A dark, dingy hallway can make your whole home feel less welcoming – and the paint colour on your walls could be part of the problem.
Choosing the right shade can be tricky, particularly when the space receives very little natural light. Colours that are too dark, muddy or cool can absorb what little light there is and make the hallway feel gloomy and closed in.
'Hallways are often one of the most challenging spaces in the home because they typically receive very little natural light. Colours that look beautifully rich in a well-lit room can feel flat or oppressive in a narrow hallway,' says Anna Hill, brand director and colour consultant atFenwick & Tilbrook.
To help avoid making your hallway feel darker than it really is, we asked paint experts which colours to avoid – and what to try instead.
The colours making your hallway feel darker
1) Charcoal grey
'Charcoal grey has become a favourite in modern homes and is often used throughout entire hallways. However, this is usually one of the darkest areas of the home with very little natural light. Any light that is available, charcoal absorbs it, making the space feel darker, more enclosed and heavier than it really is,' says James Mellan-Matulewicz, CEO & creative director at Bobbi Beck.
2) Muddy beige
'Some beige and cream shades can make a hallway feel darker if they have a heavy yellow or brown undertone. In low light, they can look a little tired rather than bright. A cleaner warm neutral or a pale stone shade will usually feel fresher,' says Cathryn.
3) Brilliant white
'Brilliant white can seem like the obvious choice for a dark hallway, but it does not always work. In a space with very little natural light, bright white can look flat or cold because there is not enough light for it to reflect,' says Cathryn Sanders, head of creative at Earthborn.
4) Navy blue
'Navy tones are beautiful in large, well-lit hallways, but in smaller ones it can create long, shadowy walls that feel much darker than they really are. There is often a greater reliance on lamps and ceiling lights to make up for the lack of natural light,' says James.
5) Forest green
'This rich and sophisticated green is a popular choice for homeowners who are looking to incorporate more colour in their home. Deep greens can absorb a lot of light, so unless balanced with generous lighting and lighter woodwork, they can make an entrance feel quite enclosed,' says James.
Colours to try for a lighter, brighter hallway
1) Pale green
'Pale green is a lovely colour for the hallway as it imparts a sense of softness and gentleness to the space. This softness can evoke feelings of comfort and relaxation, making the hallway more inviting and less overwhelming,' says Debbie Leigh, design manager at ILIV.
2) Soft white
'If the goal is to create a hallway that feels brighter, I always recommend choosing colours with warmth and subtle complexity rather than simply opting for brilliant white. Soft warm whites, gentle stone shades, creamy oat tones and delicate greiges with beige undertones all reflect light beautifully, while creating a welcoming atmosphere,' explains Anna.
3) Yellow
'In hallways with limited daylight, yellow helps to bounce light around the room, creating a brighter, more welcoming feel. It works particularly well in compact spaces, where its comforting quality can make the area feel intentionally designed rather than simply small,' says Helen Shaw, director of marketing (international), Benjamin Moore.
4) Mid-terracotta
'A softer terracotta is a warming colour that's particularly well suited to hallways, offering a little more depth and character while remaining incredibly versatile. It works beautifully in both darker and lighter spaces, with its warm undertones keeping the hallway feeling bright and welcoming from the moment you step through the door,' says James.
5) Heritage tones
'Soft, heritage-inspired tones like warm taupes, gentle blushes or sage greens can enhance the feeling of depth and create a sense of calm continuity from one room to the next. It’s important to layer textures, finishes and tones so the hallway feels considered yet effortless – a welcoming transition that instantly sets the atmosphere for the home,' says Laura Hammett, creative director of Laura Hammett Living.
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