to make going up and down stairs safer .
Also remember that, as well as being functional, these lamps have a decorative effect since they illuminate the floor, and are therefore worth investing in.
If you need to check your outfit and makeup as you leave the house, wall sconces placed on either side of a mirror will give you good, shadow-free light for last-minute adjustments.
A table lamp on a console or side table where you store the essentials you need, ready to grab when you leave the house, can also be a nice addition to a hallway's task lighting arsenal .
A generously sized hallway can be suitable for setting up a home office if space is at a premium and you don't have the benefit of a separate room or you don't like the idea of giving up part of a bedroom or living space.
To provide focused light on the desk surface, you will need a dedicated desk lamp.
The rule is : the larger the desk, the taller the lamp should be . Those that can be tilted are more versatile.
How to Choose the Right Accent Lighting for Hallways?
It is the hallway lighting that will play the biggest role in making your hallway look stylish and decoratively interesting, rather than just a passageway.
You can choose spotlights that you can aim to highlight an element like a piece of art you have hung or a mirror .
If the hallway walls are painted in a light shade , the light coming through will also reflect into the space making it appear larger than it actually is .
Try spotlights to bring down light and transform a plain wall into an attractive part of the entryway.
You can also look for attractive wall sconces that focus light both up and down the wall to create eye-catching light and shadow patterns.
For an elegant effect, opt for wall sconces with drum-shaped lampshades that will diffuse light evenly up and down.
Vertical lamps can also accentuate artwork hanging on a hallway wall.
A table lamp can add a soft blanket of light to highlight a display of decorative accessories.
For a super smart look , place a pair of matching lamps at either end of a narrow hallway cabinet , or use just one for a more casual, but still stylish, look.
Hallway Lighting – Do’s and Don’ts!
- Provide multiple sources of light in the hallway (no matter how small) to enrich the space with details and allow for mood changes.
- Consider placing accent lighting at the end of the hallway to draw the eye down the space and make it appear larger.
- Remember to light up any landings that you can see from the hallway to avoid having an unwelcoming dark area.
- Look for lampshades and light fixtures with cutouts and lattice details to create elaborate lighting patterns.
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