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26 Beautiful Hallway Decor Ideas for a Prettier Passage

By
Sarah Lyon
sarah lyon, writer for the spruce
Sarah Lyon
Sarah Lyon is a freelance writer and home decor enthusiast, who enjoys sharing good finds on home items. Since 2018, she has contributed to a variety of lifestyle publications, including Apartment Therapy and Architectural Digest.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 09/09/22
hallway decor

Mel Bean Interiors

Hallways come in all shapes and sizes: some are quite long, others are narrow, and some wind around the house. If you've neglected dealing with yours because you just aren't quite sure how to decorate a hallway, now is the time to get inspired. The 26 hallway decor ideas below prove that paint, artwork, wallpaper, and so much more can work wonders in making any ordinary hallway feel special.

  • 01 of 26

    Get Organized

    hallway decor

    Molly Culver for Mary Patton

    Go bold with a mirror that doubles as a piece of art. While it's always beneficial to hang a mirror in your hallway (we've all got to check our hair and teeth before dashing out the door!), why not go the extra mile and pick a design like this one that's a bit unexpected and truly adds some visual interest?

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  • 02 of 26

    Create a Gallery Wall

    gallery wall

    Mel Bean Interiors

    Make use of a long hallway or one leading to a stairwell and display some of your favorite art pieces in gallery wall form. The more colorful, the better! Whether you opt for uniform frames or a variety is up to you.

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  • 03 of 26

    Style a Bench

    hallway decor

    Mel Bean Interiors

    We often see console tables in the hallway, but a bench can be just as useful—now you have somewhere to sit as you lace up your shoes before heading out for the day. Add intrigue to the space in the form of pillows, lighting, and even a colorful rug, like we see here.

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  • 04 of 26

    Hang a Neon Sign

    hallway decor

    Alvin Wayne

    Order a neon sign featuring a phrase that will inspire you or has special meaning to you and your family and hang it in the hallway. It will instantly become a conversation piece when guests stop by and is a fun, modern alternative to hanging art.

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  • 05 of 26

    Display Art Panels

    hallway decor

    Jim Bartsch for Hub of the House

    Paneled art makes a big statement and is an excellent alternative to paint or wallpaper, if you're looking to think a bit outside the box. These gray panels add a touch of moodiness to this particular space.

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  • 06 of 26

    Think Oversized

    hallway decor

    Claudia Casbarian with Julie Soefer Photography for Benjamin Johnston

    Oversized abstract art can be an excellent solution for a hallway, too. If purchasing a large piece isn't within your budget, you could even go the DIY route by purchasing canvases from a craft store and making your own artwork using paint and spackle, which is a great tool for adding texture to any piece.

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  • 07 of 26

    Get Symmetrical

    hallway decor

    Mike Schwartz for Elizabeth Krueger

    Additionally, you can choose to hang panels or art pieces on either side of the hallway for a symmetrical look. Once again, you can certainly go the DIY route here, too.

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  • 08 of 26

    Be Artsy

    hallway decor

    Creative Tonic

    If there's an artful light fixture that you've had your eye on, why not scoop it up for the hallway? This one adds sculptural intrigue and immediate visual interest.

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  • 09 of 26

    Showcase Family Photos

    hallway decor

    Mike Schwartz for Elizabeth Krueger

    Consider this your excuse to go ahead and print out all of those family or wedding photos you've been storing on your phone. These pictures look especially elegant when printed in black and white and placed in simple frames.

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  • 10 of 26

    Line Up Some Sconces

    hallway decor

    Kara Childress

    Don't be afraid about hanging an entire row of sconces in the hallway—the more intricate in design, the better. We love the touch of drama that these horn bases provide within this space.

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  • 11 of 26

    Get Organized

    hallway decor

    Calimia Home

    Keep your hallway looking nice and organized by hanging some hooks and setting out storage baskets. Hopefully the rets of your family will get the message!

