Do you have a narrow hallway in your home and want to know the smartest ideas to decorate a narrow hallway to make it appear wider? Here, we will discuss the creative ideas to decorate a narrow hallway to look wide.

1. Ideas on Decorating a Narrow Hallway

A hallway is an enclosed passage that comes first once you open the entrance door. So, it is necessary to take special care in interior design to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This long, narrow hallway connects to different rooms, such as bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and more.

Let us share some ideas on decorating a narrow hallway to look wider.

1.1. Decorated narrow empty wall space

Decorating the narrow, empty wall space in the hallway can make the space feel more inviting and interesting. 

1.1.1. Bold Tiles

Don’t let your hall wall remain blank and lifeless. Instead, make the most of that limited space by decorating with attractive tiles. Create an accent wall using bold tiles. Cover one wall from floor to ceiling or choose a partial wall section to tile, depending on your interest.

Think about utilizing tiles with geometric patterns, such as chevrons, hexagons, or Moroccan-inspired styles. These patterns can add depth and interest to a scene. Try to arrange the tiles in vertical stripes to provide the impression of height, making the corridor appear bigger and more spacious.

When used intelligently and creatively, bold tiles may transform a narrow corridor into a visually appealing environment.

1.1.2. Patterned Wallpaper

Patterned wallpaper can make your hallway more welcoming and add visual interest and personalized touch. Create a statement wall by covering one wall with the wallpaper. This can function as a focal point and draw attention as soon as you enter the hallway.

Consider mural wallpaper that shows beautiful scenery or an interesting piece of art. Mural wallpaper can turn a boring hallway into a work of art.

1.1.3. Texture painting

Texture painting is a technique in which an artist creates a three-dimensional, tactile surface on a canvas or other painting surface. To add depth, dimension, and visual interest to a painting, this technique is applied. Texture painting can use a variety of materials and techniques to generate a wide range of textural effects.

1.1.4. Wall painting

Wall painting, commonly referred to as wall art or mural painting, is applied to and intended to blend into the surface of a wall or ceiling.  Abstract paintings, in particular, have grown in popularity due to their ability to blend in with a variety of décor styles.

Their mix of colors, textures, and shapes makes them an excellent alternative for anyone trying to create a coherent aesthetic in their homes. Use reflective paint or metallic finishes to create a mirrored effect on the wall. This can make the hallway seem more spacious and luminous.

Use custom stencils to add intricate patterns or motifs to the walls. Stencils can be an affordable way to achieve a detailed look. Paint horizontal stripes on the walls to visually widen the hallway. Choose colors that are slightly different in tone from the wall color for a subtle effect.

1.1.5. Oversized Wall Art

Hang the oversized artwork at eye level and center on the wall. This ensures that it becomes a focal point as you walk through the hallway.

Select a single, large piece of art proportionate to the wall’s size. The size of the art should be large enough to dominate the wall without overwhelming the space.

Choose a frame for the oversized artwork that complements the style of your hallway. A simple, unobtrusive frame can help the artwork stand out while not overwhelming the space.

1.1.6. Photo Gallery Wall

Are you ready to decorate your bare wall in your narrow hallway? Here comes the collection of narrow hallway decorating ideas. Try the one that fits your narrow space the most.

Firstly, Decide the theme or concept that you going to use on your photo gallery wall. It could be family photos, travel memories, black-and-white images, a specific color scheme, or a mix of various themes. Secondly, hang the images at eye level, which is normally 57 to 60 inches (145 to 152 cm) off the floor.

This makes them visible and accessible. Adding artwork, interesting objects, or mirrors among the images to break up the gallery can sometimes work well.

Create Focal Points to Enhance Space

Daniel Southern, the Managing Director of Luminati, suggests elements like bold tiles, patterned wallpaper, texture painting, wall painting, oversized wall art, and photo gallery walls to visually enhance a narrow hallway:

“All of these design choices are [ones that] help to create a focal point and [also] draw the eye upwards. When you have a narrow space, it can often look bland and create fatigue for the eye, [and this, in turn] makes the space feel small and cold. Bold patterns, a coat of paint, artwork, and pictures can all be helpful in making this space much more visually appealing For example, when arranged in a vertical fashion, a photo gallery wall can draw the eye upward, giving the illusion of higher ceilings, and this vertical emphasis contributes to a feeling of openness.

Large-scale artwork can also serve as a focal point, diverting attention [away] from the room’s size. A visually striking piece can create a sense of grandeur and make the space feel more significant.

Additionally, [something like] texture painting, such as faux finishes or textured wall treatments, can create a play of light and shadow, which [can give] the walls a sense of dimension and make the space feel more expansive.”

