Do spotlights work in a Victorian hallway?

[Paloma12]

Typical London terrace, very gloomy. Views on spotlights appreciated!

We had them in our edwardian terrace & they were great BUT you must make sure the plasterwork/walls are in perfect nick as they highlight every little lump & bump.
They also only really work if your decor has a contemporary bent, if its too traditional they look odd.

Thanks! Was debating a feature light, but I think it might look too grand in a narrow terraced hallway.

spotlights are good for illuminating a spot, such as a small picture on the wall, an alcove, or a piece of statuary.

They are not so good for illuminating a room, unless you want it to be dimly lit with small pools of bright light.

Agree with PigletJohn. Get some sort of lantern or chandelier that will through around more light or mix things up with a combination of wall lights and ceiling lights if you can.

Can I please clarify what people mean by 'spotlight' ? I think of them as things that have an arm coming off a mounting and the light can be swivelled to highlight one area. But I think now it might mean those recessed downlights which punctuate an entire ceiling.

Having said which I like neither for a Victorian hall. The first because the light is too focused in individual areas and the second because I loathe them and think they are dating very fast.

I have them (the ones punctuating an entire hallway). They're OK. One thing I will say - most of the bulbs on the market give off a very 'cold', white light which felt clinical. I've had to search for yellower ones - more of a Tungsten type feel, which to my eyes suits the property more.

Wall lights look nice

Sorry I mean the ones in the ceiling. I think they may be our best bet - very narrow hall, and I just don't think a lantern/chandelier will work, especially once we have pictures up etc.

Thanks for explaining as I suspected that was the new meaning ie they are now spots of light in a ceiling.

As far as light goes they may well be the most illuminating. I don't actually think they look as bad in a hallway (in a line) as they do in a lovely smooth expanse of reception room plasterwork. They're just too 'dotty' and clinical for me.

I don't think they would look right in a small hall, and they are dating rather fast now. In a while they will be a negative in a period houses rather than a positive (apart from kitchens and bathrooms).

They also don't give a particularly nice light, more suited to kitchens and bathrooms than spaces you want to look warm and welcoming. Agree with poster who said its a cold light, not really want you want in a hall.

A good pendant usually gives a lovely soft welcoming light. How about posting a picture of your hall?

I think they make Victorian houses look like new builds.

A big 'feature' light fitting would make a small hallway look more interesting IMHO.

Thank you to everyone for your ideas. Shall keep pondering. I actually saw a nice hallway on Pinterest which managed to combine spotlights with a pendant light!! Sounds awful, but looks good in the picture.

There is a light in Jon Lewis which my neighbour had in her narrow hallway. Like a glass bottle. Looked soooooo good. Slimmer than a lantern or chandelier yet more contemporary than spots and can easily be changed to a different fitting in a few years!