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It’s the first room you see when you enter the home, so choosing the best paint color ideas for hallways pick can really affect how that all-important first impression and how it makes you feel when you walk through the front door.
If you're looking to redecorate and are wondering whether you should pick something dark and dramatic or go for a more calming vibe, then think about which look you're most drawn to. Choosing something bold for your walls will create instant impact and also helps disguise knocks and marks, whereas paler, more neutral shades will be calming and likely to help you de-stress after a long day.
Of course, the color you choose for your hallway will be dependent on your own personal taste and style, but we've come up with some ideas to help whet your appetite. We've asked some leading industry experts for their advice on which color to choose and what the biggest interior color trends being mindful of paint colors that devalue homes, so you can create a look that's right for you.
BEST PAINT COLOR IDEAS FOR HALLWAYS
1. Add vibrant tones
(Image credit: Annie Sloan)
If you want something that really stands out from the crowd, why not go for a lighter color on walls, with some pack-a-punch-painted pieces of furniture? This hallway, for example, has a soft blue shade on the walls and skirting, while the radiator, console, and mirror are in a wow-factor pink – the interior equivalent of fashion's dopamine dressing trend.
"First impressions are everything, which is why your entryway is your opportunity to go all out," says color and paint expert Annie Sloan (opens in new tab). "Build a space that delights you every single time you return home. Given that the space is small, this is your opportunity to go bold and be holistic – I’d paint everything! This will build excitement for the rest of your home and is so much more easily done in a hallway than in, say, a living room or kitchen."
2. Timeless on-trend lavender
(Image credit: Crown)
Lilac and lavender have been on our radar for a while and work well on walls whether you're after something sugary or sweet or a more sophisticated, timeless look. This hallway, for instance, uses lavender along with a rich deeper brown that helps ground the scheme.
What is most important, however, is to pick a hallway paint color idea that you can live with – a shade that pleases you as soon as you walk in the door. It should create a warm welcome that won’t overwhelm a space or make it appear too small.
It’s also important to take into account whether your hallway is north or south facing, and how much light is coming into the space. If it's south-facing, perhaps choose pale, chalky pink paint colors and lilacs. If the hallway is north-facing, then a shot of a warming color, such as yellow, might be a better choice.
3. Statement sunny yellow
(Image credit: Dulux)
Brighten your day every time you walk through the front door with sunshine yellow. Take the statement tone up onto the ceiling and doorways, too, for a scheme that's stylish and uplifting.
Aside from being beautiful, paint color ideas for hallways also have to stand up to the rough and tumble of everyday life, with people constantly coming in and out, shoes being taken off, coats hung, and shopping bags and children’s pushchairs often scraping the walls. So, if you're worried about a shade like this being scuffed, make sure you choose the right paint finish in order to keep it in good condition.
"You need to be considerate with which paints to use where," says Annie Sloan. "Flooring should be painted with Chalk Paint and protected with two coats of Chalk Paint Lacquer for maximum protection. Use Satin Paint on banisters and railings – it’s formulated with an inbuilt lacquer and is designed specifically for skirtings, banisters, and other internal woodwork. Use this to avoid any chipping on hardworking parts of your home, like staircases."
4. Go for rich, dark red
(Image credit: Annie Sloan)
Drawn toward brighter, richer colors in your hallway? Then opt for a dark red that can be used to bring warmth into your interior, as shown in this airy space. Deep red is also one of the most popular paint color ideas for kitchens because it's warming and inviting. We love how it's also been used in a chequerboard effect on the stairs and hallway floor, too, with a forest green on the wall to the right of the stairs.
"Hallways are the connecting spaces in your home and so the color you paint them should help to link the rooms together," says Marianne Shillingford, creative director of Dulux (opens in new tab)."My advice is to always buy testers to try out colors in the space and live with them for a few days before you decide which suits you and your home best."
5. Use soft coral
(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)
Sweet peach and soft shades of coral add a light, fresh feel to a hallway, and keeping the woodwork bright white helps emphasize that feel. Team with pendant lights and accessories in natural materials to help the effect stay calming and serene. We'd also recommend these colors if you're looking for the best bedroom paint colors.
"The hallway is the space that welcomes guests into the house, so it’s important to think carefully about the color choice and the atmosphere as a result," says Helen Shaw at Benjamin Moore (opens in new tab). "Opting for warm tones, such as coral, gives a homely feel, while hues at the other end of the color wheel, such as blues and greens, evoke a feeling of calm and tranquillity. Both options are perfect for welcoming guests."
