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How to illuminate your narrow hallway effectively

So beleuchtest Du Deinen schmalen Flur effektiv

Sophie E.

"When you enter your hallway, it's the first thing you see and the last thing you see before you leave. It's more than just a passageway; it's a space that shapes the ambience of your home. Lighting plays a crucial role in this, especially in compact hallways. Let's explore together how you can make your hallway not only functional but also inviting."

Lighting design in small hallways: from brightness to color temperature


First of all, it is important to choose the right light intensity. In a small hallway too bright light can be overwhelming, while too dim light can make the room appear dull and unwelcoming. A dimmable lighting  is ideal for adjusting the brightness according to the time of day and mood. The choice of light source is also crucial. LED lights are an energy-efficient and long-lasting option. They offer a variety of color temperatures from warm white to cool whitewhich allows you to create the atmosphere in your hallway to suit your taste.


Warm white light creates a cozy and inviting feeling, ideal for the entrance area. The positioning of the lights is another important aspect. In a compact hallway wall lights can save space and at the same time provide uniform illumination. A well-placed ceiling light or ceiling spotlights, ceiling spots can visually enlarge the room and create a feeling of spaciousness. Mirror are not only practical, but can also help to reflect and distribute the light in the room. A beautifully framed mirror, illuminated by a discreet wall lamp, can visually expand your hallway and be a stylish element at the same time.


After all, it's the personal touch that makes your hallway unique. Whether it's a family photoa plant or a work of art illuminated by targeted light, it creates a connection and tells a story. Your hallway is the beginning of your personal oasis of well-being. With the right lighting, you can create a space that is not only functional, but also warm and inviting. A space that welcomes you and your guests and leaves them feeling content when they leave.

"For optimal lighting in compact hallways, combine indirect light for a warm mood with targeted direct light sources to ensure functionality and visually enlarge the space."

Danielle A.

Danielle A.

Lighting designer, Skapetze

The art of corridor lighting: how to choose the perfect luminaire


When you enter your hallway, lighting is the first element that creates atmosphere and mood. Different types of luminaires offer different ways to not only illuminate your hallway, but also to design it. Here are the most common types and their advantages:


Ceiling lightsThey are the most popular choice in hallways as they provide uniform ambient lighting. Ceiling lights come in a variety of designs - from simple, flat models to eye-catching chandeliers. They are ideal for hallways because they illuminate the room without taking up space and help to create a positive first impression.


Wall lightsThese lights are particularly practical in compact hallways. They do not take up any floor space and can set decorative accents. Wall lights often emit their light indirectly, creating a soft, inviting atmosphere. They can also be used to highlight works of art or other decorative elements.


Recessed spotlightsModern and discreet, recessed spotlights are an excellent choice for a minimalist look. They are recessed into the ceiling and provide directional lighting that can emphasize specific areas or objects in the hallway. This type of lighting is particularly popular as it offers a clean, unobtrusive appearance and visually enlarges the space.


Pendant luminairesPendant luminaires are ideal for hallways with higher ceilings. They create an eye-catching feature and can visually enhance the hallway. With their focused light, they are particularly suitable above a key table or chest of drawers and offer a combination of style and functionality.


Light strips and LED stripsThese modern lighting options offer a creative way to illuminate your hallway. They can be placed along stairs, under furniture or in niches and create an indirect, often colored light that creates a unique mood. They are particularly popular for their flexibility and the ability to play with lighting effects.


Each of these types of luminaires has its own advantages and can be selected according to the size, style and function of the hallway. The right combination of these lighting elements can help to not only illuminate a hallway functionally, but also make it an inviting, stylish space that reflects your personal touch.

Creating space wonders: How to visually enlarge a small hallway with the right lighting


To make a small, narrow hallway look bigger, choosing the right type and color of light is crucial. Here are some tips on how you can achieve this:


Recessed spotlights or ceiling spots: These lights are ideal for visually enlarging a small hallway. They create a clear, directional light that illuminates the room evenly without being overwhelming. By being recessed into the ceiling, they save space and create a clean, uncluttered look.


