The hallway is often the most neglected space in the home. We treat it as a means to an end—a tunnel to get from the living room to the bedroom. As a result, hallway lighting is usually an afterthought: a single, lonely overhead “boob light” or a harsh recessed can light that casts unflattering shadows.

But designers know that the hallway is a critical transition zone. It sets the rhythm of your home. The best way to elevate this space from a dark tunnel to an architectural gallery is by using wall sconces.

If you have purchased a beautiful fixture like the Eloise Wall Sconce, you are halfway there. The next step is installation. How high should they go? How far apart? Here is your complete guide to getting the numbers right.

Explore more about the fixture itself in our Ultimate Guide to Vintage Milk Glass Sconces.

1. The Golden Rule of Height: Eye Level

One of the most common mistakes DIYers make is hanging sconces too high. If a sconce is too high, it feels disconnected from the human scale of the room. If it is too low, it becomes an obstacle.

The Magic Number: Generally, the center of the sconce should be approximately 60 to 66 inches (152-168 cm) from the floor.

The Logic: This places the light source roughly at eye level for the average person. Because the Eloise Sconce uses milk glass to diffuse the light, having it at eye level is pleasant, not blinding. It creates a warm, face-level glow that makes the space feel wider.

Ceiling Adjustment: If you have extra-high ceilings (9 feet or more), you can cheat the height up to 66-70 inches to maintain proportion, but be careful not to lose the intimacy.

2. Spacing: Creating Rhythm

In a long hallway, sconces create a visual beat. They break up the long expanse of wall.

Distance Apart: A good rule of thumb is to space sconces 6 to 8 feet apart.

Distance from Ends: Don't start your first light right at the corner. Leave about 4 feet of clearance from the end of the hallway or the doorframes. This prevents the space from looking cluttered.

3. Staggered vs. Symmetrical

Should you put lights on both walls?

Wide Hallways (4ft+): You can place sconces symmetrically on both sides, directly across from each other. This creates a grand, formal entrance feeling.

Narrow Hallways (<3ft): If your hallway is tight, placing lights on both sides can make it feel like an airplane aisle. Instead, place sconces on one wall only.

The “Offset” Trick: Alternatively, you can stagger them (one on the left, then 6 feet down one on the right). This bounces light back and forth, softening the shadows and making the narrow space feel more organic.

4. The Importance of Profile (Depth)

In a hallway, physical space is at a premium. You don’t want a light fixture that sticks out 10 inches from the wall, or you will inevitably bump it with a laundry basket or a shoulder. This is why the vintage-style Eloise Sconce is an excellent choice for corridors. Its design is relatively compact. It hugs the wall enough to be unobtrusive while providing enough 3D texture to be decorative.

5. Why Milk Glass is Critical for Hallways

We mentioned glare earlier, but it is doubly important in a hallway. In a living room, you are usually sitting down, looking away from the walls. In a hallway, you are walking right past the light source. Clear glass fixtures here are a disaster—they create “glare bombs” in your peripheral vision. Milk glass shields the bulb completely. It washes the wall with light (highlighting your paint or wallpaper) and lights your path safely without hurting your eyes. Learn more about the specific benefits of milk glass lighting.

Conclusion

Don’t let your hallway be a dark, forgotten space. By installing sconces at the right height and rhythm, you turn a simple corridor into a design feature. It becomes a space you enjoy walking through, not just rushing through.

With its classic pleated design and soft emission, the Eloise Wall Sconce provides the perfect balance of form and function to guide you through your home.