Hallways are one of the last areas we thing about when decorating our homes which is unfortunate because we use them frequently.
Turning a boring hallway into a beautiful space can be simple and can make a large impact on the overall look and feel of your home!
When planning to paint your hallway, it is important to consider the size of the space, it’s visual relationship to other rooms and the amount of lighting in the hallway.
The type of paint is also an important consideration. Hallways are high traffic areas and it is important to choose a highly-durable, washable paints, such as CIL Smart³ Interior Wash & Wear, are recommended. Developed using Ceramic Microsphere and StainBlock technologies, CIL Smart³ Interior Wash & Wear is specially formulated to resist chipping, scuffing and marking, and allows dirt and stains to be easily removed.
If you’re looking to repaint your hallway, here are three tips from C-I-L to get you started:
What is a good color to paint a narrow hallway?
Create color illusions. Use color to correct oddly-shaped spaces, such as a hallway that is long and narrow. Paint the long walls a lighter color and the far, short wall a darker color to compress the space.
To make a narrow hallway look larger, paint the ceiling a very dark color, which creates the feeling of the walls being higher.
Another way to create the effect of more volume in a hallway is to paint architectural details such as door frames, window frames, moldings and trim the same shade as the walls. If you’re looking to add height to a closed-in space, a crisp white ceiling will do the trick.
Should you paint your hallway the same color as your living room?
Coordinate with adjacent rooms. If the hallway has fixed openings to other rooms, choose paint colors that coordinate throughout the area to give the space visual flow. Rooms off the hallway that have doors that can be closed, offer more color freedom.
What colors make a hallway look bigger?
The general rule of thumb when it comes to painting small spaces is to use light, neutral colors like beige, gray or white – such as CIL’s Lazy Days (90YR 83/053), Pelican (30YY 72/018) or Yucca White (90YY 83/107) – to make the space look larger. Playing it safe with neutral colors also helps brighten up the area and ensure the hallway coordinates with color schemes in adjoining rooms.
What is the best color to paint a hallway?
Deck the walls with creativity. For hallways that can withstand more vibrant color, yellow is an enduring favorite, ranging from mellow tones to bright, cheery shades.
Go for blue-based gray if the space gets some natural light and rose-based gray to add warmth.
Icy pink or a pale green give the hallway a shabby chic touch, while antique whites and creams lend a classic look. More dramatic colors like red, brown and even black – framed by light colored trim – can be used to create a stunning space. Keep in mind that since walls in the hallway are close together, the color will appear more intense than it would in other rooms.
Your Questions Answered…
When decorating your hallway, start with the basics and treat it as you would with any other room’s decor. Choose a color scheme and design style. Ask yourself what part of the room needs to be functional and how you want to show the room’s personality and style. Here are a few ideas to help you get started. 
Photo Source: mydomaine.com
1. Create a gallery wall using family photos or images that speak to you. You’ll spend lots of time passing by these images so you want them to bring a smile to your face.
2. Does your hallway need storage? If it’s located by your front door, consider adding a bench (with storage), shelves and hooks for coats.
3. If your ceiling height is substantial, hang a beautiful light fixture! This will add much needed light in an often dark space.
4. Add a mirror to help open up a narrow hallway. It will also help reflect light to make the space not only look bigger but also brighter.
5. Hallways often lead to bedrooms and bathrooms which means you will spend time walking in your bare feet so why not add a runner or area rug to make it more comfortable.
Crystal Williams
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what is the cest paint that is strong fur a dark hall , I have cats and dogs
We would recommend a semi-gloss finish in a light color of your choice. The semi-gloss finish will help reflect light to brighten up the hallway and will also be easy to wipe clean of fur/paw prints/etc!