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Transforming Darkness into Delight: Ideas for Dark and Narrow Hallways

Updated: Oct 6, 2023

Hey interior lovers, if you have a narrow hallway that feels dark, gloomy and depressing then you've come to the right place! In this blog post, we'll be sharing some of our top tips and ideas, on how to help you breathe new life into your hallway, making it a brighter and a more welcoming gateway into your home.


1. Opt for a warm and uplifting paint colour


Make your hallway feel like a big, warm hug when you walk in, by painting it in a yellow based neutral such as Coat Duvet Day, or, if you're brave enough, drench the whole space in a lovely muted yellow such as Farrow and Ball 'Hay'.

An example of a  yellow painted hallway, painting the walls in yellow will instantly brighten up a dark narrow hallway

2. Add in extra light sources


Good lighting is essential in transforming a gloomy hallway. Install wall lights along the hallway's length, or add in extra ceiling lights to evenly distribute light. You can also opt for pendant lights or chandeliers if your ceiling height allows. Ensure that the lighting is warm and inviting to create a cosy ambiance.


Hallway with three brass ceiling lights and a console with a mirror.Example of how adding ceiling lights can brighten up a dark hallway.

3. Reflective Surfaces


Introduce reflective elements like glass, or metallic accents. This can include mirrored furniture, glass-topped tables, or metallic-framed mirrors.

These surfaces will bounce light around the hallway and make it feel more light and spacious.


A Large Mirror over a hallway sideboard in a japandi style

4. Storage Solutions


Consider incorporating built-in or floating storage solutions to keep clutter to a minium. Keeping the hallway organised, will create a cleaner, more open look. You can use shelves, cabinets, or hooks to store items like shoes, coats, and bags.

Check out Urbansize https://urbansize.co.uk/collections/hallway-edit-1 or Ferm Living for clever and compact storage furniture.


A shelf in a hallway with shirts and a plant on top, ideas for compact hallway storage

5. Bring in playful pattern


Add an element of surprise and fun to your hallway, with a patterned runner rug, or stair runner. We absolutely love these stair runners by Sophie Cooney and this checkerboard rug from Soho Home.


Yellow patterned stair runner in a white hallway

A rust checkerboard runner rug with teal cabinetry and ladies feet, example of how to add pattern to a hallway

6. Create interest by mixing materials and textures


Without texture a space falls flat, and the same goes for your hallway. Use a console or sideboard to group together objects of different materials and textures. This will also create a focal point in the space for the eye to be drawn too.

Or, alternatively, add in a textured rug, a rattan decorative pendant, or a piece of furniture in a reclaimed wood.


A rattan sideboard with a large black vase and twigs, marble table lamps, books and scandi artwork

In summary, brightening up a dark and narrow hallway is all about strategic design choices that maximise light and space. By incorporating the tips mentioned above, you can transform your hallway into a welcoming and inviting entryway.


With a little creativity and attention to detail, your once-dreary hallway will become a beautiful and functional part of your home.


If you are needing help with the design of your hallway, check out our affordable interior design services here.


Studio Mayfield are an Interior Design company based in Bath (UK) and online. We can provide our Onsite services to clients in Bath, Bristol and Somerset, find out more here.


Image credits:

  1. Pinterest

  2. Interior Fox

  3. Pinterest

  4. Ferm Living

  5. Sophie Cooney

  6. Soho Home

  7. Pinterest



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