How to Decorate a Small Hallway: Simple Tips for a Standout Space

Your hallway is the first impression people have of your home's interior. It’s where you welcome guests in from the outside world and give them a first taste of how your home feels on the inside. In many homes, the hallway is often a tight, narrow space that’s often overlooked when it comes to decorating. Yet by using colour in the right ways, you can transform your small hallway into a beautiful and inviting feature of your home. These design ideas for small hallways​ are a useful starting point. 

How much natural light?

One challenge with small hallways is a lack of natural light, which can make the space dark and dingy. One solution is to paint the walls in a light, neutral hallway colour, such as Egyptian Cotton, to help create the illusion of brightness. A hallway colour idea that’s really popular right now is what’s called colour drenching – where you use the same hallway colour across every surface. Using Egyptian Cotton across your walls and the doors, for example, would create a light, airy and unified feel. If you’d like to go in a more colourful direction, try a deep pastel green like Collins Green for a bolder all-over style. 

Go for contrasting colours on the woodwork

If you want to really express your style in your hallway, try a bolder and more thoughtful use of colour. Another simple colour suggestion for hallways​ that will show off your eye for decor is to paint your doors, skirting boards, and trim in a contrasting colour palette.

A warm neutral like Egyptian Cotton with a cool shade of green like Collins Green would make a perfect pair. Rich, moody tones or warm, saturated colours on your woodwork versus something light and colourful on the walls would give your hallway a sense of character and design flair, too. Try Dulux hallway colours​ like classic Black paired with a soft pastel like Blush Pink to add depth and definition to the space.

High-traffic hallways need looks that last

You want your ‘just decorated’ hallway to keep its good looks for as long as possible. Hallways are high-traffic areas, which means surfaces are susceptible to scuffs. So, make sure to select a super durable paint for your small hallway project.

Dulux Easycare Washable & Tough is a great choice for hallway walls. It’s formulated with stain-repellent technology, which makes spills bead on the surface, making them easy to wipe away. Plus, because it’s so durable, it can withstand scrubbing, too, making it easy to keep clean.

When it comes to painting your woodwork, try Dulux Aquamax Satinwood. It’s a hard-wearing, quick-drying water-based paint specially designed for interior wood and metal. Plus, it comes in ready-mixed colours, so it’s perfect for your small hallway makeover.

Finally, don’t forget the decor for small hallways

Whatever colours you choose, complement your palette with carefully selected hallway accessories. Mirrors do a great job of bouncing natural light around, while a colourful rug will add texture and warmth, and well-placed artwork or plants will complete the look.

Let’s Chat Colour

With the right Dulux hallway colours​ and finishes, your hallway can become the hero of your home’s interior design. If you’re not sure where to start with your hallway project, you can always book a FREE interior colour consultation with Dulux Let’s Chat Colour, and get colour and product recommendations, as well as design ideas for your small hallway. 

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