6. Bring in burgundy
(Image credit: Graphenstone)
If you're drawn to a moodier look for your hallway, then try a deep burgundy for a shot of sophistication, using it to drench woodwork in a luxuriously decadent fashion. Using color in this way avoids one of the most common mistakes people make when decorating with dark colors – allowing the best white paint on woodwork to distract from the rich wall color.
"Earthy grown-up reds are intrinsically welcoming and reassuring for a hallway," says Betsy Smith, color consultant for Graphenstone,"but don't forget the ceiling to add extra visual interest, too."
"Juxtapose reds with a dark petrol blue in an adjoining room makes the red sing – color juxtaposition works brilliantly in a hallway to create a sense of drama and depth. Transitioning from a commanding hallway will make adjacent rooms feel brighter and act like a spin, helping to connect rooms. For a softer palette, you can pair reds with a soft paler blue or grey."
7. Go for calming greens
(Image credit: Valspar)
We've seen green take the interiors market by storm, particularly sage green, with many of us drawn toward colors that draw inspiration from nature. Whether you opt for a soft, blue-green or more of a deep olive or forest green shade, this color is sure to make a soothing addition to your home and is a good choice if you want to know how to make a room look bigger with paint.
Here, a third of the wall is in a grey-green paint from Valspar (opens in new tab), while the top half is a fresh white, keeping it beautifully light and bright – but what finish should you go for? "Hallways take the most punishment of all the rooms in the house," saysVictoria Yardley, founder of eco-paint specialistsVictory Colours (opens in new tab). "Therefore, I’d recommend using a more durable, wipeable paint in order to keep it in mint condition, likea matt emulsion, which has aflat mattfinish."
8. Embrace khaki
(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)
Another variation on the color green, khaki is a much darker color that can add depth to your walls, plus it works just as well in small spaces as it does in larger hallways.
For a cocooning feel, use it on all walls, and even the ceiling and woodwork, or, if you're unsure about using such a large amount of this dark color, why not paint just one wall and keep the other light, as shown in this hallway decorated using Farrow & Ball (opens in new tab) paint.
"Although neutral tones are popular at the moment, don’t be afraid to experiment with bold colors to make more of a statement," says Jo Winston, marketing director of St. Modwen Homes (opens in new tab) – think khaki, burnt orange, or even matte black."
9. Experimental pastels
(Image credit: Yes Colours)
Once upon a time, pastel interiors were considered twee, but these days they're fun, edgy, and ideal for adding a bright color combination into your hallway. From the striped staircase wall to the pretty pink and mint shades on the surrounding walls, this hallway certainly makes for a fun environment – and the beauty is that should you get bored, it's easy to change.
"Bring in areas of pale color that will reflect the available light," advises Justyna Korczynska, senior Designer at Crown Paints (opens in new tab). "This could be stripes or a series of checks. You could also try metallic paint as a paint effect over a matt emulsion to add shine and reflection to bring the space to life. And don’t forget about painting the woodwork, stair risers, and spindles to freshen up a hallway, too."
10. Contrasting colors
(Image credit: Crown)
Why stop at just one color when painting your hallway? Opt for one for the walls and another for your door, in contrasting colors if you're looking to create contrast.
Painting the back of the door and the wooden sections on either side gives a cohesive look and a ‘wall’ of solid color – and powder pinks are popular for hallways at the moment. In this scheme, the pink has been teamed with fresh white on the walls, so the room is kept bright, but you'll notice the lower part of the wall is painted black to prevent scuffs from showing.
The radiator has also been painted black so it seems to 'disappear' – a great trick if you don't want it to be a standout feature.
What is the best colour to paint a hallway?
"Choosing the best color for your hallway can depend on the size, shape, and amount of natural daylight which is available within the space," says Emma Bestley at YesColours (opens in new tab). "The hallway should be a welcoming room that encourages you to feel energized, but also relaxed.A warm bright color such as peach, yellow or green is a great option to add a little vigor, or, for a comforting, immersive feeling, consider opting for a deeper more saturated shade of blue, green, or burgundy.
"If you drench the entire space, you instantly create a cocooning atmosphere," Emma continues."Finally, for a light and airy space, choose soft pastels or paler muted tones of pink, lilac, or greens. These subtle tones will create a calming effect as soon as you walk through the door."
