Narrow Hallway Decor Ideas – A Guide

Is Narrow Bad?

A lot of people look at narrow hallways as a nuisance – especially the claustrophobic. The cramped look of the space leading down an ominous pathway isn’t the most soothing sight. Maybe it’s the constricted space or the aesthetics associated with it (Looking at you Stanley Kubrick), narrow hallways seldom excite. The feelings it invokes are usually of discomfort and mild annoyance.

However, the restriction of space makes narrow hallways inevitable in a lot of houses. The question then arises, “How do I make them more aesthetically pleasing?” Well, we have a few suggestions.

Make Hallway Space Look Wider

Is it possible to make a hallway look wider than it is? Well, the answer is yes. Our perception of space isn’t entirely accurate. After all, they are signals that our eyes send to our brains. It’s possible to bend reality just enough to make a narrow hallway look not so narrow. This solves a lot of the issues that come with narrow hallways. So, how do we make hallways wider? Well, there are multiple ways to go about it.

. Light

An effective way to make spaces look wider than they are is by manipulating light. Without boring you with the physics of it all, an abundance of light in your hallway can make it look wider.

Conversely, a lack of light may make a hallway look narrower. To achieve the former, it is necessary to allow as much natural light to enter your hallway. Most homes apply roof lights and skylights to this end.

In the absence of natural light, a popular, albeit less effective, alternative is artificial light. Placing table lamps, statement chandeliers, and wall sconces are all feasible alternatives. The final decision of which piece of decor to apply will depend on the availability of space and budget.

. Mirrors

Carrying on the importance of light, even if you have minimal luminosity available. Placing mirrors in your hallway would reflect the entering light. It’s possible to use different mirrors to optimise brightness in your hallway.

Large mirrors, along with mirrored window reveals and mirrored window sills are the ideal mirrors to have. They reflect in every direction which helps illuminate every corner of your hallway. Having said that, the choice of a mirror will again depend on the availability of space and the aesthetic you want.

. Colour

Another way of making hallways seem wider than they are is through the use of colours. If you’re wondering how: it’s an optical illusion. You can understand the mechanisms of it elsewhere. Here, we’ll discuss decor ideas.

Light and soft colours often make a space look wider. Additionally, painting your wall trim and mouldings can enhance the illusion of making a hallway spacious. Popular choices to achieve this include off-white, blue, or green colours.

. Hang a painting

Walls devoid of any decor seem congested. However, the mistake many people make is that they hang multiple paintings to cover up that space. This leads the room into looking more cluttered and dishevelled. Instead, hang one large painting of your aesthetic preference in your hallway. What this does is create a focal point in your hallway which makes it look wider.

However, special care is essential for this method to be effective. You don’t just have to hang the painting. You have to hang at an optimal angle. Place the painting in such a way that it sits wide and meets the eye level. Consequently, it will make the hallway appear wider. Placing it too high or in an awkward position reveals the imbalance in proportions in your hallway.

. Be Dynamic With Your Furniture

The minimal space in your hallway needn’t necessarily be a disadvantage. It provides you with ample opportunity to get creative with your furniture. Use the decor available to you in such a way that widens the space and embellishes the aesthetic. This may sound daunting, but, in reality, it’s just about finding your style. Once found, you’ll know what the next step is automatically.

Multifunctioning furniture is a revelation for this method. Not only do they occupy little space, but they’re able to perform multiple functions at once. Chests, folding tables, or nesting tables are just a few examples of decor that optimise space. At the risk of going on like a broken record, you have to consider the space available and your taste.

Bottom Line

All in all, there are multiple ways you can use decor in your hallways to make it look wider. However, make sure you don’t clutter the hallway by placing too many pieces of furniture. Not only is it counterintuitive, but expensive too. Thus, we suggest taking your time and assessing all available options before making a decision. Go to our website today and start looking at the furniture that may end up in your hallway.