Colors for hallway walls

20 Designer-Approved Concrete Floor Ideas

The 6 Best NOT BORING Paint Colours for a Dark Hallway

If there’s one space in a home with the potential to be dismal, it’s the hallway. In fact, MOST hallways are narrow, and gloomy and leave little room for visual interest and excitement.

And we WILL get to the visual interest and excitement…another day. TODAY we’re talking about paint colours because if your walls aren’t the right colour, there’s no visual interest that will save you. But, before I introduce the actual colours, let’s talk about some meat n’ potatoes stuff.

LRV matters a lot in a dark hallway. Why? Well, with hallways having very little natural light to throw around, paint colours need to work overtime, throwing whatever light they can grab around the room. What is LRV? It’s a number that EVERY paint colour has that refers to how much light a paint colour reflects or absorbs. Trust me, this little number could save your life and your marriage, so if you don’t know much about it, I suggest you read: Paint Colours and LRV: The Ultimate Guide You Need to Read.

Now, there are lighter and brighter colours than the ones listed below, but I didn’t want to bore you to death with various versions of off-white (I’ll let this post do that). And I’m not going to lie and say that these colours will BLOW YOUR MIND with personality – they won’t. However, they might just be a happy medium between a colour with a high LRV (that might ultimately bore the heckadoody out of you) and colours that are just too intense and heavy to toss down a typical stairwell or hallway.

Unless you have a row of pot lights, there shouldn’t be any fixtures in your hallway that hold only one bulb. ONE STINKIN’ BULB, what do you expect it to do – work miracles? Seriously, if you have only one fixture it should hold three – 60w bulbs. If you have two fixtures, they should each hold at least two – 60w bulbs (but the more the merrier as you can always reduce the wattage if you find it to be too much).

If you don’t have enough lighting, NO paint colour will save you – don’t expect your paint to be a miracle worker.

One of the best ways to get adequate lighting is with a flush mount or semi-flush mount light fixture. There are more exciting lights, but for the sake of cost and availability, sometimes a simple flush mount does the trick!

So, before you go spending money on paint, spend SMART money on lighting first.

This is a trickier one. Some of you have white (or off-white trim), whereas others have wood trim – so this changes things slightly.

Why? Damn you for making me think beyond the reach of my wine glass…

White trim with a light paint colour is low contrast. This keeps things not only brighter but also bigger looking (wider). White trim with a medium or dark paint colour is high contrast, which can make a space look busier and smaller (but sometimes more interesting).

Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray in a moderately lit hallway

Medium or dark trim (wood or painted) with a light paint colour is HIGH contrast. Now your space WILL look brighter via the wall colour, however, the contrast between the trim and the walls can actually make it look more cluttered and small. So it’s not that your space will look darker; you just won’t get the full-bodied effect of white trim/light walls.

Could you paint your walls a light-medium tone to blend in a bit more with your dark trim? You could, as this would lower the contrast level, making things look more simple and more seamless. However, it won’t make your hallway feel any ‘brighter’. BUT, if you can supplement with MORE than adequate lighting and decor (mirror) you can make up for a less than bright paint colour and perhaps find a happy medium.

If you want to know more about paint colours with wood trim, you may want to check out this blog post The Best Paint Colours for Dark Wood Trim

But for the rest of you, let’s move along!

Collingwood is a beautiful light warm gray with a soft purple undertone.

Read more: Paint Colour Review of Benjamin Moore Collingwood

As you can see at the end of the hallway above, things look slightly gloomy. However, with high-output recessed lights, many of the shadows can be lifted.

• Collingwood has an LRV of 62, which ALSO happens to be my MAGIC NUMBER!

Want to add a bit more warmth? Be careful; greiges can get MIGHT dingy looking if you don’t have the right lighting. Remember, no paint colour will save your dark hallway unless you beef up the lighting a bit and then meet it halfway with a reasonably light and interesting paint colour.

As far as greige goes, Edgecomb Gray is the ONLY one I’d be looking at, and even MORE so than the others on this page – you need adequate lighting.

