Even the smallest of entrances can be transformed with the right narrow hallway ideas. But, turning the slightest of spaces into a functional and stylish hallway can be tricky.
As well as giving your visitors the best first impression, your hallway design needs to be able to withstand the rigours of daily life. The the reality is, handling knocks. providing storage and still offering those who enter a warm and welcoming hug, isn't always an easy balance.
But, we're here to help. So from colours to furniture, design tricks to lighting solutions we've curated 15 narrow hallway ideas to help get you started.
1. Use a neutral colour palette
Although it may seem obvious, when it comes to hallway paint ideas, sticking to shades that lie towards the paler end of the colour scale will naturally make a narrow hallway seem brighter.
"Narrow hallways can be one of the trickiest spaces in a home to get right, but with a few thoughtful design choices, they can feel brighter, bigger and far more welcoming," says Faye Simons, head of interior design at luxury interiors retailer, Olivia’s.
"When it comes to colour, stick with pale, neutral tones to visually expand the space. Think soft whites, gentle greys or warm taupes. If you prefer colour, try a light pastel or paint the lower half of the wall darker than the upper half to draw the eye upwards," she suggests.
A lighter colour palette will mean you can still add detail with elements such as hallway panelling ideas, while the addition of a half glass front door and window side panels will all help the space to feel light bright and welcoming.
Faye Simons is Head of Interior Design at luxury interiors retailer Olivia’s. With over 20 years’ experience within the furniture and homeware industry, Faye has an eye for creating aspirational schemes tailored to each client’s lifestyle. From redesigning a single room to creating a cohesive look for an entire home, Faye combines aesthetic appeal with functionality to create spaces that inspire and excite.
2. Don't dismiss the idea of built in hallway storage
Although it can be easy to assume bespoke storage only really works in large hallways, there's an argument to say fitted hallway storage ideas are needed even more when space is limited.
“In narrow or awkwardly shaped hallways, every inch counts, and thoughtfully designed fitted furniture can be the ideal solution," confirms Rachal Hutcheson, national retail manager at Sharps.
"Bespoke pieces allow storage and seating to seamlessly blend into the architecture, creating a space that feels purposeful and open rather than cramped, with every element working in harmony.
"From built-in shelving to a bench with hidden storage, integrated designs keep the space uncluttered while taking up minimal room," advises Rachal, "enhancing flow and making even the slimmest corridor feel considered."
Rachel Hutcheson is a National Retail Manager at Sharps, with a vast array of knowledge on how to make the most out of any space by using bespoke storage.
3. Or, if bespoke isn't an option, pick slimline furniture instead
To avoid feeling as though you are stepping into a tunnel or a squeezed space when you walk through the front door, there are several design considerations to take into account when finalising your hallway decor ideas.
Furniture is of course one of them and there's not necessarily a one-size-fits-all solution. So, while bespoke fitted furniture may work for some, if you have somewhere else, such as a boot room to store coats and shoes, aim for slimline hallway furniture instead.
"To keep things practical yet elegant, opt for streamlined furniture," suggests Daniel Smith, founder of Danetti. "A slim console or floating shelf offers storage without clutter, and a small accent chair or ottoman provides a natural pause point, somewhere to rest, drop keys or take off shoes.
"With the right blend of light, reflection and proportion, even the smallest hallway can feel calm, balanced and beautifully connected to the rest of the home," he adds.
Shop narrow hallway furniture
Add a touch of country chic to your narrow hallway ideas with this wooden console
Add a touch of contrast colour to a modern hallway with this black console table
This gold and glass console table is the perfect addition to an elegant narrow hallway
Daniel’s passion for furniture was ignited by his travels through Italy. Drawn to the artistry and meticulous attention to detail that defines great craftsmanship, he set about planning how to bring that same exceptional quality back home, at a price everyone could afford. Determined to democratise great design, Daniel founded Danetti in 2006. Working with a talented team who shared his vision, he built a brand shaped by one simple belief: that the spaces you live in should make life feel easier, more beautiful, and fundamentally more yours.
4. Make sure your hallway lighting works in narrow spaces
Fast on the heels of furniture choices for your narrow hallway ideas are your hallway lighting ideas.
"Good lighting is key in a narrow hallway," says Faye Simons. And, while a good table lamp will add instant mood and warmth, don't be afraid to add in more lighting where you can.
"Combine ceiling lights with wall sconces and think about adding picture lights to add more interest," suggests Faye. "But, avoid harsh overhead bulbs and instead, use warm, diffused light to create depth and softness."
"Layered lighting is key," agrees Daniel Smith. "A pendant draws the eye upward whilst a soft table lamp at the far end creates the illusion of more space, guiding guests forward. Weaving in reflective surfaces, like mirrors or glossy consoles, will also bounce light around, instantly brightening and widening the space creating a greater sense of flow."
5. Tiles are a good solution in narrow hallways
As well as being incredibly practical, choosing tiles for your hallway flooring ideas can be particularly beneficial in a narrow hallway, according to Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca'Pietra.
“Tiles have an incredible ability to shape how we experience space, particularly in areas like hallways where light and proportion can be tricky to balance," she says.
"The right layout can completely transform the feel of a narrow corridor. For example, laying tiles lengthways will draw the eye down the hall, creating flow and a sense of depth, while a diagonal pattern or herringbone layout can make the space feel wider and more inviting."
