Corridors are ‘transitional spaces’, meaning we don’t actually spend that much time in them. However, that doesn’t mean they should be dull, uninteresting and nothing but simple ‘room connectors’. They can be used to create a décor signature that flows from one space to another, and be bright, welcoming spaces. They can even act as your very own art gallery! 
The corridor area around an entrance is particularly important, as it will give your visitors a first impression of your home. So to help you make the most of this often-overlooked space, here are a few corridor design ideas for your home, and some tips on how to decorate corridor walls.

The best colour for a corridor

Corridor areas tend to be dark, often with no natural light to give them that spacious feel. You can compensate for this by picking colours that are light and airy. Choose a silk or satin emulsion as the slightly shimmery surface will help to reflect the light.
Corridors can also be quite high, so using a dividing point such as a dado line between two complementary colours can reduce the perception of height and make the corridor area a more intimate and ‘human-sized’ space. Bear in mind, though, that if your corridor is particularly narrow then reducing the perception of height could make it feel even more restrictive and even claustrophobic!

It’s all done with mirrors…

Mirrors are a great way to add an extra dimension to any corridor. Not only do they reflect light back into the hallway, but they can also create the illusion of space too. Position your mirrors at eye-height, and consider where exactly they should go to create the best effect – either opposite a window or door works best to give the illusion of space.

Corridor wall art – your very own gallery

Long corridors lend themselves perfectly for displaying wall art. Again, think about the positioning of your paintings, photographs, and wall art pieces, and try to avoid a ‘procession’ of pictures that are all the same size, shape, and height. Group pictures together using clusters of smaller and unevenly sized frames, and add in wall sculptures that add a three-dimensional aspect to your corridor or hallway display. 
Remember to consider your lighting too, so you can display your pictures proudly and at their very best. Downlights above key pieces will draw the eye, but make sure you cancel out any shadow effect by good quality ambient lighting as well. Our top tip; make your lighting a feature as well, such as a show-stopping chandelier with a twist.

 
Entrance corridor designs – the wow factor

The first thing your guests will see when you open the door is your entrance corridor, so it’s important to have that ‘wow!’ factor. If you have to hang coats up, then choose hooks or racks that don’t detract from your décor. A traditional coat stand is ideal, or go for a rustic beam with hooks. For a more futuristic corridor, go minimalist with stainless steel hooks and no corridor furniture, but create interest with geometric patterned rugs. 
If your corridor is particularly long then think about how you can break the space up into more manageable sections through the use of different colours or patterns, and then link those sections together with repeating design motifs. The effect, when executed correctly, can be simply stunning!

Don’t abandon your corridors to boring beige or dull colours – make them a feature of your décor that connect one space to the next in a smooth transition that enhances the overall effect. And don’t forget to really go for that wow factor for those entrance corridors!