How do you light a long narrow hallway?

Lighting a long narrow hallway can be challenging, but with the right techniques and lighting choices, you can make the space feel bright, inviting and functional. Here are some quick answers to common questions about lighting long hallways effectively:

What kind of lights work best in a hallway?

The most common and effective types of lights for hallways are:

• Fluorescent tube lights – These cast a bright, even light down the length of the hallway. They are energy-efficient and long-lasting.
• Recessed cans/downlights – Spaced evenly down the hallway, these cast pools of light and work nicely with wall sconces.
• Wall sconces – Installed at regular intervals down the hall, wall sconces provide task lighting and visual interest.
• Pendant lights – Hanging pendant lights spaced out creates a rhythm and dimension to the lighting.

Should I use warm or cool light tones?

For hallways, you generally want to use cool, bright lighting in the range of 5000K or higher. Cool white light keeps people alert and awake as they pass through. It also allows you to discern colors and details better than warm lighting would.

Where should lights be placed in a long narrow hallway?

Proper placement of lights in a long hallway includes:

• At least 2-3 feet from the ends of the hallway to avoid glare.
• Spacing lights evenly down the center of the hall, no more than 10 feet apart.
• Installing lights at an appropriate height – recessed lights or pendants around 7 feet high, wall sconces 60-66 inches from the floor, flushmounts no lower than 80 inches.
• Putting lights near any dark spots like corners or alcoves so these spaces don’t feel gloomy and unsafe.

How bright should the lighting be?

Hallways generally require bright, uniform lighting for safety and visibility. Recommended light levels include:

• 100-150 lumens per square foot for main hallways in residential settings
• 200-300 lumens per square foot for high traffic public/commercial hallways

To achieve these light levels, choose bulbs with enough wattage and lumen output and space fixtures appropriately.

What about lighting controls?

Lighting controls can enhance hallway lighting in several ways:

• Dimmers allow adjusting light levels for day vs. night.
• Occupancy sensors turn lights on when motion is detected and off after a delay.
• Smart switches let you control lights remotely via phone.

Controls add convenience and can help save energy.

How do I create visual interest?

A long empty hallway can feel sterile and unappealing. Create visual interest with lighting by:

• Installing decorative pendants or chandeliers.
• Using semi-flush or flushmount fixtures with interesting designs.
• Alternating wall sconces with artwork for texture and dimension.
• Uplighting one wall to create a focal glow.
• Painting one wall a different color and highlighting it with side lighting.

What mistakes should I avoid?

Some common hallway lighting mistakes include:

• Putting lights too far apart, leaving dark gaps in between.
• Not lighting alcoves, closets or other recessed areas.
• Using fixtures that stick out too far and create hazards.
• Installing too few lights which makes the hallway feel dark and gloomy.
• Using only recessed lights instead of layering with other fixtures for visual interest.

What are some sample hallway lighting layouts?

Here are a few sample lighting plans for a 50 foot long, 6 foot wide hallway:

Layout 1

5 recessed can lights spaced 8 feet apart

3 pendant lights spaced evenly between the can lights

4 wall sconces between the pendants

This layout layers ambient recessed lighting with decorative pendants and task lighting from sconces.

Layout 2

10 recessed can lights spaced 5 feet apart

2 semi-flush mounts at each end

Lots of can lights ensure consistent bright lighting. The semi-flush mounts supplement at the ends.

Layout 3

6 pendant lights spaced 8 feet apart

Sconces between each pendant spaced 6 feet apart

Pendants act as primary light source, sconces fill in between with task lighting.

Layout 4

4 flushmount fixtures spaced 10 feet apart

4 recessed lights evenly spaced between the flushmounts

An alternating pattern of recessed and flushmount lights.

Conclusion

Lighting a long narrow hallway presents challenges, but using the right mix of fluorescent tube lights, recessed cans, pendants, sconces and flushmounts can make the space feel bright, inviting and visually interesting. Place lights strategically every 5-10 feet, use cool white tones, and implement lighting scene controls. Avoid common mistakes like uneven lighting or too few fixtures. Apply these tips and your long hallway can go from gloomy to well-lit.