Hallways and stairwells place special demands on lighting. People frequently move here, carry objects, or go up and down stairs. A misplaced wall light can cause glare, cast unfavorable shadows, or fail to fulfill its function. The correct height, appropriate spacing between lights, and glare prevention are therefore not a matter of taste, but a matter of safety and comfort. This article provides you with concrete measurements and guidelines so that you can safely and functionally place wall lights in hallways and stairwells.
The Correct Mounting Height for Wall Lights in Hallways
In hallways, the standard height for wall lights is 160 to 180 cm, measured from the top edge of the finished floor to the center of the luminaire. This height is based on average eye level and ensures that the light illuminates the room evenly without shining directly into the eyes. For luminaires with an exposed bulb or a strong light source, the upper limit of 180 cm is recommended.
In very high hallways with ceiling heights over 280 cm, you can also mount the lights at 200 cm. It is important that the luminaire is not too high, otherwise the lower wall area and the floor will remain too dark. For low ceilings under 240 cm, you should not go below 160 cm to avoid glare.
Spacing Between Multiple Wall Lights
If you are mounting multiple wall lights along a hallway, the recommended distance between the lights is 200 to 300 cm. This value depends on the light output of each luminaire and the width of the hallway. In a narrow hallway 100 cm wide, a distance of 250 cm is sufficient, while in a wide hallway 180 cm or more, a distance of 200 cm ensures more even illumination.
First, measure the total length of the hallway and divide it by the planned number of lights plus one. This will give you the distances between the lights and to the ends of the hallway. A hallway 800 cm long with three lights results in four sections of 200 cm each. The first light will then be at 200 cm, the second at 400 cm, and the third at 600 cm.
Special Considerations in Stairwells
Different rules apply in stairwells than in flat hallways. Here, the lights must illuminate every tread and riser well so that no one stumbles. The mounting height depends on the position on the stairs: On each landing, mount the light at a height of 160 to 180 cm, measured from the landing floor.
On the sloped wall along the stairs, the lights should be vertically spaced 180 to 220 cm apart, measured along the stair slope. This corresponds to about six to eight steps with a standard rise of 18 cm per step. Make sure that no light is directly at eye level of a person standing on a step.
Avoiding Glare Through Luminaire Selection and Alignment
Glare occurs when the light source or a highly reflective surface is directly in the field of view. In hallways and stairwells, this is particularly annoying because you are moving and the viewing angle constantly changes. Choose luminaires with shades, diffusers, or upward and downward directed light. Open luminaires with visible light sources should only be used if they are mounted significantly above 180 cm or if the light source is dimmed.
Luminaires with a swivel shade or reflector can be aligned so that the light shines on the wall and is indirectly reflected into the room. This creates soft, glare-free lighting. After installation, check the luminaire from various positions in the hallway and on the stairs to identify sources of glare.
Light Color and Brightness for Passageways
For hallways and stairwells, a light color of 2700 to 3000 Kelvin, i.e., warm white light, is suitable. It appears inviting and pleasant without causing fatigue. The brightness should be between 100 and 150 lumens per square meter. A hallway of 12 square meters therefore requires a total of 1200 to 1800 lumens, distributed among several luminaires.
Dimmable luminaires offer flexibility: during the day or with bright daylight, less artificial light is sufficient; in the evening or at night, you can increase the brightness. In stairwells without daylight, you should aim for 150 lumens per square meter to safely illuminate all steps.
Guidelines for Installation and Planning
| Position | Mounting Height | Distance Between Luminaires |
|---|---|---|
| Hallway, standard ceiling 240–260 cm | 160–180 cm | 200–300 cm |
| Hallway, high ceiling over 280 cm | 180–200 cm | 200–250 cm |
| Stairwell, landing | 160–180 cm | , |
| Stairwell, sloped wall | variable | 180–220 cm vertical |
| Total brightness | , | 100–150 lumens/m² |
Checklist Before Installation
- Measure the total length of the hallway or the height of the stairwell and calculate the number of luminaires needed.
- Check whether power lines are available at the planned positions or need to be newly laid.
- Mark the mounting height at several points with a spirit level to ensure a straight line.
- Choose luminaires with shades or indirect light if the hallway is narrow or the ceiling height is below 240 cm.
- After installation, test the lighting from different angles and adjust the alignment if necessary.
- Ensure that switches or motion detectors are easily accessible, ideally at the beginning and end of the hallway and on each stair landing.
You can find suitable pieces under Wall Lights and Wall Mirrors. Information on how the pieces are constructed, available dimensions, and delivery times can be found on Eichholtz Wall Lights and Eichholtz Wall Mirrors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mount wall lights lower than 160 cm?
This is possible, but not recommended. Below 160 cm, there is an increased risk of glare, especially if you or guests are taller than 170 cm. In addition, the luminaire can be touched when passing by with bags or outstretched arms. Only in very low rooms under 220 cm ceiling height might mounting at 150 cm be sensible.
How many wall lights do I need for a 6-meter long hallway?
With a distance of 200 to 300 cm between the lights, you will need two to three lights for a length of 600 cm. With two lights, the distance will be 200 cm each ( one at 200 cm, one at 400 cm). With three lights, the distance is reduced to 150 cm, which provides more even illumination but is only necessary for wide hallways or weaker luminaires.
Should I use lights with motion detectors in the stairwell?
Motion detectors are practical and energy-saving in stairwells, especially if the stairwell is rarely used. Make sure the sensor is positioned to detect people on all steps, not just on the landing. The follow-up time should be at least 60 seconds so that the light does not go out while someone is still on the stairs.
Which lights are suitable for very narrow hallways under 100 cm wide?
In narrow hallways, you should choose flat wall lights with a shallow projection, ideally less than 15 cm deep. Lights with upward and downward directed light are better here than lights with shades that protrude into the room. The mounting height should also be rather at 170 to 180 cm so that no one bumps their head or shoulder on the light.