What color makes a hallway look bigger?

Author: Pamela Braun MD  |  Last update: Thursday, September 4, 2025

To make a small or narrow hallway look bigger, paint the hallways a lighter paint color like white or off-white.

What is the best color for a small hallway?

If your hallway is small and narrow but you want it to feel more open and expansive, choose light colors like whites, neutrals, and pastel hues. If you want a cozier look, deep colors like blues, reds, and greens will feel inviting.

How to paint a hallway to make it look wider?

'Painting your hallway in an off-white shade is a timeless and effective way to give the space a brighter look and enhance the light in the narrow room. In turn creating the feeling of a larger space, as the light bounces off the walls,' Michael at The Paint Shed says.

What is the most welcoming hallway color?

Another way to sink into pure peace is to slather your hallway walls in blue. Along with imbuing a sense of tranquillity, blue has a friendly quality to welcome guests and makes kicking your shoes off all the more satisfying.

Should a hallway be lighter or darker?

  • When you're painting a hallway, you need to consider whether the hallway is dark or has natural light and whether it is wide or narrow.
  • For hallways with no windows or doors, lighter shades of blue or green are ideal.
  • For a dark space, go for more saturated colors with lower levels of black in the base.

The Best Hallway Colour Ideas 2023 | Dulux

What color makes a hallway look wider?

To make a small or narrow hallway look bigger, paint the hallways a lighter paint color like white or off-white.

What is the best color to brighten a hallway?

So, choose a shade that will help the space feel light and airy. A light grey like Rock Salt will lend your hallway a contemporary feel, like you might find in the reception of a boutique hotel. In fact, any kind of pale neutral would work well.

Should living room and hallway be the same color?

'There are no rules about painting the hallway and living room the same color but it is a really interesting new trend that creates a smooth, inviting visual flow from one room to the other and can make both spaces appear larger by association,' says Marianne.

How to make your hallway more inviting?

In this guide, we will explore some tips and tricks for making your hallway more welcoming.
  1. Paint the walls a light colour. A light colour on the walls will make the hallway feel bigger and brighter. ...
  2. Add lighting. ...
  3. Add plants. ...
  4. Use a statement rug. ...
  5. Create a gallery wall. ...
  6. Add a statement piece of artwork. ...
  7. Add storage.

How do you make a hallway look elegant?

Hallway ideas: decoration

Since hallways, especially in city houses, tend to be narrow, the walls are an important feature. Opt for a warm paint colour, some elegant wall panelling, or a patterned wallpaper to lend the space character. Also consider adding wall lights, for a gentler glow than an overhead light.

How do you make a hallway look more expensive?

How to make a small entryway look more expensive, according to interior designers
  1. Add a mirror.
  2. Play with color and texture.
  3. Add a statement light fixture.
  4. Choose stylish storage solutions.
  5. Hang up wall art.
  6. Decorate your console table.
  7. Add a rug onto the floor.

What wallpaper makes a hallway look bigger?

Choose Light-Colored Wallpaper

Whites, creams, pastels, and light greys are all great choices for hallway wallpaper. Avoid dark, bold colours, which can make the hallway feel smaller and more enclosed.

How to paint a hallway to make it look bigger?

Opt for lighter shades to make narrow hallways look bigger

If you're looking for small hallway ideas to create the illusion of a bigger space, opt for lighter paint shades on doors, ceilings, and walls.

What is a warm color for a hallway?

Orange: the warm hallway paint colour

Orange is a brave choice, but it's also really fun. A splash of orange adds instant warmth. It's so uplifting and vibrant that it gives an instant energy boost. A pop of bright orange is enough to do the trick.

How to pick hallway paint color?

White paint colours are ideal for hallways that are usually poorly lit during the daytime and can offer some beautiful contrast if you have a dark wood front door or artwork to hang on the walls. Navy blues and similar dark colours add some interesting depth to the living space, elongating the hallway in the process.

How do you make a hallway pop?

“Art makes most boring long hallways or small spaces pop with interest and personality,” the designer says. “A strong piece of art or an interesting collection of wall-hung objects, and/or a gallery wall, are fantastic ways to decorate hallways.”

What shape mirror is best for a hallway?

One of the most popular vintage hallway mirror styles is the oval-shaped mirror with an ornate frame. It is a classic piece that can work in any decor style. Another popular antique hallway mirror style is the arched mirror with a wooden frame.

How do I get noticed by my hallway crush?

Start small and smile at him, say hello to him. See if he smiles back or says hello back. If he does then try to bump into him more or maybe one day, if possible, stop him and compliment him (on anything- his shoes, smile, shirt, whatever).

What colors make a hallway look bigger?

In general, lighter colours will make your hallway appear bigger with the illusion of more light and open space. Small, narrow hallways tend to suit a white, cream, or pale grey colour scheme, whereas darker shades are often used in larger, wider hallway entrances to add warmth and depth.

What two colours go together for a living room?

The Best Two-Colour Combinations for Living Rooms
  • Navy Blue & Gold. <<<Shop Blue Rugs>>> ...
  • Sage Green & White. <<<Shop Green Rugs>>> ...
  • Charcoal Grey & Rose Pink. <<<Shop Pink Rugs>>> ...
  • Terracotta & Cream. <<<Shop Terracotta Rugs>>> ...
  • Teal & Mustard Yellow. <<<Shop Yellow Rugs>>> ...
  • Lavender & Soft Grey. ...
  • Burnt Orange & Deep Brown.

Should the foyer be lighter or darker?

Light colors make it easier to pinpoint the room's corners and can make them feel farther away, creating an open, elegant ambiance. Small foyer entryway paint colors include white, pale gray and muted or pastel colors. These shades work wonders in small spaces, making the room feel more open.

How to make a hallway look welcoming?

Create An Illusion Of Space

Paint hallways with light, airy colours to widen the space visually. Steer clear of dark and warm colours for your hall as these will make the space seem smaller. Lay any directional flooring running toward the source of light in your hall – which may be the front door itself.

What color to paint hall and stairs?

Grey is the perfect choice for a calming space. Timeless and elegant, light grey works well in all hallways, helping the area feel bright and airy. Alternatively, a dark grey hallway is ideal for a dramatic look, making the adjoining rooms feel more spacious.

What are the hallway trends for 2025?

Patterned wallpaper can add depth and intensity to a wide hallway. If you want to stick with light or neutral walls and flooring in your hallway, adding dark furniture or pictures can create a striking contrast. Use similar styles of art and decorations throughout the hallway to enhance the flow of your home.

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