How to Create a Light, Bright + Beautiful Hallway
Not all homes have a hallway. From the front door, you can find yourself already in the main living area.
While this isn't a problem, it is still a space to welcome your guests, and the whole area should feel really homely. But if your front door leads to a dark and dingy corridor, then it could be time to give it a little makeover. Make it into the light and airy, warm and welcoming space every hallway should be.
From The Porch
Once you’ve knocked on the door, you expect the door to open. That is, you expect it to open up the house to your visitors. Cramped hallways with no space and no light make entering your property feel uncomfortable and awkward. Start with your porch. The light from this area might be the main light for your hallway. The front door and any glazing either side of the frame should allow the maximum amount of light through. Change the door for one with a frosted glass panel.
Double Height
Many hallways are double height because this is where the stairs are placed. This makes it really tricky to decorate and paint. You might need a professional home painter with the right equipment and skills to tackle those big voids where we simply can’t reach. They should be able to fully prep the wall surface as well as those parts of the ceiling that are too high for us. Pick a colour that is really light and welcoming. If you love vibrant colours add some stylish wall art but stick to the lightest shades for the wall finish.
Light Source
To make sure your hallway is as light as possible, you need to provide an effective light source. Lighting shouldn’t clutter the hall, so chandeliers aren’t ideal unless they fit happily into your stairwell. You can try ceiling spots for that clean, simple, minimalist look. Wall lights can also be quite effective here. Natural light is always best, but at night, you need to be sure the area is still well lit, especially if your stairs are here.
Flooring
A shiny surface will reflect more light, making the space appear brighter. Wooden floors look great, and a high polish effect can help brighten your hallway. Darker colours don’t work so well here, though. Look for lighter, oak-like colours for wood or something light in shade for tiling. Your doormat can always supply that punchier, richer tone you might want. Stick to white skirting boards to brighten the area even more. Why not install some LED spots in the floor or the skirting boards for even more light?
Backside And Inside
The interior side of your front door should ideally be painted white. This will help bounce the available light back into the hallway to make the space as bright as possible. You might even have a light over the door to enhance this effect. It will act as an interior porch light. Mirrors are always very handy in the hallway so you can apply those last minute touch-ups before you head out of the door. They also reflect light and give the illusion of more space! How do you brighten your home?