Hallways often degenerate into a dumping ground for bags, shoes and coats. They often become one of those overlooked areas and yet they are so important as they are the first part of your home that is seen by visitors and should provide a warm welcome to your guests. Hallway lighting is extremely important especially if you have a stairway leading off the hall. To make your house both welcoming and safe, you need to extend the elements of good lighting into the hall and up the stairs.

Stairs should be lit from the top to bottom to prevent accidents, with switches at both ends. T he main overhead light should be located at the top rather than the bottom of the stairs to minimise the risk of accidents. The treads and risers of the stairs need to be clearly visible and there should be no dark corners. If you have several landings or turning points, make sure they have adequate light. Try lighting the stairs themselves using recessed spotlights - this look extremely good and works well in more modern houses. Generally speaking hallway lighting should be situated every eight to ten feet for maximum safety. Simple bowl up lighters placed at intervals along the wall and up the stairs will cast light up onto the ceiling.

If you have a large hall with a high ceiling then an elaborate chandelier will form an attractive focal point. For a smaller hallway a smaller mini chandelier can be used or you can mount a light fixture semi-flush or flush to the ceiling. Chandeliers for hallway lighting are usually taller than wider.

Wall sconces are a good idea for foyers, stairways, and halls of all sizes. Another good decorating tip is to place matching sconces on each side of a decorative mirror to make added impact with your hallway lighting.

You can also place an accent lamp on a console table and hang a mirror above the table in order to reflect light back into the room and visually increase the space. If hall and foyer fixtures are not providing sufficient light for the entire stairway, you can install a pendant, small chandelier, or ceiling mounted fixture above the top step.

There are so many styles of light fittings available that is it not difficult to find one that suits the style of you hallway décor. If you are restoring a period house then many of the lighting manufacturers make good copies of traditional fittings that will blend in well with your scheme. Most of the lighting supplies have advisors that will help you to work out the best lighting solutions for you hallway lighting so that you have a pleasant and welcoming entrance to your home as a result.