Paint Colour Review of Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray

• Edgecomb Gray has an LRV of 63, which is its saving grace as far as a dark hallway goes – any darker and I’d be out.

In my own home, with its dark hallway and entryway, I lightened Edgecomb Gray by 50% so that I got the greige ‘look’ without the LRV of 63…

But if you don’t like taking a risk with paint colours, you could try softening and warming things up a bit with…

Ballet White AND Sherwin Williams White Duck are two cream-greige blends that are great for a bit of subtle warmth…

Paint Colour Review: Benjamin Moore Ballet White

• Ballet White has an LRV of 73, putting it RIGHT on the edge of the off-white range
• White Duck has an LRV of 74, so it’s a wee wink brighter

Now, if you want something creamier and brighter, I have the COLOUR for YOU!

But first, I know you’ll be heading out shortly to grab paint samples – stop right there! I want you to check out SAMPLIZE. Samplize offers peel-and-stick paint samples that are more AFFORDABLE, EASIER and more ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY than traditional paint pots. Here are just a FEW reasons why I recommend Samplize to my clients…

• samples arrive ON YOUR DOORSTEP in 1-3 business days, depending on the location
• at $5.99, they’re more affordable than the samples pots/rollers/foam boards that are needed for traditional paint sampling
• if you keep the samples on their white paper, you can move them around the room

Visit the SAMPLIZE website HERE

It’s no secret that gray and greige are the most popular paint colours these days; however, if you’re in the mood for something warmer, Creamy hits the spot!

This here is a pretty darned realistic shot of daytime living in our last home. You can see how Creamy was significantly lighter and brighter on the well-lit walls but didn’t fall too flat down the hallway (which had no lights on when this photo was taken).

Creamy wasn’t EXCITING by any stretch of the imagination, but it was simple and bright and reflected the light that it was given quite nicely.

And even though the hallway in our basement wasn’t the brightest, I chose Benjamin Moore Gray 2121-10 for a wicked accent wall along the back, which added visual interest to what was otherwise, a kind of ho-hum space (it was also the accent colour you saw in the upper hallway).

• Creamy has an LRV of 81, parking it nicely in the off-white range. The yellow warmth of it gives it interest

Want to add a bit more depth?  Check out…

• Benjamin Moore Navajo White for a more creamy/yellow look

Gray Owl is a beautiful light gray paint colour with passive blue-green undertones. These undertones can pop up a bit more with northern exposure, but even then, they’re pretty subtle.

With my client Jen, we used Gray Owl throughout her main floor (open layout) as well as the darker hallway area, and it turned out PERFECT. With a beautiful gallery wall to add some visual interest, the hallway looks much better than when it started!

Before: This home was too beautiful to have a hallway so dark and uninviting!

After: With a fresh coat of paint and a gallery wall, it’s now family-friendly and inviting!

• Gray Owl has an LRV of 65

Want to add a bit more depth or colour? Be careful, but check out…

• Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray which is a light gray with a stormy blue undertone (below)
• I also love the subtle, slightly more colourful appeal of Benjamin Moore Gray Cashmere, a gray/blue/green blend that leans a touch bluer

6.

Stonington Gray has a bit more meat on its bones, so you need some nice bright white trim to offset this bad boy!

Paint Colour Review of Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray

• Stonington Gray has an LRV of 59, putting it in the light range, but on the slightly heavier side of light

Want to know the best paint colour for YOUR hallway? 

Check out my affordable E-Decor Services and Online Color Consulting!

Chat soon,

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN IN 2019, UPDATED IN 2022

11 styles, the right choice of shade, combination in the interior and painting options

The hallway is the room that is the hallmark of the whole house. Therefore, its design should be considered in the most careful way. In this article I will talk about the color scheme of the hallway. I will tell readers about what color scheme is suitable for a given room, how to correctly combine the color of the walls with furniture and design, and I will give practical advice on what to consider when choosing a color.

What to consider when choosing the color of the hallway walls

The hallway has the most traffic. Therefore, the walls there get dirty the most.

