Although decorating a long hallway may seem like a challenge at first glance, it actually has a host of possibilities when looked at through the right lens. Here are 10 creative ideas to make the most out of this space by using it to add character to your entire home:
Jump to Section
1. Collage.com Canvas Prints
Canvas prints can help you to create a gorgeous gallery wall along one or both sides of the hallway with their high-quality canvas prints. Collage.com canvas prints arrive on fine grained, museum quality, and fade-resistant canvas. The no-glare finish ensures that the colors and images on your canvas will pop with depth and dimension. Use these prints for family photos, favorite vacation destinations, or whatever you want to showcase your personality and life. With three shapes and 12 different sizes, it is easy to experiment with a variety of prints to create the look that you want. Every Collage.com canvas print ships ready to hang for ease and convenience.
2. Add a Rug
While most people look at the walls to inspire them, the long length of the floor of the hallway can add an element of style and comfort with the addition of a rug. A runner rug will elongate the hallway while defining the area. A rug will also add warmth to the hallway, creating a homey and inviting vibe in this often overlooked area of the home. You can create a traditional look in your home with a refined runner paired with a gallery wall of family portraits.
3. Use Wallpaper
Wallpaper is back in style and a long hallway is a perfect place to use it. Vertical stripes in contrasting colors will create a bold look. Or go with something more refined with a textured floral print. For something more modern, choose a geometrical print. You can even use removable wallpaper if you are not sold on the idea yet.
4. Create a 3D Effect
It can be challenging to find ways to jazz up a boring hallway with no windows or natural elements. Adding interesting architectural elements such as crown moldings and cornices will create a 3D effect. These elements will add a layer of elegance to the hallway while also creating a dynamic dimension not possible with flat wall hangings. Because crown molding needs a distinct beginning and ending point, the hallway is an obvious choice to incorporate this impressive design element into your home.
5. Line the Wall with Bookcases
If the hallway is wide enough, this is a great place in the home to add bookcases. The empty walls are an ideal backdrop for your book collection. You can either add stationary shelving or hanging shelves. Not only will transforming your hallway into a mini-library of books make the space stand out, but it will also serve a functional purpose. If space allows, a narrow bench at the bottom of the shelves will encourage people to stop and browse your library collection.
6. Paint the Ceiling
Painting the ceiling a contrasting color to the walls will help to lift the ceiling and create an open and airy look. Using a lighter color on the ceiling will develop this illusion even further. For example, a stark white ceiling partnered with off-white walls will make the ceiling appear to be taller. Regardless of what color combination that you choose, a deeper hue on the walls paired with a lighter shade on top will open up the space and make it look bigger.
7. Be Bold with Color
Since the hallway is merely a transitional area that people do not spend a lot of time in, it makes sense to go a little bolder with the decor and color. If there was ever a room that you want to feel free to experiment, it should be the hallway. Whether you decide to go with a loud pattern on the rug or bold artwork, the hallway is the perfect place to get creative with a variety of styles.
8. Sit it Out
Space permitting, a hallway is a fun place to add a seating area. Filling this traditional dead space with practical seating adds both style and functionality to the hallway. You can choose a style that best matches the overall aesthetic of the home, whether that be a contemporary chair set or a rustic farmhouse bench. If you are short on storage in your home, this is a good place to add a storage bench. Keep in mind that a hallway bench does not have to be particularly cozy or comfortable for long periods since people will not be spending a lot of time in this area.
9. Utilize The Space
Depending on where in the home the hallway is, you can use it as an organizational asset. For example, a hallway outside of the garage or entryway makes a good storage space for all of life’s essentials. Shelving with baskets makes great dumping grounds for everything that you walk through the door with at the end of the day. Hooks can be hung so that kids have a place to hang their jackets. Or add a storage bench for mittens, hats, and scarves during the winter and swim essentials during the summer.
10. Create a Focal Point
Be sure to add a definitive focal point if you want to draw attention to the style of your hallway. You can achieve this objective with a myriad of design elements. A special piece of artwork at the end of the hallway will draw eyes. Or choose a distinctive lighting element such as a whimsical chandelier or contemporary pendant lamp to draw the attention upward.
The Bottom Line
Just because it is not a primary room of the house, it does not mean that the hallway should should be in a state of neglect. Paying attention to the little details will deliver a more cohesive design and function throughout the entirety of the home. Regardless of if you are aiming to have your hallway serve a practical function or simply give it a personality of its own, these design tips will help you to achieve that perfect look.
