How to Choose a Hallway Wall Light

When it comes to hallway wall light, there are many different styles from which to choose. Whether you opt for sleek recessed ceiling lights or a stylish spot bar, there’s something here to suit every home design.

Generally, one fixture every eight to 10 feet is ideal for hallway lighting. Staggering them so that they purposefully don’t line up across a hall creates a more natural configuration.

Sconces

Sconces are often used as accent lighting, but they can also help to light up hallways and entryways. Typically installed in pairs on either side of an entranceway, these wall-mounted fixtures can add a touch of style to bare walls and help frame art, mirrors, or other decorative pieces. For a more eye-catching look, opt for an uplight sconce that projects illumination upward toward the ceiling.

One of our favorite sconces is the Kichler Nuvo teller-shaped fixture. Designed for use in traditional, transitional, and industrial homes, this wall lamp features a clean silhouette that’s versatile enough to work well with most decor styles. It’s made of durable materials, has a water-resistant coating, and can be used in bathrooms as well.

Another recommendation from our editors is the Gracie Oaks wall sconce, which has a classic, timeless design that works in a variety hallway wall light of homes. The brass-and-cane-wrapped fixture has a minimalist silhouette that looks good with both vintage and modern accessories. The best part is that it comes with its own built-in LED bulb, which you can replace with a screw-in incandescent if you prefer.

Alternatively, you can opt for a more modern style with the Meadowood sconce from Better Homes and Gardens. This budget-friendly option has a white fabric shade with a metal base in your choice of burnished brass, matte black, or satin nickel. It’s compatible with a dimmer switch, which you’ll need to buy separately.

For a more rustic look, the Anthropologie Salmar sconce is a great option. This wall-mount fixture is crafted from iron and brass-finished aluminum and has a lantern-style silhouette that can complement a variety of decor styles. It’s also available in a vintage gold finish for homeowners who want to give their space a touch of warmth and ambiance.

To ensure you have the right type of sconce for your hallway, it’s important to consider its overall size and how much light it will project when fully open. In general, you should aim to install sconces 6 feet apart (depending on ceiling height) so they’re evenly lit.

Spot Bars

Recreate a modern look with sleek and efficient spot bar lighting. These lights come in a variety of designs and finishes, so it’s easy to find one that complements your hallway’s overall style. They’re also perfect for adding additional light to a dark or narrow hallway without having a light fixture that juts out into the space. Most of these ceiling lights are designed to be installed into the ceiling, and their recessed construction means they are nearly invisible when not in use.

For a more traditional approach, consider flush-mounted sconces with a half-moon shape and shade that direct the light up or down. These lights provide a minimalist look, and some even have dimmer controls for extra customization. You can also choose a model with a low colour temperature for a warm glow that will help your hallway feel inviting rather than cold and clinical.

Picture lights are another way to add decorative accent lighting to your hallway. These wall-mount fixtures come with a shade that illuminates the art or photography you hang on the walls, and they’re available in wired and battery-operated options to suit your needs. They’re especially great for showcasing a collection like books or record albums.

Another option is a recessed downlight or GU10. These sconces are fitted into the ceiling and are typically indistinguishable from other standard hallway lighting. They’re available in a range of styles, from a subtle matte finish to shiny chrome or brass, so you can easily find an option that fits with your hallway’s design theme. Most of these fixtures come with a built-in dimmer, which gives you control over how much light is provided. To get the most out of your hallway wall lighting, consider pairing it with a new ceiling fixture and a small table lamp or floor lamp for more layers of light.

Pendants

If you don’t want to take the chance of ruining the look of a high ceiling by installing a chandelier, consider using wall sconces instead. They’re perfect for illuminating hallways with high ceilings because they draw the eye upward. They also help prevent shadows, which can make a space feel dark and unwelcoming. Choose sconces with a similar design to your ceiling fixture or opt for a style that’s different for visual contrast.

Pendant lights are another great choice for hallways, especially if you’re willing to be more adventurous with your style choices. They’re available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, so you can find the right fit for any decor theme. Try a clear shade that shows off the bulbs for a modern look or a more traditional wrought iron design to complement a classic design scheme. You can even choose a style with intricate detailing for a more dramatic impact.

Decorative flush mounts are also an excellent choice for hallways because they’re available in many unique designs that are sure to catch hallway wall light the eye. Choose a piece that pairs with other decor items in the hall like runners or art to create a gallery-like display.

Hallways are a transitional space that connects rooms, so it’s important to tie your lighting schemes together. Use matching light fixtures in the hallway and rooms on either side to create a cohesive look throughout the home.

If your hallway has a low ceiling, opt for recessed or semi-flush drum lights to avoid obstructing the space with a large fixture. They also work well if you want to highlight artwork or family photos that are hung on the walls.

A hallway wall lamp is a great option for a narrow hallway, especially when it’s paired with a table or console to act as a handy surface for keys and cell phones. A table lamp with a metallic finish adds a hint of warmth and works beautifully in a monochrome or minimalistic room. Alternatively, you can go for a sleek glass fixture that’s ideal for a contemporary or industrial-inspired home.

Accent Lighting

Turn a hallway into more than a passageway by adding accent lighting to illuminate artwork and showcase cherished possessions. Use sconces with glass shades for an elegant look or go for an industrial edge with metal fixtures affixed to the wall like the Edie wall sconce from Adesso featuring a sleek blackened bronze or golden brass base and a speckled clear glass orb shade.

Browse the selection of hallway wall light at Lights2go to create a welcoming entryway that reflects your home’s decor. Choose sconces in your favorite style to add a decorative touch to a bedroom, create an inviting ambiance in the living room or illuminate a cherished book collection in your home office. Then, complete the look with new rugs to keep foot traffic comfortable and stylish storage solutions for all your belongings.