Are you tired of feeling cramped in your narrow hallway?
You might think there’s no hope for making your hallway seem bigger, but I’m here to prove you wrong.
With a dash of imagination and some savvy tips, KRS, a leading property management Arlington VA expert, notes that even the smallest corridor can feel like an expansive entryway.
From decluttering to clever decor choices, I’ll show you how to maximize every inch and create the illusion of a larger hallway.
Get ready to walk the red carpet every time you step through your corridor.
Table of Contents
7 Ways to Make Your Hallway Seem Bigger
Declutter
To make your hallway feel bigger, you should declutter and remove unnecessary items.
We all know how easy it is for a hallway to become a chaotic mess of shoes, bags, and coats. It’s like a black hole that sucks in everything that enters your home. But fear not, for there’s a solution.
Take a good hard look at your hallway furniture and ask yourself, ‘Do I really need all of this stuff?’ Chances are, the answer is no.
Start by tackling the coat hooks. Do you really need ten different coats hanging there? Probably not.
And what about those shoes? Are you really going to wear all twenty pairs regularly? I think not. Pick out your go-to kicks and hide the rest somewhere else.
Once you’ve decluttered, you’ll be amazed at how much bigger your hallway feels. It’s like a weight has been lifted off its narrow little shoulders.
So go forth and declutter with gusto. Your hallway will breathe a sigh of relief, and you’ll have a spacious and welcoming entrance to your humble abode.
Hang a Mirror
Hang a mirror in your hallway to create the illusion of more space and make it brighter. Mirrors are like magic when it comes to making a space seem bigger.
Now, when it comes to choosing the right mirror for your hallway, there are a few things to consider.
If your hallway is narrow, use a horizontal mirror to make it appear wider and more spacious. On the other hand, if you have low ceilings, a vertical mirror will give the illusion of more height.
But don’t just settle for any old mirror. Make it a design feature. Consider a mosaic mirror or one with a bold frame to make a statement. Hang it above one of those chic hallway tables for an added touch of style.
Be Wise With Your Flooring
Choosing a hardwearing floor that enhances your hallway space is essential.
You want something durable enough to withstand the constant foot traffic but also something that will make your hallway seem bigger and more inviting. Light flooring is a great option because it reflects light.
But don’t be afraid to go dark! The right dark flooring can make your hallway appear bigger, especially when paired with cool-toned wall colours.
Regarding the pattern and order of your flooring, bigger is better. Opt for wider planks or larger tiles to minimize seams and create a more open look. This will make your space feel less busy and more spacious.
Think Your Lighting Through
To enhance your hallway space, consider the placement of your lighting fixtures. Lighting can make your hallway seem bigger and more inviting.
Here are four tips to help you think your lighting through:
- Say no to pendant lighting and spotlights in the centre: Pendant lights and spotlights in the middle of your hallway may bring down the ceiling and make the space feel cramped. Instead, opt for spotlights scattered across the ceiling, specifically in the corners.
- Embrace statement lamps: If you have a larger hallway, don’t be afraid to add character with tastefully placed statement lamps. These can become focal points and draw attention away from the narrowness of the space.
- Go wild with track lighting: For narrow hallways, track lighting is your best friend. Track lights allow you to custom-target the darkest corners. The more light, the bigger the space will seem.
- Don’t forget natural light: If possible, maximize natural light by using sheer and light curtains or blinds that let sunlight in.
Go Big With Decor
Incorporate large-scale decor pieces that fill the space and create a sense of grandeur in your narrow hallway. Choose a statement piece, like a large mirror or a dramatic piece of artwork, that will capture attention and distract from the narrowness of the space.
Think of it as your own personal art exhibit, where the narrowness of the hallway becomes a part of the charm.
Hidden Furniture
Now that we’ve covered going big with decor let’s dive into the world of hidden furniture.
Here are some ingenious ideas to get you started:
- Secret storage benches: These sneaky benches not only provide a cosy spot to sit and tie your shoes, but they also hide a treasure trove of storage space underneath. Say goodbye to cluttered hallways and hello to hidden compartments for stashing away hats, scarves, and other odds and ends.
- Mirrored cabinets: Ah, the power of mirror cabinets. Hang one on the wall, and voila! You have a discreet storage unit for all your beauty essentials, keys, and even a spare umbrella.
- Floating shelves: These bad boys not only add a touch of modern elegance to your hallway, but they also create the illusion of floating objects. Install them in random spots along the walls and watch as your guests marvel at the magical levitation of your knick-knacks.
- Disguised shoe racks: We all know that shoes can be a nightmare to store. But fear not, my friend, for disguised shoe racks are here to save the day.
Avoid Over Decorating
Remember that less is more when decorating your hallway to avoid over-decorating and creating a cluttered space.
One way to achieve this is by placing items on only one side of the hallway. This draws the eye towards one wall, giving the illusion of a larger space.
Another tip is to choose decorations and furniture pieces that are flush with the wall. This way, you can maintain valuable walking space in your hallway. You want to be able to sashay down the hallway like a supermodel on a runway, not manoeuvre through a maze of obstacles like a contestant on a game show.
Pictures, art, and mirrors are your best friends regarding hallway decor. They take up no floor space and can make your hallway feel bigger by drawing the eye upwards.
So go ahead, hang that quirky painting or that mirror that makes you feel like a Hollywood star. Just make sure to keep it classy, not tacky.
And remember, less is more. Don’t be afraid of a bit of bareness in your hallway. It can make the space feel more open and airy. So resist the urge to turn your hallway into a mini art gallery or a storage room for every knick-knack you’ve ever owned.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I make my hallway seem bigger without decluttering?
One way to create the illusion of space is with mirrors. Strategically placing them along the walls will reflect light and make your hallway appear larger. Another trick is to use lighter colours on the walls and floor, as they can make a space feel more open.
Can I hang a mirror that is not rectangular in shape?
Sure, you can definitely hang a mirror that’s not rectangular in shape. In fact, it can add a touch of uniqueness and personality to your hallway. A non-rectangular mirror, like an oval or a round one, can create the illusion of more space by reflecting light and extending the visual boundaries. So, hang that funky mirror and watch your hallway magically appear bigger.
Is it necessary to paint the walls and the ceiling in light colours?
Light colours have a magical way of creating the illusion of space. By painting the walls and the ceiling in light hues, you’ll trick the eye into perceiving a larger hallway.
Conclusion
In conclusion, by implementing these tips, you can transform your small hallway into a spacious and inviting space.
Decluttering and using hidden furniture will instantly create a sense of openness, while a strategically placed mirror will add depth and light.
Opting for light-coloured walls and flooring will amplify the illusion of space, and carefully considering your lighting choices will further enhance the airy atmosphere.
Remember, a little creativity goes a long way, and before you know it, your hallway will be the envy of all your guests.
It’s like a magical corner in your home.
