One of the projects we're focusing on this year (as outlined in this post) is the hallways. Often forgotten about, and yet, passed through all. the. time. We have two significant hallways (upstairs and downstair) we want to make some intentional design decisions about and I always gather inspiration first.
The thing I realized makes a hallway for me? Lighting. (With some beams as a close second, although not really possible in our hallways since one side of the hall ceiling extends into neighboring spaces ). A lot of these inspiration photos have a semi-flush mount or pendant light, if you have taller ceilings, but a flush mount in place of a can like can add equal character. In addition to sharing some inspo, we rounded up 40 OF OUR favorite ceiling lights we're crushing on right now, ranging in price from $11 to $500 below.
Hallway Inspiration
1. How does this hallway have so much going on and yet feels so minimal? The paneled ceiling + beams + 4 pendants + barn doors + art. My thoughts? There's a tight color scheme throughout. The white planked ceiling eases into the white walls. The beams correspond with the floor and even the pendants glass and black are echoed in the doors. Such a cohesive hallway!
2. This is uber traditional and a lot more grand but I still pulled so much from this. Sometimes if I have something great, like all the most beautiful trim in the world, I feel like it should be highlighted. But the restraint here is shown in the calm color palette.
3. This hall has always been a show stopper because is there anything more lovely than walking down a hallway of perfectly framed family photos?
4. These lights slay me. The warmth in this hallway (and the peek into the neighboring rooms) is so welcoming and those glow-y pendants absolutely add to the ambiance. Can you imagine what this hallway would be with can lights instead? Kind of meh, right?!
5. Not my style, per se, but such a great use of texture here! These lights added so much warmth.
Source
6. I think this hallway proves that sometimes more is more is more is more.
7. I had to throw in my favorite flush mount example. It's simple and striking!
8. There's a lot to unpack here, and I still have some questions like, how tall ARE the ceilings where the pendants hang down, but my biggest takeaway is to allow lighting exude your personality. Have fun with it.
9. Generally, hallway lights light up an entire area but this example was so unique because it used pendants that only cast light down. I think it works!
I actually rounded up ALL of these lights as we were trying to decide for our home and I STILL can't decide. There are so many great ones. ... I just tried to look at them and decide again and nope! I love so many. #2 is such a steal. #11 is incredible. #34 feels classic! I hope to make a decision this week--which one is your favorite from below.
1. Halo Globe Flush Mount Light: $99
2. Flush Mount Round Ceiling Light: $11
3. Handblown Glass Globe Shade Semi-Flush Mount Ceiling Fixture: $157
4. Callahan Milk Glass Flush Mount: $159
5. Pittock Semi-Flush Ceiling Fixture: $349
6. Modern Brass Glass Ceiling Light: $119
7. Satellite 4": $189
8. Quorum Wall Sconce: $63
9. Mager 1-Light Semi Flush Mount: $44
10. Tanner Globe Flush Mount: $248
11. Mark 1-Light 13" Semi Flush Mount: $136
12. Deshields 1-Light Flush Mount: $159
13. Tapered White Schoolhouse Light Fixture Flush Mount: $193
14. Sculptural Glass Pebble Flushmount: $79
15. Gatsby Flush Mount: $298
16. 11" Wide Semi-Flush Ceiling Fixture: $62
17. Brickey 1 - Light 10.2" Semi Flush Mount: $68
18. Huntley Oil Rubbed Bronze Farmhouse Semi Flush Mount Ceiling Light: $128
19. Collier 1-Light Flush Mount: $449
20. Vedder 1-Light Semi Flush Mount: $48
21. Schrock 2-Light Semi-Flush Mount: $157
22. Nyle 1-Light Semi Flush Mount: $108
23. PB Classic Farmhouse Metal Flush Mount: $151
24. Sculptural Metal Flushmount: $129
25. Rigdon 13" Semi-Flush Fixture: $499
26. PB Classic Industrial Flush Mount - Milk Glass: $189
27. Denice 3-Light Flush Mount: $207
28. Minka Lavery Semi Flush Mount Ceiling Light: $269
29. Golden Lighting Duncan 14" Flush Mount in Aged Brass with a Black Shade: $95
30. Hamlin 2 light 12 inch flat black flush mount: $94
31. Shaler 1-Light Semi-Flush Mount: $173
32. Haleigh 3 - Light Unique / Statement Geometric Chandelier: $308
33. Four-Sided Glass Hanging Pendant Lamp: $99
34. Hundi Flush Mount: $209
35. Varnum 4 - Light Lantern Geometric Pendant: $139
36. White Pendant Light: $99
37. Black Pendant Light: $89
38. Cabo Small Woven Pendant Light: $249
39. Valencia Pendant Lamp Brass: $94
40. Caleb Adjustable 6-Light 28" Brass Cluster Pendant: $249
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I would love to see your flush mount picks for a bedroom. I have replaced half our boob lights (mostly in hallways) but am stumped on finding one I love that gives off enough light for a bedroom (multiple bulbs). Thoughts?
