We all often complain about the shortcomings of our hallway - cramped space, darkness and, which also often happens, clutter. How to fix the situation? Proper lighting for a small hallway.
This is not to say that the functional content of the hallway does not matter - it still does. This material is about something else - about the skill of managing attention and the ability to “redistribute” it with the help of lighting in a small hallway.
1. Learn to use a mirror
The first thing that works for visual extension hallway - mirror. But it’s not just the presence of a mirror or its size, but how exactly to use it. An example in the photo - they lined a fragment of the hallway with mirrors, made a mirrored and frameless door to the bathroom and literally dissolved the wall in space. Do you see how the interior has become “twice as large” as the nominal size? Let us now imagine that there are not enough lamps above this mirror (there is a mirror, but it is in the dark). And that the reflective surface is not solid, but is repeatedly crushed by the frames of the wardrobe doors. Mentally draw this wall with red rectangles: and the mirror will disappear - a closet will appear in your field of vision.
Another example in the photo - in this case the mirror acts as a wall covering and finishing material - not as an object of decoration. At the same time, a lot of useful things can be hidden behind it: access hatches to meters and a pair of built-in cabinets with a “push to open” opening system. Look how decorative mirrors continue functional (built-in wardrobe façade) along the wall with a banquette. It’s not like the small hallway in the photo, you might object. Good: mentally remove a meter of width - the seat and tables; We replace table lamps with ceiling lamps on a long pendant. What changed? There is nothing in the design of the hallway; but you can use this idea in your compact narrow hallway.
The second point is what exactly your mirror reflects. Clutter on your hanger? Congratulations: you now have double the size. An empty wall opposite? Well, it’s unlikely that this will make space magically “unfold.” Where exactly should I hang a mirror in the hallway? Where the maximum amount of light will fall on it. It could be the mirror opposite internal door with glazing, a mirror next to a table lamp, a mirror in which a chandelier is reflected.
Please note that the hallway lighting from the photo works in tandem with the mirror, and not independently of it. To where it will be reflected in the mirror nice view. For example, a wall with a picture or decorative lighting small hallway (reception " desk lamp by the mirror on the dresser" works great). Where the mirror will reflect the perspective. In the example with the photo it is reflected opened door into the next room, view of the window and light from it. There was no window in the hallway - now “there is”: in reflection. Where the mirror will multiply itself. The mirror opposite the mirror in a long corridor - wide, tall, large, without interruptions - great option.
Tip: If the hallway is a small square, find the side where at least some light enters the room and place the mirror opposite this source. In extreme cases, the mirror will work in the same way with an artificial light source.
Fact: as we can see, the technique with a spectacular reflection in the mirror is suitable for hallways of any size.
What to do if there are places for huge mirror or are there several missing? We hang anything (taking into account what was said earlier), but we work with the lighting of its surface. I will not tire of repeating: a compact mirror located in the hallway, although it will not make the space more airy, will reflect light and thus add “volume”.
Example in the photo - the mirror was illuminated with paired sconces, there were two powerful lamps on the ceiling, and this was in a small hallway. This is done not only in order to improve the insufficient lighting of the hallway in the apartment. But also correct the situation when you get upset at the sight of your own reflection.
2. Provide a “light at the end of the tunnel”
In narrow and elongated hallways, the “light at the end of the tunnel” technique works. This option often exists on its own; you just need to strengthen it. A dark corridor almost always leads to some room, and here we have several options. The first and most primitive is to leave the door from the corridor to this room open most of the day. The second is to organize an arched opening without a door, or replace the solid panel with a door with a glass insert.
If narrow hallway-hallway ends with a wall, place a light source and some catchy element like a painting on it. The lamp will play the role of a visual beacon, and the painting, especially a large one, will bring the wall closer - the corridor will seem less elongated. In the example in the photo, the wallpaper pattern “directs the eye,” and the red chair serves as a focal point.
Another example in the photo is a mirror on the wall at the end of a narrow corridor. Let's repeat the well-known techniques: the mirror reflects the window and the light from the opening next door. An excellent technique, but now you will object to me about the “tunnel effect”. Indeed, blogs often write about how undesirable it is to place mirrors along a short wall in a narrow corridor. This is true if you make a mirror surface from floor to ceiling, from wall to wall - then the narrow long corridor will become exactly twice as large.
