How I’m Planning to Add Impact to a Narrow Hallway

I had a very grand hallway for five years. It was over two meters wide and nine meters long. In the beginning, I found it challenging to decorate but after a while, I learned to embrace the space. I left the hall largely empty other than rugs and artwork. The hall in Blackbird Cottage is the antithesis of that hall and decorating a narrow hallway is a different beast. It needs to feel homey and welcoming but not cluttered. The entry hall at the cottage is a meter wide and 3.8 metres in length, Decorating the space for maximum impact requires thoughtful design choices that make the most of the limited space,

So how do you make a small space like this into an entrance that packs a punch but retains its cottage charm? This is where we are currently. Loads of impact to come!

What We Started With

This is how the hall looked a week after we took possession of the cottage. At this stage of the renovation, I had not cleaned or painted the ceiling. I was in the process of removing the layers of newspaper and wallpaper stuck to the timber lining boards. There were also layers of linoleum pre-dating 1930 on the floor. It was a dirty and dusty task and very distracting. I spent a lot of time giggling at the newspaper clippings and looking for dates.

It was during this stripping out that we found a 30cm square of wallpaper hidden under the spot where the electricity board was installed in about 1920, The top layer of wallpaper is pictured above. It inspired the overall colour scheme of the house.

How I’m Decorating the Narrow Hallway

The first thing I did after the plastering was complete was to paint the ceilings and walls. The colours you choose can turn a bland walkthrough into a space that invites your guests into the home.

I used Tint paint in the shade C.R.E.A.M. and Wild Thing, an earthy olive green. I was not concerned about adding a dark colour.I masked off a strip around a third of the way up the wall for a chair rail and then contemplated life for quite a few weeks. The problem was, I wanted to create maximum impact but the space is small. Did I add beadboard wallpaper? Board and batten to mimic the ceiling? Regency paneling? There were so many decisions.

In the end, I decided to go with a painted chair rail and decide from there. I still feel it might be too high (or not high enough) so not having the physical rail stuck to the wall yet gives me scope to play around.

Lighting plays an important role in decorating a narrow hallway. (or any room). It sets the scene. In a small space like this, a light might be the only ornamentation you have so it needs to be WOW. Our electrician installed a sweet milk glass pendant in the space. I love its scalloped edges that echo the shades in the bedrooms. This little light is subtle but creates a cottage vibe. It also adds a touch of brass that will be seen in other parts of the cottage.

Another addition to consider when decorating a narrow hallway is a rug or runner. It takes up no space, can be changed for a new look, and, adds texture and pattern. For this space, I’ve chosen a patterned runner, but neutral, runner to span the length of the hall. I don’t want it to compete with the walls and art.

Another element that can be included when decorating a narrow hallway is a mirror. I love mirrors, especially ornately framed ones. A mirror will bounce light around what can be a dark hall space. It can open up the space by providing a view into another room. A mirror is also useful for the last minute check as you leave the house. Hopefully, I will have room for a mirror in our narrow hall.

One last element I’ll include when it comes time to decorate the hall is artwork. In previous homes, I’ve done a gallery wall of family photos. I think that could be a little busy for this hall though. One large piece or a few smaller but related items can adorn the walls. This will provide visual interest and again, take up no floor space.

If you have room in your hall you might like to include the following:

• a narrow shelf or console table for keys and a vase of flowers.
• a peg rail to hang coats and hats
• a potted or hanging plant in the corner

Happy decorating!