How to Decorate a Long Dark Hallway

Brighten the hallway up by implementing these tips.

Long dark hallways bring up visions of a bad movie where the heroine runs to escape. However, in real life, a long dark hallway is merely another area in your home that requires some decoration. Tailor the design to maximize the light and width of the hallway. With a little thoughtful planning and elbow grease, you can create the illusion of a large hallway within a couple of hours of your time.

Things You'll Need

• Curtains
• Frosted window panes
• Lighting
• Paint
• Wall paper
• Art work
• Family pictures
• Runner
• Tile
• Wood
• Bench
• Basket
• Hooks
• Table

Instructions

1. Increase the light in the hallway. If a window with curtains is nearby, replace heavy curtains with light sheer curtains, or remove the curtains and insert frosted glass panels to the window. Install recessed or track lighting to the hallway or add several wall sconces for illumination.

2. Paint the walls a light color. Pick a neutral color, such as off-white, light tan or a yellowish white, to give the appearance of a larger space. You can split the wall in half horizontally, then wallpaper the bottom and add the light paint color to the top.

3. Add artwork to the walls. Place a long horizontal picture on the wall, or group similar-sized frames showcasing family members and vacation photographs. Hang the pictures in an even line on one side of the wall to achieve a gallery effect.

4. Look to the floors. Place a long, runner in a geometric pattern on the floor. Match the design to the wall colors. Create a floor design with tile, or paint the wood a lighter shade.

5. Organize storage spots by furniture placement. Add a bench, which doubles as storage, to the front of the hallway. Place baskets that slide underneath for boots, shoes, backpacks and briefcases. Position hooks to hang coats, sweaters and keys, or use a clothes tree for the items with a small thin table for keys, mail and notes.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep hallway clutter-free to maximize space.

• Add as much light to the hallway as you can.

References

• Homelife: Hallway and Foyer Ideas
• MSN Lifestyle: How to Decorate a Narrow Hallway
• Home Owner Net: Hallway Decorating Ideas

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish