What Colors Make a Hallway Look Bigger?

Hallways are essential transitional spaces within a home, yet they often become overlooked when it comes to renovation and design efforts. Many homeowners struggle with the challenge of making narrow hallways appear more spacious. Fortunately, the solution lies within the realm of color. Properly chosen colors can create the illusion of a larger, more open space. At Wallplanks, we understand this challenge and are here to guide you through the process to ensure your hallway becomes a welcoming gateway to the other parts of your home.

The Power of Light Colors

1. White Delights

White remains one of the most efficient colors for creating an expansive feel. This classic, elegant shade reflects light, thus amplifying the sense of space and brightness. White-painted hallways not only look bigger but also evoke a sense of tranquility and cleanliness. Incorporating white Wallplanks products, such as the Barn Wood Wall Planks in our White Wash stain, adds texture and dimension without compromising the airy feel.

2. Soft Pastels: Elegance and Openness

Pastel hues like soft pinks, light blues, and breezy greens are ideal for hallways. These colors can brighten up narrow hallways and make them look more open and inviting. Light shades of pastel have a gentle, reflective quality that enhances natural light, thus making the hallway appear larger. Incorporating pastels with complementary decorations, such as white frames or minimalistic artwork, ensures a cohesive look without cluttering the space.

3. Gentle Grays: Modern Sophistication

Light gray operates on a similar principle to white but offers a modern, sleek twist. Gray can be the ideal choice for those seeking to blend a contemporary aesthetic with the desire to make a hallway seem roomier. Whether choosing a dove gray paint or our Wallplanks' Soft Grey Ash wall products, this subtle hue can add depth while maintaining softness, extending the visual space of the hallway.

Accents and Contrasts

1. Two-Tone Wall Designs

Two-tone designs can be incredibly strategic in manipulating perceptions of space. A clever split between light and medium tones can elongate the hallway. For instance, painting the lower half of the walls in a slightly darker hue while leaving the upper half white or pastel can draw the eye upwards, creating a sense of height and grandness. Adding Wallplanks' Transitional 2-Tone Oak Wall Panels can solidify this effect, granting texture and a designer finish.

2. Contrasting Trims

Never underestimate the mirroring power of well-placed trims. Painting trims and moldings in a lighter shade than the walls can create an expanding frame around your hallway, making the area feel larger. Employing Wallplanks' subtle trims in soft whites or creams ensures these pieces function both decoratively and practically.

3. Mirrors and Reflective Surfaces

It's no secret that mirrors boost spatial perception by reflecting light and views. Combining large, aesthetically pleasing mirrors with light-colored walls can 'double' the sense of space. Consider adding mirrored accents or décor items that reflect your chosen colors to avoid overburdening the hallway with too many elements.

Flooring: Continuity is Key

Continuity in flooring can significantly impact the hallway's perceived size. Opting for light-colored flooring, like our Wallplanks' Coastal Collection in Driftwood or Almond, can give the impression of an uninterrupted expanse, elongating the hallway.

1. Consistency with Adjoining Rooms

Ensuring that the flooring in adjoining rooms aligns in tone with the hallway can help to streamline the overall look. This removes visual breaks, tricking the eye into seeing a vast space instead of defined sections. Choosing similar Wallplanks products in hallways for those with hardwood floors can ensure seamless transitions.

2. Directional Flooring Installation

The direction in which you install your flooring can manipulate space perception. Lay planks parallel to the length of the hallway to accentuate length. Alternatively, herringbone patterns can add stylish sophistication without overwhelming narrow hallways.

Natural Light Paired with Artificial Lighting

1. Amplify Existing Natural Light

Maximizing the impact of natural light can do wonders for expanding a hallway's feel. Light colors on walls reflect natural light and amplify brightness and space. Consider sheer curtains in hallways where windows are present to allow maximum daylight.

2. Strategic Artificial Lighting

Without abundant natural light, strategically positioning artificial lights can serve as a viable alternative. Install well-placed sconces, recessed lighting, or spotlights that enhance the chosen light color scheme. Light-focused ceilings highlight height, adding a spacious effect. Coupled with Wallplanks' light-colored wall panels, these effects create a harmonious balance between your lighting and color choices.

How Wallplanks Can Help Transform Your Hallway

At Wallplanks, our mission is to cultivate high-performing, durable products that seamlessly integrate into your design plans. Founded by industry veteran Tryggvi Magnusson in 2017, Wallplanks has dedicated itself to transforming interiors with beautiful, easy-to-install wall products.

Every product is manufactured by From the Forest, LLC, our parent company, known for its premium hardwood flooring. Sourcing materials exclusively from North America, we ensure sustainability and quality in each of our offerings. Wallplanks combines years of expertise with innovation and sustainable practices to deliver results homeowners can trust.

If these hallway design ideas inspire you, it's time to transform your space! Whether you seek the timeless appeal of whitewashed finishes, the chic look of soft grays, or the airy beauty of pastels, Wallplanks is here to provide the perfect solution. Explore our collections today and make your hallway not just a transitional space but a statement of style and openness.