How to make a narrow corridor lighter? 5 ways for a dark room!

The corridor is the first place that we see when entering the apartment. How to ensure the optimal location of the hall, when there is very little space and access to natural light? Below we present proven ways to optically enlarge this room.

How to lighten a narrow corridor with the color of walls and furniture?

Most apartments in an apartment building now have small, dark corridors. However, this place is the first thing that guests see when they enter our house, so it becomes its hallmark.

If you want to visually enlarge a narrow corridor, focus primarily on the light colors of the walls, preferably warm shades, such as beige, coffee with milk or ivory. Make sure that these shades are preserved when choosing furniture, especially if you are planning to buy a large wardrobe or chest of drawers.

Vertical or horizontal stripes in the form of wallpaper or painted directly on the wall are also a good idea. This trick will help you "raise" or "lengthen" a narrow hallway by using an optical illusion. It is also a budget option, which is perfect for a small repair, when you do not want to immediately change the furniture or floor.

Floor - what materials and colors will expand the corridor?

dark hall this requires the use of materials and colors that can reflect and diffuse light. Bright, glossy tiles in large sizes, i.e. the so-called large format tiles. Since there are fewer joints between elements, the floor appears smoother than it really is. Using gloss instead of matte will lighten up the room, even if you only have artificial lighting.

A slightly more daring procedure is to put polished tiles, the same as those on the floor, also on part of the wall. Firstly, it is a great decorative element that can additionally divide the space into two zones, for example, a dressing area with storage space. It can also protect against splashes and scuffs in the area of ​​free-standing outerwear hangers. Secondly, this is another optical technique, as in the case of vertical stripes on the wallpaper, that can visually raise the ceiling.

The same applies to your choice of laminate - it's best to invest in light-toned wood with a bit of dark texture. For the hall, vinyl or porcelain stoneware flooring is best because of the conditions it is exposed to - moisture, dirt brought in from the outside, walking in heeled shoes, etc.

Storage area - ideal furniture for narrow spaces

To avoid unnecessary development of an already narrow corridor, it is worth considering how much - and what kind of furniture is needed in order to be able to accommodate all the most necessary items. All the colorful things that do not match the character of the interior, such as clothes, shoes, keys, umbrellas and bags, can break the harmony and create visual clutter, which is why it is so important to hide them.

A large, spacious closet is perfect here - jackets, shoes and small household appliances will fit in it. It is worth choosing a model that is ideally suited to the size of the hall - the height to the ceiling will take up more space, but it will also be possible to store much more, moreover, in an inconspicuous way for others.

Ideally, a wardrobe should be designed to fit in perfectly - it will save every precious centimeter of the hallway. However, if you don't have the space to accommodate such a large piece of furniture, it's worth investing in roomy shoe racks and coat racks that are the same color as the walls so that all the colors harmonize with each other.

In the case of narrow but high corridors (for example, in apartment buildings), buildings under the ceiling, i.e. so-called. storage space in bright colors. This is additional storage space that won't limit your mobility. There you can put small unused inventory or seasonal clothes that do not match the current weather.

Sufficient lighting - patents for a small corridor

How to brighten a dark room? Of course with perfectly matched lighting! The right fixtures or color of light can affect the emotions by creating a cozy feeling, simulating daylight or dividing a space into functional zones. Depending on what kind of effect you are interested in, the choice of wall lights or lamps can make all the difference.

For small narrow corridors, a warm light with a slightly yellowish tint is recommended. It will give the room an intimate, cozy character. The location of its sources is also important - ceiling lights are the most important, but wall lights should also be placed, especially above зеркало or dresser.

Dark corridor - how to make it lighter with accessories and decorations?

The biggest ally of cramped, poorly lit rooms is mirrors! These interior elements perfectly reflect light and are able to deceive the eye, creating a false impression of the space behind them. In the hall, in addition to the visual effect, they are also functional - after all, it is always worth checking before going out whether you look good and whether the chosen clothes fit each other.

Hanging decorative mirrors on the wall is a quick procedure that can be introduced into the interior without the need for major repairs. It is enough to drill a hole in the wall or a special mounting tape. It is also worth playing a little with the composition - one large mirror in a gold frame, or maybe a few smaller ones with interesting shapes?

An ingenious solution is also to buy a sliding wardrobe with a mirrored facade - then this piece of furniture will not optically take up space, will reflect light and will be ideally combined with the colors on the wall. This is a win-win option in the case of high massive furniture - mirrors will definitely unload it.

The patents presented above will expand a narrow and dark corridor so that it is no longer oppressive and makes only a positive first impression - whether you are ready for a major renovation or just a change of decoration and lighting. Bring them into your interior and enjoy a cozy, bright hallway!

You will find more inspiration in the passion that I decorate and embellish.