1.2. Storage Solutions for Narrow Hallways

It can be challenging to come up with the right storage solutions for long narrow hallway walls.

1.2.1. Hooks or Pegs

Hooks or pegs are an effective technique to increase vertical storage without taking up more space—Mount hooks or pegs on the wall to hang coats, hats, bags, or even keys. You can mix hooks and pegs in your hallway wall. These are ideal for hallways with limited floor space.

Small hooks can be used for frequently accessed items like jackets and bags, and pegs for heavy items or decorations purposes. They provide quick and simple access to these objects when you enter or exit your home.

1.2.2. Shoe Storage

A wall-mounted shoe rack is an excellent storage solution for a small space hallway, especially if you want to keep your shoes neat and organized. There are a few things to consider when purchasing a shoe rack.

Select a shoe rack that can comfortably hold your shoe collection. Then, choose a shoe rack that complements the design and décor of your hallway, taking into account materials such as wood, metal, plastic, or fabric.

If you wish, you can add built-in seating to your shoe rack, which is a great idea for sit-and-wear shoes.

1.2.3.  Storage Ottoman

A storage ottoman is a versatile and functional piece of furniture that can be a helpful addition to a narrow hallway. Ottomans are portable and can be moved around as needed.

Some ottomans come with additional features like built-in trays, which can serve as a makeshift table for drinks or snacks when needed. These can be practical in hallways that connect to other living spaces.

1.2.4.  Coat Rack

Do you remember those vintage coat trees? They have that traditional look and can handle a lot of coats, hats, and scarves. Placing them in the hallway corner will be a space-saving idea.

Some of the coat racks are multi-functional including wall-mounted coat racks, a shelf on top, built-in benches with shoe racks, mirrors, and additional shelving for all your trinkets. They can even accommodated in small spaces.

1.2.5. Floating Shelves

Floating shelves are great narrow hallway ideas that provide functional storage and enhance the small space’s visual appeal. When arranging items on the shelves, aim for an organized and aesthetically pleasing display that complements the overall decor of your hallway.

Let’s explore three types of floating shelves: corner shelves, patterned shelves, and horizontal shelves.

1.2.5.1 Corner Self

Corner floating shelves are designed to fit into the corners of a narrow hallway where wall space is limited. It can be used for both functional and decorative purposes.

1.2.5.2 Horizontal Shelf

Horizontal floating shelves are the most commonly used to create a clean and traditional appearance. This is highly functional for storing everyday items like books, framed photos, keys, or decorative boxes.

1.2.5.3. Patterned Shelf

Patterned floating shelves can be in forms such as zigzag, hexagonal, or circular. The perfect place to display miniature sculptures, trinkets, or elegant vases is on patterned shelves. These are the great hallway decor ideas that create a unique and artistic touch to your hallway.

1.3. Furniture Ideas for Narrow Hallway

The best small narrow hallway ideas can include modest changes to storage, lighting, and décor to help you make the most of your limited space.

1.3.1. Slim Console Tables

A slim console table is a versatile piece of furniture placed in the hallway near the front door entrance. The top of the console table can be utilized to display decorative things, store mail or keys, or even to hold a small storage basket or tray.

These are fantastic small hallway decor ideas that are easily accessed when entering or leaving your house. If you have a dark hallway, put a trendy table lamp on the console table to make the hallway space feel brighter.

If you want to store items in your hallway yet keep them clutter-free, a clever trick is to use hidden storage or built-in storage.

1.3.2. Dresser

Using a dresser in a narrow corridor can be a creative and practical storage option, provided you choose the proper sort of dresser and use it effectively. Choose a dresser with a slim design to avoid crowding the hallway’s limited space.

Tall, vertical dressers or compact, low-profile dressers can both function effectively in narrow halls. If there isn’t a mirror in the hallway, consider a dresser with a built-in mirror on top. This improves functionality and makes the space appear larger.

To light the space around the dresser, add a wall-mounted sconce, pendant light, or ceiling light. Consider a wall-mounted dresser that does not touch the floor if space is limited.

1.4. Staircase Design for Narrow Hallways

A staircase for a small hallway must be designed carefully to provide both practicality and aesthetics. Positioning a glass window next to the front door is among the most effective narrow hallway ideas for bringing in natural light, which, in turn, creates the optical illusion of a small hallway appearing longer.

Consider designing your small narrow hallway using space-saving staircase ideas such as spiral staircases or floating staircases (Open Riser Stairs). These designs take up only less floor space and allow light to travel through, creating a sense of openness in the narrow hallway.

