Methods for visually expanding a narrow hallway.

Reflective White

This color is unmatched in expanding space! White in the hallway really reflects light, making a small room seem larger.

Thanks to the bright accent, the room will not look sterile and the walls will become an excellent background for an unusual element. This could be a colored floor, a metal console in a fashionable golden color, a carved or antique mirror, an ottoman or a bench in a rich shade.

Thoughtful lighting

The more light, the better. Bright lamps help to get rid of uncomfortable darkness, and therefore visually increase the space by illuminating the corners.

In addition to a ceiling chandelier, you can use a sconce on the wall or mirror lighting. This practical solution will allow you not to turn on the main light if you need to use the corridor at night, and also to multiply the light and make the space more spacious.

Magic mirrors

A more effective way to visually enlarge a room has not yet been invented – a mirror instantly turns a cramped hallway into a more spacious one. And even if there is the same amount of space, it becomes easier to move and the feeling of a confined space disappears. Mirrors also increase the light, and this is a good way to save on additional lighting.

You can limit yourself to one large floor-length mirror, or you can create an entire reflective wall. Mirrored cabinet fronts are also welcome.

Distracting accent

Who will pay attention to the small size of the hallway if upon entering the apartment you are greeted by a large bright painting, a coat rack of an unusual shape or a door of a rich color?

The accent can be stylish wallpaper with a colorful print, patterned floor tiles, or a luxurious ceiling chandelier. And even a wall painted in a contrasting color will impress more than a cramped entrance area.

Another great option is photo wallpaper or a picture with perspective, for example, a landscape.

Invisible doors

An expensive but effective way to maintain minimalism in the hallway. As you know, the fewer details, the less busy the room looks.

This is especially effective when there are several doors leading from the hallway: painted in the same shade as the walls, they blend into the space and look as laconic as possible. The same result can be easily achieved by using furniture in the color of the walls.

Even if the hallway is wallpapered, it is easy to make an invisible door with your own hands by matching the pattern on the canvas with the print on the walls. To make the door coating last longer, it should be covered with a transparent matte varnish.

Suspended structures

If you compare a cabinet without legs, standing firmly on the floor, and a suspended cabinet located on wall, the second piece will appear visually lighter.

This method works flawlessly in all tiny spaces: furniture fixed above the floor or standing on thin legs seems to take up less space. Bonus: it’s easier to clean underneath.

Minimalism

If you take minimalism as a basis, it will be much easier to create a laconic hallway. The minimum of details, clear lines and strictness that underlie the direction will help to create a restrained, unobtrusive atmosphere. It is pleasant to be in an orderly interior: the gaze does not linger on anything, smoothly moving beyond the small hall.

It is much easier for owners of apartments with a pantry, dressing room or storage system in the living room to reproduce this style, since clothes and shoes will be located outside the small corridor. Minimalism is also recreated with the help of a neutral color scheme and furniture with straight lines.

Narrow and small furniture

In a cramped entrance area, it is best to use non-standard designs made specifically for small spaces:

• shelves for hats,
• hooks instead of hangers,
• tall shoe racks.

Suitable items can be made to order, or you can find them in bathroom furniture departments (for example, tall cabinets) or children’s rooms (chests of drawers, benches).

And to fit more things, use the space above the door by installing a wide shelf.

Reflective surfaces

This technique will be appreciated by lovers of luxury and shine. A hallway decorated with glossy surfaces not only optically expands the space, but also gives it “air”. Glare created by smooth facades makes the room brighter and lighter. Glossy surfaces can be:

• floor tiles;
• ceiling;
• furniture (consoles and cabinets);
• wallpaper elements;
• light sources.

But it is important to add shine in measured doses, so as not to turn the interior into kitsch.

Even the smallest hallway can look interesting, and at the same time be comfortable and functional.