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Design Dilemma Home Decorating Smaller Homes

Long Narrow Hallway Help

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

We have a long, narrow hallway in our house... 8 foot ceilings. It drive my husband crazy. He wants to put pictures on walls, wallpaper, or put a rug down the middle or something to help make it less boring. But I'm worried doing something will make it look even more long and narrow? I can't determine what'll help and what will hurt? Any ideas?

Featured Answer

Judy Mishkin

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

ditto on the runner that covers 3/4 of the length. a pattern that has 'stripes' going side to side will push the walls back. wide stripes work best.

keep the bathroom door closed, paint it a strong color that goes with the runner, it will pull the end of the hall towards the viewer. with the door open you are making the 'tunnel' 6 feet longer. (this works on long narrow bathrooms too, where the tub is at the far end... a strong shower curtain pulls the far end towards you).

don't hang things on the wall, you'll never be able to actually see the fronts, only the edges, which will make the space narrower.

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Comments (9)

PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
6 years ago
I love using this space for family pics all in the same frame but different sized mats like a gallery wall and I usually put in track light to highlight the photos and a rug would be a good addition.
mark_rachel
6 years ago
I have a 12' runner in my hallway with 3 large canvas prints of my kids going down the hall. It's simple, doesn't overcrowd & it adds a personal touch.
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You need to talk to a structural engineer before you get your heart set on any layout. With enough time and money, you could do almost anything, but the structural engineer would be able to give you some parameters for what is more likely. Then you can do floor plans. You should probably also plan this in phases. Even if you are very handy, you will need to have a plumber and electrician and structural engineer and architect to draw up plans for permits. Plus most people removing structural walls hire professionals for that part as they should. It's not really a YouTube friendly DIY, even if there are videos of how to do it. Those professionals (adding on/moving plumbing and plumbing fixtures, updating electrical, nee beam, possibly new supports for that beam in thr basement, etc) and some of the materials will probably cost you close to 50K unless you are in a very LCOL area. Doing this in phases might be frustrating, but would make it more doable. It may also be worth doing some asbestos testing before tearing into walls and ceilings in a house from that era. You don't want to unleash that! (For what its worth, I have wanted to take out a wall between my kitchen and dining room for years but my husband, who does have the technical experience to do it, says it will be too much of a pain to be worth it.) Good luck and keep updating!
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I think both sides might be too much; I like where you've placed the 3 together. It's impossible to know what colors would work since we don't know what you like or what colors are in the rest of your home. I'd probably find art I love, then find a rug that complements it. If you do that, you can post back here for help finding the perfect runner. You can do it the other way around (rug first), but there are a gazillion rug choices. It may be harder to find just the right art.
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PRO
User
6 years ago
I would add more lighting with scones. If it was brighter it would look larger. Then, between scones, add in a family photo wall with simple thin frames with large light matting. A hallway runner that is shorter than the length of the hall will also help to shorten the feel of the space.

Hope this helps!
kulrn
6 years ago
No wall too small for art! Search long narrow hallway and you'll get lots of ideas!
PRO
JudyG Designs
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Mirrors, but just on one side of the wall.

Art, but just on one side of the wall.
PRO
Celery. Visualization, Rendering images
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Some inspiration
judrand05
6 years ago
I am jealous. I've always wanted a long hallway with hardwood floors, just like yours. Instead of using family photos (put those in a bedroom or family room) what about LARGE fabulously framed or canvas prints (3 or 4 each on each wall). Either minimalist style primer colors or beautiful warm traditional style. And have a New York or San Francisco loft ambiance.
eld6161
6 years ago
The issue is that it is very narrow. I'm ordinarily not one for wallpaper but in your case, something subtle can add interest and break up the expanse.

I would like to see a runner. I would have one made from a remnant so that you can to a custom length and width.

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