10 Ideas for Brightening a Dark Hallway (2024)

FAQs

How to make a dark hallway look brighter? ›

Dark-coloured paint makes for a dark hallway. So, choose a shade that will help the space feel light and airy. A light grey like Rock Salt will lend your hallway a contemporary feel, like you might find in the reception of a boutique hotel. In fact, any kind of pale neutral would work well.

Large wall or free standing floor mirrors, high-shine console tables, and even lacquered paint on sideboards, shelving, or a wooden staircase will be effective at bouncing the light around a darker hallway.

When that natural light isn't present, your room can end up seeming darker and duller. Instead, you want to look for more saturated colors with lower levels of black in the base. Warm toned neutrals are always a great choice for dark hallways. Think soft grays, powder blues, and warm blush tones.

Cooler paint colours help walls to recede, making the room feel more spacious and light. Go for pale shades of grey and blue for maximum lightening effect. If it's warmth you're after, don't be afraid to use light terracotta or yellow paint colours – a sunny hue can brighten and warm a dark, dingy space.

LED lights are cost-effective, long-lasting and energy-efficient, making them a great match for dark hallways needing regular light. At Dusk Lighting, most of our lighting styles are compatible with LED bulbs, so it's worth investing in LED hallway lighting that meets your other requirements.

You can add wall lights at regular intervals to illuminate your entire hallway. Uplighters and upward facing sconce (wall) lights will bounce light towards the ceiling, which creates a soft, diffused look. Combine these with ceiling lights to create an interesting and layered effect in your hallway.

What better than the colour of sunshine to provide a warm welcome? Bright yellow can really lift the spirits and make you smile. Typically, hallways are devoid of natural sunshine. A sunny, yellow paint colour can provide an uplifting boost of light and warmth where there is none otherwise.

Neutrals can be tricky in a dark hallway, leading to the dreaded gloomy look, but it can be done if you choose your colours carefully. “If light is an issue then choose a white or neutral that has an essence of warmth through it,” explains Patrick. “Think yellow or red-based whites and neutrals as a guide here.

Decorate walls in light colours

Brighter colours will help reflect the light, making your space appear bigger. Steer clear of brash tones and opt for neutral ones that fall somewhere on the white spectrum. As well as this, it is advised that you avoid feature walls within smaller hallways.

Should a hallway be lighter or darker? ›

Choose Your Hallway Colors

You may wish to use neutral paint colors to tie the rooms together. Hallway areas may be darker there aren't windows to add light. So consider using lighter paint colors to reflect light and keep your hallways brighter. The paint colors used in your hallway can set the mood for your home.

Opt for lighter shades to make narrow hallways look bigger

The lighter the colour, the more it reflects available light – the darker the colour, the more it will absorb the light. So if you want to make a hallway seem larger you will need to go for lighter shades,” explains Justyna Korczynska, senior designer at Crown.

Add contrast with light furniture and decor.

You notice the contrast.” Another great way to add contrast to a dark room is by bringing in lighter upholstered furniture pieces. Cream-colored couches, armchairs, and area rugs will trick the eye into looking at the light rather than being lost in the dark.

Semsettin: You can play with light and dark shades to emphasize the size of your hallway. If you would like to create a sense of height you can have lighter flooring/ceilings with darker walls; conversely, if you would like to create a sense of length, you can have darker flooring/ceilings with lighter walls.