Wall lights with indirect light: Indirect light emitted from wall lights can make walls appear softer and wider. Choose luminaires that emit light upwards and downwards to make the room appear higher.

Mirrors with integrated lighting: A mirror with backlit or side lights can visually expand the room. The light from the mirror is reflected and distributed throughout the room, which enhances the effect of a larger space.


Regarding the colors of the light:


Warm white light: This is the preferred color temperature for living spaces as it creates a cozy and inviting ambiance. In a small hallway, warm white light helps to create a pleasant and cozy atmosphere without overloading the room.


Neutral white light: This can also be a good option, especially if you want a clearer, more businesslike atmosphere. Neutral white light is somewhere between warm and cool white and provides balanced lighting that makes the room feel larger and more open. Avoid light that is too cold or bluish, as it can make the room feel colder and less comfortable.


It is also important to avoid over-lighting, as too bright a light can be overwhelming in a small room. By combining these lighting tips, you can visually enlarge your small, narrow hallway and make it an inviting and pleasant space.

Effective arrangement of luminaires in a narrow hallway



The optimal spacing between luminaires in a small, narrow hallway depends on various factors, including the type of luminaires, their light intensity and the specific dimensions of your hallway. Here are some general guidelines to achieve sufficient and even lighting:


Recessed spotlights or ceiling spotsThese should be arranged at regular intervals to ensure uniform lighting. A good guide is to use a distance of approx. 60 to 80 cm between the individual spots. Pay attention to the thickness and beam angle of each spotlight to ensure that the light covers the entire corridor.


Wall lightsFor wall lights, it is important to place them at a height that distributes the light effectively without causing glare. A common height is about 1.5 to 1.7 meters above the floor. The distance between the wall luminaires should be chosen so that the light is distributed evenly. Depending on the type of luminaire, this could be around 2 to 3 metersmeters.


LED strips or light strips: When using LED strips or light strips along the floor or ceiling of the hallway, it is important to ensure continuous lighting to avoid dark areas. It is generally advisable to position the lights so that they illuminate the room sufficiently without appearing too bright.


Experiment with different arrangements to find the best solution for your specific hallway. In addition, a dimmer can also be helpful to adjust the light intensity as required and thus ideal atmosphere to create the ideal atmosphere. Remember that the lighting in your hallway also depends on other factors such as Wall color, flooring and furnishings is influenced. Light-colored surfaces, for example, reflect light better and can help to make the room appear brighter.

Indirect vs. direct lighting in a narrow hallway: which is the right choice


The choice between indirect and direct The choice of lighting for a compact hallway depends on several factors, such as the desired ambience, functionality and spatial conditions. Both types of lighting have their advantages and disadvantages:


Indirect lighting Ambience: Indirect light reflected from walls or the ceiling creates a soft, uniform and inviting atmosphere. It is ideal for creating a feeling of warmth and coziness.


Visual extensionIndirect light can help to make a small hallway appear larger, as it does not cast harsh shadows and illuminates the room evenly.


Eye comfort: It is more comfortable for the eyes as there are no dazzling light sources.


Direct lighting FunctionalityDirect light is more practical and is well suited to areas where clear visibility is important, such as when dressing or looking for keys.


Targeted lighting: With direct light, you can highlight specific areas or objects in the hallway, such as artwork, photos or decorative elements.


Sense of space: Direct lighting can make a room feel more structured and defined, which can be both beneficial and detrimental in a compact hallway. Combination In many cases, a combination of both types of lighting offers the best results.


For example, you can use indirect light sources for pleasant ambient lighting and additional direct light sources for functional areas or to highlight decorative elements.



Tips for implementation:


Recessed spotlights or ceiling spotsCan provide direct but discreet lighting.


Wall lights: Ideal for indirect lighting, especially if they emit light upwards and downwards.


LED strips or batten luminaires: Perfect for indirect lighting effects along skirting boards or the ceiling.


Color temperatureWarm white light for a cozy atmosphere, neutral white for a clearer, more objective effect.

The future of corridor lighting: trends for the year 2024


Some exciting trends in the lighting of compact hallways are emerging for 2024.