6. Pick multi-purpose solutions for narrow hallways
Thinking outside the box can be beneficial when selecting your narrow hallway fixtures and fittings. When space is at a premium, making everything work a little harder can give you the results you need.
If you're renovating a house for example and need to replace a radiator, pick a vertical one with a mirror that gives you two for the price of one. A warm and cosy entrance, plus a handy mirror that not only increases the sense of space, but that also provides a final check point when entering and exiting your home.
7. Use dark or bold colours more sparingly
If you are a huge fan of all things bright and bold and have been left feeling slightly disappointed your narrow hallway ideas are best suited to lighter shades, the choice is of course yours, and some may prefer a dark and cosy entrance.
But, if balance is your goal, you can still use darker colours, but just use them more sparingly, such as on picture and dado rails, staircase balustrades or when painting your skirting boards.
Decorative items too such as lamp shades, blinds and the like are all perfect spots to exercise your love of colour, or even to add a dark black or blue if you're keen to create a more monochrome entrance.
8. Sneak in a cosy seating spot
When dealing with any kind of smaller space in the home, thinking creatively is key to ensuring you get the very most out of every inch of the room you are working with.
If your hallway is narrow but long, think about whether there's space at the end to add a stud wall for built-in storage ideas and seating. Leaving the walls of your corridor free but adding a focal point at the end, will also help draw your eye into the home and provide a useful distraction from the narrowness of your entrance.
9. Herringbone patterns can help add width
In narrow hallways, the main objective is usually to make the space feel wider, rather than longer or taller.
And while all-white schemes are timeless and have the added benefit of making small spaces feel bigger than they really are, the diagonal nature of herringbone flooring will also serve to draw the eye outwards.
Or, if you prefer a straighter finish, lay your wooden flooring in horizontal strips and this will achieve a similar result.
10. Bring the outdoors in to add connection
At the point at which we make the transition from the outside into the home, it makes sense to reflect your garden within your hallway decor.
"Hallways are the literal transition from outdoors to indoors, so are a wonderful space for extending the beauty and atmosphere of the natural environment by bringing leafy florals, foliage motifs and forest green hues into in our homes," says Ruth Mottershead, Creative Director at Little Greene.
"Here, delicate and airy trailing floral Broadwick Street wallpaper adds a welcoming design detail, whilst deep green paint, Jewel Beetle, on the ceiling, woodwork and doors offers a cocooning and cohesive finish that transitions into the exterior beyond."
"Earthier finishes, natural textures and subtle touches of greenery help connect the interior to the natural world, evoking a sense of calm and grounding," adds Rachal Hutcheson, "so that even the narrowest hallway can become a serene welcoming introduction to the home.”
You can shop for the Broadwick Street wallpaper at Wallpaper Direct.
11. Add natural light where possible
If your self build involves finding ways to make your narrow hallway design more palatable, find ways to bring in as much natural light as possible into your hallway in order to ensure that no matter how narrow it might be, it still feels bright and airy.
This is key to injecting a sense of calm and wellbeing into a space that needs to make you and guests feel good in the morning and happy to come home at the end of the day.
The large picture windows in this hallway are ideal, but if this isn't a practical idea for you, how about a roof lantern, a bank of rooflights or clerestory windows instead?
12. Swap standard doors for sliding ones instead
Not only do sliding doors look really stylish, they are also an ideal hallway door choice in narrow hallways as they require no out-swing space.
If you want to close your hallway off from other rooms, do consider using a sliding door. There are many options, from barn-style sliding doors, such as the one shown here, to pocket doors that disappear completely into the walls when open.
If your hallway is small as well as narrow, it might be worth looking at some small hallway ideas too.
13. Bring out the architectural details with decor
Making the most of any interesting architectural details within your narrow hallway will help turn it into a space full of character – detracting away from its proportions.
If, like this idea, you have a sloping ceiling, ensure it stands out by creating contrast with your walls using wallpaper or colour capping to draw the eye upwards.
And, if there is a view beyond your hallway walls, then include as much glass as is practical. If you have intricate period mouldings, then make sure they are noticeable too.
14. Choose a simple staircase design
Small, narrow hallways really do benefit from a simple, pared-back approach to design – particularly when it comes to larger features, such as the staircase.
Staircase design always needs to be tailored to the proportions of a space and if you are working with a renovation project you may well be retaining the original flight of stairs.
Ensuring the handrail is simple and elegant, perhaps mirroring other design elements in the hall, such as has been done here with the coordinating shade used for the balustrade and wall panelling, will really ensure the space feels as big as it can.
15. Distract with bold decorative objects
Of course, although we have talked a lot about keeping things simple and subtle in a narrow hallway, that does not mean you can't flex your own design style a little bit in order to distract the eye from the tight proportions of a space.
Use decorative items such as lamps, wall art and lighting to make a design statement. Choose a feature floor tile, an unusual stair riser design for your staircase ideas or even adopt elements of modern hallway ideas into your Victorian hallway ideas to give your visitors an entrance to remember.
Hallway so narrow you can barely fit in furniture but desperately need storage space? Why not see if your staircase could be suitable for lift up storage instead?
And, make sure you explore all your options for building understairs storage if you have the right type of staircase to suit.