Why do we see a counterexample in the photo and the mirror works great to expand the hallway? because it only occupies part of the wall; because the designer worked with what will be reflected in it; because the light is directed correctly onto the mirror.
3. Create niches
Oddly enough, niches in the wall are one way to improve the lighting in a small hallway. The thing is that such niches create differences in light, which allows the lighting to look more voluminous and ultimately make a dark corridor lighter. Notice how well this volume is emphasized in the photo due to the light and shade from the sconces and ceiling lamps. And again the same technique with the light of the sconce, multiplying in the mirror surface.
4. Add a light box
Instead of mirror wall A light box works great in a niche - the wall closes frosted glass behind which fairly powerful lamps are mounted. Similar skylights are often installed on the ceiling. The effect of pouring light from the next room is created.
5. Become a design ascetic
If you have narrow corridor, and the hallway is small, then optimal solution the design will be as ascetic as possible: light floors, neutral walls. Lighting in a small hallway using technical light- one of my favorite options. It almost always looks neat and does not overload a compact space. Tip: Don't be afraid of the lack of decor, because empty walls and simple baseboards create a feeling of cleanliness and order. And so that the composition does not seem too bland, you can add a bright banquette and a cool hanger.
We started with the “extra” space in the design - remove the “extra” from sight! To prevent the notorious lump of jackets from becoming an eyesore, a niche of one (one!) square meter. Yes, wet clothes dry out faster in the air than in closed closet. So a dressing room with hangers is exactly the same as an open hanger. Only the storage in it is much more orderly. You will have to look for a place for a micro-wardrobe in the hallway, but even standard apartments often have it. Or it can be organized through minor redevelopment (the closet “deepens” into the next room - there is a ledge on that side, and the corridor does not become narrow). Look for options!
6. What kind of lighting should I use in the hallway?
In short, it’s redundant and multi-level. In a small and narrow hallway, more light is physically required. Therefore, at the renovation stage it is necessary to install enough lamps on the ceiling. But not only - we need lamps below: on the walls and near the mirror, shoe cabinet, front door; think about which lamps to choose to highlight the space and design of your hallway. I even came across options where the baseboard was illuminated around the perimeter: it’s very convenient to navigate in the dark if you have the habit of looking into the refrigerator at night.Tip: If the hallway is long and narrow, install switches not only on the side of the front door, but also on the side of the exit to another room - then you won’t have to walk through the entire corridor to turn on the light.
7. Remove the wall
Yes, I wrote exactly this - in standard apartments in one of our frequent solutions redevelopment involves demolishing the wall between the corridor and, as a rule, the living room. Of course, in those houses where this is possible. For entrance area leave minimum required, in the vacant space we plan a dressing room and expand the living room space. The layout shows one such example - the partition between the living room and the hallway was removed, and the passage area was separated by zoning columns.
The advantage of this solution is that it creates the illusion of space and openness, the disadvantage is that there is a risk that things from the hallway will begin to “creep” into the living room. Therefore, it is worth clearly defining the boundaries of the zones. Interesting solution, a kind of half measure, is shown in the photo. Here they left only a half-height partition between the hallway and the living room: thus, zoning is clearly present, but the hallway is well lit and does not seem so cramped.
8. Make the door wider
In the realities of Russian apartments, the option to put swing doors to the living room, with glass inserts. Thus, part of the daylight from the adjacent room will penetrate directly into the hallway or corridor. On a bright sunny day, this is an excellent option for lighting the hallway. Imagine how much darker the hallway would be in this photo if the doors were solid - you would immediately get lost and delicate shade walls
9. Add a transom where there wasn't one
Of course, this solution is ideal for a hallway in a private house, where, due to a stained glass insert in the front door or glass blocks on the sides of the door, you can let in additional daylight. This option is very common in American and European homes. But in typical apartment we only have the opportunity to “borrow” the dim glow of the light bulb in the entrance. So we muster up our courage and cut down the internal “window” between the hallway and adjacent room: add a transom above interior door. If there are several doors opening into the hallway, we install transoms above each one. Of course, if such an option is structurally possible.
10. Replace the partition
The most radical option to add lighting to the hallway is to replace the adjacent wall with glass partition. Then the hallway will be illuminated not only by the light of its own lamps, but also, as in the photo, by lamps from the adjacent room.
The decision greatly depends on the style, but if desired, a glass partition between the room and the hallway can be added to any interior. It would be possible to agree on partial dismantling.