I also should have mentioned that we need quite a bit of light to be emitted from the plug-in hanging pendant, and are going for a style like nos. 32,33, and 35 above. Thank you!!
Love this post! Wondering what your thoughts and recommendations are when it comes to plug-in pendant lighting... we are renting and the bedroom light switches control one outlet in each room --- no overhead ceiling light fixtures and we can't cut the ceiling to allow for one. Any advice from you on how to tackle hanging a plug-in pendant lamp (and product recommendations!) would be greatly appreciated! Thank you! (P.s. We're in Canada.)
Julia, you've mentioned that you're replacing many of the natural wood doors in your home. Now that you have more wall space in your hallways from adding the music room & master closet, have you considered installing modern barn doors? I'm specifically thinking of the entrance to the lower level theatre room; and perhaps even at the top of the back stairwell, which may provide a higher level of privacy and quiet to the girls' wing when you're entertaining.
I don't think so. We'll leave the door on to the basement but we like the other areas open for now.
Love all your lighting sources! I just bought my first home, and I'm wanting to update the ceiling lights throughout the home. However, I am worried about getting statement pieces for some rooms like a modern chandelier or one of these flush mounts that will not be bright enough to light up a whole room even with lamps in the rooms as well. I'm considering adding recessed lighting but not sure if it will be worth it or difficult to DIY. Any suggestions?
How do you recommend hiding the not so pretty fire and carbon monoxide detectors that are required in hallways? Thank you!
Ours are combined and so important. I think they kind of recess once everything else is in place.
#9! It's affordable, stylish and a bit interesting!
Julia, IMHO it's less about which light you choose and more about how best to coordinate all of the lighting seen from different perspectives throughout the open spaces so that they don't compete or clash. From the long list of options, #3, 6, 7, 9 & 19 seem to tie in with the lightning you have already hung in the breakfast nook and entry. I also think the black w/brass accent of #29 would contrast beautifully with your floors.
Your selection may also depend on where the lights are placed. For example, will the first light be placed in front of the music room arch (or near the master bedroom door in the upper hall) or further down? If the former, then you'll want the hall lighting to coordinate with the chandelier that you choose for the entry. Also, since you're seeking a consistent look between the upper and lower halls, you may consider ceiling mounts on one level with coordinating sconces on the other (along with the recessed ceiling lights). I can't wait to see the chandeliers you choose for the entry and living room!
I honestly just took down boob lights in our new home and replaced them with the homedepot version of #2. For me, the silhouette is similar to high end lights, but I get away with keeping money in the budget for pricier items where quality is queen. Like, rugs! A cheap rug is an absolute no go for me, but mixing in that cheap homedepot flush mount globe with my schoolhouse electric and Mitzi fixtures just makes “cents”. Thanks for sharing!!
#25 Rigdon so beautiful! I am such a fan of rejuvenation. I actually bought one of those lights from your pic #4 for my hallway, and it was like one or two months after installed and the box was long gone that I realized it was missing the glass. I bought online, so I just thought it was weird it didn’t include glass. I had so much going on with the remodel, I just didn’t realize till nothing I can do to fix.:(
Great post, thank you! How do you suggest handling the mandatory fire and carbon monoxide detectors that are mandatory for code in hallways? I’m in California and they require these in the hallway and they are such an eyesore (although, essential for safety). Is there a trick to hiding these? My hallway is so ugly because of them ????! Thank you!
Thanks for the beautiful light round up!! So timely as I’m changing out our hallway builder boob lights.
Cleaning and care always sways my final choice for lighting, who has time to dust their lights every week?! I love 11! It’s modern and minimal but the metal extending onto the globe doesn’t remind me of cheap church basement lights (ahem .... sorry #2 that’s you!)
I love 11!!!
What a timely post! I’m over here picking hall (and stairwell) lighting too! Your round-up is wonderful. I can’t wait to see what you choose — typically something out of my comfort zone that I end up totally appreciating.
Why is picking lighting SO HARD?! I feel like I can scroll hours on end looking at lights but when it comes to pulling the trigger, I get nervous! ALL GREAT, GREAT PICS! What are your top tips for actually making a decision?!
Great post! What kind of lights do you think work best on a vaulted kitchen ceiling?
We start talking about what else is going to be in the hallways (picture lights? art) and see if that effects anything. Then look at budget and how many we actually need. Then consider other lights that within view or can be repeated!
My takeaway from the inspo photos is symmetry and repetition!!
Suggestions for a hallway in a 1960's home with zero natural lighting and SUPER narrow!!!
I don't think you need natural lighting. Just put a few stylish lights down the hall, and maybe focus on wall trim instead of art, to bring in character, since it's so narrow.
This was my exact question! My hallway is SUPERRR long, zero natural light, and no character! I was thinking about adding trim work because I have already changed out the lighting and it still feels cut-off and dark- blah! Love all the inspiration in this post and SUPER jealous of all those gorgeous windows in the halls!!
