Hallways are one of those overlooked areas - they often degenerate into a dumping ground for bags, shoes and coats.
To make your house both welcoming and safe, you need to extend the principles of good lighting into the hall and up the stairs.
The treads and risers of the stairs need to be clearly visible and there should be no dark corners. If you have several landings or turning points, make sure they have adequate light.
Simple bowl uplighters placed at intervals along the wall and up the stairs will cast light up onto the ceiling.
Put the main overhead light at the top rather than the bottom of the stairs to reduce the risk of accidents.
Try lighting the stairs themselves using recessed spotlights. This probably works better in more modern houses.
