Where should wall sconces be placed in a hallway?

Properly placing wall sconces in a hallway is crucial to create an inviting space that is well lit. There are a few key factors to consider when determining where to install wall sconces in a hall.

Consider the Size of the Hallway

The length and width of the hallway will impact where and how many sconces you need. A long, narrow hallway will likely need sconces placed at regular intervals down the full length to cast light evenly. A wider hallway may only need sconces on one side or can get away with having them more sporadically placed. Here are some general guidelines:

Hallway Size	Sconce Placement
Narrow hallway up to 6 feet wide	Place sconces down both sides at 5-7 foot intervals
Wider hallway up to 10 feet wide	Place sconces down one side at 5-10 foot intervals
Very wide hallway over 10 feet	Place sconces sporadically, focusing around doors and openings

For narrow hallways, placing sconces on both sides creates balance and casts light evenly across the space. Wider halls can get away with single sided lighting. Very wide hallways function more like open concept rooms, so strategic lighting around functional areas is preferred.

Mount at a Consistent Height

Installing sconces at a uniform height creates visual harmony and consistency. The standard height to install wall sconces is between 5-6 feet from the floor to the bottom of the fixture. This enables the sconces to cast ample lighting for walking down the hall.

If the ceilings are 8 feet or shorter, place the sconces about 5 feet from the floor. For 9-10 foot ceilings, use a 6 foot mounting height. Adjust up or down slightly depending on the style of light fixture and brightness of bulbs.

Focus Light at Entrances

Make sure to brighten up any doorways or openings off of the hallway with sconce lighting. Place a set of two decorative sconces flanking doors to guest bedrooms, bathrooms or other rooms to create a welcoming glow. Even coat closets or storage spaces should get a little decorative lighting beside the door.

For wider hallways, this targeted placement around doors and openings helps provide directed illumination where needed most. The hallway itself can be more dimly and ambiently lit.

Use Swing Arm Sconces Near Mirrors

If a hallway has a mirror, place a swing arm sconce or two on either side. Choose sconces with adjustable arms that can pivot to aim light directly at the face to create ideal visibility and eliminate shadows. Place these aligned with the mirror centered at around 5.5 to 6 feet high.

Swing arm sconces are also useful for providing task lighting if a console table or key hooks are also placed in the hall. The light can be redirected as needed.

Highlight Architectural Features

Use sconce placement to accentuate special architectural elements or decor in the hallway. For example, if there is a decorative niche, window bay or piece of artwork, placing attractive sconces above or on the sides can spotlight these features.

Aim to have the light from the sconces cast both upwards and downwards. Look for sconces with shades or optics to control the light direction. Up/down lighting keeps the hall from feeling like a dark tunnel.

Mind the Existing Electrical

When determining where to place hardwired, plug-in wall sconces, consider proximity to existing electrical wiring and outlets. Try to install sconces close to existing electrical lines and boxes to minimize new wiring work. Electrical code also limits new wiring lengths in many cases without adding junction boxes.

Plug-in sconces are convenient if electrical access is limited. Just note that cords will be visible and may detract from the clean appearance.

Follow Building Codes

Most residential building codes prohibit installation of hardwired light fixtures within proximity to water sources like sinks or tubs. Make sure any sconces planned for areas right outside bathrooms or laundries conform to local regulations. Codes vary but 3-6 feet is typical.

Also check local fire code regarding placing lighting near fire sprinkler heads. Anything closer than 12 inches vertically requires careful water coverage testing.

Layer Lighting for Flexibility

Consider layering overhead and accent lighting along with the wall sconces. Overhead recessed ‘can’ lights every 6-8 feet can provide general ambient illumination. Then use sconces spread out more sporadically for style and directed light around doors or features.

Dimmers give the flexibility to adjust the mood and brightness. Overhead lights can provide basic general lighting, while sconces amp up the style quotient.

Match Sconce Style for Visual Continuity

Choosing sconces that coordinate in terms of materials, finish, shape and style creates a unified aesthetic. Mixing and matching too many wildly different sconces usually looks disjointed and messy.

Build your lighting plan around 1-3 complementary sconce options for a polished and designed appearance. Varying the placement and spacing prevents monotony.

Consider Sconce Wattage

Select sconces with appropriate wattage bulbs to provide ample illumination in the hallway. Here are some typical sconce wattage guidelines:

• Narrow hall: 25-40W bulbs
• Standard hall: 40-60W bulbs
• Very wide hall: 60-100W bulbs

Size up the wattage if your hallway is longer or underlit. Using LED bulbs can provide brightness with lower energy usage. Place brighter bulbs at the ends of hallways or near dark spots.

Mind Lighting Needs

Factor in the primary lighting needs in the hallway. Do you need general bright ambient lighting for safety and function? Or is the hallway mainly for decorative accent and style? This impacts sconce placement density.

Task lighting around mirrors is important for daily use. But sporadic ambient lighting may be fine for a little used formal hallway. Think about when the space will be used and needs to be well lit versus when dimmer mood lighting suffices.

Use Dimmers

Installing dimmer switches allows adjusting sconce brightness for ambiance and function. You can turn the lights up high for safety or task needs, then dim them down low for night time trips to the kitchen for water.

Look for dimmable LED sconces or add dimmer switches/controls to conventional fixtures. This flexibility ensures the hallway is always appropriately lit.

Account for Ceiling Height

The ceiling height impacts both sconce placement and style. A high ceiling calls for different proportions and spacing than a lower one. Here are some pointers for both:

High Ceilings

• Use larger, bolder sconces to balance the proportions
• Space sconces slightly further apart, every 8-10 feet
• Increase wattage in fixtures to project light far enough

Lower Ceilings

• Use smaller, shorter sconces to keep things in scale
• Place sconces closer together, every 5-8 feet
• Standard wattage bulbs will diffuse light adequately

The goal is to use sconce size, wattage and placement that harmonizes with the overall ceiling height for comfort and attractive ambiance.

Illuminate Stairs and Landings

For hallways incorporating stairs, provide ample sconce lighting on stair risers and landings for safety. Position sconces to wash light directly over all stairs and landings.

Use light switches at the top and bottom of stairs to control lights separately. Home codes require stair lighting be accessible from both locations.

Choose Durable Finishes

For high traffic hallways, opt for sconces with durable finishes that can take some accidental bumps and knocks. Metal, wood, and glass tend to hold up better than fragile ceramics or thinly plated metals.

Avoid finicky fabrics or materials that require frequent dusting. Fixtures with some protective overlays or cages help reduce damage from passing objects.

Conclusion

Strategically placing wall sconces in hallways takes planning, but pays off in enhanced ambiance. Follow general guidelines based on hall dimensions for layout. Focus ample lighting around doorways, mirrors and special features. Select sconce styles and wattages that harmonize with the space. Proper hallway lighting creates both beauty and function.