If your hallway is dark and narrow, it can feel like a very uninviting space – the last thing you want when you enter your home or invite guests to visit. However, you can turn it into a welcoming, functional space with the right design choices. Let’s explore how to brighten a dark hallway while keeping its functionality in mind.
Moire Wallcovering in Green Tea by Zoffany
Brighten with Colour
Light fresh colours are a popular choice for hallways as they reflect light and brighten up the space they’re used in. Tones of white offer a versatile palette for creating a clean, stylish, modern look. Whether it’s a crisp, bright white or a softer, warmer shade, white can be paired with wall colours such as sage green or ochre to add a touch of warmth, both of which are currently very popular colour choices.
Ernest White paint with Fruit Wallpaper, both by Morris & Co.
Add Mirrors
Mirrors will help you to create the illusion of a brighter, more expansive space. They also bounce light, making your hallway feel more open and spacious. Place a mirror at the end of the hallway to bounce light back into the corridor and one at the midway point to make the whole space feel bigger – it’s also a handy spot to check your hair on the way out the door.
Dulwich aged silver convex mirror at Andrew Martin
Look to Lighting
If natural lighting is lacking in your hallway, a large pendant light can be a stylish solution, effectively brightening the space. Adding light sources at different levels, such as a console table lamp, wall fixtures, or floor lamps, can create a warm, inviting ambience that transforms your hallway.
Nomad Table Lamp by Nina Campbell
Flooring Solutions
Choosing a light flooring colour will create the illusion of space and brightness. Light, Scandi-inspired wood is an excellent choice, as it will open up your hallway. Large floor tiles are also a great option, as they create the illusion of spaciousness.
If you have dark wood flooring that you don’t want to change, then a runner rug will help lighten this area. Choose a hardwearing rug, such as natural wool and jute, as this area receives a lot of footfall.
A stair runner will draw your eye upwards through the length of the hallway, making it feel larger. A light-toned carpet runner will add brightness whilst elevating your space. A stair runner creates beautiful symmetry, whilst decorative stair rods in brass or gold tones are an elegant finishing touch.
Roussillon Runner Rug in Natural by Designers Guild
Create a Gallery Wall
In spaces where you want to create light, choose bright and colourful artwork or choose large white mounts when framing pictures to give the illusion of light. Think about the colours in your home when selecting art. What colour do you want to highlight? Matching frames create uniformity and will stop your hallway from appearing cluttered while still creating interest.
Space Girl Neon in Silver at Andrew Martin
For more interior design inspiration or to book an interior design consultation, contact Cheshire Curtains and Interiors.
