These Common Hallway Design Mistakes Can Make Your Home Feel Smaller
"Treat this space with the same design attention you’d give a room," suggests one designer.
If you're like most people, you probably don't think about your hallway's design very much. After all, hallways in most homes are small spaces that you don't really linger in. But designers say there are a few common hallway mistakes that can make your home feel smaller. The pros filled us in on the elements most people don't think about in their hallway, like choosing the right lighting or opting for artwork that suits the space.
As designers note, your hallway is often one of the first spaces guests encounter when they're visiting your home. Investing in a few easy upgrades — practical storage solutions, a colorful runner, or a well-placed mirror — can quickly elevate your home's feel and make your space feel more expansive.
The #1 mistake designers see is homeowners ignoring the hallway entirely. This unique space actually has plenty of creative potential. It offers opportunities to incorporate unique elements like vintage lighting fixtures or bold wallpaper that would be overwhelming or impractical in other areas of the home.
Keep reading to learn more about the common hallway mistakes that most people make and the alternative styling solutions designers recommend instead.
Viewing your hallway as an afterthought
It's easy to settle for a drab hallway when so many other spaces in your home need to be decorated. However, Dallas-based interior designer Lauren Saab warns against making this mistake.
"A well designed hallway shows intent and confidence right when you enter," says Saab, the founder of Saab Studios. "A hallway is the first taste of what the rest of your home has to offer, and it should showcase your home's style rather than apologize for it."
Not layering lighting
Like any other space in your home, lighting matters. Don't stop at an overhead light fixture. "Many hallways rely on a single overhead light, leaving the space feeling flat and lifeless," says Marie Cloud of Indigo Pruitt Design Studio. "Layering sconces, ceiling lighting, or even subtle night-light features brings depth and warmth and makes narrow spaces feel more welcoming."
RELATED: The Biggest Home Lighting Mistakes, According to Designers
Ignoring wall function
Hallways are a great space to incorporate function, especially if you're in need of storage. "Hallways don’t have to be purely transitional. Consider adding hooks, a narrow console, or a bench with storage to make the space practical without overcrowding," says Anastasia Casey of The Interior Collective.
Casey also likes to have fun with the styling—think a hanging wicker basket or festive wreath to celebrate the holiday season.
Playing it too safe
There's no reason not to show off your creativity in your hallways. View them as a design opportunity and experiment with pattern and color. You don't have to stick to an all-white setup.
"A bold hallway will also make the adjacent spaces feel more balanced by contrast," says Saab, who recommends bold wallpaper. "Designers often use hallways to introduce mood without overwhelming daily living spaces. This is the place to be brave without regret."
Forgetting about rugs
Focusing on your hallway's lighting and walls might be at the top of your list, but don't neglect the floor. A stylish runner is just as important.
"A runner isn't just practical, it's an opportunity to bring pattern, texture, and a sense of destination into the hallway," Cloud says. "The right rug can visually widen or lengthen the space and add warmth underfoot, making the transition between rooms feel more considered."
Not considering scale and flow
"Hallways are often narrow or awkwardly shaped, so oversized art or bulky furniture can make the space feel cramped," says Casey.
She recommends slim, elongated furniture or even vertical pieces to make the most of the space. "Keep the path clear for easy movement," she adds.
RELATED: Design Pros Reveal Overlooking Scale Is the Surprising Mistake Most People Make in Their Home
Skipping wall art
Artwork can do wonders for the space. Pick a piece that will add visual interest to the hallway. "Treat this space with the same design attention you’d give a room," Cloud says. She recommends finding artwork that "communicates who you are the moment you walk in."
RELATED: The Most Common Wall Art Mistakes—and How to Fix Them
Ovecrowding the space with furniture
It's a good idea to let your eye rest, too. Choosing the right furniture is key. "Hallways need breathing room. Large furniture pieces, even small consoles can make movement feel tight and stressful. Opt for slim shelves, wall hooks, or floating ledges to keep the flow open and airy," Cloud says.
Choosing the wrong rug size
Rugs can make or break your space. Be sure to pick the right rug size for your layout. "A runner that’s too small can look out of place. Aim for a rug that leaves about 6 inches of floor visible on each side, or go larger if space allows," Casey says.
RELATED: Here's What You Should ALWAYS Do Before Buying a Rug
Not hanging mirrors and art properly
Don't make the mistake of hanging mirrors and art too high. This can throw off the balance in your space. "Hallways often feel awkward when art or mirrors are hung too high or too small for the wall," Cloud says. "Pieces should anchor at eye level and feel proportional to the space; oversized art or a gallery wall—my personal fave—can make a narrow hallway feel more expansive rather than closed in."
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
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