Should hallways be darker or lighter?
"Hallways are the busiest thoroughfare of your house with people passing past each other at the busiest time of day, so it needs to be practical and stand the test of time," says Martin Waller, founder of Andrew Martin (opens in new tab). "Dark colors under the dado rail, with fresh white woodwork and light colors above, work really well to hide any scuffs and marks. It adds lots of light this way, to what can be a narrow space.
"Painted paneling and built-in cupboards to store away unwanted bags and coats are a great addition, and when painted in a durable satin finish, add a really smart edge to the space. Hallways project the first impression of your interior, so give it some love and show it off to your visitors!"
What colours are on trend right now?
"As summer ends we will embrace the colors of autumn," says Joa Studholme, color curator of Farrow & Ball. "Mother Nature is again the perfect guide to the way we decorate."
"Refined greens are still super attractive in the home and greens like French Gray (opens in new tab) and Treron can be layered one upon another, or used in different parts of the house – the lightest French Gray in hallways and reception rooms, for example. However, if you wish to create a special moment, embrace the unexpected and team greens with a dramatic Preference Red on a door, or halfway up the wall for a dramatic transformation."
FAQs
What is the best colour combination for hallway? ›
According to top interior designers, the best hallway wall colors are neutral off-whites, natural tones of blue or green, and light gray or beige. Likewise, we'll cover what color schemes work best for hallways that open up into living rooms for the perfect transition.
Should a hallway be lighter or darker? ›An important area, hallways are the connection between all of the other spaces in your home. 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.
What is the best color light for a hallway? ›For hallways, you should look for a warmer colour temperature, either 2700K or 3000K. This will create a warm and welcoming feeling when entering the home. In comparison, a higher number of Kelvins creates a sharper blue-tinted light, great for attention to detail but uncomfortable after extended periods of time.
What is a warm colour for a hallway? ›Orange: the warm hallway paint colour
A splash of orange adds instant warmth. It's so uplifting and vibrant that it gives an instant energy boost. A pop of bright orange is enough to do the trick. It could be your front door, a shelving alcove or the entryway.
Embrace neutrals
For a calming, relaxed style, opt for a muted, neutral color palette, with shades of cream, grey and brown working well for neutral room ideas.
A mid-toned grey that can be used as a neutral is a good choice for a hallway, especially if you wish to keep the space light and airy. Team it with a host of darker and lighter neutrals to create a layered scheme, creating the perfect conduit for a pop or two of bold color.
What color paint makes a hallway look bigger? ›If you're wondering what colours make a hallway look wider, we'd always go for brighter neutrals to prevent a tunnel-like effect, such as creams, ivories, soft greys, seagreens or any other hues of these kind of tones.
What colors brighten hallways? ›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.
Should you paint your hallway the same color as your living room? ›The hallway does not need to be the same colour as a living room. However, to create an interior that flows and pulls you from room to room, you'll want to feature similar undertones throughout the hallway and living room to pull them together.
What looks good in a hallway? ›Since hallways, especially in city houses, tend to be narrow, the walls are an important feature. Opt for a warm paint colour, some elegant wall panelling, or a patterned wallpaper to lend the space character. Also consider adding wall lights, for a gentler glow than an overhead light.
What is the best color for stairs and landing? ›
Since your landing is first and foremost a transitional space, the expert suggests choosing a warm white that will work seamlessly on your walls. '[It can] run through the halls of a home, creating continuity and visually enlarging the space even if you do not have much natural light in the area,' Lisa adds.
How bright should a hallway be? ›As a general guide, a hallway will require around 5-10 foot candles. Now simply multiply the square footage of the room by the foot candle to get the number of lumns you will need to light the hall. So in our example, the total number of lumens required will be 48 x 5-10 = 240-480 lumens.
Should hallways be painted dark? ›Keep it light
Because many hallways don't have windows or other avenues for natural light, there's a possibility they'll feel cave-like with a paint color that's too dark. So, light and bright is best. “White or light walls can make tight spaces feel more open and spacious.
Hallways typically require a minimum overhead light every 8 feet along the length. Continuing the example of a 30 foot hallway, divide 30 by 8 to equal 4, less 1 equals 3, so you need three fixtures.
Is grey a good colour for hallway? ›Grey is a great colour for hallway decor, either as a neutral base or a sophisticated statement. The beauty of grey is that it offers palettes of cool or warm tones, so you can blend in the perfect shade with your existing decor plans.
