Once dismissed as fussy or old-fashioned, wallpaper is enjoying something of a revival – and the hallway is the perfect place to embrace it. These transitional spaces set the tone for the rest of your home, so why not make them memorable?
There’s a myriad of designs to explore, from traditional florals and damasks to bold geometrics and oversized botanicals. Textured finishes such as grasscloth or linen-look wallpaper work beautifully, while hand-painted mural designs can take your hallway design to the next level.
Whether you’re after a timeless look or something a little more daring, these ideas will show you how to elevate your walls and make a lasting first impression.
Hallway wallpaper ideas
1. Make a statement with an elaborate print
“If you love something bolder, consider wallpapering the entire hallway for the ultimate wow factor,” says Sophie Clemson, director and co-founder of The Living House. Elaborate prints are a brilliant way to achieve this – from detailed animal motifs to sweeping botanicals, they can transform a humble hallway into a statement space.
For Jamie Watkins, co-founder at Divine Savagess, there’s no better spot to make a statement than the hallway: “The hallway is the perfect place to be bold with wallpaper choices. Because it’s a transitional space, it can really carry stronger colours and larger-scale patterns that might feel overwhelming in other rooms, as you’re only in the space briefly. It also helps to mask scuff marks and dirt, maintaining a pristine look in a high-traffic area.”
Sophie co-founded The Living House with a vision for curated, accessible design. She champions combining timeless style with personality in every room.
Jamie Watkins is Co-Founder of Divine Savages, the British design studio known for bold, eclectic wallpapers, fabrics and home accessories inspired by history, culture and nature, founded with husband Tom Kennedy.
2. Keep it fresh with light and linear designs
White wallpaper is a classic trick for keeping hallways light and bright – but bright doesn’t have to mean boring. Opt for a design with fine black linework and you’ll add instant edge to your space without losing that light, airy feel.
Take this Bobbi Beck Seat wallpaper (pictured above). It's an Art Deco-inspired pattern that feels effortlessly chic, with a pale backdrop that keeps things fresh and easy to live with.
3. Turn heads with abstract designs
If you want your hallway to feel dynamic, think beyond florals and foliage and opt for geometric and abstract designs. Whether you go for oversized blocks of colour or a more intricate repeat, these patterns bring a sense of movement to what is often a static, purely functional space.
James Mellan-Matulewicz, creative director at Bobbi Beck, explains: “Geometric patterns introduce structure and rhythm, lending a modern edge that feels clean and ordered. For a more playful approach, bold repeating motifs can energise the hallway and turn it into a vibrant focal point.”
James shapes the bold aesthetic direction at Bobbi Beck, a UK luxury wallpaper studio. He fuses retro patterns, sustainability and contemporary style to craft designs that surprise, bringing energy and character to transitional spaces.
4. Celebrate your hallway's period features
Choosing a wallpaper that reflects the era of your property is a simple way to create harmony. A classic toile, damask or chinoiserie feels right at home in a Victorian hallway, while a mid-century house might suit a bold graphic or retro repeat.
Likewise, if your home comes with original detailing, such as dado rails, cornicing or ornate woodwork, don’t be tempted to paint over everything in one flat colour. These features are made to be celebrated and wallpaper is a brilliant way to do it. Instead of papering the whole wall, highlight inset sections or panelling with wallpaper panels. This creates depth, frames the design like artwork, and feels in tune with the building’s character.
Jamie Watkins notes that papering up to the picture rail can also enhance the sense of scale: “In narrow or small hallways, patterns can actually expand the sense of space and make ceilings feel higher if you paper only up to the picture rail, then paint above this point (including the ceiling).”
5. Embrace retro prints with a modern twist
Retro influences are having a major comeback, and the hallway is the perfect place to experiment with a modern twist on 70s style. Graphic prints, geometric repeats and warm tones bring instant personality to these rooms, while pairing them with simple furniture keeps the look fresh rather than overly nostalgic.
Hannah Thistlethwaite, interiors expert at Heal’s, offers her advice for tapping into this aesthetic: “When we think of 70s interiors, warm, earthy tones come to the forefront. Rich oranges, browns and olive greens are staples in this retro colour palette, and these are the colours you’ll want to inject into your home.”
Hannah keeps a close eye on interiors trends at Heal’s, where she combines her buying expertise with a passion for sustainable style. She’s particularly interested in how colour and pattern, from retro tones to bold prints, can transform everyday spaces.
