"I'm not really happy with my hallway yet – but I don't know why." Sound familiar? That's completely normal. We often don't pay much attention to the hallway because we don't spend much time there. Light is a simple way to give your hallway a homely atmosphere. Here are nine tips for the right hallway lighting to show your hallway in its best light.
These tips will help you find the right hallway lighting:
- Basic tips & which style suits me?
- What are the characteristics of my hallway?
- Laying the foundation with general lighting
- Adding accents with hallway lamps
- Including the stairs
- Ideas for narrow hallways
- Hallway lighting ideas for large hallways
- Lights for corridors in commercial spaces & hotels
- Affordable lights under €100
- Hallway lighting plan at a glance
Basic tips & which style suits me?
Light isn't just there to make things bright – light structures a room. Depending on the beam angle or where it's mounted, you can create very different moods. But first, you should be clear about what you like. Of course, the quality of the light matters too, but ultimately you'll look at your hallway lighting every day – and that's exactly why you need to like it. So ask yourself: which style suits your home? Get inspired on Instagram, Pinterest or directly in our shop. Also think about why you chose your living room lamp, for example – which features you like about it, which you don't like so much, and why. Feel free to note these points down on a checklist – it will help you choose later on.
What are the characteristics of my hallway?
Your hallway may not be as individual as you are, but it will still have its own quirks. The lamp for your hallway has to suit these particular characteristics. Is your hallway narrow, long, angular, bright or dark? Think about the effect you want to achieve with your hallway lighting – and also where you need light for purely practical reasons.
Laying the foundation with general lighting
General lighting is important. When it's dark outside, it makes sure that it stays bright enough inside. For a daylight-like effect, there are spotlights and special ceiling lights. The difference is that spotlights usually have a reflector, so they emit focused light on specific points, whereas ceiling lights give off diffused light. Ultimately, it depends on how powerful the individual lights are. In general, the light in a hallway doesn't need to be as bright as in the kitchen, for example. Even so, allow around 100 lumens per square metre. We also recommend an LED hallway light. LEDs are long-lasting and use little energy.
Adding accents with hallway lamps
If you want to create a cosy atmosphere, add more lights to your general lighting. A table lamp works well on a shoe cabinet, for example. You can also use wall lights to highlight selected areas of your hallway.
When buying a hallway lamp, check whether it can be dimmed. A dimmer lets you increase or decrease the light intensity as needed – a flexible way to create a homely atmosphere.
Including the stairs
Hallways often have a staircase leading to the upper floor. The wall next to it is a great surface for creating an inviting mood with wall lights. Direct the light upwards for a visually expanding effect. If the bulb shines downwards, the light has a calming character. Another idea: how about a pendant light for the hallway that shines down onto the stairs from above? In large hallways, this looks particularly elegant.
Ideas for narrow hallways
Narrow, dark hallways are a challenge when it comes to light. And if there are corners involved too, it can seem almost impossible to make the hallway feel cosy and homely. In fact, the length of the hallway determines how many lights you should use. If the hallway is longer than two metres in total, you need two lights. In a narrow hallway, ceiling spotlights are particularly useful, as they blend discreetly into the space. A wall or table lamp above or on the shoe cabinet is also a good idea for creating a homely atmosphere. To create a greater sense of space, we recommend hanging mirrors.
Hallway lighting ideas for large hallways
Large hallways will probably need several lights to light every corner – but you have more freedom than in small hallways. Pendant lights are particularly good for showing off spacious hallways in period buildings. For a harmonious overall look, combine three identical lamps. Depending on the shape of the hallway, hang them in a row or in a circular cluster. Make sure the pendant light gives off light in all directions, not just downwards like lights with an opaque shade. This stops your hallway from feeling cave-like.
Lights for corridors in commercial spaces & hotels
In hotels and commercial spaces, corridor lighting is usually about creating the right mood. Above all, visitors and customers should feel comfortable and safe. Use warm white bulbs and make sure no part of the corridor is left in the dark. Ideally, work out an even spacing before installation – this creates a balanced atmosphere. Long-lasting LED lights are particularly suitable for commercial spaces. Also make sure the light suits your company's message. In general, we recommend a minimalist, functional design language – that way, you won't need to replace the lights if you redesign your corridor from time to time.
Affordable lights under €100 – 3 ideas
If you don't want to invest several hundred euros in a new light straight away, we've chosen three affordable hallway lamps that are still durable and sustainable: the Cannonball Cluster 3 pendant light, with its three light heads hanging from fabric cables, can be hung exactly as you like. Artemide's Teti spotlight can be mounted either on the wall or on the hallway ceiling, individually or in a group, which makes it extremely flexible. Normann Copenhagen's Rise wall light stands out above all for its friendly design. Rise is a mood light that bathes your hallway in a pleasant atmosphere.
Hallway lighting plan at a glance:
- around 100 lumens per square metre for general lighting
- diffused, indirect light for atmosphere; direct light to highlight individual areas
- use a dimmer to create the atmosphere you want
- plan the cable length and spacing of the individual lights before installation