Choosing the shade of the walls in the corridor, first of all, select washable finishes. It can be both paint and washable wallpaper. When putting on shoes, or dressing, we hold on to the walls with our hands, leaving dirty shoes and wet clothes there.

There is also high humidity in the hallway: wet clothes, shoes, umbrellas, open doors to the bathroom.

Whatever color you prefer, either paint or wallpaper should be moisture resistant and preferably with an anti-fungal coating. nine0003

When choosing the color of the walls of the corridor, follow the tips and recommendations:

1. If you like light white, due to the greater contamination of the walls in this room, it is better to give preference not to a snow-white tone, but to ivory, beige, etc.
2. The choice of color depends entirely on the height, dimensions of the room, as well as on the lighting of and the number of fixtures. If the hallway is poorly lit, give preference to light colors. If there is enough natural light, then you can paint the walls in darker colors. Walls two or more tones lighter than furniture will visually enlarge the corridor. nine0018
3. Do not combine more than three tones in one room . Whatever colors of walls, furniture, interior items you choose, the color scheme should vary within no more than three shades.

Popular styles and their inherent tones

The choice of color for the hallway depends on the style of the interior:

1. Modern , or classicism is in perfect harmony with natural light shades. Different options for white: noble ivory, beige, light brown colors will come in handy in this style direction. nine0018
2. Baroque goes well with rich pink shades, White and gold will also be appropriate.
3. Rococo is in harmony with browns and pastels. Golden elements will also create a successful tandem with the main color scheme in this style.
4. Fashion style Empire style does not tolerate halftones. The color scheme should be bright, most often these are all shades of green, turquoise, light blue and blue.
5. Idea minimalist calls for grays and creams, black is fine too.
6. Pop Art forces the use of an exceptionally juicy, fresh and rich palette. Sunny colors will do.
7. Hi-tech prefers metallics. The style is in perfect harmony with all shades of gray. A combination of contrasts is appropriate in this style: black and white.

Combination and color options

If you want to make your hallway fresh and juicy, use a lemon or blue palette, burgundy or green shades. A sunny range of yellow and orange is also suitable for these purposes. There will never be a dull moment in such a beautiful room.

Those who prefer the classics should pay attention to terracotta tones, light brown colors. This option of painting the walls gives them sophistication and nobility, moreover, this color scheme is not easily soiled.

Smoky, ash and silver tones are the most versatile and can be successfully combined with bright colors. nine0003

Experienced designers recommend using a color scheme for the walls that is slightly lighter than the shade of the furniture. Too dark tones, it is recommended to dilute with light tones.

Walls with vertical lines in any color scheme will visually elevate the ceiling, and a horizontal pattern on the walls will help to expand the hallway. Horizontal stripes will make the ceiling visually lower and the room itself wider.

An entrance hall in light colors is a classic of the genre in an apartment. But the combination of dark colors is a new fashion trend. But dark colors tend to narrow the space. A hallway in dark colors will look somewhat smaller. But on the other hand, dark shades are fraught with a certain mystery and power. nine0003

A dark color scheme is appropriate to use in a spacious hallway with large windows. A successful tandem is a combination of black and purple. Such a room will look elegant, with a touch of mystery.

trendy corridor shades, blue or lilac

Hallway. This space plays an important role. Already at the entrance to it, one can feel the harmony, the mood reigning in the house. Here we meet dear guests, friends who have dropped in for a cup of tea. I want to create the perfect interior here. To do this, you need to choose the right color. nine0003

Since entrance halls are often small in size and at the same time they form the first impression of the home, one should approach the issue of their design carefully.

What colors to paint the walls of the hallway (selection of photos)

Contents

• What colors to paint the walls of the hallway (selection of photos)
• Color scheme depending on the style of the interior
• Why the corridor should be beautiful corridor
• Fashionable design solutions in 2019 (photo selection)
• VIDEO: Modern hallway design trends.
• 50 stylish wall designs in the hallway:

When choosing colors for the corridor, consider all the nuances, especially the corridor footage and its layout. Not everyone can boast of a large room. Most often, the hallway is either too small or very long and limited in width. If you like dark shades, especially brown, then visually the width will decrease even more. nine0003

Cold colors are best suited for a small corridor: white, pale chestnut, azure, ivory, silver, haze, light brown, grayish.