6. Pair half-wall panels with a statement wallpaper
As part of your hallway panelling ideas, consider pairing pale, painted panels on the lower half of the wall with a bold wallpaper above. This way you get the best of both worlds – brightness and balance.
Florals, botanicals or even a punchy geometric print can all work here, especially if you echo tones from the wallpaper in your woodwork colour. Jenna Forsdyke, senior interior designer at Pfeiffer Design, explains: "Panelling has surged in popularity in the last decade in both contemporary and traditional homes, but it was incredibly common in the Victorian era – adding elegance and detail to narrow spaces. To recreate this heritage look in your home, or to honour panelling which is already in place, add a bold, floral wallpaper to the top half of the wall. Choose a statement colour to ensure both sections are cohesive and finally add an ornate mirror for a final touch.”
Jenna specialises in high-end residential interiors with a sensitivity to architectural heritage. At Pfeiffer Design, she leads concept to completion on projects involving bespoke joinery, lighting, spatial layout and finishes, marrying style with practicality
7. Ensure your wallpaper complements your woodwork
Wallpaper doesn’t have to do all the heavy lifting on its own, the colour of your woodwork can make or break the overall look. Painting skirting boards, architraves or even the ceiling in a shade drawn directly from your wallpaper ties the whole scheme together and makes the print feel more intentional.
Jamie Watkins explains: “You could pick out a colour from the wallpaper for the paint – it’s a brave move when using a dark colour but it perfectly balances a bold print giving a less-is-more vibe."
8. Contrast your wallpaper and paint choices
If colour-matching feels too polished for your taste, leaning into contrast can create just as striking an effect. Dark-painted skirting boards or architraves can frame a pale wallpaper beautifully, while crisp white woodwork sets off bolder prints with real clarity. This approach highlights the architecture of the hallway itself, turning features like doorframes and cornicing into part of the overall design story.
By painting the trim in a stronger colour, you can also break up expanses of pattern and give the eye a clear boundary, which keeps the space from feeling overly busy.
9. Make a statement with a hand-painted mural design
If you’re keen to create impact, mural wallpapers are an inspired choice for hallways. Rather than repeating motifs, murals offer a sweeping design that feels more like artwork than wallpaper. Think painterly landscapes, architectural sketches, or oversized botanicals that stretch across the wall.
Murals work particularly well in long hallways where the full design can be appreciated, but even a small section – such as the wall opposite your front door – can provide a striking focal point.
Top tip: Keep the surrounding woodwork and flooring simple so the mural remains the star of the show.
Shop wall mural wallpapers
10. Bring the outside in with nature-inspired motifs
A hallway that opens onto the garden is the perfect place to echo the natural world indoors. Botanical prints, leafy repeats and soft floral patterns create a sense of continuity between inside and out, setting a fresh and uplifting tone the moment you walk through the door.
Choose designs in muted greens or earthy tones to complement painted woodwork, or go brighter with vibrant blooms for a more playful welcome. Either way, nature-inspired wallpaper is a timeless choice that never feels out of place.
11. Don't shy away from colours and designs that reflect your personality
"A bold patterned wall sets the tone for the rest of the home and immediately shows a bit of your personality," says Jamie Watkins from Divine Savages, "So seize the opportunity to make a great first impression to anyone arriving inside."
Hallways can take colour and pattern that might feel overpowering for living room or bedroom wallpaper ideas. So, don't be afraid to try out of the box designs, such as wavy stripes, pop-art florals or playful geometrics – anything that makes you smile the moment you step through the door.
To double down on the fun factor, considering pairing these designs with colourful accessories or neon lighting (as pictured above in this design by Sorbet Dream).
Shop vibrant wallpaper designs
12. Add warmth with ditsy floral repeats
Ditsy floral prints, with their small-scale patterns, can add a cosy, lived-in charm that works especially well in a hallway. They bring warmth and personality, softening the edges of the space and giving it that instant homely feel.
Don’t be afraid to use these designs across the entire space – from floor to ceiling – as the repeating pattern has a cocooning effect that makes even a busy hallway feel more inviting. Choose colours that tie in with your woodwork or flooring for a pulled-together look, and keep accessories simple so the wallpaper does the talking.
13. Go big with large scale prints
When it comes to hallway wallpaper ideas, bigger really can be better. Large-scale designs have the power to trick the eye, making a small hallway feel wider and a low ceiling seem taller. Instead of closing the space in, the oversized pattern actually stretches it, creating a sense of openness and flow. .
