Often narrow or lacking in natural light, the best hallway lighting ideas shouldn't just illuminate the space for practical reasons, but should also create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for you and your guests.
Whether it's a stunning pendant centrepiece for a new hallway design, or a set of simple spotlights to transform your hallway walls, we've rounded up 18 hallway lighting ideas to suit.
And, with some expert comments to help you establish the best type of lighting for your hallway, here's how to wave goodbye to a dark and unwelcoming space, and say hello to an entrance that shines.
1. Light a cosy hallway reading nook with a floor lamp
If your hallway is on the generous side and you don't need space for extra hallway storage ideas, one option is to create a cosy reading nook in the space under your stairs.
However, if this is an option for you, you'll need to get creative with your hallway lighting ideas and draw on the same kind of lighting you might use when lighting a living room.
While the hallway overall is illuminated by a three-armed pendant light, the wicker floor lamp with arched neck may not be your standard hallway light fitting. But, it works perfectly in this setting, mirroring the shape of the pendant and creating a more intimate setting, as well as adding a practical light to read by.
2. Frame treasured hallway artwork with wall lights
Hallway panelling ideas are a great way of not just adding character to your hallway, but for also providing a clear structure on where to locate artwork or display treasured possessions.
In this example, a piece of art is placed across the wall panels and is flanked either side by matching wall lights to bring life to the space at night.
And, by showcasing the artwork, they help turn this seating spot into something more akin to an art gallery, space than a humble hallway.
3. Illuminate and highlight architectural features
When designing the hallway and staircase ideas in a self build or renovation, it's often an opportunity to create real wow-factor as you walk through the front door. But, it's only a wow-factor if you put the right lighting design in place that makes it pop.
In this example, a contemporary wood panelled wall has been used to enclose the staircase, adding a striking architectural feature, as well as a handy spot to place a bench and somewhere to sit and remove shoes.
In order to ensure it doesn't turn into a dark corner, a simple wicker pendant hangs in the corner, offset from the main ceiling but perfect for creating mood lighting at nighttime, when it will add a warm glow and bring out the natural beauty of the wood panelling.
For a similar light, try this Priyanka Easy Fit Pendant Shade from Dunelm.
4. Add hallway drama with track spotlights
Although often reserved for other rooms in the home, such as kitchen island lighting ideas, track spotlights can work well in a hallway that's large and dramatic in nature.
In this hallway, the spotlights are angled to not just spread light along the length of the hallway, but also to directly draw your eye to the artwork and designer table below.
And while the spotlight track is perhaps more utilitarian in design, it's this clever contrast between functional and fantastic that make this hallway lighting idea a success.
5. Light your front door from inside as well as outside
Although it's easy to remember you need porch lighting ideas for your front door, it's easy to forget that you need to illuminate your front door on the inside too. After all, you enter, and exit your hallway, so knowing where to go out is just as important.
In fact it's this attention to architectural features that can add real impact to your hallway lighting ideas, says Luke Thomas, design director at John Cullen Lighting.
"The hallway is your guest’s first impression of your home, so it should set the tone for the rest of the house to come. It is best to aim for drama not symmetry by layering your lighting effects," says Luke. "A decorative pendant or lantern may set the visual tone but it is the architectural effects that will create the atmosphere.
"To create an interesting contrast, use wall lights or recessed downlights to create a wash of light over one wall, while using floorwashers on the other side of your hall," he suggests. "Think also of combining uplights to highlight doorframes or arches too."
Luke Thomas has been in the lighting industry since 2008 and heads up the UK design team. Working collaboratively with top designers, architects, contractors and clients, Luke has been involved in a wide range of projects offering design-led solutions which improve our experience of spaces. He has been involved in a wide range of schemes from new build mansions to hotel renovation and castles.
6. Match your lighting colours to your hallway paint colours
If you're in the midst of searching where to buy the best hallway lighting, there's a simple rule to get you started, says James Kendall, operations director at KES Lighting.
