The hallway is an essential part of any home, connecting the different rooms and providing a pathway for movement within the house. Yet designing and decorating hallways are often overlooked during the design process. One reason could be homes nowadays don’t have a dedicated hallway and usually utilize an open layout to maximize the floor area.

THEN AND NOW

Hallways date back to ancient times when they were used for defensive purposes in castles and fortresses. Later, they became a symbol of grandeur and luxury in palaces and mansions. Now, it is often neglected as it is mostly a transitional space not meant for people to stay long in. In my experience, homeowners rarely bring this up or designed last minute as the focus is on the rooms.

Our hallway to the kitchen is decorated sparsely – white high ceiling and walls with four framed photos arranged in a neat grid, and solid wood door trim. Probably because (1) it is quite narrow and short, and (2) we will probably bump into stuff if we put something on the floor.

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But hallways that are big enough can serve practical purposes in modern homes. It can provide a space to store shoes, coats, and other outdoor gear. Hallways can be designed to optimize natural light and ventilation and to improve the flow of movement within the house. Smaller hallways may not have other functions besides being a transitional space. But with creativity and simple refresh, hallways can be transformed into a beautiful space.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS

Here are key points to consider when decorating hallways:

1. Size of the Space – Is it wide enough to add something on the floor, perhaps furniture or plant? Or will placing things hinder people from passing through? Is it long enough for objects to have enough clearance and won’t look cramped.

2. Ceiling Height – Can pendant lights be installed without hitting people’s heads? The ceiling height is an important consideration in determining the ideal wattage for the lamps.

3. Doors – Does the hallway have doors? Which way are the doors swinging? Will the door hit the furniture or decor when opened?

4. Source of Light – Does it have windows or access to natural light?

5. Location – Is the hallway connected to the kitchen or the bedrooms? Do people always pass through? The location is integral as this would dictate what type of finishes and furnishing are ideal to use. It is not ideal to place an area rug in the hallway near the bathroom or the mudroom as it could easily get soiled.

6. Purpose – What will the hallway function as? Would it be purely decorative or functional? Or both?

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DECORATING HALLWAY IDEAS

With all the points in mind, here are simple refresh ideas for decorating hallways:

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CURTAINS

Yes, you read that right, fabric ones to be exact. Curtains are now used to treat not just windows, but even walls. It adds movement and richness. It can immediately soften a hallway if it is boxy without any architectural features. Consider using thicker fabrics that are a bit heavier to make it stay in place. 

Tip: small metal balls are usually sewn in the bottom hem so curtains are stationary and not easily blown by wind.

Treat it as paint and cover the whole length of the wall. Floor-to-ceiling would be the ideal height. I suggest not making it puddle on the floor as it could be stepped on.

Using pleats and hook mechanisms installed at the back of the curtain will achieve a sleek look. This is a low-commitment refresh because curtains are easy to remove or replace.

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PAINT

Different applications create varying effects depending on which surfaces you paint on. Paint the walls and ceiling in one color to create an illusion of a bigger space. Here are illustrations of the different effects of paint application that you can use as a reference:

For hallways with doors, consider painting the door and the jamb in different colors or adding trim details for a playful look. Use blocks of shapes to create architectural features or highlight specific parts of the hallway.

Before committing to a specific color or colors, I suggest getting paint samples from the depot and sticking them to your wall. Check how it looks throughout the day – when the sun hits it in the morning, and when the ceiling lamp illuminates it at night. This way, you’ll be sure if the color works for you.

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GALLERY WALL

Decorating hallways with frames and artworks is another way to give it personality. Layout these in a collage or grid. For a uniform look, opt for frames with the same size and material. Add a crisp white matting for a more formal look. For a dynamic effect, combine frames of various styles and artworks. Ornate frames mixed with regular frames create a very personalized look.

Tip: Using paper, cut mockups of the actual sizes of the frames. This way, you can easily stick it to the wall and adjust the layout without the risk of breaking the actual pieces especially if it has glass covers.

I find a 4-5″ spacing in-between frames ideal as it creates enough space.

If you are unsure on how to install hooks for your frames, have a carpenter do it. Alternatively, there are plastic hooks with heavy-duty adhesive on home depots which can be used. I have only used it once for lightweight artwork, so be cautious and check the maximum weight the hook can carry and read its installation instructions carefully.

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PATTERNS

To make a regular hallway even more spectacular, install wallpaper or paint it with a mural.

If you have the time and energy, you can do the mural yourself! Make sure to have a clear vision and a drawing of the patterns you want before starting. Commit to your vision and try not to lose interest midway. There are resources online on how to paint murals on walls that you can use as a reference.

This method may take a lot more time and effort, but it can provide a big personality and an unexpected detail to a hallway.

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LIGHTS

Decorating hallways with light sets the mood and can be a focal point of the room at the same time.

If the ceiling is high enough, consider using pendant lights or chandeliers. If it is a bit low, use flushmount lamps instead. Ceiling-mounted lamps have come a long way, from the boring flat round ones to ornate designs that fit various home styles.

Want a bit of drama? Use a ceiling-mounted uplight. It can illuminate the space with indirect light and create shapes through shadows.

If the piece selected is sculptural, limit it to one to make it the focal point of the hallway. If the design is quite simple, consider creating an arrangement.

Depending on the purpose and location of the hallway, the bulb temperature should be considered. Warm white is ideal for hallways going to living spaces and bedrooms. Daylight for hallways going to areas like the garage or utility room.

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FURNITURE

If the hallway is spacious enough to fit furniture, you may want to consider adding a form of seating like a bench, console table, or a bookshelf.

A bench would be ideal as it doesn’t take up too much space. People can lounge while waiting for someone to come out of the bathroom.

Console table is also great for placing keys, bags, or any random thing you might be holding when going from one room to another.

Bookshelf would do great as well. Select ones that are narrow and won’t take up too much space. It can store books, display trinkets, and double as a makeshift table. 

Add decorative objects like vases with fresh flowers or live plants to complement the frames or wallpaper installed. Table lamps are also a great addition to enhance the mood of the hallway. 

Hallways can change one’s mood by simply passing through it. And there are multiple ways to freshen up this usually overlooked part of the house. Whatever method you choose, make sure it reflects not just the style of your home but also your personality! Happy hallway decorating!