Hallway Decor Ideas: 10 Creative Ways To Decorate A Hallway

Is your hallway a monument to practicality rather than eye-appeal? All it takes is a few simple hallway decor ideas that will turn your home’s walkways into alluring functional spaces. Read on for our expert designers’ top ideas on how to decorate a hallway as a design statement.

1. Runner Rugs as Narrow Hallway Decor

Narrow hallway interior design screams for runners—but not the conventional, boring kind. Skip the matchy-matchy approach and let your runner be the rebel. If your walls are neutral, go wild with pattern and color. Think kilim stripes that pull your eye forward, or a vintage Oushak that makes guests slow down mid-stride to admire the faded jewel tones. Leave about 8 inches of bare floor on each side.

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Feeling inspired to update your hallway decor but not sure where to start? Try our Free Interior Design Style Quiz to discover your ideal style today!

2. Bookshelf Decor Ideas for a Long Hallway

Spruce up those long, dull corridors with a home library; but avoid making it look like a shop catalog. Mix in small plants that can handle low light, such as a collection of air plants in interesting vessels. Stack some books horizontally to create platforms for meaningful essentials, such as that ceramic bowl from your trip to Morocco, a vintage camera, or a sculptural candle. The rule of three works magic here: group items in odd numbers and vary the heights.

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3. Layered Lighting That Stands Out

Layering light in a hallway can feel challenging due to the limited amount of space. However, don’t be afraid to think outside of the box! Instead of a regular flush mount that goes unnoticed, choose a fixture that really stands out! Lanterns, barn house pendants, hand-blown glass table lamps with a vintage appeal, or glass globe sconces. Think of any light fixture that you love—as long as it stands out of the way and gives enough light, it would likely be a perfect alternative lighting for your entryway.

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4. Hallway Built-in Nook Decor & Styling Ideas

Is there an awkward alcove in your space? Turn it into the hallway’s hero decor moment. Style each shelf with the triangle rule: think tall object (candlestick, small vase), medium height (stack of books), low element (decorative bowl or trailing plant). LED strip lights hidden under each shelf will spruce the arrangements up with an elegant glow—warm white works here better than cool. For extra drama points, add a small accent light behind a translucent object like a ceramic vessel or frosted glass piece.

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5. Benches & Ottomans

A sitting area is one of the best functional hallway decor ideas to make your hallway feel less like a dead-end corridor. It can seem purely decorative, but you’ll find yourself using it more often than expected. If you have a wide hallway, you can pair a couple of ottomans and a console against one of the walls. For a typical narrow spaces, a single-person bench at the end of the hallway is probably a more fitting option. Complement it with artwork, a mirror, or a small shelf about the sitting area, and a basket or plants nearby.

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6. Mirrors for Magic

Adding a mirror to the room can create the illusion of a larger area, which is especially important for tight, enclosed areas of your home. Mirrors also brighten the space by reflecting light from the nearby fixtures or windows. But keep in mind that placement makes the trick—hang one opposite a window and you double the natural light; stick it at the end of a short hallway and suddenly there’s infinite depth. As for the design, go for something with personality, such as a vintage sunburst, an ornate gold frame from a thrift store.

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7. Seasonal Hallway Decorating Ideas

Swap out your hallway decoration theme every few months, so that you never become tired of it. Pumpkins and dried wheat are a staple of fall, but how about some sculptural branches and battery-operated string lights for winter? You could swap even artwork from time to time. Just don’t go overboard with seasonal everything or your hallway becomes a craft store explosion.

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8. Color Blocking & Color Drenching

Color blocking divides your hallway into distinct zones, so it’s perfect for ample spaces. It’s architectural without the construction mess. Paint only the accent wall, or combine neutral wainscotting with a bold shade. Color drenching requires much more commitment: same color everywhere, walls and ceiling included. Its cocoon effect can feel incredibly sophisticated, but make sure you pick a color you won’t hate in six months. Test it also in different lighting first.

9. Hallway Greenery & Plants

You can add plants to your hallway in several different ways. Bringing the outside in doesn’t have to be limited to your most HGTV-inspired shelf or surface. A faux tree in the corner, succulents on shelves, or plants on a bench make great hallway greenery. The simpler the plant is to care for, the better. Aloe vera, spider plants, snake plants, philodendron, parlor palm, and ficus trees all make for easy maintenance with maximum effect.

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10. Gallery Wall with a Twist

Forget the perfectly symmetrical grid. Mix paintings with vintage postcards, family photos with small mirrors, even floating shelves holding tiny objects. Connect everything with an unexpected element, or go rogue with frames painted the same color as your wall so the art seems to float. Try a timeline approach down a long hallway—chronological family photos or art collected from different trips. Or stack frames floor to ceiling in one concentrated spot rather than spreading them thin.

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Need Help With Your Hallway Decor Project?

Hallways are tricky spaces to design. If you need a professional hand for planning your space, schedule a Free Interior Design Consultation with one of the top interior designers today!