Designers always pour creative energy into the main rooms in a home — think kitchens, living rooms and bedrooms where thoughtful decor has the power to transform their look and feel. Everyone can agree that it’s worth investing in quality furniture and decor for these key rooms, but what unexpected spaces are surprisingly just as important in home design?
As a home editor, I wanted to know the top space people tend to neglect — but shouldn’t, so I asked 15 interior designers the question. Shockingly, 10 design experts had the same exact answer: The hallway is a space that should NEVER be overlooked when designing a home.
The hallway is often seen as a pass-through space, but it holds a ton of untapped potential. Use the high-traffic area to showcase a gallery wall, create a moment for sculptural lighting or experiment with playful wallpaper. “Think of it as connective tissue — not just between rooms, but between design ideas,” says Kelsey Matyas, founder of Kelsey Deirdre Designs.
“Passage corridors, especially those that connect two key spaces of a home, should never be overlooked,” says Sarah Beth Wood of Rigby Wood Interior Design. “In new construction, clients are often eager to use the full height of the space in every room but passageways should not be cavernous — taking the time during construction to add architectural millwork, faceted lighting and a wallcovering can transform a basic hallway into a special journey as you travel to and from the living quarters within the home.”
Often, homeowners underestimate the design and architecture opportunities in a hallway. Instead, they paint the walls a neutral shade and leave them bare. They often fail to properly light the area, deciding it’s not worth the trouble to replace fixtures in a transition space.
Small spaces, like the hallway, can make a huge impact and “set the tone for the entire home,” according to Michelle Murphy, founder of Demi Ryan. Decorating the hallway makes a simple passageway feel personal and memorable, while making your entire home feel more inviting and cohesive.
“I never forget the small hallways and little nooks that you may walk by and not even notice as space that is available for decorating — but these areas are the places that make you stop and look again,” adds Yena Jung of By Yena Designs.
Your Hallway Could Make a Bold Statement — Here’s How
✔️ Lighting
Install playful lighting overhead — think matching pendants or flush mounts — or line the wall with decorative sconces to illuminate a long corridor.” In the hallway, especially longer hallways, there is an opportunity to make a statement through repetition of light fixtures,” says Kristyn Harvey of Kristyn Harvey Interiors.
✔️ Millwork
Architectural detail like molding or wainscoting can create visual interest in a hallway. “Elevate the millwork details of hallway openings, such as with custom stained wood fretwork, arches or pilasters instead of simple casing,” suggests Ellen Hatton, principal of BVA BarnesVanze Architects.
✔️ Wall treatments
A bright paint color or funky wallpaper is a guaranteed way to spruce up the hallway. “The wallpaper can go on the ceiling instead of the walls of a hallway, too!” says Jennifer Press of Press Interiors. Wallpaper not your thing? “You can also use textural paint in the hallway (think limewash or venetian plaster) or incorporate a high-gloss finish on the walls or ceiling.”
✔️ Ceiling design
Don’t forget about the “fifth wall” — the ceiling. From architectural elements to paint and wallpaper, a bold ceiling can have a big impact in a small space. “Experiment with bolder ceiling treatments such as a barrel or groin vault, coffering or an eye-catching paint color,” says Hatton.
✔️ Mirrors and artwork
Whether you display large canvas prints or arrange a gallery wall or mismatched frames, the hallway is a clever place to showcase beautiful art. The right proportion can even make a narrow corridor feel larger. “Something simple like adding a mirror to a corner or an empty wall that has a window can create a space that feels more open, inviting and even larger,” adds Jung.
✔️ Runner rug
Not only does a runner help protect floors from wear and tear, but a vintage style or colorful pattern transforms the vibe. “If you’re leaning towards a bold, maximalist aesthetic for a hallway – incorporate a variety of different prints using rugs, curtains, wall art or even table books,” suggests Taniya Nayak, interior designer and Marshalls and T.J. Maxx home style expert.
✔️ Tiny built-ins
Even in small spaces, hallways can serve a purpose. Imagine a homework area with a built-in desk, a home bar or drop zone in an entry hall. “Even as simple as a niche bookshelf can add character,” says Seth Ballad of DC Ballard & Mensua Architecture.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
