Home » Misc » Narrow hallway wall ideas

Narrow hallway wall ideas


24 Ideas How to Decorate a Narrow Hallway

Instagram Facebook

Search

A compact hallway can be a tricky space to style. Most people would leave it empty, thinking that adding décor would make it feel cramped and dark. You’ll be excited to know that there are several ways to decorate a narrow hallway. Be it for practical, aesthetic, or combined purposes, you can give this often-ignored area more character that you can tie into the rest of your home’s interior.

A gallery wall, for example, can add a splash of color and give your hallway some personality. It doesn’t have to be filled with pictures either. You can opt for paintings, wall décor, or mirrors to brighten it up instead. When using frames for your gallery wall, you might want to consider using the same finishes and border design to minimize any visual overwhelm, since you’ll already be working with a restrictive space.

Hooks and racks, on the other hand, are your best bet if you want to add some functionality to this area. Aside from hanging bags, hats, and other items, these hooks are also great for seasonal décor. You can drape or adorn them with garlands, baskets, and any seasonal décor, depending on the occasion.

Lastly, installing beautiful lights in a narrow hallway will not only brighten up the space, they also add an eye-catching element compared to standard recessed pin lights.

01 of Hallway Bench Styling

PHOTO: 

Make your entryway bench more welcoming by adding a few plants and plush pillows to it. You can also style it with cut-out signage, wall décor, and other farmhouse décor for a fuller and cozier look.

02 of Garland Gallery

PHOTO: 

03 of Spring Fling

PHOTO: 

Updating your narrow hallway with foliage and flowers is a great way to usher in a new season. A few wreaths and baskets of florals, which you can replace regularly, can be combined with everyday décor to create a calming yet inviting entryway.

04 of Shelves with Farmhouse Decor

PHOTO: 

Turn your hallway into a dreamy space to look at by decorating your shelves with vintage and farmhouse décor. This charming area is filled with books, busts, lanterns, and baskets that add texture and pops of colors to contrast against the white walls. The mirror and window frame on the wall bring an added dimension to the space.

05 of White Gallery Wall Frames and Console Table

PHOTO: 

06 of Hall of Frames

PHOTO: 

A floor-to-ceiling gallery wall is a perfect way to display all of your family photos in a hallway. Combine small, medium, and large frames for an interesting composition. Opt for the frames with the same color and border design to give your arrangement a coherent look.

07 of Stool and Mirror Styling

PHOTO: 

08 of Create a Destination

PHOTO: 

Draw the eyes to the end of the hallway by creating a console vignette with a mirror, plant, and small pendant light. Leaving the walls empty save for some board and batten paneling is a great strategy— especially if you have a very narrow corridor.

09 of Frames above Board and Batten

PHOTO: 

10 of Hallway Halloween

PHOTO: 

How should you decorate a narrow hallway for Halloween? Take some inspiration from this one, which features some quirky skeleton hallway décor. The board and batten hooks serve as a hanging rack for this floral basket with a crow as well as the besoms. Meanwhile, the ceiling is also decorated with witch hats that tie up the entire look.

11 of Antique Mirror Gallery

PHOTO: 

Moody and dramatic, this wall filled with antique mirrors is a dream to look at. The intricate carvings and various metal finish beautifully contrast against the dark wall while the mirrors themselves brighten and open up the space. The vintage crystal lights above add a romantic touch to the entire space.

12 of Black and White Hall

PHOTO: 

Incorporating black frames with white borders brings a timeless touch to this hallway. The use of a clean, linear grid for the gallery wall also resonates with the door design, giving the space a visual coherence that is both elegant and serene.

13 of Coastal Corridor

PHOTO: 

Combine function and style to decorate a semi-narrow hallway. This one features a gallery wall and vintage sconces on one wall, and a hallway bench topped with a mirror on the other. The ceiling is dressed with a beaded light while the floor showcases a combination of rug over carpet. Beige and black accent colors provide a stunning contrast to the shale gray walls, giving this space a calming coastal look.

14 of Black and White Gallery Wall

PHOTO: 

15 of Gorgeous Gallery

PHOTO: 

Hanging a set of paintings in a narrow hallway gives it a pop of color, especially if you have a neutral palette. The use of white borders, similar frames, and linear grid patterns creates consistency and coherence. This is important especially if the artworks have variations in style and colorways.

