I need ideas for my dark and gloomy hallway

Comments (50)

Leslie
6 years ago
How about a pale iredescent type paper on the top part to brighten up the hallway. I think the wood panelling looks lovely, plus if it's a historic house maybe you might want to retain it.
dianacrockett thanked Leslie
dianacrockett
Original Author
6 years ago
Thank you -can you suggest such a paper? I want to have impact if possible
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Dark wood hallway ideas?
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Hi we specialise in period detailing and panelling and staircases particularly in oak. I will attempt to give you some suggestions from our point of view. //Panelling// My first thought is to keep all of the panelling but to add a bit more style to it which could easily be achieved by adding a simple mouding around the panel as shown below, you can easily source mouldings from a local hardware shop. You could also add a Dado moulding and run it along the top rail of the panelling that goes up the staircase this would make the panelling look really nice. I would then prime and paint all of the panelling in a light colour to give the entrance a lighter feel. create a coat rack area in the porch with a small bench for taking of shoes and it would look like a really inviting entrance hall! //Staircase// Again I think the staircase would look really good painted or stripped and whitewashed like a scandinavian style pine floor, this would lighten the whole area. I really like it when staircases are painted except the handrail however It would need to be stained and polished to look like a contrasting dark hardwood. If you were thinking of installing a new traditional style staircase there would be a cheaper option which would be to clad the strings and posts and replace the hand rail and turnings for oak versions. However I personally would be painting it or whitewashing it and adding mouldings here and there if you need to. good luck!! Applied panel mouldings White washed staircase A recent project of ours with painted panelling with a dado top moulding
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Wow, that hall is bigger than most of my rooms! LOL! I presume there is no possibility for a sun tunnel to add natural light in the hall? Any eaves above it anywhere? Another trick was to have panels above internal doors made in glass so that the light from the rooms would bounce back into the hallway. I'm always of the belief that if you don't have the light then don't fight it. ie even with light reflective white walls you may still feel it's dark and dingy so I would try and make it feel cosy and inviting by using richer colours perhaps on lower walls with some off white contrasts and add lots of mirrors where you can that will reflect back any light in the room. Also make sure the artificial lights are abundant and bright as something simple as upping a lightbulb wattage (or adding a multi-bulb sparkly chandelier) would make a huge difference
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Well the half wall is down :) I have a carpenter on the way to look at boxing in the pillar with the fuse boxes and cutting the step either diagonally across or circular. I'm thinking about replacing the carpet with a runner and assume I could do that with either shape? I'm either going for F&B Stiffkey Blue (2 in from the left, second up from the bottom), F&B Hague Blue (2 in from the right, second up from the bottom) or Valspar Play me a melody (first column, second from the top). Stiffkey and the Valspar are looking a bit too blue and Hague Blue may be too dark so going to paint bigger areas and see how they come out.
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I'll definitely have a look at those colours, thank you. The current colour is Tempting Taupe from Dulux. The tiles are 45cm deep and i have a similar console table (30cm deep) but i have it positioned under the stairs. I'll definitely have a look at some rugs for the floor as you suggested. The current lamps are 30'' in length but I think I could get away with another 8 or 9 '' maybe? I like these styles.. I was thinking of putting up some oversized picture frames on the wall with the map but I'm not sure how it would look, in either a black frame or wooden frame. Thanks for your help
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PRO
Anna Auzins Interiors Ltd.
6 years ago
I would absolutely retain the panelling, as it is appropriate to the period of the house; the thing to do in my opinion is to make sure it is in the best condition possible. Ask a restorer to come in to see what it would take to strip off the varnish and re-finish it; that way you could lighten it as well.