11. The color can be any, as long as it is white
To add light to a small and dimly lit hallway, do not hesitate to paint everything wooden elements white glossy paint. Using the same principle, select as finishing material as light as possible Wall panels boiserie: they will look more expressive than a plastered wall. And interesting pendant lamps and a laconic sticker will emphasize the fact that this color was not chosen by chance, but, on the contrary, is a design idea. I won’t get tired of repeating about “lots of light.” Paired with white walls, this is also economically beneficial - the light will be reflected from the walls rather than absorbed by them. And there are dozens of shades of white: you can always choose one that suits you personally.Natural rays do not enter the hallway - except perhaps some reflections from neighboring rooms with windows. But under no circumstances should this area be left dark, otherwise the space will look inhospitable. There is only one way out - choose the right sources artificial lighting and arrange them so that you can appreciate real comfort.
Basic rules for choosing lamps and fixtures
When choosing light bulbs for installed sconces and chandeliers in the hallway, you need to take into account the intensity of light in neighboring rooms - after all, we move from room to room several times a day, which means we should not experience discomfort from sharp light contrasts.
Beautiful lighting design in the hallway
But in any case, you need to refuse dim lamps, and there are the following explanations:
- a poorly lit hallway looks inhospitable;
- look at yourself in the mirror, do makeup or pick up color combinations difficult if the room is poorly lit;
- the right wardrobe item will be difficult to find.
Advice. Bright, blinding light is inappropriate in this area. It will become annoying every time you enter from a dark entrance, and will also “show” all the shortcomings of repairs and decoration.
Optimal choice for the hallway area - diffuse lighting sources. And for this they use sconces or chandeliers with matte shades pointing upward. The rays will be reflected from the light ceiling covering, thereby providing high-quality lighting. But do not forget that hanging lampshades are inappropriate - they should be as close to the ceiling as possible so that you cannot catch them when changing clothes.
Side lights on both sides of the mirror
Side lights it is undesirable to use if the main accent of the hallway design is the wall decoration - such lamps can cast long shadows, due to which the whole appearance turns out to be spoiled. As for wall sconces, then it is better to place them at a height of two meters from the floor level - this will allow the rays to be distributed throughout the room, and will also not fall directly into a person’s eyes. The idea of lighting the surface of a mirror is also incredibly popular - the reflected light doubles, helping to expand the room.
How to light a long hallway
Most often in our apartments. With the help of properly selected lighting, you can visually adjust the space, and the best for this purpose are: Spotlights, built-in
Spotlights on the ceiling and along the wall below
It is best to group them like this: 2 lamps directly above the front door, and then one along the entire length of the corridor, maintaining the same distance between them. Lighting fixtures can also be built into the cabinet.
Large frosted lamps in a long corridor
If the hallway is narrow and the ceiling is too high, then the lamps are distributed along the walls - this makes the room visually wider and lowers the ceilings. If the room is too narrow, you can decorate only one of the walls with sconces.
Lighting entrance group and along the length of the corridor
Advice. If you are planning to install several lighting fixtures in the hallway, then it is better to divide them into functional groups, which will allow you to turn on only that part of the system that is really needed in this moment time. Switches should also be provided in different places hallway
Lighting up a small hallway
You can also divide lighting into general and local. The main light source here can be a standard chandelier with a matte shade or spotlights if you have a suspended ceiling. The direction of the rays should go upward, this will allow you to visually remove the boundaries of the ceiling.
Decorative lighting in niches
Mirror lighting rules
You can hang the lamps near the mirror on the wall, or you can mount suitable devices directly on the wall itself. mirror surface- this will allow the light rays to be reflected, which will make the room even brighter.
Glare of light should not interfere with looking at yourself in the mirror
The mirror (it’s good if it is full-length) must be well-lit and brightly lit. This way you can see your appearance and image, all color combinations and other nuances down to the smallest detail.
Design options for built-in lighting
The flow of light rays should be comfortably perceived by a person. Therefore, it is best to take the lamps out top part frames Lamps chosen to illuminate a mirror should be practical and functional, and only then pay attention to the pretentiousness of the decor. The optimal choice is lamps with a simple shape that allows you to softly diffuse the light without making it too harsh.
Frosted pendant lights
If your mirror is located in the cabinet door, then you can choose rotating lamps on the cornice or built-in structures with the ability to rotate the lampshade. Light sources with movable flexible arms are also suitable. And do not forget that the mirror lighting is local; it does not replace the main light source, but only complements it.