16 of Transitional Touch

PHOTO: 

Elegant and calming, this hallway of arches exudes a consistent aesthetic with its careful use of patterns. The walls are adorned with serene paintings in pale wood frames while the ceiling features vintage pendant lights. While the arches bring architectural framing for each area, the use of similar elements gives it a coherent look and guides the eye to the end of the hall.

17 of Vintage Cottage

PHOTO: 

The combination of farmhouse signage, pastel florals, antique mirror, and foliage garlands creates a cheerful hallway that leads to the kitchen.

18 of Picture Perfect

PHOTO: 

Family pictures give your hallway a personal touch that your loved ones will adore. Here, this compact corridor is styled with alternating framed photos with pictures on hanging panels. The rustic ceiling light is a great addition, lending a cozy, farmhouse vibe to the space.

19 of Festive Foyer

PHOTO: 

Welcome friends and loved ones to your adorable abode for the holidays with a holiday-inspired hallway. This foyer features cheerful red and green Christmas décor, such as wreaths in various sizes and a Christmas chalkboard along with splashes of holiday colors.

20 of Combine Textures

PHOTO: 

Decorate a narrow hallway with a combination of two and three-dimensional elements to give this space an interesting character. Here, the corridor wall is styled with raised wood letters, cut-out signage, and arrows along with a photo canvas. At the end of the hallway is a console table filled with Christmas and everyday décor.

21 of Curate Your Space Over Time

PHOTO: 

Slow and steady styling of your hallway is a great way to stick within your budget and aesthetic. Instead of doing it all in one go, take the time to hunt for pieces that you like. This particular hallway only costs less than $200, which includes the board and batten wall, six wooden frames, wall sconce, and puck light.

22 of Let There Be Light

PHOTO: 

Replace builder-grade bulbs and recessed lighting and opt for an interesting surface-mounted fixture in your hallway instead. This will not only brighten a narrow corridor, but it will also give the space an aesthetic character, especially if you don’t have a lot of décor in this area of your home.

23 of Hall Racks and Hooks

PHOTO: 

24 of Functional Installations

PHOTO: 

Hooks can easily turn a blank hallway into a practical space. This is a great choice for narrow areas near utility spaces such as laundry rooms and mudrooms. These black metal hooks not only provide the perfect amount of hanging space, but also lend a charming vintage vibe to the corridor.

10 essential design rules for making a long space seem wider |

(Image credit: Paul Raeside / Future)

If you have ever had to look for narrow hallway ideas, then you’ll be more than aware of the tricky task of making it a long hallway look wider than it actually is, while desperately searching for interior designer tricks to make your entryway appear warm and welcoming. 

You’ve probably spent hours trying out different hallway ideas, rearranging furniture, choosing paint colors and deliberating on rug styles in a frenzied attempt to make your small hallway look more spacious, light and airy.

Do not panic – with some clever tricks of the trade, there are in fact multiple small hallway ideas that wall help turn that awkward hall layout into something stylish and sophisticated, so don’t give up just yet.

Narrow hallway ideas 

Give your narrow hallway a much-need update with our curated selection of interior design-approved layouts, hallway paint ideas, lighting inspiration and more.

1. Be fussy with furniture in a narrow hallway

(Image credit: Paul Raeside / Future)

Hallway storage ideas and furniture can be a cumbersome business, especially in a narrow room, so it pays to invest in the best possible solutions. 

One great way to make the most of a smaller hallway is by using multi-functional furniture, like a bench that can be used as a storage unit, console tables with drawers and folding chairs that can be tucked away when you don’t need them. 

Another important pointer is to place large pieces of furniture against walls so the open space in the middle is not broken up. Scale the furniture to fit the size of the room and don’t block walking pathways.

2. Light up a small space

(Image credit: Davide Lovatti / Future)

Light will help to brighten up a narrow hallway instantly, so first and foremost allow any natural light to stream indoors by taking down heavy, dark window treatments. 

If natural light is non-existent in your corridor, instead look to hallway lighting ideas and have an electrician install statement chandeliers, wall sconces and table lamps for a dose of illumination.

Dark corners can make a hall appear small and cramped, so position a floor or table lamp in a bare corner to visually expand the area, while recessed ceiling lights can illuminate an entire room without eating into the space.

3. Stick to a monochromatic color palette

(Image credit: Davide Lovatti / Future)

Striking, cool and confident, gray and white is always a winning combination when it comes to narrow hallway ideas. Create a perfect balance of the two neutrals, by using equal amounts of each. It will give a bright and fresh look for day, together with a dramatic and tailored look for night. 

