How to Decorate Hallways for Small Apartments

An apartment hallway is the passage area onto which the doors to the rooms open, and it is the space that introduces guests to the rooms. Instead of leaving it bare, decorate the small or limited space creatively so it appears warm and inviting and sets the tone for the rest of the apartment. Use carefully selected furniture, decorative accents and dramatic lighting to reflect your personal style and transform the small corridor into a cozy space instead of serving as a mundane passage. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Paint the walls of the small hallway a light or pastel color to create the illusion of space. Instead of painting one wall darker than the others, apply the same color on all the walls to create a monochromatic theme. Paint the ceiling a shade lighter than the walls to draw the eyes up. Let the paint dry thoroughly for 24 hours.

2

Place a narrow table or low-profile shelving unit against a wall to provide room for everyday items, outer wear, keys, collectibles or art objects. Avoid large, bulky pieces of furniture that make the hallway appear cramped and tight. Ensure the placement of the furniture does not restrict passage through the hallway.

3

Push a stool, a low-profile chair or a narrow bench against the wall to provide seating. Place a small side table on its side, if the space allows, and place a table lamp on it. Alternatively, place a floor lamp next to the seating arrangement to provide a reading nook in a corner of the hallway.

4

Decorate the wall with striking artwork that diverts visitors' attention from the size of the hallway. For instance, hang an ornate clock, painting or portrait on a wall or a series of vertical frames, panels or pictures in a straight line.

5

Hang small wall sconces along the hallway to illuminate the space at night. Sconces throw light upward, creating the illusion of height and space to the small apartment hallway.

6

Hang lightweight drapes on the window to provide dappled light into the space during the day. Avoid heavyweight drapes that block light, making the hallway appear smaller and more cramped than it is. Place a tall potted plant near the window to add natural color to the space.