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15 hallway paint ideas

You might not think it, but painting your hallway a new colour could make your whole home feel different. Your hallway is the room that welcomes you after a long day at work, and it’s also the first room guests see when they visit. But that’s not all your hallway does. It also links all your rooms together when you walk around your home. So, choose a welcoming colour that fits the style of your house. Keep on reading this guide to find the perfect colour for your home. 

What colour to paint your hallway?

Choosing the right paint colour for your hallway comes down to personal style and the layout of your home. Consider the amount of natural light, as well as the size and shape of the space. Smaller, darker hallways tend to benefit from lighter shades for a brighter, more spacious feel. Your colour scheme should also fit with any furniture and décor you have in your hall. Finally, it should harmonise with the colours of the rooms your hallway connects to for a seamless flow.

See our wall painting calculator to make sure you buy the right amount of paint when the time comes.

A cabinet with grey and white drawers and a white chair against the background of a yellow wall with a picture hanging on it.A cabinet with grey and white drawers and a white chair against the background of a yellow wall with a picture hanging on it.A cabinet with grey and white drawers and a white chair against the background of a yellow wall with a picture hanging on it.A cabinet with grey and white drawers and a white chair against the background of a yellow wall with a picture hanging on it.

1. Bright yellow

First up in our hallway paint ideas is bright yellow. This cheerful colour is naturally welcoming, which is perfect for the first room you walk into. It also adds a warm, inviting vibe, which is especially beneficial in hallways that lack natural sunlight. A fresh, bright yellow can bring that sunshine feeling indoors, while softer yellows with warm undertones create a cosy atmosphere.

Two-tone green and white hallway with stairs, door, cupboard, mirror, and chest of drawers painted in white and green.Two-tone green and white hallway with stairs, door, cupboard, mirror, and chest of drawers painted in white and green.Two-tone green and white hallway with stairs, door, cupboard, mirror, and chest of drawers painted in white and green.Two-tone green and white hallway with stairs, door, cupboard, mirror, and chest of drawers painted in white and green.

2. Light green

Soft, light greens are a brilliant choice for a fresh and inviting hallway. They bring a hint of nature into your house, which creates a light, uplifting atmosphere. Calming and understated, light green helps to create a relaxed environment for you and your guests.

This subtle shade pairs beautifully with plain white skirting boards and natural wood furniture.

A white radiator against a white wall, next to which stands a grey armchair with a light grey and white cushion.A white radiator against a white wall, next to which stands a grey armchair with a light grey and white cushion.A white radiator against a white wall, next to which stands a grey armchair with a light grey and white cushion.A white radiator against a white wall, next to which stands a grey armchair with a light grey and white cushion.

3. White

White is a popular colour for hallways, and it’s easy to see why. It brightens up darker spaces and creates an airy feel, making it perfect for hallways that lack natural light. White also helps to make a narrow hallway feel wider.

This isn’t all white has to offer. White has a neutral simplicity that provides a calming welcome to visitors. It also matches with all other colour palettes, making it a universally good choice for linking to the other rooms in a house. Plus, white matches well with most décor and furniture, making it a timeless shade for your hallway.

A white staircase with a dark wooden railing, beneath which is a stack of firewood, leads along a light grey wall.A white staircase with a dark wooden railing, beneath which is a stack of firewood, leads along a light grey wall.A white staircase with a dark wooden railing, beneath which is a stack of firewood, leads along a light grey wall.A white staircase with a dark wooden railing, beneath which is a stack of firewood, leads along a light grey wall.

4. Light grey

Light grey is a great choice for hallways, adding brightness while creating an airy feel. Cooler-toned, light greys are good for narrow hallways and hallways that lack natural light.

Unlike our other colours so far, grey adds a feeling of sophistication and it brings a strong sense of calm to a hallway. Grey also matches well with a wide range of other colours, making it a good colour to transition with between rooms. Grey matches particularly well with bold colours. It can be used to match with dark blues, for example, to add more striking elements to a hallway.

A light blue cabinet standing in the hallway next to a rack on which a bag hangs and shoes arranged against a dark blue and white wall on which pictures hang.A light blue cabinet standing in the hallway next to a rack on which a bag hangs and shoes arranged against a dark blue and white wall on which pictures hang.A light blue cabinet standing in the hallway next to a rack on which a bag hangs and shoes arranged against a dark blue and white wall on which pictures hang.A light blue cabinet standing in the hallway next to a rack on which a bag hangs and shoes arranged against a dark blue and white wall on which pictures hang.