"When choosing hallway lighting, start by considering the proportions of the space. Narrow or darker hallways benefit from lighter, reflective finishes and fittings that spread light evenly, while larger spaces can handle bolder statement pieces," advises James.
Then, when you've figured out size and scale, one way of making your scheme feel cohesive is to match colours. This black and white hallway idea is a great example of how a monochrome palette that runs across the hallway flooring, walls and lighting, creates a light and airy hallway that is anything other than bland.
Whether it's dazzling crystal chandeliers and statement wall lights or designer lamps and elegant drop pendants, James and his knowledgeable team are always on hand to help customers find the perfect lighting for their individual project.
7. Or, mix and match lighting styles for an eclectic effect
Of course, while matching lighting products works for some, it's not always to everyone's taste, and if you're looking for hallway lighting to work in a more traditional space, such as a Victorian hallway, a more eclectic approach can work too.
But, even if you prefer to keep your light fittings matching, taking a mix-and-match approach to the types of lighting is essential to making your hallway lighting ideas work, says James Kendall.
"To get the best out of your lighting, layer different sources. Combine overhead fittings with wall sconces or strategically placed table lamps on a console to add warmth and depth. Using warm white bulbs and dimmer switches allows you to adjust the mood from bright and functional to soft and welcoming."
Shop hallway lighting
Adjust the height of this pendant to suit your hallway and flood it with light thanks to the ribbed glass shade
Place this matching pair of lights at either end of a console table for a warm and welcoming light
Create a glowing centerpiece using this light on your ceiling in your hallway lighting
8. Use hallway mirrors to reflect light
Although Claire Pendarves, independent lighting consultant recommends avoiding placing a mirror at the end of a narrow hallway, telling us, "this will draw the eye to the narrowness of the hallway rather than the height," mirrors can serve a purpose in a larger space.
Here, a metal sculptural light hangs low in one corner of the hallway, drawing attention to the wooden sculpture on the floor, while a large floorstanding mirror serves to bounce the light from the light back into the space, giving the light both a practical and transformative purpose.
9. Paint your hallway wall light the same colour as your wall
Wall lights are a valuable addition to your hallway lighting ideas, and can light both upwards and downwards to great effect. But, what if you want your hallway paint ideas to take centre stage, rather than your lighting scheme?
Or, perhaps you're trying to find products that work with your narrow hallway ideas, and need a light that doesn't protrude too much. After all, the last thing you want is people knocking into them when walking through your hall.
If this applies to you, the best solution is to opt for a paintable wall light such as the Lindby Wall Lamp from Lights.co.uk. Disguising the light fitting won't dim its ability to wash your wall with a warm glow and ensure safe and easy transition through the space.
10. Use bulbs with a warm light temperature
To achieve that warm and welcoming feel to your hallway lighting ideas, getting the temperature of your lighting is key. Too cold and the space will feel stark and characterless.
“I usually recommend 2700K temperature to create a warm but bright light and a CRI of 90+ to give maximum clarity to that light," says Claire Pendarves.
Also essential to the success of your hallway lighting? "As hallways serve as transitional spaces between rooms, make sure the lighting is dimmable," says Luke Thomas. "This allows for seamless mood continuity. When other rooms are dimly lit, you don’t want a harshly bright hallway to disrupt the ambiance."
11. Use glass pendants in darker hallways
In hallways lacking in natural light, or one that's formed from a narrow corridor, there are a number of tricks you can employ to help visually elongate the space.
Using glass pendants or shades, such as the London Industrial Pendant Light from Dunelm will help to allow the maximum amount of light penetrate into the hallway.
"Another trick is to draw the eye to the next spot down a hallway as this adds interest and helps to foreshorten a long narrow space," says Luke Thomas. "The eye is always drawn to the brightest point so consider lighting the half stairway or an object at the far end of your hall," he suggests.
12. Add natural lighting where you can
If you're in the fortunate position of designing a self build, you may not need to rely solely on artificial lighting for your hallway lighting ideas. And, even if you're building an extension to create a new hallway, you have the opportunity to address any shortcomings in the natural light department.
