Get Inspired: Clever and Practical Narrow Hallway Ideas

As an owner of a small terraced house, I understand how challenging it can be to make the most out of every inch of space in your home, especially when it comes to narrow hallways. This area of the home can often be overlooked, or worse, become cluttered and cramped.

However, with the right narrow hallway ideas and clever tricks, you can transform this often-forgotten narrow space into a functional and stylish room that enhances the overall look and feel of your home.

In this article, I'll share some clever and practical ideas to help you maximise your narrow hallway space.

*Palace Gate apartment by Tala Fustok Studio. Photography by Michael Sinclair.*

Benefits of Maximising A Narrow Hallway Space

Aside from the obvious benefit of having more usable space in your home, there are other practical advantages.

For instance, a well-designed hallway can create a sense of flow and cohesion throughout your home. It can also add value to your property by enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.

Also, maximising a narrow hallway space can improve the functionality of your home. For example, by creating storage areas or incorporating furniture, you can make your hallway more efficient and reduce clutter in other areas of your home.

A well-designed hallway can also improve the safety and accessibility of your home, particularly for those with mobility challenges.

*Cloistered House by Turner Architects. Photography by Adam Scott.*

What are the best narrow hallway ideas?

Narrow hallways can be a challenge to decorate and design, but with a little creativity and some clever solutions, you can turn even the smallest of spaces into a stylish and functional area of your home.

From utilising vertical space to incorporating smart storage solutions, there are plenty of ways to make the most out of your narrow hallway. So, whether you're looking for ideas to make your hallway more organised or you're simply looking for inspiration to create a stylish and welcoming narrow space, these clever and practical ideas are sure to inspire you.

*Plywood House by Simon Astridge. Photography by Nicholas Worley.*

Storage Solutions for Narrow Hallways

One of the biggest challenges of a narrow hallway is finding adequate storage space. However, with some clever storage solutions, you can make the most of even the smallest spaces.

Here are five storage ideas to make the most of the room in your small hallway:

Wall-Mounted Coat Rack
A wall-mounted coat rack is an excellent option for a narrow hallway. It keeps coats and bags off the floor, freeing up valuable space. Look for a coat rack with additional hooks or shelves for added storage.
Shoe Storage Bench
A shoe storage bench is a great way to keep shoes organised and out of the way. Look for a bench with built-in shelves or cubbies to store shoes and other small items.
Floating Shelves
Floating shelves are a versatile storage solution that can be used to display decorative items or store everyday essentials. Install them above a bench or along the wall to maximise a small space.
Over-The-Door Organiser
An over-the-door organiser is an easy way to add storage to a narrow hallway without taking up any floor space. Look for one with multiple pockets to store hats, gloves, and other small items.
Storage Ottoman
A storage ottoman is another excellent option for a narrow hallway. It provides a place to sit while putting on shoes and also offers hidden storage for blankets, pillows, or other items.

*Made of Sand by Studio Weave. Photography by Jim Stephenson.*

If you have a particularly narrow hallway, you can also consider using under-stairs storage. This involves installing drawers or shelves underneath a staircase to create additional storage space.

Another clever hallway storage solution is to use furniture with built-in storage, such as a bench with hidden compartments or a console table with drawers. By incorporating these storage solutions into your narrow hallway, you can create a functional and organised small space that is both stylish and practical.

*Wembury Mews Home and Studio by Russell Jones. Photography by Rory Gardiner.*

Clever Furniture Ideas for Narrow Hallways

When it comes to furniture for a narrow hallway, it's important to choose pieces that are multi-functional and space-saving. Here are three unique and clever hallway furniture ideas to consider:

Console Tables With Storage
A slim console table is a great furniture piece for a narrow hallway. It offers a surface for displaying decorative items or holding everyday essentials like keys and mail.
Look for a console table with built-in storage such as drawers or shelves. This will provide additional space to store items while keeping them hidden and out of the way.
Wall-Mounted Desk
A wall-mounted desk is a unique and functional furniture idea for a narrow hallway. It provides a workspace for tasks like paying bills or checking emails, without taking up valuable floor space.
Look for a desk with built-in storage such as shelves or cubbies. This will provide additional space to store office supplies and paperwork.
Floating Corner Shelves
Floating corner shelves are a clever way to add storage to a narrow hallway without taking up any floor space. They can be installed in the corners of the hallway to create additional storage space for decorative items, books, or other small items like keys. Look for shelves that fit the design aesthetic of your hallway, whether that be modern or traditional.
Tall Narrow Bookcase
A tall narrow bookcase is an excellent furniture idea for a narrow hallway. It provides vertical storage space for books, decorative items, and other small items, without taking up too much floor space.

