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Narrow Hallway Colour Ideas | How to Brighten Small Hallways

a bright white coloured narrow hallway

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A hallway is like a highway in a home. Generally, we don't stop to perform tasks or relax in these areas, but they serve as high-traffic pathways to each room of the house. They are vital parts of a home and should be treated with the same attention to detail as every other room regarding interior design.


Hallways typically lack natural light due to fewer windows and they can be narrow, resulting in a space that can feel dark and unwelcoming. Choosing the right colours and decorations and using a few clever tricks can turn your hallway from dingy and lacklustre to inviting and bright.


In this post, we will explore some of the best colours for making your narrow hallway look wider, brighter and more welcoming, tying your home together as a balanced unit.


 

What Colour Makes a Hallway Look Wider?

a pale blue coloured narrow hallway

Lighter colours, over darker ones, can create a greater sense of space and expansiveness owing to their better ability to reflect light.


In general, pale colours are most effective at making your hallway look and feel wider (and brighter). If your hallway lacks natural light, this is especially true as the space will need as much light optimisation as possible and using lighter colours is the best way to achieve this.


Shades of white are particularly good at bouncing light and increasing the sense of brightness. While bright white is often not recommended in some rooms due to the stark appearance it can create, narrow hallways can actually benefit from this, especially if they lack natural light. 


Grey is a sophisticated choice for a hallway and a pale shade could help reflect light making a narrow hallway look wider.


Other colours that could help to increase the perception of width in a narrow hallway include pale or soft shades of blue, yellow, green and beige. Opt for muted tones to create a calming and spacious atmosphere.


Avoid using darker or more intense colours as they may make the hallway feel more confined. Additionally, consider using mirrors and good lighting to further enhance the sense of openness in the space.



What is the Most Welcoming Hallway Colour?

a buttery yellow coloured narrow hallway

Creating a welcoming atmosphere in a hallway can help balance your whole home, especially if the hallway in question is an entryway as this is the first area you see when you walk in the door.


Soft, warm colours do a great job of creating a friendly and inviting feel, exuding a sense of comfort and cosiness. Consider gentle shades like beige, warm white or sand, to create a pleasant and welcoming vibe. Furthermore, cheerful colours like buttery yellow, pale peach or soft sage green can be conducive to a positive atmosphere, while calming shades such as pale blue can make your hallway feel serene and elegant.



How to Brighten a Dark, Narrow Hallway?

a sage green coloured narrow hallway

Dark narrow hallways can be problematic. Owing to the lack of space, and often lack of natural light, there isn't much to work with, but do not despair. There is plenty you can do even in a tiny hallway to maximise brightness.


Firstly, it's best to choose a pale wall colour for very dark hallways to help bounce light. Additionally, pair this with a light-coloured ceiling and flooring to further increase the sense of brightness.


It's also crucial to optimise artificial lighting, so consider installing sconces to maximise brightness. You could also add LED strips along the join of the ceiling if you're renting and can't make permanent changes.


Lastly, consider hanging mirrors to reflect light without taking up floor space and keep your hallway clear of clutter and orderly to increase the sense of space.


Should a Hallway Be Lighter or Darker?

a dark green and white coloured narrow hallway

Choosing a colour for a narrow hallway can feel limiting if you're a big fan of rich, dark colours. In general, interior designers recommend light colours for narrow hallways, especially if they lack natural light which many do. Hallways typically benefit from an overall sense of brightness, making it easier to see and move around. However, this doesn't mean you can't adapt your hallway to suit a dark colour if your design preferences lean towards them. Dark colours can provide a sense of cosiness and elegance, so there's no need to completely rule them out.


If you do wish to use a dark colour in a narrow hallway, there are ways you can maintain brightness with a few adaptations. Consider pairing a dark paint colour with a light ceiling and floor colour to increase the sense of light. You could also boost light by putting mirrors on the walls or hanging artwork with predominantly light colours. Another strategy would be to use lamps or install sconces to provide brightness where it's lacking.



What Colours to Avoid for a Hallway

a warm white coloured narrow hallway

While we don't like to rule out any colour for any space, there are some things to consider when choosing a shade for an especially dark and/or narrow hallway.


Dark colours aren't a complete no-no, but it's important to choose the right ones. Consider warm or inviting shades like rusted orange or olive green and ensure they are paired with light ceilings and flooring. It might also be best to steer clear of cold, dark colours like dark grey, purple or black as this could throw off the welcoming atmosphere you want to create.


Overly vibrant or saturated colours can make hallways feel overwhelming and oppressive, so it's best to avoid bright shades of red, pink, or green.


Besides colour choice, it's also wise to consider patterns if you want to use wallpaper for your hallway. While patterned wallpaper can add depth and visual interest, complex patterns can feel overwhelming, especially in dark, narrow entryways. Instead, consider strategically adding depth through simple designs like textured wall finishes, wainscoting or beadboards.


Other Factors to Consider When Decorating a Narrow Hallway

Consider the colours in adjoining rooms, choosing tones and shades that create a cohesive flow from room to room. For example, if most of the rooms in your home have a pastel colour theme, extend this to the hallway so your home's interior design feels coordinated.


While there might be an objectively "correct" colour to brighten a narrow hallway, it's vital to consider your own preferences. The best colour choice is one that you love and makes your home feel like yours.


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