what colour to paint a dark hallway for a bigger and brighter look 

Is your hallway feeling gloomy? Decorating hallways and corridors is notoriously tricky and it’s especially hard to know what colour to paint a dark hallway with very little natural light.

But it doesn’t have to be this way! Knowing what colour to paint a hallway will help you freshen up these drab, all-enveloping spaces – and there are proven psychological benefits! That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive and, of course, creative guide to walk you through the best options to create a warm and welcoming first impression of your home.

when to know your hallway needs a lick of paint

If your hallways are feeling dark and dingy, this may be an indicator to freshen them up. It’s often the case that liminal spaces such as hallways and landings get neglected in favour of the principal rooms in the house.

As hallways and corridors are areas with some of the highest traffic, you may want to brighten up the area, add warmth and build dimension. With the right inspiration on what colour to paint a dark hallway, you can achieve truly transformative looks.

what colour to paint a dark hallway

Dark hallways can benefit from a lot of different things, but what might come as a surprise is that bright white isn’t necessarily the best colour for a gloomy space.

In fact, because stark whites reflect high levels of natural light, it may draw more attention to the darkness of the space. That’s why we recommend you go for other light shades. And there’s so much to choose from!

Beautiful warm hues can create a cosy feel, while off-white and pale greys remain classy and timeless. You can even spice things up with an interesting gloss finish and textural contrasts, leading the eye along the walls to create a sense of height. A pinch of detail can balance nicely with a light, airy hallway designed not to draw too much attention.

what colour to paint a hallway with no windows

Decorating a dark, windowless hallway can feel like a nightmare, but there’s no need to stress. There is a myriad of ways to perk up your entrance and make your walls pop.

blues and greens

Great choices for hallways without windows are soft green and blue tones. Not only are blues proven to facilitate a restful, clean feeling but they open up the space and create the illusion of lightness. Combined with good lighting, reflective surfaces (i.e., mirrors) and the right paint sheen you can get a substantial amount of light into the room. Although, you’ll want to be careful using a mid-sheen on walls with any blemishes as this will accentuate them.

two-toned

If you’re feeling inspired, you could even go for a two-toned design with a heavier colour on the lower portion of the wall. With a good balance between the two colours, you can inject character into your home while making the space feel bigger and the ceilings higher.

what colour to paint a hallway with high ceilings

If you’re working with high ceilings, you have the opportunity to really make a statement. An attractive look could be a dark ceiling with light walls. This combination will really draw attention to the depth of colour you choose to paint the hallway and highlight any decorative architecture you have going on.

In some instances, even bringing the ceiling colour partway down the wall can be very effective, providing a cosy, intimate atmosphere and elongating the space.

 what colour to paint a large hallway

If you’re working with a large hallway, you’re in luck – there’s so much room to be expressive! Here staircases, doorways, different-sized feature walls and even flooring can become statements.

This is perfect if you’re feeling adventurous. There are lots of ways to play with contrast as the walls can take a range of patterns, colours and textures. For instance, you may want to hang detailed wallpaper and pair it with a deep, bold colour. If wallpaper isn’t your thing a subtle tone such as a blush white will also do the trick.

what colour to paint a small hallway

Smaller or narrower hallways benefit from light or white-coloured walls contrasted with a splash of colour in the form of woodwork. Don’t be afraid to go bold with the flooring: painted floorboards or those with a glossy finish can really bring the hallway to life. With a slightly darker trim, you can highlight the flooring to make it pop.

lighting

If you have poor lighting, whether that’s from bad placement or ineffective light fixtures, there’s no shade of paint that will help you. So before you work out how much paint you need for the job, make sure that you have adequate lighting installed in the area. This could involve simply upgrading the bulb or adding an extra fixture to brighten up the entryway. Again, you could get creative here by incorporating bright, decorative fixtures to accent the overall design.

things to remember

The key to picking what colour to paint a dark hallway is to find a non-white paint that complements the space and its features.

Saturated colours are your friends. If you’re looking to brighten up the hallway you don’t have to stick to boring, neutral tones – there are plenty of shades that will lighten the look without compromising on character. Think calming powder blues, warm blush tones, soft greys and pale greens.

For the bolder decorator, you can really make the hallway stand out with patterned wallpapers and lush, regal colours. As long as you pick a durable colour and layer enough coats of paint, you’re good to go.

Delve into more creative paint inspiration on our diy blog.