Look for a bookcase with adjustable shelves to accommodate items of different sizes. You can also use baskets or bins to store smaller items like gloves or hats. A tall narrow bookcase can also add visual interest to your hallway and serve as a decorative element in its own right.

This type of furniture can create additional storage space while still being visually appealing. Additionally, using a hanging coat rack or wall-mounted key organizer can help to keep your hallway clutter-free and organised.

*WKA Penthouse by Bruno Spaas. Photography by Jeroen Verrecht.*

Colour Ideas for Narrow Hallways

Effectively using paint colour can draw the eye up and create the illusion of more space in a narrow hallway. One way to achieve this is by painting the ceiling a lighter or brighter colour than the walls. This will make the ceiling appear higher and the walls appear wider.

Another option is to use a vertical colour block technique, where a darker colour is painted on the bottom half of the walls and a lighter colour is used on the upper half. This will create the illusion of height and draw the eye upwards.

Dark colours vs. light colours

One of the most debated options is whether to paint a narrow hallway in light or dark colours.

Painting a narrow hallway in dark colours can add depth and drama to the space. Dark colours absorb light, making the walls appear to recede and creating a sense of depth. It can also provide a cosy and intimate feel, perfect for a welcoming entrance. However, dark colours can also make a space feel smaller and cramped, so it's important to balance it out with well-placed lighting and accessories.

On the other hand, painting a narrow hallway in light colours can make the space feel bright and airy. Light colours reflect light, making the walls appear to expand and creating a sense of spaciousness. It can also provide a clean and fresh feel, perfect for a modern entrance. However, light colours can also make a space feel cold and sterile, so it's important to add warmth with flooring or decor.

When it comes to painting a narrow hallway both dark and light colours have their pros and cons. The key is to find the right balance based on your style and preferences.

*Rotherfield Street by Atelier Baulier. Photography by Henry Woide.*

Staircase Design for Narrow Hallways

Choosing the right staircase design can make all the difference in a narrow hallway. A simplified, pared-down staircase design is a great option for this type of space, as it can help to create a more open and spacious feel.

Additionally, minimalist staircase designs can incorporate creative storage solutions into the stairs themselves, making them both functional and visually appealing. This can be especially beneficial in a small hallway, where every inch of space counts.

*Rosyln Road by Magri Williams Architects. Photography by Nicolas Worley.*

A pared-down staircase design also allows you to focus on other design elements in the hallway, such as flooring or wall decor. By keeping the staircase design simple, you can create a more cohesive and harmonious look throughout the space.

A simplified, pared-down staircase design is a great option for small, narrow hallways into a loft conversion. Not only does it take up less space, but it also allows you to focus on other design elements in the space. So, if you're struggling to decorate your small hallway, consider a minimalist staircase design to help create a more spacious and visually appealing space.

Lighting Options for Narrow Hallways

Lighting is an essential element of any narrow hallway design. However, given the limited space available, it's important to choose the right type of lighting that will maximise the available space.

One option is to use recessed lighting, which can be installed directly into the ceiling or walls to create a sleek and unobtrusive look. This type of lighting can also be used to highlight artwork or architectural details.

*RR Residence by Studio McW. Photography by Lorenzo Zandri.*

Another lighting option for narrow hallways is to use track lighting. This type of lighting is particularly useful for highlighting specific areas or objects in your hallway, such as artwork or furniture.

You can also use pendant lights to create a dramatic focal point in your hallway. Additionally, using dimmer switches on ceiling lights can help you control the level of lighting in your hallway, making it more versatile and functional.

Narrow Hallway Decorating Ideas

Decorative accents are a great way to add personality and style to your narrow hallway. Adding a small number of decorative items in the space can help to create a focal point, and add colour and texture to your hallway. Additionally, using plants or flowers can add a natural and inviting touch to your space.

Try incorporating one or two statement pieces, such as a unique light fixture, rather than lots of small pieces that will make the small room feel cluttered. Adding a statement piece can create a dramatic and visually appealing look that draws the eye and adds interest to your hallway.

