Of all the rooms in the house, a hallway is often low down on the decorating list.
The space is all about the journey rather than the destination, somewhere to pass through but never to linger, rarely to admire. Does that mean it should fall into an interiors void?
Not in our book. The domestic artery deserves to be as celebrated as any other space with paint, framed prints, wallpaper and more to bring it to life and make it feel part of the home.
Whether it's the entryway or one of the upper landings, once you’ve got the look in place, the final step is lighting it properly. Many halls are fitted with overhead lights, but secondary lighting can help make the space look softer and feel more inviting.
Things like floor lamps, wall-mounted bulbs and motion-detecting floor-level lighting can all enhance an otherwise dead space and bring it to life.
Before you start, consider how much space and natural light there is to work with. An imposing chandelier will look out of kilter in a tiny vestibule, while pendant lights may get lost in the upper reaches if you’re lucky enough to have high ceilings.
Mirrors are also super helpful in making the most of natural light and bouncing it around the space so that it feels warm and welcoming in the daytime. And don’t forget cordless lamps that can illuminate awkward spots that lack mains power.
If you’re ready to lavish your hall with the light and love it deserves, we’ve rounded up the best options to try. From table and floor lamps to battery-operated wall fittings and movement-activated floor lights that mean you never have to fumble for a light switch again, here are the best lighting options for hallways.
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Tom Dixon Stone Marble LED Portable Table Lamp, Stone
Tom Dixon is a designer who is famous for not doing anything by halves, and his portable lamp offering is no exception.
The stone, inspired by the same sort used to build India's Taj Mahal, rings around a golden orb, giving a floating effect. It's not just a work of art but functions for every day too, with a touch dimmer and up to nine-hours of battery life, which should be enough to see you through most nights.
Buy now £230.00, Luisa Viaroma
Abigail Ahern Cecily LED Lamp
Designer Abigail Ahern's style is hard to pin down: a bit boho, a little industrial, a sprinkling of Scandi. While the site is heaving with furniture and home accessories we're dying to fill our homes with, there are plenty of jewels to pick up in the lighting section too.
This gilded mushroom lamp is amongst them and is proving to be a woodland-inspired marvel with dimmable and rechargeable plus points. Add it to your in-table or hallway shelf for low ambient lighting every evening.
Buy now £38.00, Abigail Ahern
Rockett St George Ornate Globe Pendant Ceiling Light With Brass Leaf Detailing
Made for both high and regular-sized ceilings, this globe pendant light adds timeless elegance to hallways. While the clear glass throws light around the room, the leaf-shaped brass adds finery inspired by nature.
Buy now £93.00, Rockett St George
Graham & Green Gold Leaves Wall Light
Graham & Green’s elegant light fixture brings the beauty of the natural world indoors, using a bouquet of leaves to cradle the soft light that will emanate within. The iron frame is finished with antique gold-coloured paint and will shine brightest in a pair or a trio. Requires professional installation.
Buy now £85.00, Graham & Green
Pooky wrappling wall fitting
Give your home the look of a bougie B&B with this wall light fitting from specialist Pooky. It comes without the shade, allowing you to use one you’ve got already - or if not, there are plenty of covetable styles on the site. The Art Deco style adds easy points to any interior scheme.
£95 without a shade included.
Buy now £95.00, Pooky
Dunelm Dorma Brimstage Cream Artichoke and Linen Shade Table Lamp
It’s often a lighting look you’ll see in stately homes and hotels on the Continent: the quietly elegant artichoke lamp. Originally conceived by Denmark’s Poul Henningsen back in the late 50s, versions of it remain popular to this day.
They’re most commonly set beside beds, in lounges and in hallways so that the curious ornamental tribute to the veg can be admired from all angles. This version is topped with a linen lampshade, keeping it simple so that the base can shine.
Buy now £55.00, Dunelm
Dunelm Logan Dual Wall Light Grey
A light just to illuminate your carefully chosen wall art - why not? Whether you want to show off a masterpiece or your favourite movie poster, Dunelm’s Dual Wall Light will give it the spotlight it deserves. The industrial look riffs off traditional styles and is best placed in the living room, kitchen or hallway.
Buy now £40.00, Dunelm
Rockett St George Black & Cream Lantern Curved Ceiling Light Shade
So, you can’t paint, and you’re not sure how to hang wallpaper. How to bring your space to life without spending a fortune?
Head to Rockett St George where you can find this simple yet sculptural curved ceiling light shade with black trims and black tassels for extra effect. A minimal chandelier of sorts, consider the limelight well and truly stolen.
Buy now £58.00, Rockett St George
Rockett St George Antique Brass Curve Disc Wall Light
Lighting can be about more than simply bringing brightness to a dark space. This sculptural wall light feels like an art piece even when it’s not switched on. The statement wall light is made up of curved metal discs in an alluring antique brass shade. Accent lighting at its finest.
Buy now £120.00, Rockett St George
DCOC Battery Operated Wall Sconces
DIY skills lacking? No need to call a sparky with this set of bronze wall light sconces; just screw it directly into the wall and use a remote to operate the light through an integrated rechargeable battery pack. They’re helpful in places where you don’t have mains power and can be used even in the event of power outages. A smart hack for the modern home.
Buy now £93.33, Amazon
Dunelm Origami Hexagon Paper Easy Fit Pendant
Invented in Japan around a thousand years ago, origami is undoubtedly an ancient art that still manages to look contemporary - especially in interiors and furnishings. Dunelm has used the craft on its easy-fit pendant lamp shade to stunning effect, shaping paper into a concertina hexagon.
It makes for a detail that will provoke conversation in the dining room or hallway.
Buy now £12.00, Dunelm
eufy by Anker, Lumi Stick-On Night Light
Emitting warm white light, these motion-detecting lights automatically switch on when you approach, making them perfect for late-night trips to the loo without properly waking yourself up by turning on the Big Light. They come as a pack of three and can be screwed into the wall for extra security, although there you can use stick-on pads if you're worried about damaging the walls. Uses three AAA batteries.
Buy now £14.99, Amazon