The other alternative is to go with the dark -- paint it a dark colour (dark blue? a strong grey?), and have the walls and floor very light. That would have a strong impact and give a modern touch without compromising the style.
dianacrockett thanked Anna Auzins Interiors Ltd.
dianacrockett
Original Author
6 years ago
I have already lost the blue lightshades - thank you for your ideas - I like the paper. Painting the panelling white is a bit worrying...
dianacrockett
Original Author
6 years ago
I will definitely retain the panelling tho
jillyhilltop
6 years ago
The panelling is great, don't paint it. The walls above would be lovely just white - perhaps one of the many by Farrow and Ball. It would simplify and calm the hall and give it the light you want. Add colour with artworks or a beautiful runner on the floor.
dianacrockett thanked jillyhilltop
coolerplanet
6 years ago
We had a similar problem but with an entirely different house - mid century not historic. But I am wondering if it could be adapted to be in sympathy architecturally? It sounds counter intuitive but we subdivided the hallway, effectively creating a smaller, better proportioned entrance immediately behind the front door, which we replaced with one that was fully glazed. The main entrance door was then set back 2-3 metres, so the immediate impact of the house for visitors etc. became a plant and light filled space. Behind this the inner hallway appeared to be much less gloomy as it was shorter and benefitted, in our case, from new skylights in the roof which flooded the stairwell with light. Hope you find something that works for you!
dianacrockett thanked coolerplanet
Carli
6 years ago
It looks beautiful... all I would do would be to remove the side dresser and see if you can add another two ceiling lights down the hallway ... good luck!
dianacrockett thanked Carli
PRO
Litecraft
6 years ago
Hi Diana,

When used and place right mirrors can really make a difference to a space, they can help brighten up a place and create a sense of space.

Here are some helpful tips we can offer.

The placement of mirrors behind table lamp is definitely an effective one. Pair together a table and when lit the mirror will double the amount of illumination from the table lamps.

here are some table lamps we would recommend. The gold and antique brass will complement the wooden table and gold picture frame beautifully.

Mini Scratched Table Lamp with Light Beige Shade - Copper

1 Light Traditional Style Table Lamp with Pleated Conical Shade - Antique Brass

Another tip, placing 2 mirrors adjacent to each other will help reflect light and illuminate your hallways.

You can take a look at the mirrors we offer here.

here are the mirrors we would recommend.

Classic Bar Square Mirror - Bronze

For more tips on using mirrors to brighten up your space you can check out ourblog post on this.

Hope this helps. If
you have any questions feel free to contact us by emailing
customerservice@litecraft.co.uk or by calling 0161 359 4777

Kind Regards

Litecraft Team
dianacrockett thanked Litecraft
PRO
Floor Monster
6 years ago
Hi there,

have you thought about a light oak flooring? That might help brighten the hallway up. We have many in stock, if you have a look here. If there is any you find of interest we would be more than happy to send you out a FREE sample.

If you have any queries or question please do not hesitate to let us know.

Kind Regards,

Floor Monster
dianacrockett thanked Floor Monster
d sen
6 years ago
Hello Diane, you need to keep the decoration to suit the house era, but remove the furniture and the pictures they squeeze the width (mirrors flush to the wall would reflect more light and width). Change the lighting to above only - they need to be identical and if not the same as the elaborate existing something very flamboyant for the impact. Ideally change each end door to ones with glass, again with an impact pattern but allowing the light to flow through.
dianacrockett thanked d sen
Rose Williams
6 years ago
TBH, I'm the opposite of everyone above... hate the paneling!, thats the part thats dictating the dark and gloominess with it being so dark, and to put in a lighter shade of wood flooring would raise another pet hate of mine which is mismatched and numerous types of wood in the same space. I like the wallpaper you put in, just should have gone lighter as suggested above.
My suggestion is a stunning tiled victorian type flooring, as you seem to like geometric patterns by the wallpaper you chose...you wouldnt be looking at the walls then. I would also be replacing that ceiling light
dianacrockett thanked Rose Williams
PRO
Bathroom + Kitchen Eleven
6 years ago
I would paint the wainscoting a light/mid grey - to pick out the silver in the wallpaper - This would lift the whole area without the need of wallpapering again. If the wallpaper is still too dark/overpowering then change to a more subtle pattern/colour or paint the walls. At least you would have given it a go and it might just save time/money if they work together.

