Best Paint Colour for a Dark Hallway

Many people stick to white walls when decorating a  dark hallway. While this approach will reflect light and open things up, it's not the most inspiring. A soft grey shade interspersed with a warming accent colour will help you maximise natural light, without compromising on character. 

Eager to experiment with more daring palettes? We've put together some of our favourite colour combinations you can use to overhaul even the dimmest of hallway spaces. 

Blues are usually reserved for living spaces and bedrooms. However, this versatile palette can be put to good use in hallways. You keep things simple with lighter shades that will coordinate well with bright white, or make a statement with dark navy blue. 

Lighter blues tend to be fairly cool in character, so it's a good idea to introduce secondary lighting to add some ambience. If your space allows, installing wall sconces is the way to go. However, a simple table light or ceiling fixture can be effective when paired with the right diffuser. 

When it comes to blue paint colours, we've got you covered. Glacier Y435 is one of our lighter blues and is perfect for hallways that are suffering from the limited square footage. Cool and clean, it's a versatile choice that will pair well with darker blues and all manner of light shades. 

Cumulus Y354 is another strong choice. This sky-blue shade will bring the outdoors in and instantly transform any hallway. Pair this one with crisp whites and muted neutrals, or create some contrast with minimalist dark wood furniture.

Green is typically used in bedrooms and relaxing spaces. However, this restful colour family can also be used to create a serene entryway to your home. 

Lighter green paints are particularly effective in dark hallways. Muted shades bounce light around incredibly while most hues can be coordinated with a multitude of neutral colours and darker shades. 

If you're planning on redesigning your hallway, go with a green like Cucumber Y383. This muted neutral combines qualities of green and grey, leaving you plenty of opportunities for introducing accent colours and room furnishings. 

Muse G385 is another standout choice and one of our most popular neutrals. Again, this paint colour combines green and grey characteristics, making it a go-to if you're looking to create a stylish and serene vestibule.

Cooler shades like beige are always a good shout when decorating a hallway. They're stylish and versatile, making it easy to create a seamless hallway space that blends effortlessly with the rest of your interiors. 

If your hallway is lacking in windows and natural, it's best to stick with a light beige shade. This way, you enjoy all the benefits of using classic white, with the added warmth that beige tones bring. 

A paint colour like Kaolin H497 is a strong choice for any hallway. This neutral shade has a light grey character, although there are some subtle lilac undertones at work too. 

If you want to go for an even lighter shade, choose Feather F487. Again, this beige hue takes its inspiration from the grey colour family, with understated lilac and blue notes providing you with the perfect anchor for room accents. 

Many people dismiss greys when planning a hallway decorating project. While some greys can leave a space feeling cold and sterile, they're a solid neutral that can help keep your space feeling light and open. 

Neutral greys can also be coordinated with all manner of textures and accent colours. Once you've painted your hallway walls and stairs, you can layer in pops of colour by painting stair risers. Furthermore, greys work well with all types of furniture, including light and dark woods, as well as filigree metal. 

Bungalow G500 will make a fine addition to any hallway. This soft grey shade is perfect if you're looking to strip things back to basics. Meanwhile, its muted blue undertones mean you can incorporate hints of navy into your interior. 

If you're in the market for a more muted shade, go with Seagull F496. This pale grey will instantly breathe new life into a dark and uninspired interior. What's more, blue undertones provide you with plenty of options for introducing accent colours and subtle contrasts.

Not ready to say goodbye to an all-white interior? Rather than stick to brilliant white shades, it's best to explore off-white alternatives. 

White hallways can be difficult to keep looking pristine, but there's no better colour choice if you're eager to create a light and welcoming entry point to your home. However, plain white hallways often lack depth and character. To add instant warmth, always go with an off-white tone. 

Start with something like Paper F497. This off-white paint has plenty going for it, with subtle grey and blue undertones that can be accented with monochrome furniture and navy furnishings. 

If you want to really open your space up, go with Winter V503. This off-white paint colour has icy blue undertones, which will instantly create a clean and breezy interior. 

Why Does Paint Colour Matter for a Dark Hallway?

In almost every home, your hallway is the first interior that guests and visitors will see. Generally speaking, the only natural light a hallway receives comes in via your front door. This means the average hallway appears dark and uninspired. 

Paint colour is therefore crucial when creating the right ambience in a hallway. If you're lucky enough to have a space illuminated by a skylight, you can be more daring with your colour selection. However, most hallways will benefit from a lighter, more vibrant colour scheme. 

A well-thought-out hallway colour scheme will ensure your home is always welcoming. Neutral colours with subtle undertones will add depth and warmth, while more versatile shades will ensure you're not limited when it comes to furnishing your space. 

In busy households, hallways are often utilised as additional living spaces. If you're using your space as an impromptu study, you'll want your surroundings to be stimulating, rather than sterile.

What Else Can You Do Apart from Painting?

The right colour combination will only go so far in brightening up a dark space. However, there are plenty of things you can do to brighten up a dingy hallway. 

If you've opted for a neutral or off-white colour scheme, don't be afraid to introduce more vibrant shades sparingly. You can paint the back of your front door with a more dynamic tone, they thread the same shade elsewhere by painting things like stair risers. 

Lighting is also important. If your hallway leads directly into other spaces like lounges and dining rooms, consider how much light will filter in. If you're feeling adventurous, it's also worth weighing up the pros and cons of skylight installation. 

Artificial lighting is also a must. If you have a split-level staircase, you'll need a powerful ceiling light to illuminate the entire area. On the ground floor, use table lamps or floor lights to create the right ambience. If your staircase is wide enough,  scones or recessed wall lights are also an idea. 

Mirrors can also be used to reflect light. If you're dealing with tight corners and narrow corridors, a single well-placed mirror will quickly create the illusion of more square footage.