5. Deep blue

Deep, dark blues bring drama to a hallway, creating a striking first impression. Dark blue creates a feeling of depth and cosiness.. Pair it with light-coloured furniture and décor to balance the look, adding contrast and brightness. Just keep in mind – dark blue can feel overpowering in small or dimly lit hallways, so consider your space before committing.

An interior with light green walls and open double doors in which there is a blue and white couch with a throw, a coffee table, a side table with a vase of flowers, and an armchair in the back.An interior with light green walls and open double doors in which there is a blue and white couch with a throw, a coffee table, a side table with a vase of flowers, and an armchair in the back.An interior with light green walls and open double doors in which there is a blue and white couch with a throw, a coffee table, a side table with a vase of flowers, and an armchair in the back.An interior with light green walls and open double doors in which there is a blue and white couch with a throw, a coffee table, a side table with a vase of flowers, and an armchair in the back.

6. Striking green

Bright, high gloss greens are another interesting choice for hallways. They offer a balance between boldness and lightness, leaving a lasting impression without overwhelming the space. Bright green brings energy and positivity to a hallway, and it can be great for people who want something a bit different.

Striking greens work well in both modern and traditional homes, and they also pair well with a wide range of furniture and décor styles. Plain white skirting board and architrave fits well with these kinds of greens, as does furniture of a variety of colours.

Blue hallway with a white door, next to which hangs a hanger with a coat and a bag.Blue hallway with a white door, next to which hangs a hanger with a coat and a bag.Blue hallway with a white door, next to which hangs a hanger with a coat and a bag.Blue hallway with a white door, next to which hangs a hanger with a coat and a bag.

7. Airy, light blue

Airy, light blues are a top pick for hallways that need a touch of lightness and space. Calm and neutral, they create a welcoming, easy-going vibe while bringing a hint of nature indoors.

Light blues also match well with a wide range of other colours, creating a harmonious flow between rooms.

Perfect for small hallways in modern homes, it’s also a dreamy option as a bedroom paint colour.

A pink cabinet with a picture, a pink glass vase with flowers, and books on top of it, standing against a pink wall.A pink cabinet with a picture, a pink glass vase with flowers, and books on top of it, standing against a pink wall.A pink cabinet with a picture, a pink glass vase with flowers, and books on top of it, standing against a pink wall.A pink cabinet with a picture, a pink glass vase with flowers, and books on top of it, standing against a pink wall.

8. Soft pink

Soft, light pinks radiate warmth and add a delicate brightness to any hallway. They create a gentle and welcoming atmosphere, sure to impress guests. Pink is perhaps the most inviting and positive of all the lighter colour choices for a hallway, and it works in both traditional and modern homes.

Pink pairs especially well with neutral tones and metallic accents for a look that feels balanced and stylish.

A can of pink paint with a light brush on it against a pink background.A can of pink paint with a light brush on it against a pink background.A can of pink paint with a light brush on it against a pink background.A can of pink paint with a light brush on it against a pink background.

9. Bold Barbie-style pink

Bold Barbie-style pink is a popular colour at the moment. This vibrant pink packs a punch, creating a strong feeling of energy and excitement. The bold shade sets a positive tone, creating a sociable and vibrant atmosphere.

Bright pinks can be tricky to pair with other colours. However, they work well with neutrals like grey and metallics, creating a bold yet sophisticated look.

A person with short curly hair in a white blouse and green overalls carries a potted plant against a dark green wall and a dark green cabinet.A person with short curly hair in a white blouse and green overalls carries a potted plant against a dark green wall and a dark green cabinet.A person with short curly hair in a white blouse and green overalls carries a potted plant against a dark green wall and a dark green cabinet.A person with short curly hair in a white blouse and green overalls carries a potted plant against a dark green wall and a dark green cabinet.

10. Deep green

Deep greens are a powerful colour choice, adding a sense of tranquillity and sophistication to your home. They bring the beauty of nature indoors, making them perfect for rural settings. Versatile and elegant, deep greens pair effortlessly with a range of colours, and they look stunning against white furniture and décor.

With their timeless appeal, deep greens work beautifully in both modern and traditional homes.

Wooden bench with cushions and a rack with a grey coat against a dark grey wall and white door.Wooden bench with cushions and a rack with a grey coat against a dark grey wall and white door.Wooden bench with cushions and a rack with a grey coat against a dark grey wall and white door.Wooden bench with cushions and a rack with a grey coat against a dark grey wall and white door.

11. Dark grey

Dark grey is another impactful paint idea for a hallway, but it’s much more subtle than colours like deep green or dark blue. It brings depth and cosiness without stealing the spotlight, quietly enhancing the room’s atmosphere. It also subtly accentuates furniture and décor, drawing attention to the objects in a room and away from itself.

