How to Make a Hallway Look Bigger: 5 Simple Space-Saving Tips
Posted: Category: Handrails blogs Author: Morgan AshfordLearn how to make a hallway look bigger with five simple design tips, from colour choices to mirrors, that help create the illusion of more space.
If you're wondering how to make a hallway look bigger, you're not alone! Hallways are more important in your home than you probably realise. They contain the staircase, which connects the upstairs to the downstairs of your home; they're the first thing you see when you walk into your house after work, and they're often...very small and cramped. Typically, with the hallway being a small entranceway that's mostly taken up by a large staircase, there never seems to be much room. But that's where we're here to help. Here are 5 ways to make your hallway feel bigger.
Related blog: How To Style Your Staircase
How To Make a Hallway Look Bigger: 1 - No Clashing Colours
Clashing colours create visual 'noise'. It makes a space look a lot busier when there isn't a consistent colour scheme; the mismatched colours break up the space into smaller sections, which can make the overall vibe feel a lot more cramped. And with hallways being small as they are, this design choice just makes it feel even worse.
We suggest choosing one calming colour palette to fill your hallway, such as light colours or earthy tones, to open up the room. Picking a colour scheme doesn't mean your walls should be the only thing in that colour - it's important to coordinate your décor as well. At Handrails Direct, we've got a great selection of handrail finishes that will match any interior design. Colours include:
- Kineton Matt Black
- Radway Chrome - NEW
- Loxley Antique Brass
- Harbury Brushed Effect
- Ashorne Satin Brass - NEW
- Luddington Textured Grey - NEW
- Sambourne Antique Copper - NEW
- Edstone Matt White
2 - Vertical Lines
Everyone knows that horizontal lines make things appear wider, and this works the other way, too! Vertical lines make things longer. They create the illusion that spaces are much longer than they are. Adding in a vertical patterned rug across the floor, for example, would be a brilliant way to make your hallway feel physically longer and therefore make your hallway look bigger. (Plus, it keeps your feet warm if you have wooden flooring)
3 - Clear Floors
Removing clutter from your floor is another effective way to make your hallway appear larger. Move shoes from the hall into cupboards, clear counters and shelves so that they're empty, and ensure the space in general looks tidy. Having things all over the floor / cluttering up shelves literally makes your hallway smaller, as it gives you less room to walk around. It's especially important to make sure the stairways are clear! To ensure there are no slip or trip risks when moving up and down the stairs.
4 - Using Mirrors
Much like how vertical lines create the illusion that a space is longer, mirrors create the impression that a space is bigger. They allow your room to reflect in the mirror to make it appear double the size. Also, mirrors allow the light to bounce through the room, which also creates the feeling that the space is a lot more open. Having a mirror in your hallway is also a great practical idea; it lets you quickly check how you look just before you leave the house for the day.
5 - Vertical Space
And finally, incorporating vertical space into your hallway or landing. Having something to draw the eye up distracts from the lack of floor space and makes your walls feel taller. Long paintings down the staircase, full-length mirrors in the hall, and floor-to-ceiling cupboards on the landing all help to draw attention up rather than down.
How To Make a Hallway Look Bigger: Conclusion
And remember, if you're looking to redecorate your hallway space in 2026, we have a great selection of handrails available for you. In a variety of finishes and stair types, we have exactly what you need to make your hallway feel fresh and open!
