Hallway lighting should guide the way without glare and give a warm welcome. Spread compact lights along its length, then light the mirror and front door.
Spreading the light along a hallway
- Wall lights: one every 2 to 3 m, 1.60-1.80 m from the floor, slim enough to keep the way clear. See our hallway wall lights.
- Spotlights: a centred row, one spotlight every 1 to 1.5 m. See our hallway spotlights.
- Ceiling lights: flush and spread along the length rather than a single one in the middle; under a ceiling lower than 2.50 m, this is the simplest solution. See our hallway ceiling lights.
Choose warm white at 3,000 K, pleasant by day and by night. A motion sensor, built into some designs or added to the circuit, switches the hallway light on without fumbling for the switch.
Making the most of the entrance hall
The entrance hall gives the first impression of your home. A decorative pendant or ceiling light makes an impact from the front door, provided you keep at least 2 m, ideally 2.10 m, beneath it. Light the mirror and coat area too: a wall light on each side of the mirror, 1.60-1.80 m from the floor, avoids shadows on your face before you head out.
Metal (chrome, gold-tone brass, white or black) and glass dominate, with touches of crystal, fabric or ceramic. Modern and classic styles are the most common, followed by vintage and retro, industrial, rustic and country and Art Deco. Our guides to lighting a hallway and lighting the entrance hall offer more ideas.
Frequently asked questions about hallway lighting
How do I control the lighting in a long hallway?
Fit two-way switching with a switch at each end, or intermediate switching with a switch by each door if the hallway serves several rooms. A motion sensor saves fumbling for the switch at night; set its timer so the light stays on long enough to walk through. Leave the wiring to an electrician.
How should I light a staircase?
Light the steps without dazzling anyone going up or down: wall lights along the wall and on each landing, with opaque or downward-facing diffusers. Control them from top and bottom with two-way switching, or with a motion sensor. Keep the same warm white at 3,000 K as in the hallway.
Which light suits a narrow hallway?
In a narrow space, every centimetre counts: choose a flush ceiling light or recessed spotlights every 1 to 1.5 m. If you add wall lights, pick slim up-and-down designs, which make the space feel wider. Pale walls reflect more light.
Should I light the outside of the front door?
Yes, to find your keys and welcome visitors. An outdoor wall or ceiling light should be IP44 under a porch or canopy and IP65 if exposed to rain, in warm white at 2,700 to 3,000 K pointing downwards. Browse our outdoor lighting and consider a motion sensor.