Introduce pattern and character with gallery wall ideas, such as these sophisticated framed photographs, and keep the rest of your furniture and accessories plain and understated for a contemporary aesthetic.

4. Hang up a mirror in a small entrance

(Image credit: Mark Bolton / Future)

Not surprisingly, mirrors can make a hall or foyer appear more spacious. Hang a large mirror on a wall opposite a window or very near one to reflect the outdoors, broadening the feel of your room. 

Mirrors reflect both natural and artificial light to make a room brighter during the day – and at night they bounce light deep into the room, making it appear larger. 

5. Use paint to visually enlarge a narrow hallway

(Image credit: Future)

You can visually widen a long, narrow room by painting a wall at the end a darker color than the other opposite and adjacent walls. The gradation of shade and color of paint on opposing walls can either lengthen distance by using a lighter shade, or shorten a distance with a darker shade. 

Light colors such as creamy white or light gray help to brighten a room, making it appear larger and wider. Plus, you can also paint horizontal stripes on a wall to make a room feel wider, or vertical stripes to make the space feel taller.

6. Play to proportions in a long hallway

(Image credit: Paul Raeside / Future)

Long hallways rarely feel homely, but there are tricks you can use to zone the space to make it feel far cozier.  

A rug can visually draw together the furniture in a space, giving a room focus and adding comfort. While a focal point that contrasts with the rest of the scheme can be visually interesting, disguising the awkward layout – something like a statement piece of art, console or striking pendant.

7. Display oversized wall art

(Image credit: Polly Eltes / Future)

Wall decor ideas that feature too many pictures and other wall hangings tend to make a room feel closed in, so simply hang one large piece of artwork on your wall to make the room feel wider. 

Avoid hanging art too high on the longer wall as it will just highlight the imbalance in the proportions. Instead, choose art that can sit wide but low over the console for example, to bring the eye level down and help make the room seem wider.

8. Use paint to create a focal point

(Image credit: Davide Lovatti / Future)

When decorating a small hallway, create a focal point with hallway paint – one area that will draw the eye, so there’s less emphasis on the room’s narrow layout.  

As long as your ceiling is painted in a paler color than your walls, no matter what the color, your ceilings will feel higher, helping a narrow room feel more spacious

9. Pay attention to scale  

(Image credit: Paul Raeside / Future)

Select furniture pieces that are in proportion to the size of your entrance. Oversized consoles, chairs and entry table decor ideas can make a small hallway feel narrow, while furniture that is the same color as your walls tends to blend into the wall, making it look wider.

Another clever trick is to arrange your furniture at an angle to create a sense of depth to the room – otherwise if you place all furniture against the walls you might end up with a 'bowling alley' look.

10. Keep a narrow space free from clutter

(Image credit: Davide Lovatti / Future)

If there’s one thing that’s going to create the illusion of more space in a narrow hallway, it’s decluttering.  Make sure you keep your room organized by removing unnecessary items, and your space will instantly feel bigger – and more welcoming.

Try and keep the floor as clear as possible, too, as it’s one of the easiest ways to maintain a sense of spaciousness. Remove any oversized rugs and plants, and factor in hallway shoe storage to ensure footwear doesn't accumulate.

How do you decorate a narrow hallway?

When decorating a narrow hallway, often a less-is-more approach pays dividends, so do start by highlighting the strengths of this small space. 

Many narrow hallways are lacking in light. Try to turn yours into something more than a transitional space – significant changes such as replacing a solid wall with striking Crittall windows will allow light to be borrowed from adjoining rooms, while updating a front door with larger glass panels will illuminate the area. 

Additional tweaks such as a well-planned lighting scheme can be just as impactful. Choose a layered approach, adding subtle dimmable recessed lights and pendants combined with the subtle glow of table lamps. 

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.

80 photos in the interior of the apartment, modern examples of cladding

Nuances of wall design

Recommendations for the correct design of the corridor:

How to finish the walls in the hallway?

When choosing, you need to not only rely on taste preferences and ideas about beauty, but also take into account the characteristics of the material.

Stone

Artificial stone or imitation stone, very durable and environmentally friendly. With their help, you can decorate all the walls in the hallway or apply only partial decoration, for example, beat the space around the front door, and thereby create a rather unusual design in the hallway. nine0005

Mirror wall

Allows you to transform the space, visually expand it and create an original play of light. The refined mirror surface increases the lighting of the room, gives the interior volume, airiness and some coolness.