When deciding on a color, take into account the area and configuration of the room.

The most acceptable design is light brown and gray. Their highlight is neutrality. What it is: a shadow falls on a milky one - a grayish one is formed, and gray in combination with yellow gives a light brown. nine0003

Colors depending on the interior style

Classic style. Many people follow this direction. It is not difficult to create it - paint or wallpaper is used to decorate the walls. This style is characterized by a wide range of colors, a combination of large elements, images, ornaments, and uniformity. In some cases, it is more expedient to decorate the hallway with panels - this is one of the most commonly used finishing options today.

Choosing the shade of the walls in the corridor, first of all, select washable finishes. nine0003

This style is characterized by the following combination: grayish with light brown, sandy with milky, dark with red, chestnut with red, light purple with light brown, milky with azure.

With a small footage, it is more correct to choose one of the above tones, and it is better to refrain from designing 3D, large drawings. If you live in a private house, the color should be soft, calm, otherwise it will seem that the walls are crushing. No one likes this feeling. nine0003

Whatever color you prefer, either paint or wallpaper must be moisture resistant and preferably with an anti-fungal coating.

For decoration, use wallpaper of higher quality than paper. These include non-woven, glass, vinyl, but they also cost a little more than usual.

Walls in a small hallway are best decorated in light and warm colors, they will significantly expand the space.

Modern style. Haven’t decided yet which tone to choose, but want to design it in accordance with fashion trends, the following materials and coatings will do. nine0003

• Natural and artificial stone of remarkable, colorful colors (intense gray, purple, dark, burgundy, chestnut).
• Red brick with visible seams.

Brick. With it, you can decorate all the walls in the hallway or apply only partial decoration and create a rather unusual design in the hallway.

• Pistachio, dark, azure, bluish, scarlet, red, greenish colors are used. If the hallway is spacious, you can combine colors with soft, neutral tones. Interior and decorative paints are suitable for any style. nine0018
• You can apply subtle, soft shades individually. Of these, light brown, milky, light yellow are often used.

A dimly lit hallway should be decorated in bright colors.

Additional information. If your main goal is to visually expand the room, then paint or decorate the side walls with the lightest colors or finishing materials. Refrain from large elements, massive pieces of furniture, large niches - this will visually significantly reduce the hallway. nine0003

Retro style. The use of stone is an acceptable option. It is permissible to use stones of various sizes here. The main requirement is that objects have relief outlines, be bulky, with rigid contours. This will allow the wall covering to look natural, realistic, as in the old days.

Whatever colors of walls, furniture, interior items you choose, the color scheme should vary within no more than three shades.

A distinctive feature of this direction is the use of natural decoration and established colors. The most suitable colors: light brown, milky cream, chestnut, sandy. Contrast and brightness are not allowed. nine0003

As for materials, use wallpaper, paint, as well as stones that imitate unevenness, attrition. The same result will give decorative plaster. Although it is expensive, it is used sparingly.

Embossed surface with various patterns, perfect for decorating any style.

Scandinavian style. This direction is characterized by an abundance of light. It is worth using neutral, soft, cool colors, bright colors are unacceptable. The selected shade is recommended to be diluted. nine0003

Stylistic design allows not only to create a fashionable interior, but also to reflect taste preferences.

Don't focus on just pale grey, light brown. Sandy, light yellow, azure, golden shades are ideal. With a small area, this is the best option that deserves attention.

Hi-tech. This style is no less popular in our time. Its key areas include the presence of elements of niches and metal decoration in the hallway. nine0003

Uncomplicated and simple types of functional finishes emphasize the fundamental features of this trend.

Dark tones are characteristic of the style: dark, greenish, dark azure, silver, etc. The use of stones, wallpapering, coloring are not excluded.

Country style. A few words about colors. The most suitable.

