The first impression of a house is formed from the threshold, which is why the appearance of the corridor is so important. In addition to the stylish and cozy decoration, it is necessary to think about the lighting of the ceiling in the hallway. After all, not only the perception of the apartment by guests, but also the convenience of getting ready in the morning depends on how well it is organized. Let us consider in detail the existing types of lighting fixtures, options for their location, as well as the possibilities of zoning and adjusting space with the help of light.
Where to place sockets and switches in the hallway
The first question when planning corridor lighting is what is the optimal number of devices, sockets and switches that should be in the room. The answer directly depends on the size of the hallway and its layout. Professionals advise thinking about the placement of power sources even at the renovation stage, before finishing the walls.
Sockets should be placed away from doorways, heating appliances, exhaust ducts or other utility elements. It is better to maintain a distance of at least 15 cm. The ideal height from the floor is 30-35 cm. If you place the sockets higher, it may be inconvenient to connect household appliances.
Switches are most often installed near the door at a height of 1-1.5 meters. However, you can place them where it is more convenient.
Advice! Another important rule is to place sockets and switches so that they are always easily accessible. Do not obstruct power sources with furniture and interior items.
The question about the optimal number of outlets is difficult to answer unambiguously. Usually 1-2 elements are enough. It all depends on what types of lighting fixtures you prefer. If you have a long corridor and you plan to place several wall sconces or floor lamps there, it is worth including more sockets in the project.
The question about the optimal number of outlets is difficult to answer unambiguously. Usually 1-2 elements are enough. It all depends on what types of lighting fixtures you prefer. If you have a long corridor and you plan to place several wall sconces or floor lamps there, it is worth including more sockets in the project.
Color spectrum
There can also be a huge number of color options for suspended ceilings. These can be plain canvases, smooth transitions from one color to another, as well as contrasting combinations of two or more shades. In this case, imagination is not limited - it is only necessary that all colors and textures are in harmony with each other and combined with the decoration of the walls and floor.
The white ceiling is a classic of the genre. This color has always been considered universal because it goes with absolutely everything. White is equally good in both matte and glossy versions. It's great on its own or paired with any other color. Even if you stop liking the wallpaper over time, you never get tired of white.
How to choose light for the corridor: universal design tips
When choosing interior elements and lighting, designers are always guided by professional principles. Before you start purchasing light sources, you should understand general organizational issues. 4 important recommendations from experts:
- It is better if the light in the corridor is warm. Cold shades of the spectrum make the room overly formal and uncomfortable. However, some interior styles require just such hallway lighting. In this case, you will have to use a limited number of devices.
- The main criterion for general lighting in the hallway is the brightness of the light. You must be well oriented in space and distinguish all interior items. It is unacceptable to have “blind spots” where the flow does not enter. This should be taken into account when designing the circuit in order to determine the location of the devices in advance.
- It is important to know safety rules and actively use them when creating a lighting project. Lighting devices in the hallway of the apartment should be located so that they cannot be accidentally damaged or moved out of place. This rule is especially relevant in houses where children live.
- You should not combine several completely different lighting sources in one of the hallways. To create an unusual ensemble, it is better to use universal and accent elements. For example, neutral spotlights go well with hanging chandeliers decorated with colored shaped shades.
Important! Designers have a rule - no matter what lighting fixtures are chosen, you need to make sure that there are no glares on the smooth surfaces in the hallway. If there are mirrors in your hallway, it is better to place lamps on both sides of the objects or on top directly above them.
Original lighting in the hallway
Multi-level lighting in the hallway
In the kitchen
To illuminate suspended ceilings in the kitchen, it is best to use simple spotlights. Because there should be nothing superfluous in this space; this is a working area where real culinary masterpieces are created.
It is spotlights that perfectly help to divide the kitchen into functional zones. Concentrate the light over the part of the room where life is most “bubbling.”
In the kitchen, people handle sharp objects and take precise measurements, so don't skimp on light for work areas. The corner of the kitchen, where the dining table is comfortably hidden, can, on the contrary, be hidden in the dim romantic rays of the lamp.
Lighting standards for a corridor in an apartment
To correctly calculate the corridor lighting standards, you need to decide what type of lamps you will use. We invite you to look at the table and see the characteristics of the most common options.
| Lamp type | Halogen | Daylight lamp | Incandescent lamp |
| Lighting standard | 11-13 | 3-4 | 10-15 |
You can also use LEDs, fluorescent and gas discharge lamps. Before making a conclusion, we advise you to evaluate the lighting power, color rendering of the product and luminous flux indicators. Most often, this information is on product packaging.
