We have a long narrow hallway on our second floor which is in desperate need of a makeover. Right now, it is a dark caramel-colored abyss with no character or charm and espouses two “boob lights” which haunt me as I walk upstairs. The hallway is on my never-ending “to do” list of projects I’d like to soon tackle. In case you are facing a similar decorating dilemma with your hallway, I’ve collected some gorgeous hallway decorating ideas for us to ogle. I think there is help for boring, narrow, boob-light-laden hallways everywhere and these photos are our first step towards solving the problem!
Tip 1: Add a gallery wall to spice up a hallway.
Hallways are the ideal place to display a collection of things you love. They are typically long expanses of wall just begging to be decorated. Taking advantage of both sides of the wall with a collection of picture frames adds symmetry and interest to your design.
Tip 2: Use interesting light Fixtures to draw the eye up and create a focal point.
Interesting light fixtures in a hallway always stand out to me, and yet the hallway is where we often skimp on light fixtures. Adding a bold chandelier or pendant light will go a long way towards making a drab hallway fab.
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Tip 3: Add built-ins or bookshelves.
Our hallway is so narrow that built-ins and bookshelves just aren’t an option but I so wish they were! I love the idea of taking advantage of that long expanse and using it as a library.
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Tip 4: Add wainscoting or board and batten.
It never fails. Moulding is always a great way to add character and charm to ANY space. I have a faux board and batten on our main level and adore it and am thinking that the same treatment down our hallway will look fabulous. I’m considering doing something similar to Tricia’s board and batten treatment (last picture) with the grasscloth wallpaper and custom picture shelves. She did such a fantastic job in sprucing up her hallway. It gives me hope for my own :).
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Gallery walls, fantastic light fixtures, bookshelves, and custom moldings are all great ways to spruce up an often overlooked hallway. I’m hoping to add three of the four ideas to my own hallway this year and will of course share the progress with you. Feel free to pin the image below for future reference and thanks for stopping by!
cyndy@thecreativityexchange says
This is such perfect timing for me Beth! I’m in the middle of remodeling and am about to finally address my long hallway issues. Lots of great ideas and inspiration girl! Saved me tons of research! Thanks girl! Hug friend!
Beth says
Can’t wait to see what fabulousness you come up with Cyndy! Thanks for visiting me :).
Mary Leigh says
I love the gallery walls and bookshelves! My grandparents had an entire hallway with built-ins along one side and I used to love sitting in that hallway and pretending to be at the library!
Beth says
What a dreamy place your grandparents house must have been! I would LOVE to have a hallway library.
Leslie Stewart @ House on the Way says
Thanks for the great inspiration! You’ve got me thinking about jazzing up my hallway!
Beth says
You’ve got such great style Leslie and I look forward to seeing it jazzed :).
Kim @ Plumberry Pie says
Great round up, Beth! This past summer I was swirling around ideas about our hallway too. Haven’t done anything about it yet of course. 😉 Hoping to get a gallery wall up there someday and possibly some board and battan. Look forward to seeing what you do!
Beth says
I actually wrote a post back in 2010 talking about hallway inspirations. I came across it when writing this post and do not at all remember writing it. I even used one of the same photos! Ha! All that to say the hallway has been on the back-burner for 3 yrs now. It’s time.
Victoria says
I understand about hallways. I have a narrow and very dark one that goes to my bedrooms as well. I put a mirror at the end to reflect any light. The ceiling in my hallway is low but I like the idea of a chandelier or nice light fixture there. My hall is beige and I do have a picture gallery there. My floors are wood. I really like the first picture, but I am much more narrow than that but if I can find a table for the end of the hall under the mirrror or a large accesory it may help! Thanks for the inspiration! Victoria
Beth says
Yes! I didn’t include that in the “tips” but having something lovely at the end of the hallway is important. Our hallway is so incredibly narrow I’m hoping I can pull off my design plans up there and still be able to maneuver things down it.