Decorating: How Dark Colours Can Work a Treat in a Hallway
If you thought black, grey or on-trend indigo would make your hallway feel dull, think again…
It may sound counterintuitive to use dark shades in a space that’s often small and narrow, but with clever lighting and the right furniture, accessories and artwork, you could create a moody atmospheric transition space that will envelop guests in a warm, welcoming hug as they step in from the cold autumnal air.
Keep (some) things bright
Dark hallways don’t have to mean a moody, enveloping space. Here, although the walls are painted deep grey right down to the floor, the feel of this space is airy and fresh, thanks to the addition of pale wood furniture, refreshing greenery and vibrant blooms.
See inspiring ways to add colour to a grey painted scheme
Dark hallways don’t have to mean a moody, enveloping space. Here, although the walls are painted deep grey right down to the floor, the feel of this space is airy and fresh, thanks to the addition of pale wood furniture, refreshing greenery and vibrant blooms.
See inspiring ways to add colour to a grey painted scheme
Get busy with wallpaper
While some may say patterned wallpaper is too busy for a small space such as a hallway, many disagree. A small-scale pattern probably works better than a large-scale one, and will elevate your hallway from bland corridor to enviable entrance. To avoid overkill, stick to three walls and avoid the staircase wall.
While some may say patterned wallpaper is too busy for a small space such as a hallway, many disagree. A small-scale pattern probably works better than a large-scale one, and will elevate your hallway from bland corridor to enviable entrance. To avoid overkill, stick to three walls and avoid the staircase wall.
Stick to monochrome
If intense pattern is too busy for you, stick to a pared-down, monochrome scheme with clean lines. Here, a chalky matt paint, graphic artwork and a no-frills peg rail keep things simple. A locker room bench seat below would finish things off nicely.
If intense pattern is too busy for you, stick to a pared-down, monochrome scheme with clean lines. Here, a chalky matt paint, graphic artwork and a no-frills peg rail keep things simple. A locker room bench seat below would finish things off nicely.
Mix in plenty of white
If these examples are a bit too bold and experimental for your tastes, tone the look down by opting instead for a dark blue or indigo shade and team with light wood flooring and white woodwork for a Scandi feel. Opting for glass-panelled doors will steal extra light from neighbouring rooms, too.
If these examples are a bit too bold and experimental for your tastes, tone the look down by opting instead for a dark blue or indigo shade and team with light wood flooring and white woodwork for a Scandi feel. Opting for glass-panelled doors will steal extra light from neighbouring rooms, too.
Stay low
Still a bit wary of black and dark grey? Why not try limiting that dark hue to the bottom half of your wall? Paint wood panelling or simply paint up to dado rail height, including skirting boards and door frames, and choose a light shade above. This approach will ease you more gently towards the dark side and, who knows, you might eventually decide to go the whole hog!
Discover other ways to paint your walls more than one colour
Still a bit wary of black and dark grey? Why not try limiting that dark hue to the bottom half of your wall? Paint wood panelling or simply paint up to dado rail height, including skirting boards and door frames, and choose a light shade above. This approach will ease you more gently towards the dark side and, who knows, you might eventually decide to go the whole hog!
Discover other ways to paint your walls more than one colour
Brighten up with clothes
One of the benefits of a dark backdrop is that most coats, scarves and bags will positively become features when hung against it. Keep dark outerwear tucked away and let your most vibrant accessories shine. Failing that, opt for brightly coloured door handles or a lively rug or runner to punctuate your moody hues.
One of the benefits of a dark backdrop is that most coats, scarves and bags will positively become features when hung against it. Keep dark outerwear tucked away and let your most vibrant accessories shine. Failing that, opt for brightly coloured door handles or a lively rug or runner to punctuate your moody hues.
Employ mirrors
As dark walls absorb more light, make the most of any illumination by hanging mirrors, which will bounce the light around. Before you hammer those fixings in the wall, though, get a friend to hold the mirror in various positions so you can suss out the reflection you want.
As dark walls absorb more light, make the most of any illumination by hanging mirrors, which will bounce the light around. Before you hammer those fixings in the wall, though, get a friend to hold the mirror in various positions so you can suss out the reflection you want.
Supersize your artwork
The default decoration for a hallway is often lots of small prints, but this could be the perfect space to show off a large-scale piece – especially against a dramatic dark wall. Go for wall lights on either side or a picture light above to give it added impact and make it sing.
And for something bright? Discover the colour of 2016
The default decoration for a hallway is often lots of small prints, but this could be the perfect space to show off a large-scale piece – especially against a dramatic dark wall. Go for wall lights on either side or a picture light above to give it added impact and make it sing.
And for something bright? Discover the colour of 2016
Don’t forget details
There’s nothing worse than an ugly old white radiator spoiling your new décor, so it’s worth investing in a stylish black or grey powder-coated column design. Alternatively, revamp your existing radiator with a specialist, heat-resistant paint, or opt for a radiator cover and paint it the same shade as the walls or woodwork.
There’s nothing worse than an ugly old white radiator spoiling your new décor, so it’s worth investing in a stylish black or grey powder-coated column design. Alternatively, revamp your existing radiator with a specialist, heat-resistant paint, or opt for a radiator cover and paint it the same shade as the walls or woodwork.
Dare to shine
If you prefer high glamour with an Art Deco edge, black lacquered walls (or gloss paint if you’re on a budget) could be the answer. Not only does this finish win some serious points in the style stakes, the high-shine finish will bounce the light around and create a mirror-like reflective surface.
If you prefer high glamour with an Art Deco edge, black lacquered walls (or gloss paint if you’re on a budget) could be the answer. Not only does this finish win some serious points in the style stakes, the high-shine finish will bounce the light around and create a mirror-like reflective surface.
Be inventive with lighting
A mixture of lighting is key in the hallway to make it feel less corridor-like. Avoid the airport runway look of spotlights and instead choose interesting pendant and wall lights that will cast pretty shapes on the walls.
This unusual wall light looks striking, and leads the eye down the space.
TELL US…
Do you have a dark hallway or are you considering this look? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments below.
A mixture of lighting is key in the hallway to make it feel less corridor-like. Avoid the airport runway look of spotlights and instead choose interesting pendant and wall lights that will cast pretty shapes on the walls.
This unusual wall light looks striking, and leads the eye down the space.
TELL US…
Do you have a dark hallway or are you considering this look? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments below.
Hallways can be tricky to nail. As they’re often left till last in a home renovation project, you may well have run out of steam and, of course, money by the time you get round to it. But if you put as much enthusiasm into planning this neglected area as the living room, kitchen and bathroom, you’ll end up with a stunning space that sets the tone for your whole home and makes you smile every time you walk through the door.