I would also go back to floor boards as the carpet you currently have is a bit drab. (Sorry). Or put down a light patterned runner.

Grey wainscoting - I would go for a lighter grey than this though

Runner idea to replace current rug

I would also replace the side table and lamp with more luxurious pieces. Also adding a large mirror will bounce light around the room - I think the pictures you have at the moment disappear with the wallpaper and look too fussy.

If you wanted to keep pictures in the hallway maybe cluster them together to make an impact.

Good luck, Hope to see the finished look!

Shannon
dianacrockett thanked Bathroom + Kitchen Eleven
Ludo Gallagher
6 years ago
I would definitely paint the panelling Matt white. Nothing else you do is going to stop that dark wood sucking the light. Nothing. I would also paint the radiator the same Matt white (radiator paint obvs). Skirting too. Lots of period properties have beautiful white wainscotting. Now your hall will have more unity and flow with the door and frames. I would move your chair into another room. I would paint your hall table white or a bright pop of blue to mirror the wallpaper or replace it if unwilling to do that. The dark wood really draw the eye to the wrong places. You need a much bigger mirror on the wall where you already have one. Metalis or reflective lamps as someone else suggested is also a good idea. Your wallpaper is fine, nice in fact if you go white below. A more expensive but easy fix would be to get a front door with frosted glass panels in it to allow more real light in. Your sight lines should be towards the light at the end of the hall coming in from the back door. However, because you have the beige runner at the front door and then a different rug cutting across the view line half way down, your sight line towards the light is effectively cut. I would get a narrower runner to go all the way from the front to back door. Alternatively, your beige one is too wide, it also cuts the flow, so you could buy a narrower runner for there and replace the one near the stairs with a circular rug. That would make the area near the stairs with the big clock a real destination area.
dianacrockett thanked Ludo Gallagher
derekandsarah
6 years ago
Your hall is architecturally attractive - particularly with the fact that the eye is drawn to the stairs beyond the immediate hallway.

I think some of the above pictures of hallways are really beautiful and the sort of thing that would suit your hallway. I would do the following:

Paint the panelling white to match your doorframes. It will still look stunning and very period, just much lighter and more welcoming.

Repaper in a more subtly coloured but nice large scale design - something much more neutral. It will have impact but not feel too closed in.

New elegant transparent light fittings or shiny metal light fittings.

A slim console - perhaps a slim metal framed/glass console? Mount a large mirror over it and place twin lamps symmetrically at each end - or just one if the width isn't sufficient for 2. Choose a mirror style that compliments the whole look.

keep artwork to a minimum if you have chosen a patterned wall paper - the eye doesn't know what to rest on if colourful pictures are mounted onto a busy wallpaper. (I think this is one thing that is not right with your hall currently)

hope these ideas are useful!
dianacrockett thanked derekandsarah
PRO
Jane Clayton & Company
6 years ago
Hi Diana,

I personally love the dark panelling, however I would change the wallpaper to sometime more subtle and neutral. I have attached links to a few of my wallpaper suggestions. I'd also echo the above advice and, depending on the condition of the floor below, remove the carpet you currently have in place and perhaps replace with a more narrow, runner style carpet in a light colour to complement whichever replacement wallpaper you might choose.

http://www.janeclayton.co.uk/product/empiretrellis/115071

http://www.janeclayton.co.uk/product/subtle/122367

http://www.janeclayton.co.uk/product/clandon/109247

http://www.janeclayton.co.uk/product/leepriory/109259

http://www.janeclayton.co.uk/product/plains/44106

http://www.janeclayton.co.uk/product/trellis/68597

Please do let us know how you get on!

