Hallway Lighting Ideas: 22 easy ways to light up your hallway and stairs (2023)

Well thought out hallway lighting ideas make a world of difference and can transform a drab space into something warm and welcoming. From practical spotlights and wall lights to contemporary pendants and whimsical table lamps with a soft glow, there are endless ways to illuminate your entryway and set the mood.

Hallway ideas are often overlooked, but they are the perfect opportunity to set the tone for the rest of your home. Lighting can alsomake a narrow hallway look wider, if done right.

hallway lighting ideas

"Narrow or dark hallways need elevation, so it's best to use 'light' fixtures when space allows," says Piero De Marchis, Director,detail lighting(opens in a new tab). "Tilting ceiling lights on the walls or lighting art also gives the impression of a larger space and pushes the walls back."

Stairs and landings don't have to be bright, but it's better to use a discreet recessed light to change direction or level,” he says. Providing dim lighting in corridors is one of the top five problemsErrors in the decoration of the corridors that you should avoid, but carefully placed lighting can change things.

1. Hang a chandelier

"For an entryway that leaves a lasting impression, a chandelier exudes luxury and ambiance," says Mary Buchanan, creative director oflaura ashley(opens in a new tab)lighting and mirrors. Hanging a beautiful chandelier has the same effect as wearing statement jewelry and elevates the entire look. Some high street home goods stores have affordable options that give everyone a sense of sophistication.cheap decoration.

2. Light up with two pendant lamps

"Since the hallway is the entrance to your home, you want to make sure it's well lit and creates a welcoming atmosphere as soon as someone walks through the door," says Yvonne Keal, senior product manager atHillary(opens in a new tab). "A pendant light or two provides the perfect amount of light for entering guests and brightens the entryway with an aesthetic statement." Look for stylish recycled glass pendant lamps like the ones above, or opt for beautiful fluted glass for a hotel vibe.

3. Take advantage of architectural details

Successful lighting depends on the proportions and size of your hallway. If you have a lot of space, be bold and opt for a large format light or a smaller accessory set to make a dramatic statement. Take advantage of the high ceilings and experiment with lighting designs with different intrusions, as they add interest on different levels and unify the upstairs and downstairs.

"Stairs connect rooms and people," says Marketa Rypacek, general manager of the furniture and lighting brand.Industville(opens in a new tab), 'Connecting ground-floor and first-floor spaces, meaning effective industrial-style lighting can transform your home's interior hallways and tie designs together.'

4. Stand out with something oversized

"Since there's often little space for furniture, hallways can be quite drab. Interesting lighting is a great way to add drama and interest and set the tone for the rest of your project," says Peter Bowles.Davey Lighting(opens in a new tab). “An oversized pendant lamp adds a decorative touch without compromising space. If you have room for a small console table, a table lamp adds a warm and inviting touch."

5. Let in natural light

Touching part of the hallway wall allows natural light from the front room to flow into the entry. Of course, you should consult a professional before demolishing walls, but this can be a good alternative to brighten up your hallway (and increase the feeling of space in your living room).

6. Add a quirky neon light

Create a talking point with neon lights at the door. Not only is it useful when rummaging through your wallet and keys, but it also adds a lot of character to the room. You can hang it in the entryway or across the hall to create a soft glow.

7. Choose minimalist ball lights

Globe ceiling and pendant lamps have recently made a comeback and are a stylish yet practical option for hallway lighting when space is limited. They give off bright, but not glaring light, and give the room a minimalist, mid-century feel with their understated silhouette.

8. One velas

Create a soft glow and a warm scent with a few candles placed on a side table in the hallway. Pair flickering candlelight with a table lamp to invite guests over, and stand in front of a small mirror to reflect the light.

9. Organize a gallery feeling

Follow this modern hallway design by using accent lighting to illuminate a feature wall. Sleek matte black sconces hang above the artwork lining the walls of this elegant hallway. This accent lighting not only highlights the artwork to make it more decorative, but also adds a soft glow along the wall that helps brighten the room.

Library-style wall sconces are complemented by a spherical pendant light that cascades from the stair above to add another design element to enhance the hallway scheme.

10. Reflects light in a narrow hallway

In a narrow or small hallway, you need to create as much light and spaciousness as possible. An easy way to paint in addition to the bright white of the walls so that they reflect light is to use glass lights so as not to overwhelm the decoration.

A simple glass pendant creates an opening that doesn't make an already small space feel cramped or closed off. Glass also helps light expand further, making any compact space feel more spacious.

11. Bet on glamor

You want to make a fabulous first impression on everyone who visits your home, so choose the design that best reflects your personality. A large pink tassel chandelier will make your hallway a destination unto itself.

This interior-inspired piece pairs well with high ceilings, making it ideal if you have a vintage home. In this sleek white hallway, the homeowners went one step further and painted the door the same shade of pink to give the color more visual impact.