• Dark brown matte colors, textures with imitation of streaks - the most acceptable option.
• Light brown and snow white tones. nine0018
• Light yellowish and white rough flats.
• Recommended color and texture combination.
• The background is better neutral, with the addition of colorful elements - this is necessary.

The room is expanded due to mirrors, arches, large passages.

Each style is unique and interesting in its own way. Thanks to its features, it helps to create a unique interior.

Note. If you cannot decide on your own, contact the experts. They will help not only to choose the style, but also hide all the shortcomings of the room, create the perfect interior. nine0003

Why a corridor needs to be beautiful

This room needs to be beautifully decorated just as much as other rooms. This is like a “visiting card” of the house, so the design should be approached thoroughly.

Backgrounds and patterns should not be too contrasting in hallways with large wall areas.

In addition, the corridor requires a lot of space for outerwear, shoes and other accessories. But all this should be combined with decor. There is a large area for him - this is a wall. By designing this surface, where there are no clothes, you can radically change the atmosphere here. nine0003

To transform the area at the front door, consider these points.

1. Compact - here the dimensions are smaller than in other rooms. In this regard, it is worthwhile to correctly approach the placement of the necessary items, create a design that visually expands this area.
2. Thoughtfulness. After returning home from work, I want to plunge into comfort. Therefore, the design of the corridor should evoke only positive emotions, and the furniture should be cozy and multifunctional. Consider choosing a place for outerwear, shoes, mirrors to be comfortable. nine0018
3. Quality. Choose high-quality materials, they will last a long time, and low-grade ones are unreliable, they will soon need to be replaced. Pay attention to the moisture resistance of the material, ease of cleaning.
4. Beauty. Every room in the house should correspond to this word. If you yourself want to make repairs in the corridor, work hard on the interior so that it matches the style of the entire apartment.

   Make the floor darker than the walls and the ceiling lighter than the floor. In this way, the proportions of the room are visually preserved and the space is not hidden. nine0003

What color is better for the corridor

Starting the repair, I want to carry out all the finishing work in a quality manner, to choose the best design. But sometimes there are difficulties with the choice of colors. The best option would be the shade that will be combined with the home environment, interior and color of other rooms.

White. Many are sure that this color is not suitable for the hallway, that it is not entirely practical. Stylists are convinced that entering the white corridor improves the mood, and this is a strong argument in favor of white. In addition, the room visually increases. Of course, everyone finds their own advantages and disadvantages in milky color. But if you really wanted to decorate the interior in this way, you should not give up your desires. nine0003

This wall design is an excellent option for small or narrow spaces.

Light green. Green and its shades are gaining more and more popularity. When choosing a shade of green, the design you have conceived is also important. The corridor is small, light colors are ideal: light green, mint, grayish green. Appropriate finishing materials and decorative elements should be used.

Light green wall decoration is very trendy, trendy and modern. With its help, you can bring incredible freshness to the interior. nine0003

Please note! This color is basic, and what tone is better to choose, be guided by the footage and shape of the corridor, the type of lighting.

The brightest colors of green can also be used for a large corridor. But you need to be careful, as its overabundance can cause an aggressive attitude. More saturated green shades are also suitable - darkish green, yellow-green, especially with high ceilings and original layout.

The surface of the wall, highlighted with an unusual texture, bright color or pattern, is a special interior technique that guarantees an excellent result. nine0003

Inserts will give a peculiar effect. It is more correct to perform colorful inserts on a neutral background. This kind of contrast will make the room larger or visually make a large corridor smaller.

Light. The shade of coffee with milk is preferred by most as the most practical. Light brown decor and furnishings are perfect for different styles. Perfectly combines with dark chestnut, cream, light green.

A well-placed mirror, by adding perspective, will give the room spatial depth and spaciousness. nine0003

Let's designate some pluses of a light shade.

• Decorating in these colors, including floors and ceilings, requires fewer lighting fixtures.
• Light color perfectly hides irregularities and masks flaws in planning.
• Perfectly combines with all colors, which greatly facilitates the work of stylists.
• With this design, any decor element looks very impressive.
• Light design has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, the house becomes cozy and comfortable. nine0018

A good alternative to white is ivory. The shade is rich, combined with many colors and looks presentable.

