15 Clever & Inspiring Hallway Decor Ideas

Last Updated on August 5, 2022

How to decorate a hallway is a common design dilemma. Don’t let your hall go to waste! These inspiring hallway decor ideas will give you tons of inspiration for a chic and stylish design for this tricky space.

Need some good hallway decor ideas? I get it! Hallways can be tricky to decorate, which is why they are often ignored and forgotten. But that's a mistake! A well-decorated hallway that reflects your style can have a huge impact in your home! I know because I recently transformed our hallway and wish I had done it sooner!

A couple of months ago, I decided on the spur of the moment that our upstairs hall needed some love and personality.  I had lots of hallway decor ideas, but I really had to hone in my designs and chose the right decor to make the most of the space. Many hours and plans later, I finally put the finishing touches on my hallway decor masterpiece! 

How to decorate a hallway is a tricky topic and when I was making my plans I turned to others for inspiration. And of course, I was not disappointed! There are so many amazing hallway decor ideas out there. No matter your style, the size of your hall, or its location, there are so many chic ideas here to help you maximize your space with style. Check out my favorites below and get inspired to create your perfect hall!

Inspiring Hallway Decor Ideas

Idea #1: Add colorful hallway decor

Colorful Hallway by Kaleidoscope Living (that's me!). I LOVED the upstairs hallway in our last home full of color and metallic touches! I love the black and gold wall sconces we added (and we didn't hardwire them–we used the magic light trick!). Check out how I created that colorful gallery wall from inexpensive store-bought frames! The two colorful runner rugs complete the space without overtaking it.

You can even watch the video tutorial for how I created these colorful frames below!

We didn't neglect our downstairs hallway by our stairs either! I had artwork painted by my young daughters enlarged to create these large-scale art pieces.

Idea #2: Go with a completely unique idea

Unique Hallway Decor– In our current home, we have a large upstairs hallway that I wasn't quite sure what to do with. There was nothing wrong with it, but I wanted to make it special for my twin girls! So I wound up transforming the hallway area by their bedroom doors to look like exterior apartment doors. They love it so much and think it's absolutely magical. They were SO FUN to decorate for Christmas. And I just decorated them for Spring this past weekend. I love the vintage fire extinguishers so they stayed, but I swapped out holiday wreaths and greenery for cheery and springy plants and wreaths!

Idea #3: Add texture to your hallway walls

Shiplap with Brass Nailheads by Houseologie. This design is full of neutral hallway ideas–brass touches, natural texture, plants and contrast window trim. I love the trick of using the previously empty space to store blankets on a ladder. Great use of space! 

Farmhouse Hall by Domino. Shiplap on the walls and ceiling creates a rustic feel and the addition of the antique theater seats at the end is the perfect focal point! That olive green paint color on the bottom of the seat creates a fun pop of color.

And in our new home, we added texture to our walls with this DIY Board and Batten Accent Wall (and I promise it's the easiest tutorial ever, especially if you are installing board and batten in a hallway)!

Idea #4: Trick the eye with clever hallway decor

Narrow Hall with Small Windows by Design 4 Corners. Even narrow hallways can be high on style! The light fixture draws the eye up and the skinny console table is perfect for the narrow corridor. These decor choices make the hallway look and feel larger than it actually is! We share more tips for making a small space look bigger in this post.

Idea #5: Add built-ins for beauty and function

Upstairs Hall Lined with Bookshelves by White Picket Fence. Take advantage of the empty space with beautiful built-ins! They provide tons of storage and are beautiful to look at. Love this and want a DIY project o get a similar look? Check out this post for creative ideas.

Idea #6: Add a clear focal point(s) to your hallway decor

Accent Wall by Little House of Four. Putting a contrasting accent wall at the end of the hall turns a small narrow space into an interesting one! The curated gallery wall art in this hall is the perfect addition to the bold wall. Dark hues on the wall create a cozy feel which is perfect here.

Short but Stylish Hallway by Nesting with Grace. Don't ignore a hall just because it is short. This shiplap, wall sconce and large fig plant make the most of the small space.

Multiple Focal Points by Bless'er House. I love how Lauren has created multiple focal points in her formerly boring hallway with interesting lighting, plants and artwork!

Upstairs Corner Focal Point  by Melanie Lissack Interiors. Make the most of even your hall's corners. These blush ledges are an easy way to create interest in an unexpected way! Layer art and accessories to create an interesting corner of your hall. 

Idea #7: Add architectural interest with molding

DIY Chair Rail Panel Moulding by Sincerely, Sara D. Dress up your space! A bright wallpaper and moldings can make even the darkest space feel brighter. This painted lower half blends beautifully with the carpet color and lets the other details shine.

Idea #8: If you have natural light in your hallway, let it SHINE

Modern Neutral Hallway Decor by Studio McGee. If you are lucky enough to have a hallway with lots of windows, let the natural light be the star! Simple black and white art and modern glass pendant lights complete the look.

Idea #9: Choose a dramatic color for the walls

Dark and Dramatic Hallway by Coco Kelly. The moody blue balanced with the bright white trim and finished with the gorgeous rug makes the most of this short hallway.

Idea #10: Add a bench

Simple Boho Hallway by The Lovely Drawer. This hallway makes the most of its width with a long bench and rug with the perfect boho vibe. 

Idea #11: When in doubt add large framed photos or art

Simple Chic Hallway by Almost Makes Perfect. Don't ignore the hallways that lead to outside doors! The addition of large framed photos in perfect symmetry adds so much interest to this utiliarian hallway and creats a perfectly warm welcome.

Idea #12: Add storage for function + beauty

A Small Hallway with a Minimal Makeover by Curbly. Finding the perfect piece of furniture to fit your hall will provide storage and complete the look! This narrow shoe cabinet adds function and beauty to this hallway.

Idea #13: Paint your hallway doors a color

Different Color Doors by Threads & Blooms. Be creative when you are bringing color to your space! The fun use of color on these doors is perfect with the muted rug and sweet floral prints.

You may have noticed that we also painted the doors a pretty navy blue color in the super long upstairs hallway in our last house and we just painted the doors in the hallway of our new house when we installed the DIY Board and Batten Accent Wall (yes, I love blue paint colors and use them as a neutral in our homes)!

Idea #14: Add a graphic wallpaper

Graphic But Neutral Wallpaper by Within the Grove- Liz added this graphic but neutral wallpaper to her hallway. It may be neutral, but the pattern adds so much interest to this space!

Idea #15: Paint your hallway ceiling

Box Molding and a Dramatic Ceiling Color–Carmel at Our Fifth House gave plain her en suite hallway a real glow up by adding molding, a gorgeous rug and a giant mirror. Then she finished the space perfectly by painting her ceiling black, which gives it such a sophisticated-feeling finish. 

Aren't these hallways genius? I got so inspired to really make the most of my hall and I hope you do too! Don't let your hallway go to waste. Use these hallway decor ideas to give it a makeover and make it a space you really love! After all, you probably walk through it a million times a day, shouldn't the trip be beautiful?

Other posts you will enjoy:

• DIY Board and Batten Accent Wall in a Hallway
• 5 Interior Design Mistakes You Don’t Even Know You are Making (and How to Fix Them)
• Unique Family Photo Gallery Wall
• Stunning Board and Batten Wall Ideas
• 16 Ideas for the Perfect Entryway Storage Bench
• How to Install a Stair Runner: A Step-by-Step Guide
• Stylish Family Photo Wall Display Ideas

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