12. Set the tone with consistent colors

Use smart lighting at the entrance of your home to dictate thathallway color schemeas well as the colors of the adjoining rooms. in this brightwhite corridorA bright yellow pendant adds a welcoming touch, echoed in the stunning Orla Keily wallpaper in the hall-facing living room. Consistent use of color and pattern sets the tone for an uplifting decorating scheme and creates a sense of flow that draws people in.

13. Seek natural light whenever possible

When your floor plan allows, consider adding windows to let in as much natural light as possible. This view of the hallway from the kitchen shows how a compact skylight fills the space.small hallwaydaylight room. The layout of this 1930s five-bedroom family home allows for the skylight, but the same results would work from a small side window.

14. Illuminate an entrance with a spotlight

From a functional point of view, spotlights are always a convincing lighting solution. They provide directed ceiling lighting to well illuminate the space below. In a hallway, this is a valuable light source, as you can see everything clearly from the moment you enter the house after dark.

Directional lighting directly above a door is always good for security in the sense that the entrance is bright to see visitors on the threshold and engage with everyone.outdoor lighting ideas.

15. Balance the lighting to change the mood

Create balance by mixing alternate light sources. Opt for a kitchen bar spotlight to create a passage from one room to another and act as a purely functional light source. Add table lamps to create a cozier and more intimate atmosphere whenever you want.

Full ceiling lights come in handy when you're still on your feet and traveling from room to room. Since you've opted for a set of boxes and don't use the hallway as often, a softer light might better suit the climate.

16. Make a statement with black

Use the color in a more subtle yet elegant way as an accent throughout the entryway throughout the millwork. Pair the color with a center pendant light to create a central focal point. In this historic property, the ceiling rose window is beautifully accented by the contrasting monochromatic color palette, with black being the dominant color to emphasize the decorative elements.

A simple yet captivating gloss black metal with a bronze finish is more than enough to keep the court looking stylish.gray corridor. The metallic finish evokes the subtle sheen of satin wood to create a seamless look.

17. Light up the stairs

In this hallway, the owners have chosen a modern design with a contemporary oak staircase with recessed lighting. This design feature is ideal for a single-family home where the steps are easier to navigate as the lights clearly show the floor and the space between each step.

18. Use walls for downlights

Keep space in mind when choosing lighting. In a premium living space, sconces work great. In a separate dimming circuit, pattern detail is selected by adding recessed lights (or sconces) to this schemeidea for hallway wallpaper, and also highlights the oddities and whimsical objets d'art in the cabinet below.

19. Add warmth

A pair of table lamps on a console or dresser will add a soft glow to the room and create a cozy atmosphere. Keep the look symmetrical for an aesthetic that's pleasing to the eye.

20. Choose a mid-century design

The hallway is the perfect place to introduce color and design, but also to use striking lighting. Choose a bold design that draws the eye upwards, like this black ceiling light. Whether you're reaching for your keys, taking a last look in the mirror, or sitting on the stool to put on your shoes, task lighting is ideal for a hallway.

21. Light up a small space

if you have oneNarrow corridor, using mini wall lights or a single pendant works great. Keep in mind, however, that wall fixtures that pull too far can make the room appear smaller. Make sure the wall lights are high enough to prevent them from falling over as you walk past.

22. Mix and match your lights

Combining different light sources is a great way to add interest and character to a room. A pendant lamp provides practical, focused lighting, while lamps placed on a small table or console table cast soft cones of light and add welcoming warmth to entry halls. If the ceiling is low, consider sconces, which are also ideal for illuminating stairs and landings.

What is the best lighting for a hallway?

“If you have a long hallway, put ceiling lights at each end. This will highlight the long space and naturally invite guests into the rest of the house," advises Peter Legg, Lead Designer,where the lighting(opens in a new tab). “For a stylish and traditional entryway, consider using a hallway lamp. Or, if you are looking for a more modern touch, a single ceiling lamp.

“Overlay your lighting scheme to frame areas of interest like consoles or artwork. If you're short on space, wall lights help draw the eye upward and give the impression of higher ceilings.

"The hallway also serves a functional purpose, so don't forget to introduce task lighting or brighter bulbs to areas that need it," advises Peter. "Nothing is worse than having to tie your shoelaces in another room because you can't see them well in the hallway!"

How to improve the lighting in the corridors?

Ben Marshall Creative Director ofHudson Valley Lighting Group(opens in a new tab)He says that you can improve the lighting in the corridor not only by thinking about the ceiling but also about the walls of the corridor. "Both together create a dynamic play of light," she says. Sconces that highlight a work of art or a side table, as well as a pendant lamp, offer options in terms of brightness.

How to light a small corridor?

night lighting(opens in a new tab)recommends installing a multi-lamp luminaire in a small hallway, as it fills the room with warm light. "If you have a low ceiling, choose recessed lighting so you don't take up already limited space."

What color of light is the most suitable for a corridor?

Warm light is always more attractive than cold light, so we generally recommend going with a warm shade. But it depends on your hallway, for example, lighting expert Ben Marshall recommends considering the natural light that the space receives.