How to Choose a Hallway Wall Light

A hallway wall light can be a statement piece that catches the eye and looks great against cool gray hallway paint ideas. Based on the classic Edison light bulb design, this hallway sconce from Made is a chic option that suits both traditional and modern styles.

To avoid any glare, it’s recommended to mount wall sconces around six feet from the floor. Remember to use a stud finder before installing any fixtures!

Decorative

A hallway light fixture is often a decorative or accent piece, and can be used to highlight items like artwork or pictures in the area. Sconces are a great way to do this, and when hung properly they can help create symmetry along the length of a long hallway space. When choosing a set of sconces to place in your hallway, consider how bright you would like the space to be and what else will be hanging on the walls—this helps determine how many you need.

Sconces in a hallway can also be a useful reading light, and they can be placed at equal heights to keep the narrow walkway well-lit as you move down the hall. They can also be used to highlight any art pieces in the area or to light a hallway gallery that showcases your favorite photos and artwork.

Hallways can be tricky spaces to illuminate, but with the right lighting you can turn them into appreciated rooms of your home that aren’t simply used as a thoroughfare. Browse our curated collection of hallway sconces and uplights to find stylish options that match your design aesthetic. Whether you’re looking for a contemporary take on mid-century modern design, or something more traditional from Boyd Lighting or Hinkley Lighting, you’re sure to find the perfect light fixture to upgrade your hallway.

Accent

Wall accent lighting helps bring a room’s design aesthetic to life. For example, if you want to highlight a shelf display or framed artwork, consider installing a set of sconces that can swivel to illuminate whatever’s on the wall. They can also be used to draw attention to a piece of furniture or to set the mood in a room with a warm glow. You can find wall sconces that are designed for a variety of aesthetics from traditional, modern and Art Deco to rustic and industrial.

Hallway sconce lighting can be placed evenly along long hallways to keep the illumination constant as you walk through your home. They can also be positioned in short hallways to create an inviting and welcoming tone when guests enter the space. If your hallways feature family photos hallway wall light or other personal art, opt for sconces that showcase those pieces to create a unique and personalized look.

Another benefit of hallway wall lights is that they’re a great choice for narrow hallways or stairways. They’re usually lower in profile than ceiling fixtures like downlights and recessed cans, which means they’re easier to install and less likely to be damaged. You can also choose ADA-compliant wall sconces that meet federal standards for accessibility.

Some hallway sconces are designed to function as nightlights, which can be beneficial for older people or families with young children. These lights have a low-wattage bulb that’s able to detect darkness or movement, which turns them on automatically at night. They’re often able to be turned on and off manually or can be set on a timer so that they only turn on at certain times.

Ambient

A hallway can be so much more than just a thoroughfare – it’s a chance to add a design feature that catches the eye. Whether you’re going for an industrial theme (with the likes of our rust-coloured wall paint ideas or jute rug) or Scandi chic, you can use your lighting to enhance your décor scheme. Choose a floor lamp that has the wow factor such as this stunning EOS lamp shade from Amara to really draw the eye on first glance. Pair with a rattan side table and bamboo chair for a look that’s guaranteed to impress.

Hallway sconces can be used to wash the walls in soft, ambient light for a visually soothing effect. This collection of hallway sconces from Lights2go includes many designs to suit a wide range of tastes and interior schemes. Whether you opt for the simple, tubular form of Duell or the naughtier, mysterious Trapz, these hallway lights will add warmth and atmosphere to your room.

They can also act as a practical alternative to recessed downlights for ambient lighting, particularly in rooms with high ceilings where the reflected light can be obtrusive. They can also be positioned alongside the stairs for orientation lighting. There’s even a playful Modular design for those looking to create a modern hallway or staircase lighting idea that’s sure to turn heads.

For a more subtle alternative, consider a hallway sconce with a clear shade that shows off the bulbs for an elegant yet understated aesthetic. You can also find a range of more decorative sconces in this collection to make a statement with your hallway lighting ideas. The sconces in this collection are suitable for a variety of interior styles and can be paired with neutral wall colours like our Lulworth Blue from Farrow & Ball or darker finishes such as our Concrete Grey hallway paint idea.

A hallway wall light can also be a great way to highlight art, mirrors or other features in your home. This is known as accent or feature lighting and helps to draw the eye and create a focal point in your interior design scheme.

Task

Hallways often serve as a way to get from one room to another, which makes it important that they’re adequately lit so that you can see where you’re going. That’s where hallway sconces come in handy. They can be positioned along the wall at equal intervals to evenly light your hallway, and they’re perfect for flanking a mirror or piece of artwork. They can also be used for reading lighting, as they can cast a comfortable glow on your face when you’re putting on makeup or reading a book.

If you have a long hallway, consider using wall sconces every 8 to 10 feet to help keep the corridor illuminated. That will avoid shadows from forming and keep the space feeling bright and open. However, if you prefer a more streamlined look, recessed ceiling lights that don’t protrude from the ceiling are a good choice for hallways. They’re also more energy efficient than traditional sconces.

Alternatively, you can use hallway sconces as accent lighting by placing them in an area where you want to draw attention. For example, you can pair a gold sconce with a console table to create a modern hallway idea that blends style and function. You can also use these sconces to highlight paintings or art on the wall.

Nightlights are also a great option for hallways, particularly if you have children or seniors in the house. They provide just enough light to navigate the hallways at night, and they can be hallway wall light set on a timer so that they only turn on when it’s dark outside.

Decorative hallway lighting can make a big impact on the space and set the tone for how you’ll use it. Choose from a variety of styles, finishes and colors to find the perfect look for your hallways. You can even add a little extra flair to your space with the addition of a ceiling medallion, which draws the eye upward and helps tie together the lighting fixture and ceiling design.

The Burke Decor curated collection of Task wall lights offers a wide range of styles and sizes to suit any taste. Shop for contemporary sconces, classic swing arm sconces and more to brighten your hallways with style.