Hallway spotlights light a narrow passage with nothing sticking out. Choose recessed, surface-mounted or track to suit your ceiling, then the spacing.
How many spotlights and how far apart?
In a hallway, line the spotlights up along the centre of the passage and space them 1 to 1.5 m apart. When the hallway is less than a metre wide, a single centred row is enough: the light bounces off both walls. In a squarer entrance hall, keep about 50 cm between each spotlight and the walls.
Place the first and last spotlights near doors and corners: that's where people pass each other, look for their keys or put on a coat. A spotlight aimed at the hall cupboard saves rummaging in the dark.
Recessed, surface-mounted or track, depending on your ceiling
- Recessed spotlight: discreet in a false ceiling, it needs enough depth above the ceiling. See our recessed spotlights.
- Surface-mounted spotlight: screwed onto a concrete ceiling, it saves cutting into it. Ultra-slim versions with integrated LED or a GX53 cap suit low ceilings.
- Track or spotlight bar: a single ceiling outlet powers three or four heads spread along the length of the passage.
Colour, bulbs and controls
Warm white at 3,000 K makes the entrance welcoming while staying crisp enough to check yourself before going out. GU10 bulbs can be replaced without tools; choose dimmable ones if you plan a dimmer. Under a porch or in an entrance lobby open to the outside, choose an IP44 spotlight.
A presence detector fitted to the circuit by an electrician lights the hallway as you pass, handy at night on the way to the bathroom. To complete the scheme, browse all our spotlights, our hallway lighting section and our guide to lighting a hallway.
Frequently asked questions about hallway spotlights
How many spotlights do I need for a 5 m hallway?
With 1 to 1.5 m spacing, allow four or five spotlights. Start about 50 cm from the front door, then spread the others evenly to the far end. If the hallway turns a corner, add a spotlight there, where shadows form. A narrow hallway only needs a single row.
Is a presence detector useful in an entrance hall?
Yes, especially if you come in with your arms full: the light comes on as soon as the door opens and switches itself off after you've passed. The detector is usually fitted on the circuit, instead of or as well as the switch. Have an electrician check it is compatible with LED spotlights.
What IP rating for an entrance spotlight?
Indoors, no particular rating is required. Under a canopy or porch, sheltered from direct rain, aim for IP44. If the spotlight is exposed to the weather, go up to IP65. For an entrance opening onto a garden, our guide to lighting the entrance hall helps you choose.
