How to Light a Hallway

For the typical new home, recessed lights are standard light fixtures. For corridors, recessed lights provide widespread general lighting, take up zero space in an already cramped hallway, and coordinate with any décor. If you don’t want flashy light fixtures distracting from the corridor’s design features or artwork, recessed lights can be a great option for your hallway.

For light fixtures that offer a little more style and substance than recessed lights, consider flush or semi-flush fixtures. These lights will protrude from the ceiling without making the ceiling feel even lower than it is. With a wide array of styles, materials, and sizes available, flush or semi-flush ceiling lights can be unique design elements that add to the area’s vibe.

Many hallways are perfectly suited for wall sconce light fixtures. Placing a sconce at either end of a hall can help anchor the long space. Choose a bold design to punctuate an expansive wall with a pop of color – think stained glass, art deco designs, or colored light bulbs. Selecting vertically oriented sconces will help the corridor feel a little taller, while horizontal sconces emphasize the hall’s length.

The average hallway has limited space and low ceilings, which means that pendant lights are rarely a good choice. But if your hall has a high ceiling, pendant lights can add interest and depth to an otherwise ho-hum area. If you have at least ten-foot ceilings, consider placing a pendant light at either end of the hallway to anchor the hall and bring some fresh energy to the area. Choose pendants that fit the space and don’t make doorways feel cramped.

Is your hallway closet a disaster? Try these tips to organize your hallway closet from our colleagues at Molly Maid.

Many families find that hallway night-lights are a necessity. A night-light can help groggy children or guests safely find their way to the bathroom. Motion sensor lighting for a dark hallway is a thoughtful touch that improves the space for everyone. There are hardwired hallway night-light motion sensor fixtures on the market that will enhance the appearance and function of a hallway.