They’re the areas of our homes that we tend to use the least: hallways, staircases, and attics. But these “forgotten” spaces can 
benefit from good lighting as much as any other part of your home. Here are a few ideas:
Hallways
- When planning lighting for hallways, consider the scale of the area in question. Large, dramatic light fixtures work well with high ceilings, but they often become overbearing in less open spaces.
- Pendant lights aren’t just for bathrooms and kitchens. You can also use one in a hallway to draw attention to a piece of furniture, such as a console table or a low shelving unit.
- Directing light at an object at the end of the hall with a pendant or a picture light will pull focus through the space (rather than directing it toward the walls). You can also use this tactic to highlight the ultimate destination, such as placing a dramatic fixture directly in front of a guest bathroom.
- Is there a corridor in your home’s layout? You can break up an especially long hallway by mixing a variety of lighting effects, so don’t limit yourself to just one type of fixture or bulb. For instance, using a combination of up- and down-lights in a narrow hallway is more effective than just using one or the other.
Staircases
- A chandelier works well at the center of a large staircase. It will not only provide sufficient lighting, but it will also serve as a focal point for an otherwise empty space.
- If you have an open stairway, consider lighting it with floor mounted up-lights; they provide enough light to increase safety while also serving as a nice accent when the stairs are not being used.
- Another good option for stairs is to install floor washer lights on every other step. This is a great alternative to overhead lights if sloping ceilings prevent them from being practical.
Attics
- You can cleverly utilize attic beams to incorporate lighting into your attic. Consider mounting spotlights from them on either side of the room, then direct the beams so they project at an angle–the whole room will reap the benefit.
- To light an attic as a workspace or kids’ playroom, consider installing rows of fluorescent lights, which will flood the whole area with bright white light that’s good for work or play!
- Since angled ceilings often pose a special challenge in attics, consider having additional electrical receptacles installed. That way, a variety of plug-in lamps with adjustable necks can be placed in different areas to add light exactly where you need it to shine.
Yale Lighting Concepts & Design can help you create great lighting for your whole living space, from your reading nook to your outdoor patio. Contact us to find out how. To learn more about lighting for different rooms in the house, check out the rest of our blog!