Choosing ambient lighting: a practical step-by-step guide

Good lighting makes it easier to enter, hang up your coat, and keep the space organized. With a few targeted choices, you can determine which lamp fits the dimensions, walking space, and atmosphere of your hallway.

Start with the space and the walking route

First, look at the shape of your hallway. A narrow passage requires a fixture that takes up little space. In a wider hallway, you can pay more attention to the appearance, as long as you can walk freely and open doors without obstruction.

Measure the spot where you want to hang or mount the lamp. Pay attention to doors, a coat rack, and tall cabinets. A ceiling lamp stays close to the ceiling and therefore often fits well in a hall with limited height. A wall lamp illuminates a dark wall, but place it so that you don’t bump into it or hit it with coats.

• Check the free walking space under and beside the lamp.
• View from the front door which parts remain dark.
• Consider doors that open inwards.
• Choose a location where you can easily operate the lamp.

Check out hall lighting that matches the shape and function of your entrance.

How much light do you need in the hallway?

In a hallway, you want to clearly see the floor, coat rack, and the lock of the front door. A single lamp may be sufficient in a short hallway. In a longer or angled space, distributing light over multiple points often works better. This way, one part does not remain bright while another part is dark.

When considering a light source, pay attention to the light intensity and the colour of the light. A bright, soft light colour helps when you primarily use the hallway practically. For a softer atmosphere, choose a light source that looks less bright. With lamps that have integrated LED, check which light settings and specifications are mentioned in the product information. The Globo Serena ceiling lamp in white has integrated LED. The black Globo Serena ceiling lamp and the nickel version are also LED ceiling lights.

Shadows form more quickly when a fixture directs light primarily downwards. A diffuser or open design spreads the light differently over the space. Choose the light distribution based on what you do in the hallway. For putting on shoes and searching for keys, you primarily need even light.

When should you choose a ceiling lamp for the hallway?

A hall ceiling lamp keeps the passage clear. The Globo Jenny ceiling lamp is available in black aluminium LED and in white aluminium. The Globo Serena comes in nickel, black, and white. The nickel version has a diameter of 11.3 cm. Within the same type of lamp, you can choose a different colour and appearance.

A ceiling lamp also fits well when you don't want a long suspension in view. Choose a shape that is proportional to the hallway. A compact fixture looks calm in a narrow entrance. A larger lamp performs better when the space has more width. The Globo Tibey ceiling lamp is a metal ceiling lamp in brass with a diameter of 45 cm. Check with a larger model if the fixture maintains enough distance from doors and tall furniture.

Compare different ceiling lamps for your hallway based on available space, colour, and light distribution.

When does a pendant light fit?

A pendant light gives the hallway a clear focal point. For this, you need sufficient height. Hang the lamp in such a way that you can walk freely underneath it and that the suspension does not interfere with an opening door.

The Mexlite Nove is an industrial pendant light made of metal and is available in green and in black with a gold interior. The Mexlite Blackmoon is a black metal pendant lamp with a diameter of 40 cm. The Steinhauer Bikkel also features a metal design, combined with smoky glass. These models are suitable for a hallway where the fixture may be visible.

A pendant light may be less practical in a low or narrow hallway. In a taller entrance, the suspension works well. Beforehand, see where your head height, doors, and coat racks are located. Compare hall pendant lights before choosing a place and size.

A wall lamp as an extra light point

A wall lamp adds light along a wall. This addresses a dark corner without using space in the centre of the hallway. Placement requires attention. Hang the lamp outside the walking line and check that the light source does not shine directly into your eyes when you enter.

You can combine a wall lamp with a ceiling lamp when the hallway has multiple corners. Use the ceiling lamp for general light, and place the additional light by a mirror, coat rack, or dark recess. This way, you adjust the lighting per place without illuminating every part of the hallway equally.

Frequently asked questions about lighting in the hallway

Is a ceiling lamp or pendant light better for a narrow hallway?

A ceiling lamp usually fits well when the passage is narrow or when you have little free height. A pendant light can also work, as long as the suspension and fixture stay out of the walking route. Therefore, first measure the available space and look at doors, coat racks, and ceiling height.

How do you prevent dark spots in the hallway?

View the hallway from the front door and walk through the space when the light is on. If a corner remains dark, you may consider a second light point or wall lamp. In a long hallway, it helps to distribute the light points over the space rather than concentrating everything in one spot.

Which colour lamp fits my hallway?

Choose a colour that matches the walls, floor, and other visible elements in the entrance. Black, white, nickel, and brass each provide a different look. In the selection of ceiling lamps and pendant lights, you will find these colours, so you can tailor the fixture to the existing decor.

Measure your hallway and then choose the fixture that keeps the walking space clear and provides the light you need daily.