When it comes to painting your hallways, your choices may seem limited to off-whites and dull neutrals. In reality, whether you’re using neutral tones or a bold palette, colour is one of the most effective and simplest ways to transform often-forgotten hallways into attention-grabbing spaces. Here’s how to use colour to create hallways that feel bright, spacious and exciting. Keep reading to find the best colours to paint your hallway with!
Use Colours With High Light Reflectance Values
As hallways don’t typically get a lot of natural light, people assume that light paint colours are a surefire way to make their hallway look brighter, cleaner and more spacious. What most people don’t realize is that every shade has a Light Reflectance Value (or LRV), and it’s actually the LRV that will determine how much natural or artificial light it will reflect. If you notice that the paint on your wall looks a little different than the paint chip, the paint’s LRV is likely the culprit.
So, what does this mean for your hallway? Unfortunately, that off-white shade you selected may or may not actually yield the sunny results you expected. If you’re looking to brighten a space, colours with high LRV ratings are the way to go (and the colours with the highest ratings aren’t always the lightest shades). If you’re still not sure how to properly interpret these numbers, a professional painter can help you out.
Spice Up Neutrals With a Finish
Hallways are, by definition, transitional spaces, so we know it’s tempting to go with a versatile paint colour. However, there are ways of taking neutral greys, beiges and off-whites to another level. One of the easiest tricks to doing so is by adding a finish. Glossy, eggshell and satin finishes will make your walls more interesting, easier to clean, and also more reflective. A matte finish is another fantastic way to make neutral colours pop. Connect with painting professionals to discuss your options and find the right finish for your space.
Below are the average costs of Paint & Wallpaper services across different cities in Canada:
| City | Average | Minimum | Maximum |
| Barrie | $3,801 | $300 | $30,000 |
| Calgary | $3,701 | $100 | $50,000 |
| Edmonton | $3,538 | $100 | $40,000 |
| Hamilton | $4,126 | $100 | $40,000 |
| Oshawa | $3,198 | $200 | $50,000 |
| Ottawa | $2,880 | $100 | $40,000 |
| Toronto | $3,901 | $100 | $50,000 |
| Vancouver | $4,997 | $120 | $50,000 |
*Costs based on 13,969 verified Canadian homeowner reviews as of March 2022
Try a Bold Trim
Most interior designers will tell you that trim in any room should be painted two shades lighter than the walls. When it comes to hallways, this rule has its pros and cons. While a light trim can frame the space in a way that makes it appear wider, lighter shades will also show scuffs. In entry hallways, in particular, this can be an issue. Painting your trim a bold colour will not only disguise scuff marks and is also a great way to play with colour in a confined space. Try complementary colours or, if you’re brave, contrasting colours to breathe new life into an otherwise boring space.
Don’t forget that moulding and wainscoting are also options, especially if you favour a more traditional interior design. These small additions not only make your home look better but also add value. For more details about what this project entails, connect with a moulding expert.
Use Colourful Accents
Accent walls are another fantastic way to spice up your hallway (plus a great way of using up left over paint from another paint project). Don’t forget that you can create accent walls with more than just paint – art and mirrors are becoming more and more popular. Painting your ceiling is also an option. Solid colours or patterns can create a unique look that will draw the eye upwards, creating the illusion of more space. If you’re taking on a bigger paint job, try coordinating the colour of your hallway with the rooms at its end. A colourful hallway is less risky when coordinated with the rest of your home.
As you can see, your hallway doesn’t have to be completely utilitarian. With the right design, they can become a beautiful accent to your home’s interior design. Depending on your choice, you may need the help of a painting professional to ensure your vision gets properly executed and your hallway is coated with the best paint colour. After learning what to look for in a painting company, connect with a pro today and watch your hallways come to life.
Article Updated June 2022.