Warm shades of light are closer to yellow, cold shades are closer to blue. It is better to choose more natural tones - they are more pleasing to the eye and more comfortable for the nervous system.
To select light sources in accordance with the standards, you can use special online programs. When calculating, be sure to take into account the number of devices that you plan to place in the hallway.
Which lamp to choose for the hallway
To illuminate the hallway in an apartment or private house, several options for devices are suitable. Let's look at the most popular:
- Ceiling elements, chandeliers. Suitable for creating general lighting, but also used as accents. There are built-in, suspended and ceiling models. The choice should be made depending on the height of the room.
- Spotlights. They are used to highlight functional areas and organize basic lighting. You can also use them to highlight individual elements of the hallway.
- Spots. Devices that have a unique design that allows you to direct light rays to different parts of the room. Most often, such devices are purchased for lighting design of decorative elements.
- LED strips, neon cords. Look great as ceiling and local lighting. There are options with different luminous flux power. Some modifications of the tape can be used for basic lighting.
- Wall lamps, sconces. The devices perform two functions simultaneously: local lighting and room decoration. You can purchase such lamps for a long corridor. The optimal quantity is 3-4 elements.
- Track lights. Elements fixed to the busbar, which can be easily moved if desired. A stylish, progressive option for modern hallways.
It is not necessary to choose just one lighting source for your corridor - you can intelligently combine several options. The main thing is that the lamps are in the same style and compatible color scheme.
When choosing sources of artificial rays, you should also be guided by the style of the interior and the area of the hallway. Some elements are suitable for lighting a narrow corridor, while others are suitable for a spacious room.
Elegant chandeliers with lampshades and exquisite wall lamps with shades look great in the classic style. Hallway lighting in the loft direction is characterized by open pendant lamps and products in a metal frame. Variations of track lamps are appropriate in any modern style.
Hallway lighting with spotlights
Hallway lighting with chandeliers
Hallway lighting with wall lamps
Hallway lighting with track lamps
Form and style direction
For the corridor it is necessary to select accessories in light colors. This rule also applies to ceiling lamps. Snow-white models look beautiful. To make the corridor visually larger, you should decorate the walls in light colors.
Elongated models look beautiful in rectangular rooms. For a square hallway, you can choose a fashionable quadrangular or round model. The lamp looks beautiful if it matches the color of the room decoration.
If the hallway is presented in a minimalist style, then spotlights will look beautiful and stylish.
If the upholstery of the room contains wood, then the lamps can also be decorated with this material.
Lamps made of wood with square shades made of snow-white frosted glass are fashionable today. They will allow you to embody an oriental theme in the interior. For a corridor where bamboo and wood are used in the interior, you can use luxurious lamps with paper lampshades.
A chandelier in fusion style looks fashionable and impressive. It is represented by geometric shapes that surprise and fascinate with its exquisite brevity.
Lighting in the corridor depending on the type of room
The right light in the hallway can visually mask design flaws. That is why designers advise taking into account the type of room when organizing lighting. Let's look at five main options.
Advice! Regardless of lighting options and type of room, switches with a motion sensor can be placed in hallways. Then the light will turn on and off automatically. It's convenient and economical.
Long narrow corridor
It is better to roughly divide such a hallway into several parts and come up with a separate concept for each. The main zone is the place where functional interior items are located. This area deserves the greatest concentration of light. Suitable sources: ceiling lamps, sconces, LED strips. A good lighting option in a long corridor is several chandeliers located at an equal distance from each other.
In the photo you can see ways of lighting a long corridor in an apartment. The designers have selected a variety of light sources, which at the same time serve as interior decoration.
Lighting for a narrow hallway in a classic style
Lighting a narrow hallway with chandeliers
L-shaped rooms
The main feature of such corridors is the presence of two zones, which can be decorated with light either in the same style or in a radically different one. The smaller part of the hallway, located perpendicular to the elongated one, often receives lighting from the main rooms. Therefore, it is enough to place several wall lamps there. But in the main area it is advisable to install spots, track devices or 2-3 small chandeliers.
L-shaped corridor lighting
Square hallways
With this room layout, you can do without light accents. The ideal placement of spotlights in a square-shaped hallway is one element for each corner of the ceiling. This is quite enough to create comfort and a harmonious atmosphere.
Lighting a large square corridor
Corridors with low ceilings
If the hallway has a low ceiling, chandeliers are not suitable for corridor lighting. Hanging elements will be located directly above the head, making the room even smaller and creating discomfort for people. Spotlights or sconces are suitable. You can consider the option of multi-level lighting using spots, wall and floor light sources.
