How To Light Your Hallway: Bright Ideas That Actually Work
Often overlooked, hallways are the gateway to our homes - the first glimpse of our personal style and that first homely feeling we get walking through the door. Whether greeting guests or you’re ready to kick off your shoes as soon as you walk through the door, a well-considered hallway can create a sense of comfort, calm, and belonging.
Designing your dream hallway all starts with the right lighting scheme. Our team here at Tom Raffield is ready and armed with plenty of ideas to brighten up your hallway, one switch at a time.
Lighting with Intention
As a transitional space, the hallway should feel both functional and beautifully inviting. The key is in the art of layering your lighting scheme. Combining different light sources creates a sense of balance, warmth, and an ambient glow that softens the overall look.
Start with a sculptural statement ceiling light to provide a clear overhead illumination for everyday use. Then, introduce softer lighting elements: a wall light to guide you, a table lamp on a console table, or even a portable light in those hard-to-reach places where plug sockets won't quite reach. These considered choices create a gentle glow that makes the hallway feel full of character and elevates the overall feel.
Tom's lighting recommendations: "I'd always suggest starting with the ceiling light - it's typically the focal point of the hallway and sets the tone. For narrow spaces, something like our Drift Pendant or Skipper Pendant would work perfectly at giving enough illumination without overpowering the space. At the same time, the No.1 Pendant works as a showstopping piece in homes with larger entrances - it's sculptural, eye-catching and full of movement.
Next, I'd suggest adding a lamp to your hallway console - it's not just about illumination, it's about creating a moment too. A beautiful lamp can add to the decor choices, while helping to ease into the evening without having to put 'the big light' on. A personal favourite of mine is our Hanter Table Light- it's timeless and always atmospheric.”
Warm vs Cool Lighting
The temperature of the light bulb can make the biggest impact on your space. In hallways, as well as in restful rooms like the bedroom and living area, we always advise using warm lighting. The soft ambient glow of a warm bulb creates a sense of calm and comfort.
While cooler lighting does have its place in the house, it's best kept for practical areas where functional task lighting is needed, such as the kitchen or bathroom.
Callum, our Senior Creative Designer, shares his advice: “When choosing bulbs for your hallway ceiling light, wall light, table light or floor light, opt for warm light bulbs every time. It avoids any harsh lighting, which can feel clinical and stark. We always come back to how a space makes you feel - and warm lighting plays a big difference.”
Make a Statement with Colour
Looking for a pop of colour? Then you might find exactly what you're looking for in our Cove Lighting Range. Available in a selection of coastal hues in some of our most iconic shades, they are guaranteed to brighten up your hallway in more ways than one. With five colours to choose from, there's something for everyone.
Emma Kerswell, Head of Marketing, shares her insights: “Since the hallway is the first room you typically enter, it's a great place to make a style statement. While each of our lights sit beautifully against a neutral or a saturated background, why not dare to be bold and saturate your walls in a complementary colour to a colourful light fitting?”
Go Wireless
Ideal for those looking to add a wall light without the upheaval of hard wiring, a wireless wall light makes the perfect addition to the hallway, rented homes or any other areas of the house that need a gentle glow. With a battery life of 8 hours at full power or more than 144 hours at low power, the light simply needs to be recharged via USB and can be easily put back into place - it's as simple as that.
Hear from Katie Upton-Roddy, our Sustainability Coordinator & Design Assistant: “With endless styling opportunities, you can position your wall lights either along the wall, used to highlight artwork, or even placed on either side of a doorway to create a balanced, inviting look. A personal favourite of mine is the Neap Wireless Wall Light, its organic shape brings a sense of the calming ocean into your space with its thoughtful shoreline shape.”
Posted: 16.05.25
Updated: 16.05.25