How to Liven Up a Small Hallway

Bookshelves are an attractive and functional addition to a hallway.

It's easy to overlook a small hallway when planning interior decor. Because it is often a pass-through space where no one lingers, a hallway is an opportunity for strong color and dramatic design statements. Color and drama can be added with wallpaper and paint, art on the walls, an interesting piece of furniture, a three-dimensional piece of art or a lighting fixture. When a small hallway is successfully designed, it has a positive impact on all adjacent spaces. Does this Spark an idea?

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Paint
Wallpaper
Artwork
Photography
Small chest or table
Table lamp
Accessories
Carpet runner
Ceiling light fixtures

Instructions

- 1
  
  Paint walls with a bright color that complements the rooms adjacent to the small hallway. Paint a graphic stripe at least 4 inches wide on the side walls at a height between 24 and 30 inches down from the ceiling. Another choice is to paint the wall at the end of the hall a vivid color, and the side walls a lighter tint of the same color. The ceiling can wear the vivid color with the flanking walls painted off-white or a tint. Gilding the ceiling with gold or silver paint will add an unexpected touch of elegance. Instead of paint, decorate the walls with large-scale, boldly patterned wallpaper.
- 2
  
  Create a gallery. Hang art or photographs along walls of the hallway. If the hallway is narrow, hang on only one side to allow space for viewing. A small hallway is an ideal site for smaller, more detailed works that require close inspection to enjoy. Framed photographs of friends and family can be hung close together to literally paper the walls. This treatment is an effective device to raise the importance of the space to guests.
- 3
  
  Bookshelves are an attractive and functional addition to a hallway.
  
  Accessorize with a small-scale chest or table topped with a decorative lamp. The addition of one or two interesting decorative accessories with the lamp will finish the effect. For example, a basket of fresh flowers, a glass paperweight or a collectible box would work well. An alternative is a three-dimensional work of art, such as a sculpture or a large piece of pottery. Lining the space on one side of the hallway with bookshelves adds color and richness to the space.
- 4
  
  Color the floors with a bright carpet runner. A traditional pattern is always stylish; however, a modern graphic pattern in vivid colors will be a spirit lifter, setting a tone of cheerfulness.
- 5
  
  A sparkling chandelier adds vibrancy to a small hallway.
  
  Look up at the ceiling. Track lighting or recessed lighting will provide a subtle glow that illuminates the artwork on the walls. A small chandelier could add elegance.