Combined hallway lighting with low ceilings
Corridors with high ceilings
Spots are good for tall hallways. You can adjust the flow of light to make the room cozier and draw attention away from the ceiling. It is better to direct the rays down or towards the furniture.
Lighting a corridor with high ceilings
Mint walls, dark furniture
In a classic hallway design, it is not necessary to use standard, boring colors. An extraordinary solution would be to use mint. Mint combines green and blue. This shade can have different intensities. Small rooms are best decorated in light colors.
Experiment with color, you may end up with an original and unique design.
Use light colors in small spaces, this will visually expand the size of the room
Mint walls are perfect for the hallway interior. This color has a positive effect on the psyche. He will be able to place guests at home and set them up for relaxation. You can combine mint with different shades: white, gold, purple, lilac. Classic involves the use of plaster molding, parquet boards, and a high white ceiling. You can buy dark furniture made of wood.
Color can influence your mood, so you should choose carefully
Usually the ceiling in the hallway is painted white
Zoning as an option for lighting the hallway and corridor
There is not only basic, but also local lighting of the corridors. If there are decorative objects or furniture in the hall, you can highlight them favorably, turning them into the highlight of the interior. Also, with the help of light it is easy to visually divide the space into zones.
Illumination of the stairs in the corridor
If there is a staircase in the hallway, it is permissible to highlight it with light. Two suitable options for implementing the idea: lamps built into the steps or sconces on the walls. Illumination eliminates the need to turn on all the lamps in the corridor. The leading argument for the implementation of this idea is the safety of your household, who will now be able to climb the stairs without problems in the dark.
Combined lighting of the stairs in the corridor
Illumination of staircase steps in the corridor
Illumination of racks and shelves
Is there a shelf in the hallway? You can put a compact table lamp there. It is better to decorate a full-fledged rack with an LED strip, placing it around the perimeter of the furniture. Designers also often use small lamps on clothespins, which are easily mounted directly to the shelves. The only inconvenience of this method is the need for a sufficient number of free sockets to connect elements.
Illumination of shelves with spotlights
Illumination of paintings and mirrors in the hallway
You can install an LED strip or small rotary spotlights around the perimeter of the element. Several identical wall sconces and lamps in the form of street lamps look extravagant. However, you should not choose too bright light bulbs - soft, dim light is enough.
Illumination of mirrors and paintings in the corridor
Major mistakes
The lighting in the hall is designed to adjust the room. There is no need to focus solely on brightness. A sconce suitable for a large room may not fit into a small hallway room.
In addition to attracting special attention, it will highlight the disadvantages of a small space. Only a combination of various lighting scenarios can correct such an undesirable oversight.
Use our recommendations and let your hallway become unique thanks to well-arranged lighting.
Lighting in a hallway with suspended ceilings: tips and features
Tensile structures have long been in fashion and still remain a current trend. There are several types of such surfaces for the hallway:
- Matte. The ceilings look almost the same as ordinary whitewashed ones. The only visual difference is a perfectly flat surface without defects. Due to its characteristics, the tension material perfectly reflects and redistributes light fluxes.
- Glossy. The most common option. The surface reflects the light emitted by all devices in the room. On such a ceiling you can observe interesting effects from spotlights and wall lamps.
- Satin. The external feature of the ceilings is a pearlescent sheen. Such a surface gives a soft reflection of diffused light.
Organizing corridor lighting in an apartment with suspended ceilings requires the intervention of professionals or a clearly defined scheme. In the video tutorial you will find detailed installation instructions.
Lighting on a black stretch ceiling
Spotlights on a suspended ceiling
Types of designs
The main structural models of suspended ceilings:
Single-level. They have a very simple appearance, but at the same time they look very elegant in the room. Laconic solid models transform the hallway and add a touch of elegance to it.
Two-level. This design not only looks very beautiful and allows you to realize any design ideas, but also visually raises the height of the room.
Multi-level. A frame consisting of several canvases is a stylish and unusual interior detail.
Such designs attract attention and emphasize the individual style of the corridor.
The photo shows an entrance hall with a single-level matte white stretch ceiling.
Hallway lighting with plasterboard ceiling
For such ceilings in the hallway, any lighting options are appropriate. However, pendant lamps and chandeliers must be mounted under a metal profile or a special dowel.
Due to their characteristics, plasterboard ceilings practically do not reflect rays. But you can create spectacular hidden lighting for the corridor by placing shelves with lighting fixtures in the lower box of the structure. You will get stunning light lines with soft, unobtrusive radiation. It is not necessary to make them even - if there are decorative elements on the ceiling, the stripes can follow their contour. The photo shows a vivid example of the implementation of such a lighting project.
Lighting a plasterboard ceiling in a hallway
