8 Ways to Decorate a Monotonous Hallway

The hallway that connects the living space, sleeping space, and the outside of the house is just as important as the bedroom, living room, and kitchen. Whether you’re using a short hallway, a sharply turning hallway, a wide hallway, or a narrow hallway, you can make it feel as special as the rest of your home. Bring your hallways to life with built-in amenities, lighting, colorful carpets, and more.

1. Colored carpets. If your hallway needs a pick-me-up, add a colorful rug for an instant stylish look. The horizontal stripes on this rug make narrow hallways feel wider. Long rugs stretch from one end of the hallway to the other with dramatic impact. Can’t find a long enough rug? Try sewing several identical rugs together to make a faux rug.

2. Gallery. The designer takes advantage of the extra-long hallway, where a row of family photos and artwork hangs. While the same frames and cushions look graphic and bold, this eclectic combination of colors and sizes adds warmth to the space.

3. Cabinets. Take advantage of the wider hallways and build some custom cabinetry to provide additional storage and display space. The cabinet in this photo is used as a display shelf for collectibles. The paint in its neutral tones puts the hanging artwork in the spotlight.

4. Chandelier. Most indoor hallways don’t have windows, which means ample artificial lighting is necessary. Try adding a hanging chandelier instead of standard surface-mounted lighting. The right pendant can brighten up your hallway while also adding a touch of style to your design.

5. Wainscoting. Corridor wainscoting is a great decorative design element, but it also helps protect drywall from scratches, bumps, and marks. Traditionally, wainscoting has been installed in transitional spaces like this one to protect event rooms from heavy traffic.

6. Bookcase. Some avid readers will never have enough room for books. Extend the library into the hallways to create additional display space for your favorite books. Whether built-in or purchased, bookcases can add functionality and aesthetic elements to wider hallways.

7. Murals. Floor-to-ceiling map installation can turn an awkward hallway into an educational opportunity. Don’t like the look? Wall decals and murals come in a variety of customizable options, and they’re often cheaper than wallpaper.

8. Framed mirror. For those who like the gallery look but don’t know what to put in a picture frame, Hall of Mirrors can be the perfect solution. Installations like this can highlight a large number of frames, or simply bring extra light and visual space into small, dark hallways.