Small hallway ideas: how to make a narrow hall feel bigger
6 min read · Snug Stairs team
In short
The fastest way to make a small hallway feel bigger is to clear the floor. Hide coats and shoes in fitted storage, then use light colours, a mirror and good lighting to open the space up.
Start with clutter
In a narrow hall, a few coats on hooks and a pile of shoes make the space feel half its size. Decor helps, but clutter is the real problem.
Use light, warm colours
Pale walls reflect light from the front door. Painting skirting and doors the same colour stops the eye breaking the space into pieces.
Add a mirror
A large mirror opposite a door or window doubles the light and the sense of depth.
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Layer your lighting
A single ceiling light casts shadows. Add wall lights or a lamp on a slim console to lift dark corners.
Run flooring lengthways
Boards or a runner laid along the length of the hall draw the eye forward and make it feel longer.
Hide storage under the stairs
The under-stairs void is the biggest storage space in most small halls. Fitted pull-out drawers with flush, handle-free fronts clear coats, shoes and bags off the floor and read as part of the wall.
Frequently asked questions
How can I make my narrow hallway look bigger?
Clear the floor with hidden storage, use pale colours, add a large mirror and layer the lighting.
Where do you put coats in a small hallway?
A tall pull-out coat unit under the high end of the stairs keeps coats off wall hooks without taking floor space.