[mks_pullquote align=”left” width=”300″ size=”24″ bg_color=”#d194b8″ txt_color=”#ffffff”]Hallways are just as important as any room in the house![/mks_pullquote]They guide us from room to room and allow decorating styles to flow and transition within our homes. Sadly, hallways are sometimes forgotten by homeowners and can become dark spaces that can be frustrating to decorate to the inexperienced.
We show you 5 effortless ways to decorate a narrow hallway the right way – to make it warm and inviting to you and your guests.
1. Create Contrast From The Inside-Out
Style At Home
They say black and white is the classiest color combo, so take a tip and apply it to the colors of your front door and hallway. If you paint your front door a dark and dramatic colour and your entryway a bright white, you give the illusion of a bigger home.
Welcome Home! Shop This Eclectic Entryway
Vogue Living
The front door of your house should be a bold statement to what awaits inside. I love a black lacquer painted door – it’s stylish and works for anyone.
Get THE Look! Romantic and Mysterious Victorian Entryway
2. Choose a Long Hallway Rug
Vogue Living
Add visual interest with a hallway rug or runner to make your home more inviting. Hallway runners are a great alternative if you don’t have the space for a decorative stool or dresser. To save money decorating your hallway, check out Mamma.com for coupons and discounts on all major retailers!
Jamie Herzlinger
Two in One! A hallway rug protects your hardwood floor from the wear and tear of daily traffic.
What do the experts recommend? Pick a rug that has a pattern in a light color, to avoid drawing the eyes downward.
3. Add a Mirror At the End of The hallway
Architectural Digest
Most of us place mirrors in our homes next to the front door, which is great if you need to check yourself out before you leave the house. BUT have you ever considered placing a mirror at the end of your hallway? We’ve all heard this trick before – mirrors reflect light and make your space look bigger. Light from your front door and windows reflect into the mirror, making your hallway appear brighter.
Joe Dunn
Avoid the dreaded “dead-end hallway” by placing a mirror at the end of the hall.
You can also paint your walls and ceiling the same colour as seen in this gorgeous turquoise beach hideaway! This idea only works for light colors that won’t close your walls in on you.
4. Lighten Up Dark Corners
Houzz
Experts recommend installing at least 2 or 3 mini chandeliers or light fixtures that will guide you down your hall and breathe light into a narrow hallway. Use lighting to your advantage, otherwise dark corners may give the appearance of a narrow hallway. Which type of lighting should you choose? Glass or clear chandeliers will make your ceiling appear higher and won’t weigh it down.|
Make sure the lighting is hung high so it doesn’t weigh down your ceiling.
Chandeliers are an unexpected choice for narrow spaces, but if you’re dealing with a narrow entryway then go for it!
Deborah Vos
Lisette Voute Designs
When you greet your guests a dazzling chandelier will also bring focus to a beautiful staircase.
5. Wallpaper the walls
A Beautiful Mess
The right wallpaper can definitely give the illusion that a hallway is much wider than it really is. Choose a wallpaper that has a simple print on a white background, such as soft polka dots or a textured pattern. This draws the eye away from the narrow space.
