The Clever Paint Hack That Makes A Dark Hallway Look Brighter

Even if the rest of your home is bright and airy, hallways have a bad habit of being dark. It's a hard problem to fix, considering that most are wedged between two sides of the house, so having exterior-facing windows for natural light is nearly impossible. Skylights can help in single-story homes or on upper levels, but they are expensive to install, while interior windows often reduce privacy. If you're looking for a quick and affordable solution, a can or two of paint may make the fix for you. However, it might not be the answer you are expecting. Although many people suggest adding some white to your doors or baseboards, what you actually want to do is embrace the color in the rest of your hallway and drench the space. 

"Instead of using bright white or wood baseboards, paint them, the moldings, and the door frames the same color as the walls. This will reduce the visual contrast and create a more cohesive, open feeling," said Evelina Juzenaite, principal interior designer at Planner 5D during an interview with Real Simple. It might sound counterintuitive to remove the brighter colors in your hallways when the space looks dark, but it can reduce stark contrast that may make the area feel smaller. Thankfully, there are many beautiful colors to paint your hallways, so you can pick the best option for your home. 

It's easy to assume that adding white to your baseboards and doors will help to brighten a space. While this method may be suitable for the rest of your home, it could be contributing to a dark hallway. Instead, consider using the same color on the walls, baseboards, and doors.

Of course, you also have to be conscious of the paint choice you make. Darker colors can work well when used thoughtfully, but they can feel intimidating. "When painting a dark hallway, light walls and ceilings are key to capturing and reflecting as much natural light as possible," says Tracy Morris of Tracy Morris Design when talking to Real Simple. In addition, there are some colors you should never paint your hallway, including reds and plain white. 

Mid-tones in blue or green can be great options for this color-drenching method and add a more natural feel. Neutrals are also safe choices, especially warmer ones with a hint of yellow or red undertones. They can help brighten the space and add a comforting warmth that makes a darker hallway feel more like an embrace rather than a tight cave. In addition to using the same color for the details in your hallway, there are some other great ways to make your hallway feel wider and brighter, such as adding more lights and mirrors.