Hallway Lighting Ideas for Function & Style
Give your hallways a well-deserved upgrade.
Make entry hallways, dark corridors, and passages between rooms more inviting and functional with the right lighting elements. The best hallway light fixtures differ depending on the height of the ceilings, the width of the walls, and the style of the home. Keep reading for hallway lighting ideas to apply to every hallway in your home.
1. Opt for Cozy Fabric Shades
Create a warm glow with this hallway lighting idea. Install flush mount light fixtures with white fabric shades to light the way in entryways or hallway spaces. The fabric shade helps filter light to prevent a harsh glow while still providing good overhead light.
Tip!
Learn more about this type of light fixture in our What Is a Flush Mount? guide.
2. Install Wall Sconces
This hallway light fixture idea is perfect for entryways and hallways, alike. Wallchiere wall sconces rest close to the wall and look stunning when used to bookend paintings, doorways, or to line the walls of the hallway. For narrow hallways, consider recessed wall lights for a space-friendly alternative.
Add timeless charm to your hallways with lantern flush mounts! Add depth with black metal fixtures or go for a stylish glow with antique brass fixtures. For this hallway lighting idea, we recommend spacing the light fixtures every 4' – 6' for proper light distribution. Measure the length of the hallway ceiling and determine the overall size of each fixture to determine how many you'll need.
Recessed light fixtures are installed in the ceiling or walls and provide bright overhead light. Choosing these is a great way to keep spacious hallways open and airy. Recessed light fixtures are also great for minimalist hallways where you want the focus to be on architectural details. If you need a narrow hallway lighting idea, recessed lights are also the perfect choice because they don't take up any unnecessary space.
Tip!
Reference our Recessed Lighting Calculator: 5 Steps to Figuring Out Your Lighting Layout and How to Install Recessed Lighting to learn more about adding recessed lighting to your home.
5. Display Statement Flush Mounts
It's easy to view hallways as simple passages between rooms, but they’re also a blank canvas where you can showcase your style. Transform your hallways into stylish displays – while also providing light – with this lighting idea. Feature bold fixtures with layers of gold leafs or feathers, ultra-modern geometric fixtures, or mid-century starburst designs to show off your style. Highlight statement light fixtures by creating your own ceiling alcoves using moldings or ceiling medallions.
Achieve laid-back vibes fit for boho or coastal spaces with this hallway lighting idea. Opt for flush mount lights with woven rattan shades for an organic textured look. You can also opt for wall sconces with rattan shades for another stylish hallway lighting solution.
Level up your entrance hallway with showstopping crystal chandeliers. Whether you have high ceilings or not, we highly recommend going with an adjustable-height crystal chandelier. This gives you the flexibility to try out different hanging heights. Have lower ceilings? Opt for one or more flush mount chandeliers! These have the look and feel of a chandelier while resting flush against the ceiling. Get more entryway hallway inspo in our guide on Entryway Lighting Ideas to Brighten Your Home.
Tip!
Check out our guide guide on Chandelier Installation 101: How to Install a Chandelier for step-by-step instructions.
8. Showcase Traditional Tiffany Glass
Add a bit of vintage charm to your hallways with Tiffany glass light fixtures. These beautiful light fixtures come in a variety of colors and design patterns, allowing you to tailor them to your hallway wall colors or rug/flooring colors. Replicate this hall lighting idea with Tiffany glass flush mount fixtures, chandeliers, or even wall sconces.
Track lighting includes a set of spotlights installed along a lengthy, narrow track – perfect for illuminating hallways! Angle individual spotlights to illuminate built-in shelving, artwork, or architectural details. Review Lighting 101: Track Lighting Types and reference the track lighting section in How to Install a Ceiling Light for specific installation tips.
Tip!
Love the idea of using hallway lighting to showcase photos or artwork? Consider installing picture lights. These light fixtures are similar to wall sconces as they mount to the wall. The light portion consists of a horizontal column that points downwards for an even distribution of light across paintings or picture frames.
Install hammered glass flush mounts on hallway ceilings for a cool upgrade from standard glass fixtures. This hallway light idea also allows for maximum light filtration, minus the glare that accompanies clear glass lights.
Brighten your hallways with energy-efficient LEDs! LED light bulbs look especially striking when paired with modern hallway light fixtures that have futuristic shapes or geometric designs. Check out Types of LED Lighting: Brighten Up Your Life the Eco-Friendly Way to learn more.
Your hallways can also benefit from a balance of direct overhead lighting and ambient accent lighting that you can adjust to fit the mood. For layered hallway lighting, pair an overhead light fixture with a console table and a table lamp set. Check out our guide on How to Layer Lighting in Your Home for tips and tricks.
Tip!
Want more hallway inspo? Read How to Decorate a Hallway: 9 Tips for Success and check out the 13 Best Hallway Runners for Your House.
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