A narrow corridor devoid of natural light is a space that is extremely difficult to design. However, it is worth paying a little attention and design it in such a way that it will win the hearts of visitors right from the threshold. How to brighten up a narrow corridor? How to design it in a stylish and functional way? Read our interior decorators’ tips and create a stunning hallway.
How to brighten up a narrow corridor? – choose subdued colours
Properly selected colours in the interior can completely change its character. Brightening up a narrow corridor is an excellent option that will help us tame this difficult space. Wherever there is little natural light and the space feels claustrophobic, we should choose light and subdued colours without flashy, intense patterns. Alongside the timeless white, beiges, creams and light greys will also be a great choice. It is also a good idea to paint the corridor using pastel colours, broken up by a white shade in the form of skirting boards or a thin strip at the top of the wall. Such a choice of colours will make the interior seem not only spacious, but also neat and extremely light. Also, paint the ceiling white and finish it off with ceiling mouldings in the same colour. This will additionally give it a distinctive and elegant touch. If you are not convinced by the light tones on the walls, as a compromise you can choose a darker colour and use it on one of the walls, making sure to brighten it up with the right lighting. Patterned wallpaper in light colours or wall slats in a natural shade of wood will also work well. Another interesting option is panelling on one of the walls, painted using light colours and reaching up to 1/3 of its height. Such a solution will work well in retro, Scandinavian, as well as romantic or rustic interiors.
How to design a narrow hallway? – choose minimalism
Limiting the number of elements in a small interior is crucial. Minimalism will work well wherever moderation in design is advisable. This will make any interior look beautiful and tasteful. If the size of the room allows, choose a built-in wardrobe with light fronts or a large mirror on one of the door leaves. A suitable, functional storage space will allow you to hide all the necessary items of clothing, so that they do not clutter the corridor. For the hallway, also choose a practical, light floor. Stoneware tiles imitating concrete or marble, as well as wood-like tiles, have been the most popular option for the last few seasons. They are easy to clean, durable and truly beautiful. Waterproof vinyl planks made of extremely durable materials using state-of-the-art technology will also work just as well. They will help us to create a warm and cosy corridor, which, combined with subtle wall colours and accessories, will enchant everyone. An increasingly popular trick to brighten up a narrow corridor is to choose a door in the same colour as the walls. It will visually enlarge the room, creating a consistent, monochromatic surface. For more classic look, choose doors with glazing in the form of transparent or milky white glass. This will allow at least a little natural light to enter from neighbouring rooms.
How to decorate a narrow corridor? – choose the right accessories
When decorating the hallway, don’t forget about the accessories. The right lighting turns out to be indispensable in a corridor with severely limited or no access to daylight. That’s why we should not limit ourselves to choosing a lamp hanging sadly in the centre of the hallway. Instead, we ought to create an entire lighting set that will allow us to achieve a stunning effect. In addition to the lamp placed centrally and giving the most light, we should also choose lighting points to be located, for example, around the mirror or the entrance to each room. If we want to create a more atmospheric interior, we should choose LED lighting installed in wall mouldings or skirting boards. What’s more, the ability to change the intensity of lighting will allow us to create the interior perfectly suited to our tastes.
In addition to lighting, we should also choose a mirror that matches the interior design. A large, reflective surface will positively affect the visual perception of the room. It is also worth creating a small art gallery on one of the walls. Simple graphics or paintings, dominated by light colours will help to create a distinctive and elegant corridor. We shouldn’t be afraid to use chic and sophisticated decorations in a reasonable number. Sometimes one stunning piece is enough to create a unique interior design.