How to Decorate a Hallway With a Vaulted Ceiling

Use the space and vaulted ceilings in your hallway to decorate the space.

Hallways are sometimes overlooked during home decor planning, because they are typically too small for furniture. Hallways actually provide a space for you to display some of your treasured things, tie in the decor from different rooms or work in bold decor that you wouldn't feel comfortable with in any other room in the house. Work with architectural features in your home, such as vaulted (or slanted) ceilings, when decorating the hallway.

Things You'll Need

• Paint
• Lights
• Artwork, pictures, mirrors (accessories)

Instructions

1. Paint the walls and ceiling the same color. If the ceiling is high, consider using a darker, flat paint to make the space feel cozier. If the ceiling is low or awkward, consider using a lighter color with a semi-gloss finish to open the space up. Vertical stripes also make the ceiling appear to be taller, particularly if the stripes go all the way to the point in the ceiling.

2. Add lighting, such as a skylight or track lighting. Shorter ceilings can benefit from down-lighting, making the ceiling seem higher, or up-lighting, showcasing the ceiling and making it appear further away. Track lighting can also be hung right above artwork or pictures so the focus is on the decor, not the ceiling.

3. Hang pictures, artwork or mirrors to display things that are important and make the hallway work for you. For a tall ceiling, consider vertical frames holding a collage of photos or a mirror. Large artwork or picture frames, or large arrangements can fill up a large and long hallway. Smaller frames, arranged in a pattern or straight line, allow you to display your pictures without making the hallway seem smaller. Floating shelves and wall sconces can also add to your hallway decor.

4. Draw the eyes down to balance the hallway and take some attention away from the ceiling. Add floor vases, houseplants or trees on the floor, if there's enough space.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to draw attention to the ceiling, paint a pattern on the ceiling or add beams.

• Consider the flow of traffic, especially if you have pets or children, when placing anything on the floor.

References

• Home and Garden TV: Designing Great Ceilings