✓ Short answer: Light every step from both ends: a light and switch at the top and bottom of the stairs, night lights in hallways and bedrooms, and a lamp you can reach from bed (CDC). Along a hall, sconces centered about 60 to 72 inches high and roughly 6 to 8 feet apart give even, glare-free light.
6 ways to make the night-time route safer
- Switches at both ends of the stairs. The CDC “Check for Safety” checklist recommends an overhead light with a switch at the top and the bottom, and notes that glowing switches are available.
- A lamp you can reach from bed. The CDC puts this first for bedrooms. A cordless lamp with a touch dimmer works anywhere, outlet or not.
- Night lights along the route. The MetroHealth falls-prevention checklist lists sleeping areas, hallways and bathrooms. The CDC adds that some turn on by themselves after dark.
- Sconces at a steady rhythm. Rule of thumb: center hallway sconces 60 to 72 inches up (Schoolhouse) and about 6 to 8 feet apart (Arteriors).
- Choose diffused glass. Opal or frosted shades spread light softly, so you see the floor instead of a bright bulb.
- Give older eyes more light. See our guide How Much Light Do Older Eyes Need?
Our picks for stairs, halls and bedside
Modern Lantern Emily Cordless Wall Sconce, Black, Rattan Shade
Wire-free hallway glow: 8 to 48 hours per charge.
Modern Lantern Emily Cordless Wall Sconce, Antique Brass
No wiring and no outlet, and it dims for night.
Modern Lantern Mini Nora Cordless Lamp, Linen Shade
A lamp within reach of the bed: 3-way touch dimmer, 24 to 70+ hours per charge.
Modern Lantern Mini Nora Cordless Lamp, Metal Shade
Two batteries included, so one is always charged.
Frequently asked questions
Where should light switches be on a staircase?
At the top and at the bottom, so you never climb or descend in the dark. The CDC also suggests switches that glow.
How high should hallway sconces be mounted?
As a rule of thumb, center them about 60 to 72 inches from the floor. Arteriors suggests 66 to 70 inches.
How far apart should hallway sconces be?
About 6 to 8 feet apart is a common rule of thumb, adjusted for doors and the length of the hall.
Do night lights really help prevent falls?
Falls-prevention checklists from the CDC and MetroHealth recommend night lights in sleeping areas, hallways and bathrooms, plus a lamp you can reach from bed.
What if my hallway has no outlet or wiring for a sconce?
A rechargeable sconce such as Modern Lantern Emily mounts on a bracket with no wiring, and runs 8 to 48 hours per charge.
Planning lighting for aging in place, at home or for a client? Our design team can help: contact MetropolitanDecor.