8 designer-approved paint colors that make hallways feel bigger and more inviting

Whether you’re looking to add a bit more personality or improve the flow in your home, designers love these hallway colors.

Styling of hallways is often an afterthought. Corridors are not cozy living spaces where people spend hours on end. But, these transitional spaces should also feel cohesive with the décor of the rest of the home. The right hallway paint color can unify the design aesthetic, blending seamlessly and adding personality without overshadowing major design elements elsewhere. A simple paint job can also completely transform its look, enhance flow, and manage light to create a welcoming feeling.

It’s all about ambiance. Light pastels or warm whites offer a calming effect for a soothing transition between rooms. The right neutrals will add warmth and highlight architectural details, and more striking hues will portray your home’s vibrant character and add a burst of personality to an otherwise forgettable corridor. According to interior designers, these are the best colors to paint your hallway.

Related: 12 Wall Colors That Instantly Make Any Room Feel More Peaceful, According to Designers

Sherwin-Williams’ Tamarind (SW 7538)

Lisa Hudson, president of Fresh Coat Painters, suggests a rich, mushroom hue that grounds the space and highlights architectural details.

“Hallways typically get overlooked but are crucial to setting the tone in your home,” Hudson says. “Rather than just suggesting generic neutrals, there are some different approaches a homeowner can take to make their hallway ‘wow’ guests. The ‘architectural whisperer approach’ focuses on colors that subtly highlight the architectural details of your hallway, like moldings, trim, and door frames. Instead of stark contrasts, this approach creates gentle depth in a hallway. Sherwin-Williams’ Tamarind is a great color for this look.”

Sherwin-Williams’ Tudor Cream (SW 7711)

Hudson also recommends Sherwin-Williams’ Tudor Cream. “This peachy cream has a wonderful ability to reflect light and brighten darker spaces,” she says. “The ‘light infusion approach’ maximizes brightness and creates a sense of spaciousness. Rather than just using white, opt for colors with subtle reflective qualities like Sherwin-Williams’ Tudor Cream to help bounce light and open up the space.”

Sherwin-Williams’ Urbane Bronze (SW 7048)

When combined with statement lighting, “Sherwin-Williams’ Urbane Bronze (SW 7048) provides a stylish, intimate hallway with a modern, gloomy edge,” says Jennifer Rogers, designer at BKC Kitchen and Bath. Rooted in nature, this brownish gray embodies the richness of the Earth’s stone, metal, and wood and turns your hallway “from an afterthought into a statement by adding drama and warmth,” says Rogers.

Farrow & Ball’s Shadow White (No. 282)

“Since hallways set the tone for the rest of the house, they should seem welcoming, smooth, and light-enhancing,” Rogers says. “Farrow & Ball’s Shadow White (No. 282) is one of my favorites; it’s a warm off-white with a little depth that brilliantly reflects natural light and keeps halls from appearing sterile.” This paint color also softens natural light without creating a stark, cold look, she says.

Classic Gray (OC-23) by Benjamin Moore

This ultra-light shade of gray unites rooms with a delicate reflection of light. It can also function as an off-white. “Classic Gray (OC-23) by Benjamin Moore is a subtle greige that blends in with any room,” Rogers says.

If you want something a bit deeper on the gray, Hudson also recommends Sherman Williams’ Silver Strand, a soft, light gray with subtle green and blue undertones. “It works beautifully in hallways, reflecting light while adding a hint of cool-toned sophistication,” she says. “These subtle colors help create an inviting tone within the home.”

Little Greene’s French Grey (113)

This paint color, which is mixed with blue and red for a warm neutral shade of grey, gives a timeless touch and adapts well to different lighting conditions. “Little Greene’s French Grey (113) is a classic, soothing shade that complements modern and traditional houses, provides a delicate, sophisticated touch,” states Rogers.

Tonester Charleston Green

For homeowners seeking to experiment with dark colors, Libby Palmieri from House of L recommends Tonester’s Charleston Green. She says dark, moodier tones warm up the space and create an interest point that beckons curiosity. “The darker contrast adds warmth and takes away the unavoidable sterility that long corridors can have,” says Palmieri.

Sherwin-Williams’ Intense Teal (SW 6943)

“For longer hallways, homeowners can consider an accent wall at the far end with a deep, rich color like a dark teal, like Sherwin-Williams’ Intense Teal (SW 6943),” recommends Hudson. If the word “intense” seems intimidating, rest assured. Sherwin-Williams’ Intense Teal can liven up drab hallways and it can create a sophisticated look when paired with other neutral, nature-inspired shades.

Related: 33 Absolutely Perfect Paint Colors Designers Love

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