Plain glass or acrylic railings on the staircase create the impression of additional space. To make the hallway feel more open and breezy, choose a light and neutral color palette for the walls and stairs. Always go for a minimalistic design with simple detailing to create a clutter-free appearance.

Consider Straight and L-shaped Alternatives

Shaun Martin, the Founder/CEO of Sell My House Fast, insights on using designs like spiral and floating staircases for small hallways to optimize space and create a sense of openness in narrow hallways:

“When it comes to optimizing space and creating a sense of openness in narrow hallways, spiral, and floating staircases are definitely worth considering.

These designs not only make use of vertical space but also add visual interest to an otherwise dull hallway.

The spiral shape of a spiral staircase allows for a compact design, [while] a floating staircase [appears to take] up less space due to its open and airy structure.

Aside from spiral and floating staircases, other staircase designs can also work well in small hallways. One option is a straight staircase, which can be placed along one [wall of the] hallway to maximize space.

Another idea is a quarter-turn or L-shaped staircase, which [makes use of] corners and can fit into compact areas. [Additionally], you may also consider incorporating storage space under your staircase to further optimize the use of space in your hallway.”

1.5 Color and Lightning Opinion

An easy and simple way to create the illusion of space for a small hallway is by working out with colors. Light-neutral color scheme will always work nicely to reflect light without overpowering the environment. Light-neutral colors such as soft shades of white, light gray, or pale pastels reflect more light.

We can also try to contrast coloring by painting dark colors on the opposing walls. If you want your hallway to look taller try to paint the ceiling and trim in a lighter color than the walls.

If you want to make your wall look unique, try to paint a single color for a monochromatic look with a color that gradually shifts from one end to the other. Additionally, keep minimal decor and furnishings in the hallway to avoid clutter and maintain the illusion of width.

Adequate lighting can enhance the effects of your wall painting techniques and make the hallway feel more spacious. Illuminate the gallery wall with appropriate lighting. Wall sconces, track lighting, or even LED strips can be used to highlight the photos and create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Recessed Lighting and Cove Lighting can be strategically placed along the hallway ceiling to provide even and functional lighting.

1.6. Mirror

One of the best accent pieces for a narrow hallway is a mirror. Usually mirrors reflect light, whether natural or artificial. Installing a full-length mirror on a wall is a great technique to give the illusion of depth. An additional tip is to hang the mirror opposite a window to reflect the outside.

In interior design, mirrors are a useful and adaptable tool, particularly for small hallways. These clever tricks not only improve the visual appeal of the hallway but also contribute to a brighter and more pleasant environment. These are to make the hallway space feel larger and wider.

1.7. Flooring

Wood and tile look great in entrance hallways. Even on rainy days, you may walk directly inside your home without worrying about muddy marks or dripping water.

Both wood and tile are easy to maintain. Glazed tiles will also reflect light, making the space appear larger, whereas matt tiles would absorb light. Flooring with diagonally patterned tiles appears wider and draws attention to color. Another option for lengthening your narrow hallway space is to use long and attractive runners.

Hallways are high-traffic areas, so it is important to choose a rug or runner for a hallway in a hard-wearing material such as sisal, seagrass, jute, or a wool flatweave design. If you want to be minimalistic, try a patterned rug that will really steal the look of your narrow hallway.

Budget-Friendly Flooring Tips for Narrow Hallways

Todd Saunders, the CEO of FlooringStores, shares thoughts on using wood, tile, or rugs in narrow hallways, considering durability, aesthetics, and practicality:

“One of the advantages of choosing flooring for narrow hallways is that you can usually avoid spending too much money.

Not only do narrow hallways have low total square footage, but their odd shapes also give you a chance to shop for remnants and surplus materials and save even more money.

Hard surfaces like vinyl plank are usually preferable since you’ll be able to avoid getting a bulky vacuum cleaner down a narrow hallway, but there’s no reason carpeting can’t work, especially if you choose the same style that you’re using in adjoining rooms.”

2. Conclusion

Decorating a narrow hallway to create the illusion of a wider space requires a thoughtful blend of design elements and practical solutions.

You can transform your hallway into a welcoming and visually appealing passage by considering wall decor, oversized art, photo galleries, storage options, furniture choices, staircase designs, color schemes, lighting, mirrors, and flooring.

These ideas cater to both aesthetics and functionality, making the most of the available space. Whether your goal is to add personal touches, maximize storage, or simply make the hallway feel more spacious, these seven great ideas offer a comprehensive guide to enhancing your narrow hallway.

With careful planning and creative execution, your hallway can become a seamless and inviting transition between rooms, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who passes through.

Guest Author: Saket Kumar