Among the shortcomings, one can single out the short service life of such a coating and the likelihood of staining the walls with outerwear or shoes. But now produced moisture and wear-resistant materials will help to easily cope with this problem.

Grey. This color has many shades, it is considered an excellent additional background for colorful elements used in the interior. Painting the walls in the corridor in gray will help to make the atmosphere in the room peaceful and also unusual. nine0003

It is recommended to give preference to light shades of gray, which will make the room airy, fresh and spacious.

Unlike light, this color is much more practical, it has several shades: asphalt, metal, pearl. They have a positive effect on a person, soothe, relieve stress. But if there is an overabundance of dark gray in the corridor, it causes melancholy and despondency. Decorative plaster will add variety to such an interior, with its help you can recreate a different texture. nine0003

Lilac. This color, like others, is distinguished by a variety of palettes. Lavender belongs to the cool shades, it is best used in rooms facing the sunny side.

A lighter lavender color can be used in rooms with north facing windows.

Delicate lilac tone is ideal for minimalist and classic styles. And in any other style, it looks very impressive.

Some argue that for large rooms where we are constantly, this color is not suitable and it is better to use it in small rooms. One can argue about this. If residents really like this shade, they feel comfortable in such a room, it is quite advisable to use it for decoration. But everything needs moderation. nine0003

Dark. A corridor in a dark design looks intimidating, especially with the wrong lighting. In a narrow room, it is better not to use dark tones. Neither thoughtful design nor proper lighting will help with this. A small corridor can be decorated with a dark-colored rug and a small picture; for furniture, choose a wenge tone - it is amber chestnut or dark chestnut with black veins.

Dark walls will be the main accent and will look very elegant, chic and original. nine0003

To visually enlarge a dark corridor, it is better not to install interior doors, but to limit yourself to arches. Use a mirror for this. It is better to choose a wall-mounted and wide, built-in will not give such an effect. Suitable shades for the frame are silver or gold. The edges need LED lighting.

Bulky furniture is not suitable for a dark hallway - it makes it heavier. Shelves and hangers should be open, bedside tables are better low. Items choose polished, glossy or mirror. Install multi-level lighting: a chandelier, a sconce, along the edges of the ceiling - a diode contour tape. nine0003

Beige. "Business card" - this is also called the corridor, because by its appearance an opinion about the owners is formed. Therefore, they try to create a beautiful interior here. But this is complicated by the constant movement in the room, by the fact that its area is small, there is no natural lighting.

Painting the walls in gray or beige shifts the focus from form to content – ​​a small entrance hall in neutral tones will seem a bit bigger than it really is.

Beige color is best suited for decoration, it will visually enlarge it, add light. Perfectly combined with all colors. Here you can easily pick up furniture, decor. Beige shades will give the interior coziness, harmony. nine0003

Fashionable design solutions in 2019 (selection of photos)

Consider the fashion trends in the design of the hallway for this year:

1. It is important to plan the arrangement of furniture when creating the interior of the hallway. Since there are few free walls left, decoration plays a secondary role.
2. Repair is difficult for a large number of items. Be sensible by opting for minimalism.
3. Use up to three colors for decoration: wood effect, white, gray or dark. Everything in the hallway has its own colors, for example, a wood-like floor, a snow-white ceiling, a dark rug. These colors are present in almost every interior. If you bring bright colors, it will look pretentious and ridiculous. nine0018
4. Fashionable entryway with built-in furniture and hidden LED lighting.

   If the entrance hall is conceived in a neutral color and without bright accents, then you can choose combinations of colors close in palette.

When designing a small corridor, accuracy and functionality should be a priority. Make the background in neutral colors, and from finishing materials we advise you to focus on decorative plaster. It is reliable, stains are not noticeable on it, it is easy to clean. Optionally, you can choose wallpaper for painting or paint. If you have a spacious entrance hall or are planning a redevelopment, then the design will be completely different.

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