6 Things Designers Say Instantly Make a Hallway Feel Narrow

Hallways can be tricky spaces to design, given their petite proportions—and the last thing you want to do is make them look even smaller. The answer isn’t to not decorate them at all. After all, we spend a lot of time walking in, through, and out of hallways.

Rather, it’s about striking that perfect balance between restraint and expression when decorating. Want to avoid making your hallways feel suffocated?

Ahead, we tapped three designers for the things that always make a hallway feel narrow—from paint colors to lighting, furniture faux pas, and more.

Dark Carpet

Dark runners or rugs can make a hallway appear shorter and more closed in.

“[They] act like a black river, sucking up light and exaggerating how narrow the space feels,” says interior designer Leisha Norman. “It creates a tunnel effect, which is the last thing you want when you’re trying to make a hallway more welcoming.”

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Bare Walls

While cluttered walls might seem like the first mistake in a hallway, completely bare walls can have just as adverse an effect.

“When there’s nothing to break up the expanse such as paint treatments, trim, or wainscoting, our eyes don’t have natural stopping points,” says interior designer Susie Novak. “This lack of variation makes the space feel more tunnel-like.”

Instead, add shelves or artwork slightly above eye-level to help lift the space.

(Only) Overhead Lighting

Many hallways are only outfitted in a straight line of spotlights.

“The problem is they take your eye straight down the length of the corridor, making it read as long and thin,” Norman says.

So, it’s important to bring in some variation.

“A pendant or a beautiful flush light creates a focal point instead,” Norman suggests. “And if it casts a bit of shadow play on the walls, even better, as it adds atmosphere rather than emphasizing the narrowness.”

You can also layer lighting with wall sconces or LED strips to create depth.

“Mirrors or reflective surfaces can also help bounce light and make the space feel larger,” adds interior stylist Cayley Scrooby.

White Paint

White paint is often assumed to immediately make a space feel bigger—but that only works when there’s natural light to bounce off the walls.

“Instead of feeling open, it can read as cavernous and even a little stark or intimidating, especially when paired with poor lighting,” Novak explains.

Norman suggests going for warmer tones to cocoon the space—or even getting creative with the ceiling, as an alternative.

“A contrasting color, a bold wallpaper, or even a bit of architectural detailing draws the eye up and completely changes the way the hallway feels,” Norman says.

Dark Wood Furniture

Dark furniture is one of the worst offenders in narrow spaces.

“Hallways are already tight on space, so bringing in heavy shoe cupboards or coat units in black or dark wood just eats up floor space and swallows the light,” Norman says.

Instead, opt for low-key pieces that let the eye move through the space. 

“You can bring in something lighter [like] a glass-topped piece that feels barely there,” Norman advises.

Bulky Consoles

While large consoles seem like a quick storage solution, they can make a hallway feel cramped and restrict movement. Instead, use floating shelves, which offer storage without taking up precious floor space, Scrooby advises.

“Closed storage for coats and bags is key, and don’t forget to use the height, too, [for] shelves above eye level,” Norman adds.