Asked on Oct 09, 2014

What to do with a long narrow hallway?

Debbie Sadar
by Debbie Sadar
Our new condo has a long narrow hallway from garage to foyer. I don't think it is wide enough to put anything on the floor such as a table. Also I'm a bit worried about putting things on the walls incase someone bumps into them and they fall. A high shelf is an option, or clever flat decorating pieces or paint treatment is an option. Also thought about a really pretty ceiling light fixture as it is a dark hallway. Any ideas? Maybe I can use permanent attachments.
  14 answers
  • The Chirping Frog The Chirping Frog on Oct 09, 2014
    What about an optical illusion.... is there any way to paint a dark color on a far wall and lighter down the side walls? Something decorative at the end to lead you down the hallway would have a similar effect.
  • Funnygirl Funnygirl on Oct 10, 2014
    Yes a large picture or sculpture at the end of the wall would look cool.I had along narrow hall years ago,I had it wallpapered in a floral print.I was very pleased with result.Another idea that I had planned to do was to place pictures on a long ledge studio style. Once the wallpaper was up did not feel the need to add anything else.
  • Jhunt10 Jhunt10 on Oct 10, 2014
    I have a long narrow hallway leading to bedrooms. My husband install chair rail molding chest high and picture framed molding below, we then caulked & painted this area gloss white and the above area a matte finish pale gold color. The hall is very light now and the grands finger prints wipe off easily. I placed a mirror & small table at end. I also have lots of family pictures displayed.
  • Janet Janet on Oct 10, 2014
    A long narrow hallway makes a perfect gallery for displaying photographs, framed artwork, and other items of personal interest.
  • Wglindner Wglindner on Oct 11, 2014
    I would go to flea market, yard sale, any place where I cold find old mirrors. In different shapes. Odd looking make it fun the odd they are the better paint them a color you like and hang them up. I did I painted my hallway light yellow and the mirrors a medium green and just hang then all over. I have had so many people telling me they just love it.
  • Funnygirl Funnygirl on Oct 12, 2014
    I really like wgli's idea.much easier and cheaper than wallpaper.Good excuse to keep shopping for fun things too!!Great idea!
  • Christina Hough Christina Hough on Oct 12, 2014
    There are some beautiful wall clings out there, maybe something like that.
  • Lori Lori on Feb 20, 2015
    You are probably done by now but I would maybe put a higher than normal chair rail, about 4' above the baseboard and make a small ledge on top, just wide enough to hold pictures or art in a long row down the hall and instal track lighting on the ceiling so you can point light in different directions.
  • B. Enne B. Enne on Jan 02, 2017

    http://www.hometalk.com/diy/decorate/walls/stenciled-hallway-finally-finished-21898529

  • Leslie Leslie on Jan 02, 2017

    Good lighting and mirrors.


  • Elaine Wilson Elaine Wilson on Jan 07, 2017

    I have a very long hallway. I painted the walls out a neutral colour. Then I picked up 7 large picture frames from IKEA. They have a thin frame and a plastic "glass". I went to the art gallery and purchased poster versions of my favourite paintings. Once in the frames and hung gallery style in my hall it gave something for people to look at instead of the back door at the other end.

  • Charl Charl on Jan 08, 2017

    You can do board and batten around 4 to 5 feet high and paint it white...that would make the hallway bright. Above that, paint whatever color you're going with and do a gallery wall or leave it bare If you're worried about pictures falling The board and batten gives it enough character. As for lighting, check out vintage lighting with Edison bulbs. I've seen it around a lot lately and the bulbs give it such a cool look...very different. I keep turning on my light fixture just to look at it lit!! ....truly unique.

  • Brenda Hopkins Brenda Hopkins on Jan 02, 2021

    Recessed wall niches with lighting under the shelves, Trimmed on the outside with a narrow trim to keep it light and spacious in appearance. If placed correctly they should lighten up the tunnel considerably, plus add shelving so you can showcase your small treasures.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Jun 04, 2021

    Hi there,

    Use a few Plastic lightweight mirrors in your hall, that should help along with light walls, (a bit like windows) in the wall!