“If you have a compact hallway, then go for large-scale prints to trick the eye and make the space bigger over ditsy patterns,” agrees Sophie Clemson. She adds that these wallpaper designs can also be the perfect starting point for a scheme, providing colours you can carry through into paint, flooring and accessories for a cohesive look.
14. Wallpaper a niche or under stairs nook
Hallways often come with awkward corners or dead space, but wallpaper is a clever way to turn those forgotten areas into highlights. Adding a splash of pattern to a recessed wall or the underside of a staircase transforms it from an afterthought into a design feature.
“Large patterns can overwhelm in tight spaces, but used sparingly, they make the perfect statement,” explains James Mellan-Matulewicz from Bobbi Beck. These spots are the perfect opportunity to be a little braver with colour or print without overwhelming the rest of your scheme.
15. Savour soft neutrals and subtle motifs
Not every hallway calls for bold colour, sometimes the most effective approach is the quietest. Subtle wallpaper designs are brilliant for brightening shaded entrances, softening sharp architecture, and creating a calm flow between rooms. And layering them with warm woods, woven textures, or a softly lit console table helps the look feel cosy rather than stark.
Sophie Clemson explains how to make these designs work: “If you prefer a neutral look, explore wallpapers with textures or subtle patterns, such as the Morris & Co Pure collection. Neutral patterned wallpapers bring visual interest while still creating a welcoming and calm hallway.”
16. Add a glow with metallic details
If your hallway suffers from a lack of natural light, metallic wallpapers can be a clever fix. Shimmering accents catch and reflect every bit of available light, brightening a dark hallway and preventing it from feeling too confined.
Darren Morley, MD at The Mirror Man, explains: “In hallways, wallpaper should work hard to brighten and visually expand what is often the narrowest part of the home. Light-reflecting designs with subtle metallic touches or soft textures are ideal because they bounce light around and prevent the space from feeling closed in.”
Darren leads The Mirror Man with over two decades of experience in bespoke mirror and glazed interior finishes. He’s passionate about lighting, reflective surfaces, and clever wall treatments that enhance space, especially in hallways and tight entryways.
17. Introduce texture with grasscloth or linen-look papers
Not every hallway needs a bold print to stand out. Sometimes it’s the texture that makes the biggest difference. Grasscloth and linen-look wallpapers bring a gentle depth to the walls, adding a bit of warmth to what can otherwise feel like a pass-through space.
This design from MINDTHEGAP has a subtle linen background scattered with delicate motifs, just enough detail to catch the eye without shouting for attention. Paired with natural wood and a few delicate flowers, the whole scheme instantly feels more welcoming to guests.
18. Design with natural light in mind
Lighting has a huge impact on how wallpaper reads in a hallway. In darker corridors, paler tones and softly textured finishes can help bounce what little light there is, preventing the space from feeling closed in. Conversely, if you’re blessed with plenty of natural light, it’s a chance to experiment with bolder, moodier shades that will feel dramatic rather than oppressive.
James Mellan-Matulewicz explains: “Many hallways are narrow or shaded, so pale tones, soft neutrals, and even bright finishes can help bounce light and open up the space. If you’re lucky enough to have natural light, don’t be afraid to go bolder with deeper shades for added drama.”
FAQs
How do you install and maintain hallway wallpaper?
Jamie Watkins, co-founder of Divine Savages, says that attention to detail is key when learning how to wallpaper (especially when hanging patterned wallpaper):
“We suggest starting with the most visible wall and carefully wrapping patterns around corners to ensure flow, even if it requires a little extra trimming.”
For durability, he recommends using decorator’s varnish over wallpaper in high-traffic areas to protect against scuffs. Use a dead flat varnish, such as this Polyvine Decorators Dead Flat Varnish from B&Q, for a completely sheen-free look.
"Having this product in your decorating arsenal will ensure your wallpaper stays in perfect condition," says Jamie. "It’s easy to apply with a brush and typically requires re-coating every couple of years, depending on wear."
What’s the best type of wallpaper for a hallway?
Hallways are hardworking spaces, so durability should be top of the list. James Mellan-Matulewicz, creative director at Bobbi Beck, explains:
“Opt for wipeable or vinyl-backed wallpapers that can withstand knocks and scuffs. If you want to play with bolder design, consider using it more strategically, above panelling, as a single feature wall, or at the end of a hallway where it draws the eye like a focal point.”
Once you've selected your wallpaper, it's time to give some consideration to your hallway lighting ideas. The right lighting will highlight your chosen design, bring out its texture or sheen, and ensure the space feels warm and inviting.