Jess
dianacrockett
Original Author
6 years ago
Thank you Jess - I like your ideas and the time you have given to thinking about my hall! I favour the first wallpaper empire trellis/115071 because the others are lovely but possibly a bit more 'bedroomy?' the floor below the runner is old flagstones, but they are in a dirty looking state and it looks a little like a pavement sadly. The house - or that hallway bit of it, is William and Mary period. I will try and post pics. of what I ultimately do - tho am 'considering' the painting the panelling option - having myself stripped it back to the brown from gloss white (with many chips) 20 odd years ago.
Juliet Docherty
6 years ago
Hi Diana. Do you want to create impact or do you want the hall to be lighter? It could have amazing impact but be atmospheric or do you want it lighter above all else? I would paint the panelling as it is always going to sap light out of the space, but I wouldn't paint it white. There are hundreds of subtle colours to go for, but white can be very cold and unsympathetic. I would expose the old flagstone floor, add a persian rug and paint the panelling and wall above. Add a couple of subtle LED's (warm as possible) but keep a statement pendant light.
PRO
TALLBOX
6 years ago
Do you plan to remove wooden panneling?
Ali
6 years ago
Hi Diana, I love the wallpaper so I'd keep it. I also like the panelling but it draws your eye to that darker area, so I'd paint it though not sure about white as I think it could make it look a bit stark. Farrow and Ball colours would work and they'd be good at suggesting a suitable colour if you take a sample of the wallpaper to one of their shops. I'd also change the floor covering to a different shade, and I love the idea about adding a mirror.
headers13
6 years ago
I would keep the panelling but loose the wallpaper. Bathroom11 has some great pics. (where is the table from pic 4 ?). I would do something plainer & upgrade the furniture. Use a pendant light.
Clapham Family Home · More Info
dianahartaboyne
6 years ago
The panelling is beautiful but def needs painting Matt white. Your wallpaper is fab but the lovely painting is totally wrong against it, wrong colour, wrong style and detracts from the impact of the geometric design. Cannot see what the flooring is but need to get rid of the runner, too drab. Mirrors behind table lamps. Also need new ceiling light shade...the classic Ikea multi petalled white shades(take a degree in engineering before you attempt to assemble) always look stunning, a modern contrast that works really well with your period features. Do post pics of what you finally decide to do...you've created a lot of interest!
Tryphic
6 years ago
I would agree, replace the pictures with mirrors, remove the runner, paint the panelling and radiator the same as the woodwork they lead into, the sort of arch bit, sorry, not very good description! and replace the lamps with something lighter. The dark red seems a bit gloomy.
Pinkberri Gaming
6 years ago
Paint the oak in a muted grey and the wallpaper a muted blue or yellow, also replace the pictures with styled mirrors to create the illusion of space.
PRO
Decor Books
6 years ago
i agree, the panel would look great in lighter colour, either stripped back or painted a matt pale shade, but If you really dont want to paint the panneling, i would go with a very pretty and light statement wall paper
http://www.timorousbeasties.com/shop/wallcoverings/70/birds-n-bees-wallpaper/
Sonia
6 years ago
Another opinion - bet your head is spinning! My first thought is it is all too cluttered and dark. I don't think you should stick to decorating it in the style of it's era, move on! Loads of people have period properties but decorate them in a bright modern way. I would paint the dark panelling white, or my favourite, F&B Elephants Breath or Skimming Stone, or Dulux Egyptian Cotton. They are all a soft stone colour and very calming. Sorry but I detest dark wood panelling! Above the panelling stick to a soft gentle white. The flooring would look fab in a pale blond herringbone wood, if budget stretches to that. If not then a cheaper pale wood and a nice neutral runner. Accessories should be simple and white in colour. Sometimes less is more. Good luck with your update, you've got a lot of suggestions here!
Fionnuala Coburn
6 years ago
Interesting the split opinion on to paint or not to paint! On this occasion, the arched panelled architrave is already painted white so it would not be a leap to paint the dark wood. I also thin =k it would elongate the space. Could also make the wall paper pop and avoid an unnecessary extra job. Tiles would be lovely but would ideally carry through to the adjacent space which is already tiled. Again this would open up the whole space. It's a beautiful hallway but yes my vote: paint the wood!
Jules Mc
5 years ago
A McQueen this is an old post from a year ago- although it would be interesting to see what they ended up doing with the hallway.
PRO
Andrew McQueen Furniture
5 years ago
yes, would love to see the results, thanks Jules
dianacrockett
Original Author
5 years ago
I will post some pictures of what we did...
dianacrockett
Original Author
5 years ago
dianacrockett
Original Author
5 years ago
Bow Sward
5 years ago
I like it s it is but would try creating more reflected light before doing anything like painting the lovely wooden panelling.
The carpet is not in keeping but further down the hall the stone flooring reflects lots of light - could you replicate it instead of the carpet, which absorbs light?
And how about a lovely large mirror where the current small one is, to reflect light and create the illusion of more space? And one or two larger pictures in the right places would also help to make it feel more spacious and create a better balance with the wallpaper pattern.
dianacrockett thanked Bow Sward
dianacrockett
Original Author
5 years ago
so we did paint the panelling in a very light grey and above, we did remove the rather in your face wallpaper and painted the walls a darker grey We also simplified the wall space and removed all the pictures and just hung a mirror. We got rid of the antique and rather dark furniture and put in a light console and one large lamp. At the end of the long hall, we painted the walls a striking blue in order to draw the eye down to the garden door. I took up the long runner and left it flagstones with a kelim rug It looks much lighter and more sophisticated.
Sonia
5 years ago
Fabulous! You have a real eye for decor, well done diana.
dianacrockett thanked Sonia
Jules Mc
5 years ago
Wow what a transformation. I love it
Thanks for sharing you after photos Diana.
dianacrockett
Original Author
5 years ago
Annoyingly I can’t seem to post all the photos- I have some better ones. I will keep trying
Thank
You for the follow up interest!
E D
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Great looking hallway.