One major trend is the use of " human-centric lighting ", which is aligned with our natural circadian rhythms. This type of lighting adapts to our daily routines and provides the right spectrum and intensity of light throughout the day to improve our wellbeing and productivity. Particularly popular are adjustable white and color-changing LED lightsthat mimic natural daylight and improve our sleep-wake cycle regulate our sleep-wake cycle.


Another trend is the so-called "smart lighting", which is becoming increasingly important in the world of home automation. Lighting control is becoming an essential feature that not only increases comfort, but also contributes to energy efficiency and ambient control contributes.


In addition, the " architectural lighting " is gaining in importance. The focus here is on emphasizing the unique features and structures of a room, enhancing its aesthetics and creating a captivating atmosphere.


In addition, "Artistic and statement lighting" are becoming increasingly popular. Lighting fixtures are no longer just functional; they are also becoming focal points and works of art in interior design. Whether it's a chandelier or a sculptural floor lamp, these artistic lighting fixtures are sure to be a talking point and add an extraordinary touch to any room.


Last but not least, the trend towards "Minimalist and invisible lighting" continues. Here, the focus is on concealed lighting solutions that blend seamlessly into architectural elements. Examples of this include indirect lighting, recessed strips and under-cabinet lighting that create an understated elegance while providing practical lighting without cluttering the visual space. These trends show that lighting continues to play a central role in interior design and is constantly evolving to create new aesthetics and functionalities in our living spaces.

Effective lighting with motion detectors and solutions for typical lighting problems


When you think about it, motion detectors to light your compact hallway, you can benefit from numerous advantages. One main advantage is the energy efficiencyas the lights only light up when movement is actually detected. This can help you save energy and costs. Another advantage is convenience: the lights switch on and off automatically when you enter or leave the room, so you don't have to search for a switch. This also increases your safetyas you don't have to navigate in the dark. There are different types of motion detectors. PIR detector react to changes in the infrared heat radiationbut can be affected by strong temperature fluctuations and do not detect movements through glass or walls.


Presence detector are more sensitive and ideal for interior lighting while radar detectors can penetrate materials such as wood and glass and can therefore be installed concealed. For your hallway ceiling lights with motion detectors could be a good choice as they cover a large coverage area. Solar motion detectors are a environmentally friendly optionthat charge during the day and provide lighting at night. When purchasing, you should pay attention to the detection range and sensor sensitivity to ensure that the light is reliably activated. Some advanced models also offer adjustable sensitivity settingsso that they can also be activated during the day when there is sufficient natural light.


Various problems can arise when lighting a compact hallway, but there are effective solutions. One common problem is the overlighting which makes the room appear unpleasantly bright and cluttered. Here we recommend the use of dimmable lights, to be able to adjust the light intensity as required. It is also advisable to choose light sources with an appropriate number of lumens to avoid glare effects. Another problem is uneven lighting, which can lead to dark corners or unevenly distributed light. This can be remedied with strategically placed luminaires that ensure uniform illumination of the entire room.


Additional light sources such as wall lights or LED strips can also help to effectively brighten up dark areas. Finally, incorrect lighting can make a small hallway appear even narrower and more cramped. This can be remedied by using indirect light and reflective surfaces such as mirrors, which visually widen the room. Large, suspended luminaires should be avoided and recessed spotlights or flat lighting elements should be preferred instead so as not to narrow the hallway further.

Conclusion - How to do everything right!


Lighting a compact hallway requires a balanced interplay of indirect and direct light to create both an inviting atmosphere and meet practical needs. By using recessed spotlights, wall lights and reflective elements such as mirrors, you can create a sense of space while maintaining the functionality of the room. The right lighting design transforms a compact hallway into an attractive and functional space.


If you are still undecided about how you want to implement the lighting, why not make an appointment with the lighting designers at Skapetze, for a personal consultation and the development of a individual lighting concept and the development of an individual lighting concept.


You are also welcome to visit us on site in Simbach am Inn at our light studio come and visit us.


If you already have a concrete idea of how the lights should look in your home, we can help you turn this idea into reality - our in-house workshop makes it possible.