Dark grey is extremely versatile, matching with a wide range of other colours for furniture, décor and adjoining rooms. Dark grey works well in hallways with good natural lighting. However, in hallways with poor lighting, it can create a more subdued mood.

A hallway with white and beige walls and black and white floor, with stairs, a potted plant, a grey door, a yellow ceiling, a bench, and a pendant lamp.A hallway with white and beige walls and black and white floor, with stairs, a potted plant, a grey door, a yellow ceiling, a bench, and a pendant lamp.A hallway with white and beige walls and black and white floor, with stairs, a potted plant, a grey door, a yellow ceiling, a bench, and a pendant lamp.A hallway with white and beige walls and black and white floor, with stairs, a potted plant, a grey door, a yellow ceiling, a bench, and a pendant lamp.

12. Beige

Beige is a light, welcoming colour that brightens up a corridor and creates a feeling of warmth. It’s an excellent choice for narrow hallways, naturally making small spaces feel more open and airy. This delicate shade is neutral and calming, creating a relaxing atmosphere at the entrance to your home.

Versatile and easy to pair, beige complements both bold and neutral colours, giving your corridor a homely vibe.

Hallway with black and white stairs, door and floor, a chair, and terracotta walls.Hallway with black and white stairs, door and floor, a chair, and terracotta walls.Hallway with black and white stairs, door and floor, a chair, and terracotta walls.Hallway with black and white stairs, door and floor, a chair, and terracotta walls.

13. Warm terracotta

Terracotta is a bold and vibrant colour, offering warmth and depth without overwhelming the space like brighter hues can. It adds depth to a corridor and creates a warm atmosphere while still retaining a natural feel. When paired with natural flooring or wooden furniture, it enhances the earthy vibe even further. Terracotta sets a positive tone without attracting too much attention.

Green walls surround an arched wall with black and white animal-patterned wallpaper, with a wooden bench, a potted plant, hanging lamps, and hanging plants.Green walls surround an arched wall with black and white animal-patterned wallpaper, with a wooden bench, a potted plant, hanging lamps, and hanging plants.Green walls surround an arched wall with black and white animal-patterned wallpaper, with a wooden bench, a potted plant, hanging lamps, and hanging plants.Green walls surround an arched wall with black and white animal-patterned wallpaper, with a wooden bench, a potted plant, hanging lamps, and hanging plants.

14. Create a feature wall

Another hallway painting idea is to create a feature wall. This is one wall that’s painted or decorated differently to make it the focal point of the space. Bold colours and striking designs are the normal choice for feature walls.

Feature walls work well in large hallways or bright spaces. They’re also a great choice for the end of a long corridor, adding depth and interest. In smaller or dimly lit hallways, a feature wall can still make a statement. It creates impact without overwhelming the space or making it feel cramped.

A corridor with stairs and light terracotta walls with pictures on the walls and potted plants on the floor.A corridor with stairs and light terracotta walls with pictures on the walls and potted plants on the floor.A corridor with stairs and light terracotta walls with pictures on the walls and potted plants on the floor.A corridor with stairs and light terracotta walls with pictures on the walls and potted plants on the floor.

15. Paint the door

Another hallway painting idea you might not have thought of is to paint your front door a different colour. While it won’t transform your entire hallway, it will complement the space. Just like your hallway, your door is one of the first things you see when you come into your home and so it has an effect on how you feel when you walk in.

Light colours will create a feeling of calm and openness. Doors, however, lend themselves well to having more bold and striking colours. Bright colours like red and yellow create a bright and welcoming feel while deeper colours like blue and green create a feeling of calm.

Hallway paint FAQs

What colour to paint a hallway with no windows? 

What colours make hallways look bigger? Narrow hallways look bigger with light colours. White is normally the best colour for a narrow hallway because its reflectiveness creates a feeling of space. Some other narrow hallway paint ideas are light yellow, beige and light blue. Dark colours will normally make a narrow hallway feel cramped.

What is the best colour for a hallway with no natural light?

The best colour for a hallway with no natural light is a bright colour like white, bright yellow or light blue. Bright colours reflect more light, naturally brightening up a hallway with no windows or other sources of natural light. Another thing that might help is replacing solid wooded doors with doors that have windows to allow natural light through.

What colour is best for stairs and landing?

Like downstairs hallways, stairways and landings often suit light paint colours. They make the space feel bigger and warmer, which is ideal for areas with limited natural light. It is also possible to use deep and bold colours, but care should be taken not to make the space feel cramped. Painting your hallway the right colour could change the whole way your home feels. It’s also a job you can do yourself. Find out how to paint your walls like a pro in our guide.