How can I make my hallway look warmer? ›'Choose a wall mounted uplighter to cast a soft diffused light against the wall and ceiling. These are most effective when used in conjunction with a dimmer switch. If you have the space, add a floor lamp to brighten up dark corners and create a warm glow within your hallway.
What is a warm welcoming color? ›Warm colors—yellow, orange, red and combinations therein—breathe energy, positivity and a sense of sunshine into any room. Cool colors—green, blue and purple—evoke relaxation and calm.
What is the most attractive house color? ›Classic, timeless colors are the most popular exterior house colors, including white, gray, and neutrals. What exterior house colors increase curb appeal? The same colors that are most popular will add to curb appeal—whites, grays, and neutrals. Other exterior colors that attract attention are black and green.
What shade of grey goes with everything? ›Why Agreeable Gray from Sherwin Williams goes with everything! It's the perfect greige blend that perfectly balances gray and beige for a soft warm gray.
What shade of grey is most popular? ›"Agreeable Gray SW 7029 is our most popular gray paint color because it's the perfect hue for any living space, whether it be a family room or bedroom," says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams.
What colour compliments grey the most? ›
'The rule of thumb being match cool greys with other "chill" colours such as blue, pale greens and cool white. And match darker grey tones with warm tones such as burnt orange, mustard, and teal.'
What are the hallway trends for 2023? ›'2023 is going to bring a lot of exciting trends in terms of colors for entryways. We are seeing warmer, earth-toned colors such as burnt orange, terracotta, and olive green as the most popular.
How do I make my hallway look luxurious? ›Adding hallway mirrors is a failsafe way to make an entryway feel larger, brighter, and more luxurious. Generally, the larger the mirror the grander the space will feel. For a traditional entryway, try a gilded antique design, alternatively, a large simple circular design can look wonderfully simple and contemporary.
How do you brighten a dingy hallway? ›- Paint the internal face of your door. A heavy wooden door will absorb light instead of reflecting it. ...
- Use light from adjoining rooms. ...
- Use mirrors to reflect light. ...
- Light colour schemes. ...
- Declutter. ...
- Skylights. ...
- The bannister and stairs. ...
- Embrace the darkness.
Painting the walls and ceiling the same color is faster and less expensive than purchasing two separate colors of paint. It can help make the ceiling look higher. Painting walls with angled walls and ceilings the same color can avoid making the room look and feel choppy.
Should hallways be painted white? ›Is white a good colour for hallway? White is a good colour for a hallway to keep the space light, bright and welcoming. With so many depths of white, it doesn't have to feel like a cold soulless space – look for off-white tones to add warmth.
What color should hall room be? ›Which colour is best for hall? Hall colour as per Vastu should be painted yellow or white. It must be a comfortable and serene space.
What is the standard with for a hallway? ›The standard minimum size of a hallway is 36 inches wide. Some argue that it should be 42 inches to feel more comfortable. Both can be supported with arguments, just never go below these 36 inches.
What color to paint hallway with no windows? ›Lighter shades of blue or green are ideal for hallways with no windows or doors. Because there is limited natural light, these colors will help to create some brightness in the space.
Should stairs be painted satin or matt? ›Most people opt for satin or semi-gloss finishes when it comes to the best paint for stairs, as both are durable and look good on hardwood floors. These paint types are also typically used as floor paints.
What color combination is best for landing page? ›
Yellow and orange are both great for instilling feelings of happiness, confidence, friendliness, and caution. Orange tends to give a sense of security whereas yellow attracts attention, making them perfect for your landing pages (used sparsely!) Yellow also tends to give brands a more fun and friendly vibe.
Is daylight or soft white better for entryway? ›“There are three main colors: daylight, cool light, and soft white, which are measured as 6500K, 4100K, and 2700K, respectively.” It's personal preference, but soft white, or 2700K, is a warm, gentle light, so it's the often the choice for foyers.
What kind of light do you put in a hallway? ›Small recessed lights or spots in the ceiling are ideal for long corridors: they should be distributed so that the corridor is evenly lit. In a square entrance, a single ceiling light is ideal for the hall.
What Sheen paint is best for dark hallway? ›Eggshell paint is a good choice for living rooms, hallways and bedrooms.
