These lighting ideas help make hallways safe for all

Hallways can be a tricky place to light, as they’re often windowless, narrow, and long. Many houses have a single pendant light (often with one incandescent bulb inside), creating a shadowy space reminiscent of a dungeon. While this situation is just an annoyance for some, for those who are aging in place or have disabilities, it can be a huge safety hazard.

Even if your hallway is well lit during the day because of nearby windows or powerful overhead lights, nighttime can become a whole new issue. No one wants to wake up the whole house by turning on an overhead hallway light at 3 a.m., but that’s often preferable (and should be) to risking a fall. Luckily, with the right lighting design, you don’t have to sacrifice or make tough decisions.

In the name of safety, we’ve pulled together some of the best hallway lighting ideas for seniors and those with disabilities.

Daytime lighting ideas

Simple single overhead lights

Many small hallways have a single spot available to install an overhead light. While you can certainly pay to have more spots for mounted lights created, we know it’s not realistic for everyone to budget for such an expense. In that case, consider maximizing your single mounted light as much as possible.

For those with lower ceilings, flush mounted lights like the Moscato Acrylic LED Flush Mount is a great option. Its long shape provides a modern, attractive look while also getting light to even the darkest corners. For higher ceilings, you can go for drama with this Mikeru Modern LED Chandelier.

If you prefer the option to move and direct your lights around tricky hallway setups, a track light could be your best friend. For something standard and highly functional, try the Unicozin LED 4 Light Track Lighting Kit, or for something with more lights and more pizazz, consider the LED Pro Track Salazar Track Light from Lamps Plus.

Multiple mounted ceiling lights

If you’re working with multiple spots for a mounted light already, or you’re ready to shell out the dough to create them, these next options are for you. Having multiple ceiling lights can be a big advantage because it allows you to create smaller and softer light sources while still brightly illuminating your walking space.

For lower ceilings (and/or tall inhabitants), flush mounted lights are a good option. The Slochi Flush Mount Ceiling Lights are a no-fuss solution to get tons of bright light without drawing extra attention. If you prefer a little visual interest without any hanging hazards, the Kattarp Ceiling Lamp offers a modern take on a classic fixture. Or, for the most creative look, try out something like the Caneoe Acrylic Modern LED Hallway Light.

Recessed lighting can also make a great selection for those who want their lights to be functional without being a focal point, though they involve specialized installation. My home has the Commercial Electric Recessed Color Changing Lights in its hallway, and it adds a great amount of brightness to the space.

For those with higher ceilings, you can use a pendant light to add some vertical interest and show off your personality. We love the Artika Swirl Modern LED Pendant Light from The Home Depot for its fun shape. Plus, it doesn’t sacrifice brightness for design. If you prefer a more classic look, something like the Emak Globe Pendant Light might be more your style.

If you’re already installing some extra spots for lighting, consider adding some wall sconces while you’re at it. The Aipsun Aluminum Modern Wall Sconce is a modern but subtle design that doesn’t take up much space, while the Hampton Bay Cade Vanity Light Fixture is a timeless addition.

Plug-in lights with no installation

Maybe you love your current mounted light, or maybe you just don’t want the hassle of dealing with the electrical work of complex hallway light fixtures. We get it. It doesn’t mean you’re out of options, though. There are lots of plug-in lights that can be powered by outlets alone.

While you can certainly get a floor or table lamp, be careful not to create extra tripping hazards or deeper shadows in your attempt to brighten up a space. Ceiling lights are great options to avoid this mistake, such as the Biglight LED Track Light and Kuaugst Plug in Pendant Light. Get all the convenience of a ceiling-mounted option with none of the hassle. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different light sources that work better for each space.

Nighttime lighting ideas

While there are endless “night lights” out there, there’s a huge difference between a light that provides a smidge of seeing potential and a light that provides a safe amount of brightness for a person with low vision. It’s recommended to turn on overhead lights for anyone with especially low vision or high fall potential, but if that’s not an option because of sleeping housemates, these ideas can be a literal lifesaver.

Night lights for your outlets

Night lights are traditionally plugged into whatever outlet is nearest, and there’s a reason this system has worked so well for so long. In modern homes, outlets typically are installed at least every 6 feet. This means most hallways have at least one outlet available.

One of our favorite plug-in products is the LuxLumin LED Night Light. It’s designed to cast a lot of light on the floor just where you need it without also lighting up the upper part of the wall and ceiling where it might wake up others. It's compact enough to leave the other plug free for use and provides a glare-free floor view you can easily see.

For a more standard night light design, the Maz-Tek Plug in Dimmable LED Night Light is also very strong and provides an impressive amount of light from a small surface.

If you are looking for something a little more fun, the Hyrion LED Strip Lights can be a colorful addition to any hallway. Just make sure that they provide enough light with whatever color you choose, and add multiple layers along the floor or around furniture for the best combination of aesthetics and safety.

Battery-operated and rechargeable night lights

If you find yourself short on outlets, don’t despair just yet. There are still plenty of nighttime-friendly options for you like the Amir Motion Sensor Lights. These can be stuck anywhere you need a little extra brightness and have the advantage of turning themselves on any time they sense motion (which can be especially helpful if you’re worried the person using them most may forget to turn them off).

Looking for lights intended for kitchens or closets is a great way to find battery-operated and rechargeable solutions that won’t cost an arm and a leg. The Diomart LED Under Cabinet Lighting is a good example of this. A few installed in the right places can go a very long way toward great lighting without breaking the bank.

What to look for in hallway lighting

Though not every hallway light has to have the following features, these qualities matter when sorting through the seemingly endless amount of options available:

• Find the right lights: Prioritize bulbs that are easy to find at the store and lights you can reach and change out without extra tools or help. The harder a light is to change, the more likely you’ll let it stay burned out. LEDs are an especially good option because of their long lifespan and because they don’t get as hot to the touch as incandescent bulbs.
  
• Work with what you’ve got: It’s not always realistic to install new mounted hall lights, so consider mixing and matching your lighting solutions. A well-lit mounted light pairs great with some battery-operated wall sconces or plug-in strip lights.
  
• Find the best shade of light: The shade of the lights in your home aren’t just an aesthetic choice—they can actually help you see better and reduce eye strain. Some people need bright white light, while others prefer warmer shades. If you’re not sure what’s best for you, get a light that has multiple tones and test it out until you find a favorite.
  
• Avoid fixtures with exposed bulbs: The industrial look is very trendy, but when choosing lights that are best for those with low vision, this is one style worth skipping. Exposed bulbs can cause glare and actually make it harder to see. Instead, look for shades and covers that are white and maximize light while also dispersing it in a softer way.
  
• Use directional light to circumvent shadows: If your hallway has furniture or is an unusual shape, it’s easy to end up with extra shadows where a person might have trouble seeing. To avoid this mishap, add some directional light to any especially dark corners to make sure that everything is evenly lit and as safe as possible.