Modern Hallway Lighting

Learn More About Hallway Lighting

Why We Love Hallway Lighting

The hallway is more than just a thoroughfare. Hallways are sometimes afterthoughts when it comes to lighting and decor: you use the hallway to get to the rooms in the house you actually want to be in. But hallways are also your first chance to make an impression on your guests and hallway lighting is the perfect opportunity to make it a grand one. Whether it is a hallway ceiling light or a sconce flanked on the wall providing helpful and guiding light, you'll find the perfect hall light fixtures you need here.

Where Hallway Lighting Works Best

Well, the hallway of course! But you'll want to carefully choose the right fixtures for the right purpose in the hallway. You can easily start with sconces lining the wall, but there’s so much more to work with. Use accent lights to highlight your favorite piece of art, or if you can’t decide which your favorite is, use an entire track lighting system. Track lighting allows for multiple touches of light and often includes directional heads, allowing you to point light anywhere you need to in the hall. If you have a low ceiling, you'll appreciate the selection of flush mounts. Mounted perfectly flush with the ceiling, these low-profile fixtures are ideal for spaces where you wouldn't prefer a hanging light fixture. Or, consider recessed lighting for proper illumination. These fixtures mount inside of the ceiling while providing a significant source of bright light (most use an LED light source). With an assortment of well-chosen fixtures, you'll take your hallway from a thoroughfare to an elegant area of the home.

Hallway Lights for Every Style

Hallways inherit the design style of the rest of the home and you'll want to choose fixtures that best represent the aesthetic of your entire home. Whether that is a flush mount or a pair of wall lights, you'll find a wide variety of styles to pick from here. For homes decorated with traditional and transitional elements of decor, look to the lighting by George Kovacs or Hinkley Lighting. Kuzco does a phenomenal job of bringing contemporary personality to the hallway and look to the hallway fixtures from Hubbardton Forge for something with wrought-iron characteristics. Finally, combine style with energy efficiency in the LED hallway lighting by Modern Forms.

Choosing the Best Hallway Lighting

Function is a critical consideration when it comes to selecting the most appropriate lighting for your hallway. First, determine whether you need lighting for the wall or overhead on the ceiling. You may also appreciate recessed wall lights and step lights installed on your hallway's baseboards. Next, refine your options by the size of the fixtures available. Remember to view dimensions for height, width and weight to help you choose the best options for your home. And finally, review the light fixture's bulb requirements to understand the lumen output and be prepared with the right light bulbs. If you have any questions about the hallway lights featured here, please call our lighting experts at 877.445.4486.

Furthermore

Advances in LED technology have led to light strips that can display the full range of RGB colors, perfect when used for indoor step lights as baseboard lighting in the hall. Pick an appropriate one to accent your decor or go full-bore and set them on a rotating pattern. Finally, to help highlight works of art in your hall, take a look at the available picture lights. Unlike a track or monorail system mounted to the ceiling, most picture lamps mount to the wall and allow for greater light coverage on a work of art.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hallway Lighting:

How do I light up my hallway?

Begin by evaluating the length and layout of your hallway. A common approach is to use a series of evenly spaced ceiling lights or flushmount fixtures for general illumination. Consider adding accent lighting—such as wall sconces or recessed wall washers—to highlight artwork or architectural details. Also, ensure proper brightness levels so the area feels welcoming and safe.

Expert Tip: Use recessed ceiling lights with adjustable trims to direct light where it’s needed most, such as toward artwork or architectural features. Pair them with wall sconces to create a layered lighting effect that eliminates shadows and enhances depth.

How do I make my hallway cozy with lights?

Use warm, soft light (around 2700K–3000K) and layer different fixtures to create depth. For example, combine ceiling-mounted fixtures with subtle wall sconces or small table lamps (on a console table) to produce a warm, inviting glow. If space permits, placing a decorative pendant fixture near a seating nook or entryway can also enhance ambiance.

Expert Tip: Install dimmable LED fixtures to adjust brightness levels based on the time of day or mood. Add battery-operated LED puck lights inside decorative niches or shelves to create a warm, inviting glow without the need for wiring.

What kind of lamp is best for a hallway?

A slim-profile lamp or wall sconce is often ideal for hallways where space can be limited. Look for a design that complements your decor style—whether modern or traditional—and provides sufficient light without overwhelming the passage. Battery-operated or plug-in LED lamps may offer extra flexibility if outlets are not conveniently located.

Expert Tip: For narrow hallways, choose slim-profile wall sconces with uplight or downlight designs to save space while providing ample illumination. If outlets are limited, opt for cordless LED lamps with rechargeable batteries for easy placement.

How can I illuminate my hallway?

Focus on balanced, glare-free lighting. Start with overhead or flushmount fixtures for even coverage, then introduce accent lighting to highlight key elements like artwork, mirrors, or decorative niches. If your hallway extends to multiple rooms or levels, ensure consistent brightness and design continuity across different areas.

Expert Tip: Use LED strip lighting along the baseboards or under handrails to create a soft, indirect glow that enhances safety and ambiance. This is especially useful in long or dimly lit hallways.

How many ceiling lights should be in a hallway?

The number of ceiling lights depends on the hallway’s length and width. A general guideline is to space fixtures approximately 6 to 8 feet apart for standard-height ceilings. If the hallway is especially long or has high ceilings, consider adding additional fixtures or a combination of overhead and wall-mounted lights to maintain adequate illumination.

Expert Tip: For high ceilings, consider pendant lights or chandeliers spaced farther apart to maintain a proportional look. For standard ceilings, use flushmount fixtures spaced 6–8 feet apart and supplement with wall sconces for even coverage.