Tiles

Porcelain stoneware has anti-vandal properties and has a long service life. This type of finish or tile is considered a very practical decor for the corridor, as they are easily washed from any kind of pollution. nine0005

Brick

Brick-like walls are a bold and bright interior solution. Products imitating small bricks bring a special charm to the interior. Quite often, a white finish is used for the corridor, it makes the room more expressive and unusual.

The photo shows a small entrance hall with a wall decorated with brickwork.

Painted walls

The easiest and cheapest way to design. Since the walls in the hallway should be easily washed from dirt, it is better to use moisture-resistant types of paints, such as enamel.

Wallpaper

see also

Photo of walls with wallpaper for a small hallway

They make the corridor design really interesting. Washable vinyl, non-woven or photo wallpapers will not only create a unique interior, but will also last a long time.

The photo shows a spacious entrance hall and walls decorated with wallpapers with bird drawings. nine0005

Wood

A versatile finish that is strong and durable. Wooden products have a very beautiful texture and bring a sense of comfort, warmth and peace of mind to the atmosphere of the corridor.

Decorative plaster (textured)

With the texture, imitation and color properties that decorative plaster has, amazing effects can be achieved. Embossed surface with various patterns, perfect for decorating any style.

Laminate

Inexpensive, but at the same time quite effective type of finish with many positive qualities. The laminate on the wall in the hallway can be used as inserts or decorate one of the walls. nine0005

PVC panels

Lightweight plastic wall panels with a top protective layer will not be subject to mechanical stress and will not lose their presentable appearance for a long time. This lining has a fairly easy care, for example, pollution can be removed with a regular damp sponge.

Which wall color should I choose?

Corridor wall covering colors.

Gray

Rich in shades of gray, it is an excellent auxiliary background for bright interior accents. With it, you can soften the situation, make it more calm and at the same time unusual. nine0005

The photo shows gray brick walls in the corridor.

Blue

Mysterious, mysterious and intriguing blue, perfect for hallways with lots of lighting.

Brown

Chocolate shades of brown always create a natural and warm atmosphere, give a feeling of comfort and fill the room with peace and tranquility.

Black

Allows you to add expressiveness and uniqueness to the interior of the corridor. The black wall will become the main accent and will look very elegant, chic and original.

Burgundy

Gives the room an expensive and luxurious look, and at the same time, makes its design more thoughtful, detailed and clear.

White

Adds cleanliness and lightness to the atmosphere and highlights other elements of the hallway decor. This design of the walls will be an excellent option for small or narrow rooms. nine0005

The photo shows a narrow corridor with white brick walls.

Blue

Graceful shades of blue or gray-blue fill the space with tenderness, airiness and give the room a feeling of incredible spaciousness. A room decorated in this color will look especially advantageous if bright yellow, green or other accents are added to it.

Turquoise

Turquoise wall decoration is very trendy, trendy and modern. With its help, you can bring incredible freshness to the interior. nine0005

Corridor wall design options

Unusual wall decoration that turns the corridor into a unique design project.

Illumination

Decorative lighting is a rather original technique that allows you to complement the interior and create an aesthetic effect in it. Lighting elements located on the walls significantly transform the space and give it a complete look.

The photo shows an entrance hall with lighting on an accent wall finished with laminate. nine0005

Panel

Picturesque painted panels fill the corridor with bright accents and make it sparkle with new colors. Exclusive drawings will undoubtedly become the center of everyone's attention.

Soft wall finish

It has a high aesthetic appeal, as well as a respectable and expensive appearance. Soft wall decoration envelops the atmosphere with luxury.

Drawings

Various drawings are considered a worthy option for updating a room. nine0005

The photo shows a wall with a pattern in the form of a multi-colored strip in the hallway.

Moldings

Thanks to the moldings, you can decorate walls discreetly or make an interesting accent on them. This decorating technique allows you to create an authentic environment.

Frescoes

Provide an excellent opportunity to decorate and ennoble the room in an unusual way. Harmonious plots that match the style of the hallway will create a unique and slightly magical atmosphere in it. nine0005

Bas-relief

The aesthetics of the bas-relief attracts the eye. This type of decor can be created independently and get an unusual and interesting design.

Mosaic

Thanks to various complex compositions, patterns and images, it is extremely easy to bring notes of brightness and originality into the corridor.

The photo shows an entrance hall with a wall decorated with a golden mosaic pattern.