Rooflights are incredibly effective at flooding a room with space. Or, there are simpler options too often based around front door ideas. These include choosing a front door with glazing, or adding sidelights or a fanlight around a front door.
Even internal window ideas can help bring light in from the adjoining rooms where natural light may prevail.
13. Use pendant lights carefully with lower hallway ceilings
While it's easy to get carried away with stunning light fittings, it's important to think about the practicalities too, as there can sometimes be an issue when it comes to using overhead lighting in a hallway.
Unlike in other rooms of the house, where dropped lights can sit above furniture, making sure they're never directly in the way of someone using the space, a hallway has to have sufficient room for people of all heights to use it safely – and for doors to open and close without any mishap.
One option, if you don't have particularly high ceilings, is to use a flush or semi-flush light, such as this Lindby Josia Pendant light from Lights.co.uk that will ensure plenty of light, without the risk of sore heads.
14. Use task lighting for better functionality
As the hallway serves a functional purpose, make sure you allow enough task lighting for those areas where you need to perform practical tasks such as putting on coats or shoes.
After all, there's nothing worse than having to tie your shoelaces in the dark or even picking non-matching pairs. Task lighting can take the form of wall lights, or even spotlights or downlights can be used to focus on the most important areas.
Not included enough lights in your original hallway scheme and want to add more? Why not consider plug in wall lights such or even rechargeable wall lights such as this Double Chukka Rechargeable Wall Fitting from Pooky. It can be customised with shades to suit your decor and won't require paying for an electrician to install it.
15. Include smart lighting for extra home security
Smart lighting is one of the pillars of smart home tech, and where better to use it than in the hallway. App-controlled lighting is a great hallway lighting idea for a few reasons:
1. It's actually useful. You can use it as you pull up the drive or are walking to the door, rather than fumbling in the dark with your shoes and coat, trampling over the day's post.
2. You can set automatic timers and schedules so that, during winter or if you work at night, the lights can be set to illuminate as you arrive home.
3. Smart lighting can be used with the best home security systems as a burglary deterrent when you're away from home.
16. Use accent lighting in your hallway to draw the eye
Accent lighting is made for hallways. In a small narrow space, accent lighting not only adds interest and intrigue but it also contributes to the overall ambient lighting.
In larger, more luxurious hallways, it turns what's already an impressive entrance into something more spectacular. Spotlights are for highlighting artwork in your hallway, for example, or use uplighters to create dynamic shapes and highlight key features.
You can also consider accent lighting from both ends of the hallway, using it to draw the eye down the hallway when you first come in, and easily marking the way to the front door upon exit.
17. Add LED strips to highlight floor level changes
Another two-for-one when it comes to hallway lighting ideas is to use LED lighting strips to highlight any changes in floor level in your hallway.
You get some brilliant accent lighting that displays this quirk of the space, but also a useful trip hazard warning that will ensure no guests find themselves falling over any unexpected steps.
If you have shadow gaps instead of skirting, also consider running it along these for subtle but safe lighting at nighttime if you need to come home late.
18. Used recessed ceiling lighting in windowless hallways
As hallways are often light-starved and with little to no natural light, try a clever design trick such as using recessed ceiling lighting to bring in the sense of more light.
Using a dropped ceiling panel is the perfect way to include hidden or recessed lighting in your hallway light ideas. As you can't see the source from your hallway, it can feel as though natural light might be creeping in from some high-level windows.
Another essential to getting this right, is found in the cool light vs warm light debate. While it's normally recommended to opt for the latter in most hallway lighting schemes using a much cooler colour light in this case creates the daylight effect you need.
The final advice for getting your hallway lighting spot on? Be mindful of how many circuits you use, as getting it right can be a real balancing act.
On the one hand, the more lighting circuits you have, the more adaptable your space becomes and the more combinations of lighting you can make use of. However, too many switches in one space, particularly in a small hallway, and you might find yourself endlessly flipping different types of light switches to find the right ones.
And, if you're keen for the space between your hallway, staircase and landing to flow, make sure you consider your landing lighting ideas at the same time as your hallway s that the transition between floors is smooth and safe.
