How to Determine the Size of Lighting for a Hallway

Choose a flush-mounted ceiling fixture for general lighting and if your hall ceilings measure eight feet or lower. A common design for flush-mounted fixtures features a round metal base frame and a frosted or etched glass half-globe that fits within the frame. The globe is held in place with a decorative finial that you screw onto a threaded rod that extends down from the middle of the base frame through a small hole in the middle of the globe. These fixtures may hold two or three light bulbs. Typical sizes are 14 to 20 inches in diameter. Choose a greater width for wider hallways and vice versa.

Try one or more decorative pendants, depending on the length of the hall, if your hall ceilings are 10 feet or higher. Pendant lighting can be as simple as a short stem ending in a plain globe or as decorative as painted glass fixtures that look like works of art, for a dramatic effect. Choose a pendant in colors that complement the paint color on hallway walls. Pendants range from nine to 18 inches in diameter, and their mounting stems can usually be adjusted to varying lengths.

Install track lighting if your hall features artwork or photographs that you wish to highlight. A straight track may be fitted with individual lights to spotlight each piece of art or you may opt for a curved track or a random arrangement of lights to wash the walls with light for a fluid ambiance. Before purchasing track lighting, decide how many individual lights you will need, as that will affect the hardware needs for the track.

Select recessed, or can, lights for general lighting. These are best installed during construction, though they can be retrofitted if necessary. Can lights are good for general lighting needs and can even be used as spotlights by choosing the type of light called an "eyeball," which swivels slightly in order to focus the light on artwork or other features. Recessed lights are usually four to six inches in diameter.

Install sconces for a more formal look to your hallway. Sconces come in many different styles, making it easy to select lighting that fits within your décor scheme. Sconces range from six to 25 inches in height and may project as little as a few inches from the wall. Install sconces at a height of 66 to 72 inches from the floor. However, this treatment may not be suitable for the narrowest of hallways because of the possibility of people bumping against them.

Create a relaxed feeling in wider hallways by placing a narrow table halfway down the hall and topping it with a decorative table lamp. If space allows, add a small chair to make the space even more inviting.