The vast majority of modern ones are, which means natural light does not penetrate here in any way. You can compensate for the lack of illumination with the help of artificial light sources, and it is important to organize them so that the hallway does not seem dark and gloomy, but also not too bright. What features of hallway lighting should be taken into account, what light sources should be there, and how can they be used to divert attention from the shortcomings of the room?
No. 1. What basic rules should you follow?
When choosing light sources and a place for them, you should follow some rules that will help bring comfort and coziness to the room. So, The basic requirements for hallway lighting are:
- the light should not be dim, as it will be impossible to find the necessary item or examine your reflection before leaving;
- the other extreme, too bright light, is also inappropriate, as it will highlight all the shortcomings of the repair and decoration, and when entering from a dark entrance it will hurt the eyes;
- optimal level of lighting in the hallway - the same as in neighboring rooms so that the whole apartment becomes a single harmonious space. In order for the lighting to be approximately the same both during the day and in the evening, several light sources are provided in the hallway;
- the best option - diffuse light which is achieved through the use of matte sconces and, as well as by directing the rays upward so that they are reflected from the light ceiling finish and create uniform, sufficient lighting;
- hanging lampshades in not too high hallways and sconces that are too low - there is a risk that they can be caught by a hand or parts of clothing when changing clothes.
No. 2. Zoning with light
In the hallway it would be nice to highlight these types of lighting:
- general, which is turned on at the entrance;
- local, which is necessary for illuminating important areas in the hallway, incl. mirrors, cabinets, etc.;
- decorative, it will decorate the room, highlight some interesting elements and will even allow you to visually make the hallway more spacious.
No. 3. Organization of general light
The function of the main light is very clear and is to illuminate the space for those who have just entered here. Often this is the only lighting they get by with, which makes no sense at all. General light can be organized in one of the following ways:
- classic ceiling lamp– a good option, but it will need to be supplemented with local lighting;
- spot he can handle it himself full lighting small hallway. Its peculiarity is that it consists of several lamps loosely attached to one guide. Their location can be changed, achieving the required angle of light and illumination of all required areas;
- Spotlights– an excellent option, but will require the organization of tension or suspended structures. Thanks to numerous light beams, uniform and sufficient illumination is achieved, but often such lamps are combined with a diffuser lamp in the center of the ceiling;
- wall sconces usually complement, but in some cases they can become an independent light source. It is better to place the sconce at a height of 2 meters, which will allow the rays to scatter, distribute evenly, not be in the eyes, and the likelihood of damaging the lamp will be lower.
No. 4. Local lighting
Local lighting will make it much easier to find the necessary items and help you see yourself better in the mirror. Usually local lighting is arranged in the area of the closet, mirror, with small items, etc. If, then the lamps can be built into the walls, canopy and body, and the system can be configured so that the light automatically turns on when the door is opened.
The mirror also needs additional lighting, because it is important for each of us to know what he looks like before going outside. The lamps can be placed on the sides or on top of the mirror. Preference is given to lamps that gently diffuse light.
No. 5. Decorative lighting
Decorative lighting is not mandatory, but its presence can transform the hallway and correctly place accents in it. Often for these purposes, it is laid along or on the ceiling, visually expanding the space and blurring the boundaries. Moreover, backlight It will be useful at night, when you don’t want to turn on the main light, but will create soft, but sufficient illumination to see everything. In addition, if there are any irregularities in the hallway, such as steps, podiums, etc., then floor lighting becomes even a necessary thing.
Hallways leading into long corridors, are usually decorated with paintings or photographs, and these are the ones that can be highlighted with the help of light. Spotlights, spots and sconces are suitable for this. Also, the light accent can be placed on , vases and other elements, which distinguish the hallway from a number of others.
An interesting option is to place it on the ceiling or wall , behind which to organize lighting. In this way, you can not only get a unique decoration for the hallway, but also create an imitation of natural light entering the room.
It is very clear that in small hallway You can’t place many lamps, but it’s important to find a middle ground in order to evenly illuminate all corners of the room, otherwise it will look even smaller. Spots are great: part of the lighting can be directed towards the mirror, another towards the front door, and a third towards the closet. Can be used spot lighting and chandeliers. You need to remember one secret: it is better to direct the rays towards, which allows you to visually remove the boundaries of the ceiling and make the hallway a little more spacious.
