Clever Ways to Spruce up Your Hallways

It's hard to know exactly how to decorate the hallways in a home. And while you may think these walk-through spaces don't need too much love and attention, we disagree. Subtle tricks and tweaks can make a big (read: pretty) difference. Luckily, we're ready to share all our best hallway ideas with you. Runners, paint rollers, credenzas, lamps, mirrors — at the ready.

Do like designer John McClain and amp up a vacant recess in your hallway with texture-rich grasscloth wallpaper. Here, it acts as a backdrop to a glamorous, glistening vignette. Splurge on floor-to-ceiling grasscloth for your own space or install it on your ceiling for extra elegance overhead.

Who says white walls are boring? Transform your hallway's window trim, shoe molding and crown molding with paint. Here, interior designer Christen Ales creates contrast aplenty by coating the trim and ceiling in a glossy onyx hue. Recreate her bold design or go with a muted, neutral paint color for an understated yet impactful result.

Bring beauty and function to your overlooked hallway with this tried-and-true vignette combination. Nestle a dresser or console against a wall, then style with a table lamp, fresh blooms and any sentimental treasures you've collected over the years. Polish the look off with a stately wall mirror.

Elevate your molding-less halls with DIY molding and trim. FYI, not all molding is created equal. Colonial, midcentury and craftsman bungalows all have distinct millwork designs and measurements. To achieve designer-worthy results, use the architectural style of your home as your guide when figuring out scale and style.

Color-blocked and coordinated! Take notes from this punchy passageway: enliven your hallway with playful, coordinating textiles and paint colors. The bolder, the better.

Bid "Adieu!" to builder-grade doors and usher your hallway into a new era. Here, a blush, geo-embossed door brings the sophistication. Want a fresh door look without breaking the bank? Give your existing doors an easy facelift with a few coats of glossy paint (bonus points for unexpected hues) and upgraded hardware. And don't forget to add accessories. Try a mirror, a cool runner or a chandelier.

Our foolproof technique to take hallways to the next level? Good lighting. Replace basic flush mount or recessed lighting with statement-making, semi-flush or pendant fixtures. Here, a pair of gilt-lined shade pendants pack panache overhead in an otherwise understated hallway. Pro tip: Consider your ceiling height when purchasing new fixtures for your hallway to ensure you can walk comfortably below. Standard 8-foot ceilings are best served by chic flush or semi-flush lights, while 10-foot ceilings offer an opportunity for dangling designs.

Don’t let modest ceiling height keep you from installing jaw-dropping lighting in your hallway. Use wall-mounted sconces to reinforce your interior aesthetic and light guests’ way as they travel through your home.

Turn your uninspired hallway wall into a display space for an art or serveware collection. Here, interior designer James Farmer creates a show-stopping vignette with keepsake transferware and three vintage antlers. Recreate the vignette with dishes of your own or show off other meaningful collections in a similar fashion.

Never underestimate the transformative power of potted plants. They can bring life into even the bleakest spaces. If your hallway features a window (lucky!), go ahead and invest in a sun-loving plant like a fiddle leaf fig. Plants that thrive in low light or faux plants make welcome additions to windowless passageways.

Framed photos and prints are especially effective in new, unexpected locations — like your empty hallway. Line up a few oversized options in a row for a museum-worthy upgrade, or take a less rigid approach. Either way, a chic arrangement of your favorite photos will spark conversation and induce stop-and-stare moments.

In tight hallways, bulky furniture can be a burden rather than a blessing. Nix the decorative console or credenza, and instead opt for one small-scale shelf. Dress it up as you would normally — with art, vases or lighting. Here, a sleek, space-saving installation serves its decorative purpose without eating away at floor space.

Instead of drawing attention to the hallway itself, highlight the end of it. First, add a coat of color with wallpaper or paint. Then, layer the nook with art, stylish stools, sconces, ottomans and table accessories to create a charming, curated moment.

If you’re looking for a way to spruce up your halls without too much time, planning or money, this simple solution is your perfect match. Go for a bold-patterned runner or opt for a neutral, cozier look to boost your design from the ground up.

While this eye-catching accessory works in any area of the home, we love a hallway with an unexpected pop of personality. Highlight a single wall, or go all-in and cover all four (plus the ceiling) for a jewel-box effect. Cue all the wallpaper compliments.

Statement ceilings are designer-worthy, so transforming yours may take time and planning — but it's totally worth it. Here, exposed beams make an airy hallway extra swoon-worthy, but more attainable materials (paint and wallpaper) will do the trick, too. In fact, one of the best places to install expensive wallpaper is on the ceiling, where sticky hands and fingers can't reach.

Say hello to contemporary seaside style. Here, shiplap walls complement jute rugs and nautical art. Why not choose a theme and execute it to its fullest potential? Whether you’re going for a modern look, vintage aesthetic or farmhouse-inspired ambiance, pay extra attention to each detail and your halls will blend seamlessly with the rest of your design scheme.

Maybe your book collection has grown too big for your other shelves, or maybe you don't want to spend extra money buying new decor. Simple shelving to the rescue. It's a functional way to bring character to wider hallways. Pro tip: keep all your best books and accessories on display, then use baskets to neatly store less-cute knick-knacks.

Don’t hesitate when it comes to showing off pretty pieces of furniture — an empty hallway is the perfect spot! Find your favorite accent chair or bench, then pair it with a piece of art. Now, you have a whole new hallway.