Here are some more narrow hallway decorating ideas that will add warmth and texture to your hallway.

Gallery walls

A narrow hallway can feel like a drab and uninviting space, but with a little creativity, you can turn it into a personalised and exciting area with a gallery wall. The key is to choose a variety of artwork, photographs, family photos, and other decorative items that reflect your personality and interests.

You can mix and match different sizes and styles of frames to create a unique and eclectic display. Positioning the pieces at different heights and angles can also add visual interest and dimension to the space.

By adding a gallery wall, you can transform your narrow hallway into a vibrant and welcoming area that showcases your individuality.

Patterned wallpaper

A narrow hallway can feel cramped and claustrophobic, but there are several ways to visually enlarge the space. One effective method is to use patterned wallpaper. By choosing a bold wallpaper with a vertical pattern or horizontal stripes, you can create the illusion of more height or more width and make the space appear larger.

Additionally, using a light colour scheme can make the space feel brighter and more open.

Mirrors

Hanging mirrors in a narrow hallway is a simple and effective way to open up the space and make it feel larger and brighter. Mirrors reflect more light and create the illusion of depth, which can make a cramped long hallway feel more spacious and inviting.

By strategically placing mirrors at the end of the hallway or on the opposite wall, you can create a sense of continuity and draw the eye down the length of the space. Additionally, using mirrors with decorative frames can make a big difference and add a touch of elegance and style to your hallway.

Oversized wall art

Displaying oversized wall art in a narrow hallway can have a transformative effect on the space, making it appear bigger and more open. Large artwork draws the eye upward and creates the illusion of height, which is a great idea when you want to make a cramped hallway feel taller and more spacious.

Additionally, using a large piece of artwork can help to break up the monotony of a long, narrow hallway and add a focal point to the space. To further enhance the effect, choose artwork with a light colour scheme or bright colours that can help to reflect light and create the illusion of depth.

By incorporating oversized wall art into your narrow hallway, you can create a visually stunning and inviting space that feels open and welcoming to all who enter the front door.

Rugs

Adding a decorative rug to a narrow hallway can be a great way to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the space while also adding warmth and comfort underfoot.

In a high-traffic area like a hallway, it’s important to choose a rug that is durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic without showing signs of wear and tear.

One of the best types of rugs to use in a hallway is a flatweave rug, which is made from durable materials like wool or cotton and features a low pile height that can withstand heavy use. Flatweave rugs are also easy to clean and maintain, making them a practical choice for high-traffic areas.

To create a cohesive look in your hallway, choose a rug with a design or colour scheme that complements the existing decor.

*Hiroo Residence by Keiji Ashizawa. Photography by Tomooki Kengaku.*

Practical Considerations for Narrow Hallway Design

When designing a narrow hallway, it's important to consider practical factors such as safety and accessibility. For instance, you should ensure that your hallway is well-lit to prevent slips and falls.

Additionally, you should avoid using furniture or accessories that obstruct the flow of traffic, as this can make your hallway feel cramped and uncomfortable.

You should also consider accessibility for those with mobility issues. For example, using handrails can provide support and stability and using non-slip flooring can help to prevent slips and falls.

DIY Narrow Hallway Project Ideas

Finally, if you're feeling creative, there are plenty of DIY projects that you can undertake to maximise your narrow hallway space. For instance, you can create your own storage solutions using simple materials such as wooden crates or baskets.

Additionally, you can create your own artwork or decorative accents using materials such as canvas, paint, or fabric.

Another great DIY project and narrow hallway idea are to create your lighting fixtures. This can be as simple as repurposing an old lamp or pendant light, or as complex as building your own chandelier from scratch. The possibilities are endless and the results can be truly stunning.

Putting Your Narrow Hallway Ideas into Action

I hope this article has helped you to see that a narrow hallway doesn't have to be a wasted space in your home. With the right narrow hallway ideas, you can transform this area into a functional and stylish space that enhances the overall look and feel of your home.

Whether you opt for clever storage solutions, practical furniture ideas, or decorative accents, the key is to keep things simple and streamlined.

By considering practical factors such as safety and accessibility, and by undertaking a little DIY project, you can put your narrow hallway ideas into action and create a space that you'll love for years to come.

Get Inspired: Clever and Practical Narrow Hallway Ideas to Maximise Your Space