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  • 12 of 26

    Make a Mirror Wall

    hallway decor

    Gianni Franchelluchi for Lucina Loya

    Maybe the idea of one mirror on its own just doesn't do it for you. In that case, why not try your hand at a mirror gallery wall? You can purchase a set of smaller mirrors and display them all together as seen above, or go the vintage route and thrift a bunch of mirrors and arrange them all together for a more eclectic setup.

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  • 13 of 26

    Place a Picture Light

    hallway decor

    Creative Tonic

    A picture light adds a touch of formality to any space and will instantly make any art piece look a bit more elevated.

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  • 14 of 26

    Incorporate Sconces

    hallway decor

    Mike Schwartz for Elizabeth Krueger

    Sconces add almost an art gallery esque feel to the hallway and are both charming and functional. Don't be afraid to set up a small seating area in the hallway, too.

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  • 15 of 26

    Add a Pop of Paint

    hallyway decor

    Calimia Home

    If your hallway is somewhat enclosed like this one, take the opportunity to go bold with a vibrant color. This green is equal parts cheerful and charming.

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  • 16 of 26

    Hang a Ledge

    hallyway decor

    @homebypolly / Instagram

    A thin ledge is a great choice for a hallway that is on the narrower side. Use it to display art or house some of your favorite trinkets, succulents, or candles. If you want to display heavier items, be sure to hang it on wall studs.

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  • 17 of 26

    Layer Some Mirrors

    hallway decor

    @chelseybrown / Instagram

    Lean a couple of oversized mirrors so that they are layered to add some glam to your hallway. Best of all, the mirrors will reflect lots of light into your space and make it appear bigger.

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  • 18 of 26

    Wallpaper It

    hallway decor

    @katedecorates / Instagram

    Turn your hallway into an accent wall with some patterned wallpaper that will really make the area shine. You could also achieve a similar look with some paint and stencils.

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  • 19 of 26

    Hang a Floating Cabinet

    hallway decor

    @dommdotcom / Instagram

    Short on square footage? You're likely in the market for additional storage solutions, and a hanging shelf like this one is an excellent pick given that it doesn't take up precious floor space but will still allow you to stash away things like magazines, receipts, pet essentials, and whatever else often clutters up your entryway. You can even style the top, too.

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  • 20 of 26

    Lean a Ladder

    hallway decor

    @homebypolly / Instagram

    A leaning ladder can add some boho style flair to the hallway but also offers a lot of function, whether you choose to use it as a makeshift coat rack or as a spot to hang blankets.

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  • 21 of 26

    Install a Built-In Bench

    hallway decor

    JK Interior Living

    Turn a small hallway into a seating area by installing a built-in bench like this one. You can even opt for a style that features a pullout storage drawer at the bottom, which is perfect for tucking away a few pairs of shoes or outdoor accessories.

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  • 22 of 26

    Grab Your Books

    hallway decor

    Mike Schwartz for Elizabeth Krueger

    Grab those books and place them on modern, skinny bookshelves in the hallway. If you have tons of novels on hand, you know that every inch of storage space counts. These book towers are equal parts artful and functional. When filled completely, they resemble a tall stack of books that appears to be standing on its own.

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  • 23 of 26

    Build a Wall Unit

    hallway decor

    JK Interior Living

    If you have more space, considering installing a wall unit containing a bench and cubbies in the hallway. This is a great way to keep various family members' belongings organized—everyone will have their own designated spot for hats, gloves, and other essentials.

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  • 24 of 26

    Let Your Plants Shine

    hallway decor

    @homebypolly / Instagram

    Why not use your hallway as a place to display a green friend (or several)? If this area of your home receives lots of light, it may just be the perfect spot for your plant babies to thrive.

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  • 25 of 26

    Keep Things Simple

    hallway decor

    Maite Granda

    If you're drawn to a minimalist look, don't worry about adding too much flair to your hallway. A simple accent chair in a statement color has tons of personality on its own without overwhelming a hallway.

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  • 26 of 26

    Store It

    hallway decor

    @nudeandthenovice / Instagram

    Adding a tall storage cabinet to the hallway will help keep you organized and can also be a fun way to experiment with a pop of color. Paint yours in whatever hue pleases you—this one matches the stairwell perfectly.

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