Ideas for a Narrow Hallway

Walls

• Splash a fresh coat of paint on the hallway walls to create a more spacious feel. Lighter colors make spaces seem bright and airy. Semi-gloss or gloss paints reflect light, bouncing off the walls, creating an even lighter space. If the hallway is an extension of another room, choose a color that is one or two shades lighter than the current room color, creating continuity between the two spaces. Painting vertical stripes on the walls gives the illusion of a larger area. A ceiling crown molding, decorative chair rail or casual beadboard sparks visual interest, breaking up a narrow space.

Lighting

• Narrow hallways benefit from bright lights, illuminating an otherwise dark space. A well-lit hallway is welcoming and cheery. Pendant lights hung from the ceiling are ideal for a narrow hallway, creating visual interest and bright light. They also do not project out from the narrow walls as a lighting sconce does. Installing spotlights or recessed can lights is an option for the narrowest hallway. If the ceilings are high enough, hang an enchanting chandelier, sparking visual interest.

Furniture

• Little opportunity for furniture placement exists in a narrow passagaeway. Position a console, bench or small chest against the wall at the end of the hallway, providing a visual focal point. A vase of fresh flowers or potted greenery placed atop a console or chest enhances visual interest. If the hallway is long but wide enough for easy passage alongside a piece of furniture, place a longer bench or console beside one wall, breaking up the long space. A freestanding coat rack works well in a hallway beside an entryway if space permits.

Accessories

• Mirrors are ideal in narrow hallways. They reflect light, color and objects, making the space appear more spacious and interesting. One big mirror at the end of a hallway instantly provides depth, making a hallway feel larger. Several diverse, small mirrors hung along a hallway are another option for providing a more airy feel. Large, framed photographs or paintings inject color and visual interest to a narrow hallway. Limit yourself to hanging fewer, larger pictures, as opposed to several smaller pictures, which may make the hallway seem more confined and cluttered.