Lighting a hallway requires some planning. So we've broken it all down for you to simplify things in our guide ...

Looking for advice on lighting a hallway? Whether you're working with a narrow hallway , a compact space , or a generous space , all hallways need good lighting.

A corridor lighting project aims to make the most of the space's proportions .

It is essential to provide adequate lighting for the tasks that take place there, and to create an excellent first impression of a home.
So, how do we tick all the boxes? We have the answers.

What types of lighting do you need in a hallway?

Just as with 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 which functions like good daylight.
Next comes direct lighting . This is the 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 light the entire corridor space?

Ambient light in a hallway can be provided by apendant light . Remember, however, that the aim is to illuminate the entire space, rather than leaving parts of the entrance in shadow.

Dark areas will make a corridor appear smaller than it actually is and will prevent easy movement through the space.

If a single pendant light is not enough , consider hanging a series of them in a long, narrow hallway, as you would above a dining table or kitchen island.

In addition to providing uniform light , they will constitute 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 is a good idea to consider using dimmers to soften the ambient light in the hallway when desired.

How to choose the best ambient lighting for a hallway?

If your hallway has a high ceiling , opt for pendant lights or a chandelier (traditional or modern) to introduce a striking focal point in this high space.

Ensure that the hallway lighting is proportional to the size of the space . For example, if your entrance hall is large, pendant lights should be smaller, whereas in a small entrance, large wall lights could hinder your movement.

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 direct lighting for hallways?

The level of brightness 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 area to allow everyone to move comfortably around the space.

They are also useful for stair lighting , where they can illuminate each step to make going up and down stairs safer .

Also, remember that, while 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 before leaving 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 keep essential items you need, ready to be grabbed when you leave the house, can also be a great addition to a hallway's work lighting arsenal .

A generously sized hallway can be suitable for setting up a home office if space is limited and you don't have the advantage 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 this : the larger the desk, the higher the lamp should be . Those that can be tilted are more versatile.

How to choose the right accent lighting for hallways?

It is the lighting of the hallway that will play the biggest role in making your hallway elegant and decoratively interesting, rather than a simple passageway.

You can choose spotlights that you can orient to highlight an element such as a piece of art you have hung or a mirror .

If the walls of the hallway are painted in a light shade , the light emanating from them will also reflect into the space, making it appear larger than it actually is .

Try spotlights to bring the light down and transform an ordinary wall into an attractive part of the entrance.

You can also look for attractive wall lights that focus light both up and down the wall to create eye-catching patterns of light and shadow.

For an elegant effect, opt for wall lights with drum-shaped shades that will diffuse light evenly upwards and downwards.

Vertical lamps can also highlight 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 each end of a narrow hallway piece of furniture , or use just one for a more casual, but still stylish look.

Lighting a hallway - What to do and what not to do!

Provide multiple light sources in the hallway (however small it may be) to enrich the space with detail and allow for changes in mood.
Consider placing accent lighting at the end of the hallway to draw the eye downwards and make the space appear larger.
Don't forget to light up the landings that you can see from the corridor to avoid having an unwelcoming dark area.
Look for lampshades and light fixtures with cutouts and lattice details to create elaborate lighting patterns.