First impressions count. And, you want your guests to feel comfortable and warm when they visit. The hallway is the first thing they see and interact with when they enter your house. It’s therefore vital that you ensure the interior décor and lighting in the space is top-notch.
Poorly lit areas tend to be underwhelming and uninviting. So, what do you do if there are no windows in your hallway and the space seems too dim?
Read on to learn tips and tricks you can use to light up your dark hallway.
Practical Tips to Help You Brighten Dark Hallways
Proper lighting is crucial to your well-being. It plays a pivotal role in regulating your body’s circadian rhythm. This is why you should ensure that there is adequate lighting in your hallway. Below are some tips and tricks to help you light up your dark entryway.
Add Mirrors
Strategically position the mirrors in your hallway for enhanced illumination. You should place them against light sources within or outside of the space. The reflective surface bounces light onto other areas within the room which helps to brighten up the entryway.
Install Skylights
There are several clever ways you can use to light up your hallway that guarantee to leave a great and lasting impression on your guests. And, one of the most convenient and affordable methods is adding a skylight. However, it’s not for everyone. You’ll first need to check your roof’s design to see whether it can work.
If it’s ideal, pairing your skylight with mirrors will take your entryway from drab to fab in an instant. It’s the perfect recipe for a lasting impression.
Embrace Layered Lighting
Relying on one source of light in any space isn’t ideal. If you’ve already got a pendant or chandelier light centered in your hallway, add some wall sconces and floor lamps. This ensures uniform light distribution throughout the space.
Be aware that most hanging lights tend to make a room appear smaller. If you want to avoid this, its’ best to go for flush-mount fixtures.
Future-Proof Your Lighting
You may have added the classic mirrors, stylish console table, and lamp to help elevate your hallway interior and still feel like something’s off. The perfect addition is recessed LED ceiling lights. Even though it’s tucked away, this light design goes a long way toward brightening the space.
Take Advantage of the Light From the Adjoining Rooms
You can install transparent glass doors for the rooms nearest to your hallway to allow more light to stream into the space. You can also create internal windows. Be aware that even though they’re highly effective, they can be too pricey.
The window treatments used in the adjacent rooms should allow ample natural light for great results. If applied properly, this trick is very cost-effective and delivers a beautiful effect in your hallway. The space will feel brighter and more spacious.
Avoid Clutter
It’s best to keep things simple and minimalistic when lighting up your hallway. Adding too many things in the space can block light from reaching other areas. This is especially true for opaque items.
If you wish to add objects to the space, it’s best to pick items with clear or reflective surfaces. However, even when doing this, you should avoid clutter. Be aware that too many reflective surfaces within a space can cause glare resulting in eye fatigue.
Things to Consider When Lighting Up Your Hallway
To get your hallway lighting right, there are key aspects you should take into account. These factors will help you select the right fixture and create the perfect ambiance in your foyer. Here’s what you should do when upgrading your hallway lighting.
Ensure You Get Your Measurements Right
If you prefer hanging lights, you have to measure the ceiling height and choose the correct fixture height to match. The general rule of thumb is that the lights should be installed at least 7 feet above the floor.
If your home has higher ceilings, you should account for at least 2.5 to 3 inches of chandelier or pendant height for every additional foot of ceiling.
Here’s a basic guide:
|
Ceiling Height (Feet) |
Chandelier Height (Inches) |
|
8 |
20 to 24 |
|
10 |
25 to 30 |
|
12 |
30 t0 36 |
|
14 |
35 to 42 |
|
16 |
40 to 48 |
To get the ideal fixture diameter, you have to sum up the hallway’s width and multiply by 2.5. The value obtained in inches should be the size of your fixture.
|
Hallway Width (Feet) |
Fixture Diameter (Inches) |
|
10 |
25 |
|
12 |
30 |
|
14 |
35 |
Illumination level
The higher the lumen count, the brighter your hallway. For bulbs, LEDs tend to provide more light intensity compared to halogen and incandescent bulbs. This is because they carry a higher lumen-to-wattage ratio.
Interior design experts recommend that you multiply the hallway square footage by 1.5 to obtain the ideal wattage suitable for your foyer.
Here’s a guide:
|
Square Footage (M2) |
Wattage (W) |
|
100 |
150 |
|
120 |
180 |
|
140 |
210 |
Color Temperature
Check your bulb specifications to ensure you pick the right light. Most homeowners prefer to install a warm white light in their hallway. It helps to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere in the space. This light typically features 2700K.
Cool lights tend to be too harsh due to their bright and high intensity. They’re better suited for areas that require task lighting.
Maintenance
Granted, a stunning light fixture might have caught your eye. But, is it easy to clean and maintain? Practicality is just as important as style. For this reason, it’s best to select hallway lighting fixtures that can easily be assembled, cleaned, and maintained.
You don’t want your guest to walk into your home only to be met with dull and dusty fixtures. Choose wisely.
Wow Your Guests With Magnificent and Creative Hallway Lighting
Knowing which light is ideal to use in a dark hallway can be tricky. More often than not, you’ll find that there aren’t any windows in this space. Thankfully, there are still ways to brighten up the space and enhance its ambiance.
By following the tips and tricks discussed in this article, your entryway is bound to be more visually appealing. Remember to identify the right lighting solutions and the factors that may impact your selection early on.
Are you ready to spruce up your hallway lighting? Which lighting design do you want to add to the space? Browse our expansive collection to find the hallway fixture of your dreams.light