I feel like the globe lights in the first three rows go with light in the breakfast nook. However, you have multiple style of lighting on the first floor, and if you carry this upstairs, I feel like something that can carry elements of each room is important. I think anything from 26 to 31 could accomplish that. Especially 27 and 28 have a little bit of drama, but not overwhelming, and stylistically fairly neutral to allow other lighting elements in your home take a shine. Can't wait to see what you do!
Great post you guys! I kind of love 31 against my better judgment. Like it's just a fancy boob light, but something about the textured glass and bronze finish speaks to me! I also love all the milk domes. I have an antique lamp that was my great grandmothers and they remind me of it.
Thank you! This list is very timely for us. Is there a rule of thumb for the height of ceilings and pendants or flush mounts?
I like to leave AT LEAST 7' of clearance.
What’s the rule of thumb for how many lights you need per length of hallway?
We generally do every 4' for an 8' ceiling and 5' for a 9 foot ceiling and so on.
We installed #29 in our front and back entries this fall and I absolutely love them. The filtered light is lovely, the way that they sit so close to the ceiling is perfect, and their simple style (and NOT A BOOB LIGHT!) is classic and timeless. I'd recommend them to anyone!
The first one that caught my eye was #28 -- I love the flat shape and the bras detail. But also #19 has a really interesting shape and #12 is unique with both the black and brass details. I also like the textured globe!
#19 is one of my favorites - I've had it saved to a pinterest board for a couple years! Was hoping to use it in our new house, but alas, it was out of my budget (*sad face*). Love your round-ups! Can't wait to see what you pick!
The general rule of thumb is 7' of head clearance. Take the ceiling height of the room/hall and subtract 7' and that will give you the max height of the light fixture + down rod (if any). Of course, that doesn't answer the question of how tall the ceiling are in the inspo pics, but that guideline is at least a safe parameter for personal application. Hope that helps! :)
When I think about the inspiration of your home being cozy cottage, and the idea of evoking some personality into a hallway, #25 is the one that speaks to me. But then I saw the price and, OH! Why am I automatically attracted to the most expensive things?! Lol.
Same, girl!
I thought it was interesting that lighting was your main focus here although yes you did mention other elements! We have a blah internal hallway with 4 doors all around (1 end for the master, 1 end for closing off the hallway and sleeping quarters from the main living space, kids bedroom to the left, bathroom on the right) and the ceiling has a large air return, with a #2 in white light fixture jammed right next to it, then a smoke alarm, then the attic access panel... I need to have hubby add a second light at the far end for light but it is basically not a ceiling I wish to draw attention to! Because the doors are mostly left open there's not much wall space for art etc so I've spent a lot of time thinking what would work in here. My plan is to put 1x2 batten strips every foot from floor to ceiling, adding textural and visual interest without fuss. I'll keep the lights small and unobtrusive for light without drawing the eye or obstructing the various ceiling accesses. What's your take with hard working ugly hall ceilings??
I've been eyeing #11 for a long time, but at 13" it was just too big for my space. Finally I pulled the trigger on a similar but smaller light from Joss&Main https://www.jossandmain.com/lighting/pdp/fairlane-1-light-globe-pendant-j000444114.html?piid=658591044%2C658591163
I like yours better than the one on the list! Fabulous!
Ahhh, times like this I dream of talker ceilings! With standard ceilings and two very tall son-in-laws, some of these beauties aren’t options for me. I love 11, but even though it would be a stink bug trap, 28 calls to me. My 20+ foot hallway only has one light because the pull down steps and attic fan mar up the ceiling. I’d love to remove the never used attic fan, but the drop down steps must stay. Are there any attractive options out there?
I am liking #11 too but #28 catches my eye too.
#11. Good for high ceilings since it is a 17” hang.
A while back you shared a hallway from @LindseyFrankDesign which completely inspired me! We’re making big changes to our home and now going to give the hallway the attention it deserves. And CAN’T WAIT to use the Cedar & Moss flushmounts ???????? Thanks for sharing so many beautiful spaces with us!
Love these hallway light options, thank you! My only dilemma is what metal finish to choose as all of the lights, doorknobs and fixtures in my new construction house are brushed nickel, although I love brass and black. Choices, choices...
Black goes with everything, imo
Love #9. # 11 is bananas good. #26 come to mama! #40 way too much drama to be repeated down a hallway but promise me it will have a moment somewhere in your home. It's so good.
Out of all of those, I'd probably pick #11 or #26. Both reasonably priced and would look repeated down the hallway. But I'd wind up loving whatever you pick.
Everything can't be a superstar moment because then you've got Versailles...
Have you been using head lamps this whole time walking the halls!? Hahaha. Will the downstairs and upstairs hallway lighting match? I like 27 or 13. But 35 might pull characteristics from the dining room lighting so that might work downstairs. I forget is there a chandelier in the entry?
I’m not kidding, our downstairs hallway has 5 light sockets and zero lights. It’s pretty dark! Haha. I’d love the upstairs and downstairs to match!