With winter fast approaching, the sun has been rising later, which means by the time you wake up in the morning, it’s nearly pitch black! I don’t know how you feel about this dilemma, but I don’t think stumbling down a long, dark hallway should even be an option. You can easily mitigate this problem by adding a few strategically placed wall sconces in your hallway. Wall sconces perform two functions, one being lighting in your hallway, the other being a stylish wall accent that will help give your home a little bit more personality.

The great thing about wall sconces is you can find them in a bunch of different styles and finishes. If your home decor leans more toward modern and contemporary, no problem! Select a simple sconce with a stainless steel, aluminum or brushed nickel finish with glass accents. Avoid fixtures that feature a lot of ornate detailing, as those tend to be bit more old fashioned. Designer George Kovacs has a great line of modern lighting, manufactured by Minka. If your tastes are more traditional, then you might want to look for a design with ornate detail work in bronze with a bronze or brass finish. Tiffany-style wall sconces are also a great option. These lights feature beautiful stained glass elements that will add a pop of color to your hallway. Whatever your design aesthetic, there’s a wall sconce for you!

While I recommend hiring a licensed electrician to install your wall sconces, there are lighting options for those of you who don’t want to go through the extra trouble. Wall plug sconces make are a good idea if you have a shorter hallway to illuminate. The downside, of course, is hiding the ugly cord. Kichler and Lite Source make some nice wall plug sconces that you may want to consider.

Going “green” is a big trend right now, and for good reason! With rising energy costs, gas prices and the overall deterioration of the environment, it’s important to cut costs wherever you can. When it comes to finding eco-friendly wall sconces, it’s all about the bulbs! While your standard incandescent bulbs tend to be cheaper, it’s definitely a good idea to invest in some compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs). These guys can save you money in the long run. If ever American home replaced one single incandescent light bulb with a CFL, we could potentially save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for an entire year! What’s more, CFLs emit a much cleaner, brighter light which will help brighten up your space more effectively. Additionally, you can look for light fixtures with that little “Energy Star Qualified” logo on the packaging and know that you’re making a smart choice. Oh, and just because you’re going green, doesn’t mean you have to skimp on style! There are plenty of fashionable sconces available in this eco-friendly style.

By having adequate lighting in your hallway, you make your home more inviting for holiday guests, you make your trips to and from the bathroom or kitchen much safer and you add style and personality. What more could you ask for in a purchase?