If the hallway has non-standard shape, then this is a reason to strain your imagination and create unique scheme lighting, turning some disadvantages into advantages. The only thing that needs to be remembered is the importance of illuminating all corners of such a space.
No. 7. What else needs to be considered?
The issue of hallway lighting must be approached responsibly, and to organize a comfortable and harmonious space, It’s better to think about the layout in advance each lamp and switch, and even better, depict it all on paper along with a layout plan.
Although the hallway in most cases does not have its own windows, but sunlight can penetrate into it from neighboring rooms. To take advantage of this opportunity, you can refuse, for example, the door to the living room or kitchen, designing the doorway in the form of an arch. Fully usable glass doors or door leaves with glass inserts.
Help you save on your energy bills lamps with motion sensor, which will light up only when there are people in the hallway. The advantages are noticeable to the naked eye: there is no need to look for a switch in the dark, and it will be impossible to forget to turn off the light. Such automation today does not cost much, so it is available to almost everyone.
Finally
Not much attention is often paid to the renovation, arrangement and lighting of the hallway, and mistakes are made. The hallway is like an intermediate space between living rooms and the street, it should have sufficient, but not too bright lighting, and it is better to highlight each of the important objects additionally. The tips described above will help you create correct scheme lighting, and the only thing left to do is choose a lamp design that should meet your own preferences and the style of the hallway.
Lighting, in addition to its direct function, performs a number of other functions, such as: creating an atmosphere, visual increase space, changing the geometry of the room, and so on.
This is an indispensable tool for designers. Even the most stylish and expensive design, if the lighting solution is unsuccessful, can become useless.
The hallway is an integral part of any home. Its lighting design must be taken seriously. In this article we will look at various options lighting in the hallway and consider this topic in more detail.
The above part of the house serves two roles:
- This is the beginning of the house; it is the hallway that greets guests and city residents who cross the threshold of the house. This personifies the transition from the dynamic outside world to a calm and cozy home atmosphere.
- In this part of the home, the man preens himself before going out, and also puts on his shoes and puts them on before going out, so the lighting in the hallway should be full. This is especially necessary if the residents of the house prefer to apply makeup in this room.
When installing lighting fixtures Special attention it is necessary to pay attention to comfort so that they do not interfere with being in this part of the house. In an average apartment, the hallway is a very compact room.
Features of lighting design
If you are wondering how to make the lighting in the hallway pleasant and advantageous, it is important to know a few secrets and rules.
Do not forget the fact that in most cases, there is no natural light (sunlight) in the hallway, so when decorating lighting in a small hallway, you can use a large number of lamps for such a square footage.
It is very important that the light in the room is soft and pleasant. Between the entrance and the vestibule there is a big difference in filling the light. When there is a sudden change of location, from dark to light, the human eye needs time to get used to it, and the more pleasant the lighting design, the more comfortable it will be.
A successful lighting technique would be one in which the light softly and smoothly passes into other rooms in the neighborhood. Such a transition is necessary so as not to destroy the integrity of the design and lighting design.
Lighting in a narrow hallway, which can serve as a corridor, involves installing an additional lamp between the rooms.
Sometimes designers equip with lamps adjoining rooms, the light from which goes into the hallway.
To do this, you need to place lamps near the doors. To make the passage more spacious and bright for the rooms in the house that are adjacent to this part of the home, it is better to choose glass doors. Thus, natural and artificial light will penetrate into the hallway.
We achieve maximum comfort and volume
For convenience, you can place special sensors in the hallway that react to heat and turn on only in the presence of people. Also, a rheostat is often installed in the hallway, with which the lighting intensity can be easily adjusted.
Don’t forget that with the help of light you can easily increase the volume of a room and make it more spacious.
Nowadays they are very popular dropped ceilings. Lighting in the hallway with stretch ceilings look more impressive due to the fact that glossy surface ceiling reflects light
Design techniques
You can completely flood the room with light or concentrate on separate zones. For example, decorate the ceiling lighting in the hallway, near the mirror, hanger, etc.
Standard light placement patterns: around the perimeter and symmetrically.
The size of lighting fixtures can be any size, but for compact room It is better to choose small lamps.
At modern choice products you can choose not only functional, but also stylish and beautiful lamps, sconces and more.
This article presents general information about the lighting design, and in the photo of the lighting in the hallway you can view various options and evaluate them visually.
Photo of lighting in the hallway
