Deciding on the right lighting scheme between adjoining rooms like a hallway and living room can be tricky. The goal is to create a cohesive feel while still allowing each space to serve its unique purpose. Traditionally, hallways have been kept darker than living rooms to define them as transitional spaces. However, with open floor plans becoming more popular, the lines are blurring between rooms and creative lighting is key.
The Purpose of the Hallway
Hallways serve as the passageway between other rooms of the home. Their main function is facilitating movement and circulation. Hallways are not usually spaces where people congregate for long periods of time. Because of this, hallways don’t require substantial overhead lighting. Ambient lighting that marks the path is sufficient. Using too bright of lighting in a hallway can create glare and eye strain as you move through the space. It can also create a stark contrast between rooms that makes the transition jarring.
The Purpose of the Living Room
Living rooms are designed for relaxing, socializing, and entertaining. To create a warm, welcoming atmosphere, living rooms require layered lighting. Accent lighting highlights focal points like art, while ambient lighting provides overall illumination. Task lighting ensures people can comfortably read or perform hobbies. The lighting needs to be flexible to accommodate both lively gatherings and intimate conversations. Bright overhead lighting is fatiguing when you want to unwind. Instead, living rooms benefit from multiple adjustable light sources.
Complementary Lighting
When deciding on lighting between an open hallway and living room, the goal is to make the transition feel natural. Here are some tips:
- Use matching fixtures or bulbs in both spaces for cohesion.
- Incorporate sconces in the hallway to avoid an oppressive dark feel.
- Add architectural features like arches or columns to define the hallway without relying solely on light levels.
- Use dimmers throughout to adjust the lighting as needed.
- Layer ambient, task, and accent lighting in the living room to create flexibility.
The hallway should be around 10-30% darker than the living room. This defines it as a passageway while still keeping it functional. When standing in the living room looking towards the hallway, your eyes should comfortably adjust to the slightly lower light. The shift should provide depth without making the hallway seem like a dark cave.
Choosing the Right Bulbs and Fixtures
The type of lighting used in both spaces also impacts how they work together. Here are some bulb and fixture considerations:
Bulb Color Temperature
- Use warmer bulbs around 2700K in the living room for a cozy feel.
- Cooler bulbs around 5000K in the hallway increase visibility.
- Match finishes between rooms for continuity.
Bulb Brightness
- Opt for lower wattage bulbs in the hallway and higher wattage in the living room.
- Use dimmable bulbs to adjust brightness as needed.
Fixture Styles
- Incorporate sconces in the hallway to provide directed ambient lighting.
- Use overhead fixtures in the living room to cast broad general lighting.
- Add portable lamps for flexible task lighting in the living room.
Carefully choosing complementary bulbs and fixtures improves the lighting flow between rooms.
Examples of Living Room vs Hallway Lighting
Here are a few examples of effective lighting schemes between an open hallway and living room:
Transitional Style
- Polished nickel drum pendant over the living room seating area.
- Matching polished nickel sconces lining the hallway.
- Warm white 2700K bulbs used throughout.
Contemporary Style
- Linear LED ceiling lights in the living room.
- Recessed 5000K LED panels in the hallway ceiling.
- Floor lamp behind the sofa for task lighting.
Traditional Style
- Chandelier over the living room seating area.
- Bronze sconces in the hallway.
- Table lamps with warm white bulbs next to chairs.
In all these examples, the hallway lighting is subdued and functional while the living room provides flexibility for different needs. The finishes and bulb colors complement each other for harmony.
Tips for Lighting Open Floor Plans
For open concept homes, carefully planning the lighting scheme is important to define different zones. Here are some tips:
- Use pendant lights, chandeliers, or track lighting to distinguish the living room from other areas.
- Add recessed lighting to hallways and passages for subtle directional lighting.
- Incorporate portable standing lamps or table lamps for flexible task lighting.
- Install dimmer switches throughout so light levels can be adjusted as needed.
- Use rugs, columns, or changes in ceiling heights to transition from one space to another.
Proper lighting design is key to making an open floor plan functional. It creates definition between rooms without relying on walls and barriers.
Conclusion
When deciding on appropriate lighting between a hallway and living room, the hallway should be dimmer to define it as a transitional space. However, the lighting should still be complementary between the rooms. The living room requires layers of adjustable ambient, task, and accent lighting. Sconces in the hallway prevent it from feeling too dark. Matching the fixture style and bulb temperature creates cohesion. For open floor plans, unique lighting zones help differentiate spaces with an open concept. Careful planning creates a lighting scheme that flows naturally between rooms.
The hallway and living room serve distinct purposes, so their lighting needs differ. But the overall design should work together. The lighting between these two spaces requires balance. A 10-30% dimmer hallway avoids glare but still feels connected to a flexible, multi-layered living room scheme. With the right fixtures and bulbs, the lighting can complement both rooms’ unique functions.