Accent wall

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

Round

The round wall is a decorative element that does not need to be embellished. Neutral and simple textures of finishing materials will not distract attention from the unusual rounded silhouette.

Stickers

Perfectly emphasize the individuality and style of the interior. A variety of bright stickers will not only create positive visualizations, but also help hide the imperfections that have arisen on the walls. nine0005

The photo shows a hallway and a wall in a lilac shade, decorated with a sticker in the form of a tree.

What to hang on the wall?

The main types of decorations that can be used to decorate an uneven or empty wall:

The photo shows a large mirror on the wall in the interior of the corridor, made in bright colors.

A lot of small or large details on the wall will allow you to place the necessary accents in the interior that will determine the mood of the whole room. nine0005

What is the best style for walls?

Popular designs in various styles:

Stylistic design allows not only to create a fashionable interior, but also to reflect taste preferences. nine0005

How to decorate the corners of the walls in the corridor?

Brick or stone masonry that protrudes slightly above the surface is suitable for decorating corners. This design has a fairly neat appearance and becomes an organic addition to the entire interior.

Ways to finish a niche in the wall

A niche can be a great alternative for a closet, open wardrobe or hanger. In addition, such a detail allows you to profitably save space and adjust the perception of the area. nine0005

Ideas for decorating a small hallway

It is desirable to design a small or narrow corridor space in more restrained colors. Minimal wall decor and neat finishes will create a feeling of complete harmony, sophistication and impeccable taste.

The photo shows a small entrance hall with beige walls.

A competent and moderate approach to the choice of shades is important here, it is not recommended to use too many colors and use contrasting small details. nine0005

Photo gallery

The walls in the hallway can completely change the interior and create the desired microclimate in it. Various finishes and accessories give the space an individual and original character.

Hallway walls - 80 photos of original design solutions

> Hallway > Walls in the hallway - unusual finishes. 80 photos of new designs.

Everyone wants their home to be stylish and sophisticated. nine0005

It is also necessary to create an atmosphere of comfort and warmth in the house. To achieve a winning result, you need to try on each room.

Choose the color and material for the walls and ceiling, choose the right furniture, decorate the room with various decorative elements and carry out other work.

In this article we will look at how to properly and stylishly decorate the walls in the hallway

Many do not pay much attention to the hallway, but in vain, it is the same part of the house as the bedroom, living room, kitchen and other areas. This is the most placed location that is in any house, which cannot be said about the living room or balcony. nine0005

This part of the house forms the first impression of the guests and influences the mood of the people.

It is in this room that a person lingers before leaving the house, this location meets guests and residents. Therefore, special attention should be focused on the decoration of the walls in the hallway.

With a modern choice of styles and stylistic solutions, the design of the walls in the hallway can be varied. Do not forget that the design should be not only beautiful, but reliable and functional. nine0005

For finishing, it is necessary to choose high-quality materials.

In the introductory material, you can view photos of the walls in the hallway and visually evaluate the design options.

Contents:

Choice of materials

The hallway or hallway is the place in the house where you can let your imagination run wild and dress this location in any materials.

Everything is suitable for decorating the walls in the hallway, except for ceramic tiles. This material is best left for kitchens and bathrooms. nine0005

Experts say that before dressing the hallway, it is necessary to level the surface of the walls and only after that, deal with the design. This procedure can be skipped if we are talking about mounting frames.

In order for the decor to be not only beautiful, but also of high quality, you need to properly prepare the room and sanding the walls is one of the most important actions. You can cope with this task yourself or call specialists.

Many people, in pursuit of a stylish and unusual decor, overdo it with bright accents, decorations and other decoration techniques. Remember the golden rule: more is not better.

The interior of the walls in the hallway can be simple and elegant at the same time. No need to clutter up an already small space. As a rule, in average apartments, the hallway is small.

If you want to decorate this location, just one accent is enough. nine0005

Another popular and advantageous technique often used by designers is the division of the hallway into zones, decorating each part separately and creating a so-called decorative wall in the hallway.

For example, decorate the wall with wooden panels, decorate with photo wallpapers, stone, etc.

When decorating, do not forget that the color of the walls in the hallway should be combined with the color scheme of the entire room.

nine0005

Decorating the walls with wallpaper in the hallway does not lose its relevance. This is a versatile material that is suitable for all rooms. This option is optimal in terms of cost, it looks good and the wallpaper is not difficult to change if the image gets bored. Experts advise using plain wallpaper for small hallways, without large patterns.

Learn more