Loved the wooden panelling already; love it now even more painted.
E D
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
And yes more photos please. :)

Sometimes posting photos takes a while. Wait with submitting your post until the photo(s) look clear.
dianacrockett
Original Author
5 years ago
dianacrockett
Original Author
5 years ago
PRO
Decor Books
5 years ago
is nice and bright so defo achieved what you set out but for me has lost a little personality that it had before.
dianacrockett
Original Author
5 years ago
Oh! I'm sorry you think it has.... but I have revealed the beautiful stone floor and everything was a little over-bearing and old fashioned before... But yes, I see that point that we don't all want to be generic 'chi-chi' - I think my style elsewhere is pretty eclectic - and at least I have a 'Trainspotter' poster in the hall with a lot of *** words in it!
Gillian
5 years ago
the stone floor is stunning, what a gorgeous transformation.
dianacrockett thanked Gillian
Ribena Drinker
5 years ago
I absolutely love what you've done, Diana.

It's so elegant and stylish, but not fuddy duddy. You've updated it, without spoiling the character and beauty.

Way too often, people spoil the most beautiful period houses, trying to be too clever with garish and over the top decor or too many "on trend", fashion features. When really the house needs to just speak for itself.

You have a beautiful house.
dianacrockett thanked Ribena Drinker
T Gray
5 years ago
That is lovely. I am looking for inspiration for my hallway and wondering about painting panelling too. You have helped loads, thank you.
dianacrockett thanked T Gray
lucyl12345
5 years ago
Why not try changing the blue paper for white paint also replace the current mirror with something larger that will make the space look bigger. I would also change out the photo frames for something more minimal like a plane wood or black frame and as for the furniture try getting a bench and maybe a large plant instead of the furniture you have there now to open up the space. Hope that helps x
Juliet Docherty
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
It looks lovely, especially the way the light picks out the surface of the flagstones.
dianacrockett thanked Juliet Docherty
PRO
Lomuarredi Ltd
5 years ago
Hello Diana! In my opinion your hallway is perfect the way it is.

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I need ideas for my dark and gloomy hallway

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