9 Tips for Decorating a Hallway: How to Decorate a Hallway

A hallway, or hall for short, is an elongated, enclosed space with walls punctuated by windows or doors to other rooms. Hallways are transitional spaces with few purposes beyond leading you from one space to another. Decorating transitional spaces presents a unique interior design challenge.

Whether you're a homeowner with a spacious foyer or a renter in an apartment with a small entryway, there are many ways to give guests a great first impression of the rest of your home. Decorating hallways throughout your home can help create a cohesive aesthetic as well. From DIY storage solutions to home decor and interesting light fixtures, it's easy to add visual interest to hallways that might be underwhelming otherwise.

Consider these hallway decorating ideas to give any hallway a proper makeover.

1. 1. Hang wall art. One of the quickest ways to add multiple focal points to a long hallway wall is to install a gallery wall. Arrange wall art or framed family photos in a group at various heights to add layers of visual interest.
2. 2. Hang a mirror. Placing a mirror at the end of the hallway can help reflect natural light and make a narrow hallway feel brighter and larger.
3. 3. Upgrade your light fixtures. Clever hallway lighting can make a narrow space feel larger. Consider hanging several pendant lights or wall sconces to create several points of visual interest throughout the hallway.
4. 4. Add a console table. Add some extra hallway storage with a slim console table. Not only will it give you a spot to place keys and other wares, but it also provides the perfect platform for decorative items and table lamps.
5. 5. Consider built-in storage. Adding storage or shelving to a small hallway is not always an option. However, empty space in your walls could be used to create built-in storage.
6. 6. Hang shelves. Make the most of unused wall space at the end of your hallway by hanging floating shelves.
7. 7. Paint the walls a neutral color. To make a hallway feel as large as possible, stick with a neutral paint color. As an added bonus, white walls create a blank canvas for your wall decor.
8. 8. Paint the front door. Painting the interior side of your front door can help add a pop of color to your entryway.
9. 9. Install shiplap paneling. For a modern farmhouse look, consider installing shiplap on your hallway walls. Shiplap can help add texture and interest to unused walls.

Master everything from color theory to pattern mixing with the MasterClass Annual Membership and exclusive lessons from award-winning interior designers like Kelly Wearstler and Corey Damen Jenkins. From shopping for statement furniture to designing a lighting scheme to choosing the newest member of your plant family, the skills you’ll pick up are sure to make your house, apartment, or condo feel even more like a home.