Should I use matt or satin paint hallway? ›The satin finish is the most popular and versatile paint. Satin catches the light and gives a slightly glossy finish. Its dense resin composition makes it more resistant than matt paint. Satin paint is therefore ideal and recommended in living rooms or high traffic areas such as the hallway or corridor.
How often should you paint a hallway? ›Hallways and corridors receive the most traffic and often experience a lot of wear and tear as a result. Fingerprints, scuff marks, and even dents and cracks below the surface of the paint are common problems in these areas. Hallways often need to be repainted every two to three years to maintain their appearance.
What is the best light for a narrow hallway? ›Recessed Lighting
For curved, narrow hallway lighting ideas, avoid low hanging lighting, lights on the walls, or anything that closes the space down. Instead, try recessed lighting or ceiling lights, which will light the way and open the space up with its inconspicuous design.
Warm colors: Red, yellow, orange, gold, beige, creamy neutrals, brown, tan.
What are the three warm colors? ›Warm colors include red, orange, and yellow, and variations of those three colors. Red and yellow are both primary colors, with orange falling in the middle. Warm colors appear closer to the observer.
What is a color that is inviting? ›Green is warm and inviting, lending customers a pleasing feeling. Second, it denotes health, environment and goodwill.
What color house is hardest to sell? ›
- Foreboding Black. 1/7. ...
- Tree Green. 2/7. ...
- Citrusy Green. 3/7. ...
- Blinding Bright Yellow. 4/7. ...
- Dingy Dark Brown. 5/7. ...
- Overpowering Purple. 6/7. ...
- Not So Pretty in Pink. 7/7.
Fresh Paint will make your Home look Expensive
Light airy neutral paint colors make a room look expensive. Choose from white, beige (yes beige is back!), cream and off-white colors. Dark brown and black are also on trend so will make your interiors look more upscale as well.
Green, yellow and pink are among the most popular paint colours for lifting spirits in the home.
What color is replacing gray? ›What color is replacing gray? Cool toned grays have been replaced with warmer toned greige, beige, taupe, cream, and brown tones as the most popular neutral options. But, more homeowners will be choosing bold, vibrant colors instead of neutrals.
What is a color that goes with everything? ›...
Examples of neutral colors include:
- Tan.
- Beige.
- Ivory.
- Cream.
- White.
- Black.
- Gray.
Whether your design tastes veer toward traditional or contemporary, green just works. Different hues of green give a room depth and vitality, while they introduce both oomph and whimsy. My third premise is that — because it's a neutral — green goes with any and all colors.
What color is replacing gray in 2023? ›Here, designers, decorators, and color experts reveal why beige is replacing gray for 2023, and how to decorate with beige for a beautiful scheme every time.
What is Joanna Gaines favorite grey color? ›Joanna loves using grays in her homes for the main living spaces. Some of her favorites are Sherwin Williams Mindful gray, Oyster Pearl, and Passive Gray. Repose Gray is one shade lighter than Mindful and would look fabulous for an open living space.
What wall color goes with everything? ›Greige is just a blend of gray and beige. It can be the best of both worlds, appealing to those that like the look of gray, but aren't sure about moving away from the more traditional feeling of beige. Greiges make a great whole-house paint color choice because they tend to go with everything and appeal to everyone!
What warm colors compliment grey? ›Warm gray shades go well with other warm-toned colors, like taupe, blush pink, butter yellow, and burnt orange. On the other hand, you can pair cool gray with other chill tones like navy blue, sage green, and cool whites.
Does cream and grey go together? ›
Cream & Light Grey
You can afford to feature grey a bit more heavily too as it doesn't need to work as just an accent colour. Cream is considered a warm neutral, and as grey is a cooler colour, this is why the two balance each other well.
Another great tip is to paint the far end of the hallway a different color than the hallway color. It adds interest and makes you want to go down that hallway to see what's next! If you paint one side of the hallway a different, darker color than the other side, it makes the hallway appear wider.
What color looks best on wooden stairs? ›Wooden stairs look great with one or two colours, so experiment with both. You may want to go with a two-tone white/blue or a white/beige combination for the stair treads and risers for a cool, neutral finish. Alternatively, block white or wood colours look great when combined with accent stair runners and rods.
What is the best paint for high traffic steps? ›Semi-gloss paint is one of the best options when it comes to floor and stair paints because it's incredibly durable and looks great even when faced with heavy foot traffic. Some people opt for eggshell or matt finishes as these too are able to withstand foot traffic and general wear and tear to a high degree.