Consider using lighter pastel tones such as 'Bone China Blue', together with 'Bone China Blue Mid' and 'Bone China Blue Deep' which will help to create a sense of space and draw light and height into a hallway."
If you're dealing with a narrow hallway, you'll want to dispense with boring paint colours and darker hues. To keep things simple, use timeless shades like light grey with a white trim, or experiment with more fiery hallway paint colours. You can always contrast effectively.
The choice of paint to use for a hallway greatly hinges on the general mood you want to create. For instance: Neutral colours like warm beige, taupe, and cream are calming and can easily tie separate rooms together. Bright colours like white lighten up a space and make it feel larger than it actually is.
When researching how to make your hallway look bigger a recurring idea will always be to paint your walls in a light colour. Brighter colours will help reflect the light, making your space appear bigger. Steer clear of brash tones and opt for neutral ones that fall somewhere on the white spectrum.
For many of us, calm and peaceful are at the top of the list for hallway ideas that bring good vibes. Soothing greens, whites and greys offer an instant feeling of peace by washing your space in a refreshing atmosphere.
Dark-coloured paint makes for a dark 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.
Neutrals are the most versatile shades you'll find on the colour wheel. They can be used effectively in just about any room, but they're particularly useful for decorating hallways. A typical hallway receives very little natural light, meaning a dark paint colour simply won't do.
Declutter
The fewer bulky objects in your hallway, the more light can move around and create space. Try and keep your coat and shoe storage as neat as possible and choose slim furniture. Ceiling spotlights are very effective in dark hallways and won't draw the eye or take up space, so you're left with clean lines.
Background tones like these earthy grays, easy going beiges and fresh-canvas whites will set the stage for any and all decor you bring home and partner beautifully with feature walls. So feel free to work them into any color palette — these hard-working neutral paint colors play very well with others.
Top tip: Use more than one shade of the same colour to add depth. Another great idea for a narrow hallway is to paint the ceiling 1-2 shades lighter than the walls. This will trick the eye by adding depth to the space.
Typically, hallways are devoid of natural sunshine. A sunny, yellow paint colour can provide an uplifting boost of light and warmth where there is none otherwise.
Neutral Hallway Paint Colors: Versatile & Classic
Some of our favorite neutrals and grays for hallways include Wind's Breath OC-24, Collingwood OC-28, and Silver Chain 1472. For hallways connected to rooms in blues, greens and purples, look to cooler grays or River Reflections 1552 and Amherst Gray HC-167.
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.
If there is no natural break between a hallway and a living room, you should definitely paint them the same color. In this case, paint both rooms a neutral wall color like off-white or lighter gray. You can add an accent wall color in your hallway or living area to add a pop of color.
Splash Of Honey
This golden honey-yellow is both uplifting and muted, making it ideal if you want a bright hallway that's still warm and inviting. You can enhance this paint colour by using natural light to your advantage.
If you are looking to create a more subtly painted hallway, whilst still adding light and the illusion of space, especially in a narrow hallway, bright neutral and white shades are the way to go.
Neutrals can be tricky in a dark hallway, leading to the dreaded gloomy look, but it can be done if you choose your colours carefully. “If light is an issue then choose a white or neutral that has an essence of warmth through it,” explains Patrick. “Think yellow or red-based whites and neutrals as a guide here.
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.
Gray: Gray has become a popular neutral recently, and for a good reason. It's a sophisticated color that can work with various decor styles. Whether you choose a light or dark gray, it's a timeless color that will never go out of style.