Hallways are arteries to and from the heart of your home, so these tips for brightening up your hallways are all important! Whether it is the entrance hallway to your home, the bedroom hallway or a hallway to other areas – you want them to feel welcoming. Go for light and airy rather than dark and scary with these clever tips.
Choosing Paint Colors
The first step in brightening up your hallways is to clear them of everything and start with a blank canvas. A fresh coat of paint always makes things look brand new. Whatever color you are considering, look at the paint strip of colors that it comes from. To keep things light and airy, choose the top color on the strip. However, the other colors will give you guidance about what tones will make coordinating accessories look harmonious. And remember, you can never go wrong painting the space a simple bright white.
Insider trick: Paint your walls and trim in the same color, using satin or eggshell for the walls and semi-gloss for the trim. This will create the illusion of space and height by drawing the eye upward.
Paint Doors a Contrasting Color
You definitely don’t want your hallway to be too boring, so consider painting the doors a contrasting color such as gray, greige, navy, or an earth tone.
Insider trick: Try out some of the new Sherwin-Williams peel and stick color samples at about $3.95 each.
Rethink Your Light Fixtures
Updating your light fixtures can give you a big bang for your buck! If you have high ceilings and/or it is your entrance hall, you may want to choose a pendant fixture or chandelier-type fixture. A flush mount fixture in nickel, chrome, steel, copper or one with a colored finish will do nicely in an area with lower ceilings or a bedroom hallway.
Insider trick: Incorporate a secondary light source such as a lamp on a console table or sconces on the wall.
Roll Out a Runner
No matter what your flooring choice is for the hallway – wood, tile or even carpet – adding a runner on top adds texture, warmth and interest. Make sure your runner is not too dark or it will defeat the purpose of lightening up your hallway.
Insider trick: For safety’s sake – Don’t forget the non-slip pad if you are putting the runner on tile or wood.
Finishing Touches
Add artwork or family photos for interest and contrast. Wall hangings and tapestries are a twist on traditional artwork.
Plants are always an attractive addition. There are plenty of plants that thrive in low light and of course, you can find artificial plants that really fool the eye! Put them on a table or elevate them with a stool or other interesting object. Look around the house and you might find something you can repurpose.
Insider trick: Learn how to create a gallery wall with your favorite artwork or photos for a look that is sure to impress!
For more tips on brightening up dark spaces, check out our post on Brightening Dark Rooms.
Now… it’s time to brighten up your hallways! Let us help. Painting small areas and repainting doors and trim can be tricky, especially if you have never done it before. Just give us a call for a free estimate and we’ll take it form there! Britt – 803-603-6486 or e-mail us at ellisb@colatownpainting.com
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