The hallway is often a neglected space but it really shouldn’t be as it’s the first glance your guests get of your home. And we all know that first impressions matter. So why not impress them as soon as they walk through the door with some pattern and character with the help of some hallway wallpaper ideas?
In fact, hallway ideas are the perfect opportunity to get creative and go a bit wild with bold colours and statement prints because entryways tend to be a small space that we don’t spend that much time in. So there’s no reason not to have fun – is there a motif or a colour you love but think it’s a bit ‘too much’ to be looking at all day long? Try and experiment with it in the hallway! Who knows, you might end up loving it so much that it will end up being your favourite wallpaper idea for the living room or even the bedroom.
Hallway wallpaper ideas
‘Your hallway says a lot about who you are,’ says Fiona Howard, founder of Fiona Howard Wallpapers. ‘It’s an introduction to you and your style, and can be used as a preview as to what’s to come throughout the rest of the home. Plus, it’s a place where very little time is spent loitering – it’s more of a transient space which means homeowners can go really bold in their design. Wallpaper is a really great way of encapsulating your personal style. Plus, they offer a wow factor as you open the door and give visitors a glimpse into the home.’
Eloise Olde-Wolbers, commercial director at Galerie Wallcoverings, adds, ‘Using wallpaper in a hallway offers several benefits, both aesthetically and functionally. A hallway is often the first space a guest sees, so it’s important to create something memorable. Wallpaper will add visual interest to a hallway, creating a focal point and setting the tone for the rest of your home. Many hallways also lack any natural light, with lighter coloured wallpaper making the space feel brighter and more open. Wallpaper is capable of transforming what is often a neglected space into a stylish and welcoming area.’
And this is exactly how to incorporate the transformative power of wallpaper into your hallway.
1. Be practical with washable wallpaper
Hallways are high-traffic areas prone to scuffs and dirt brought in from the outside. So save yourself trouble and make your life easier by opting for a washable wallpaper style that you can just wipe clean to make it look as good as new.
‘It’s a practical choice for areas with high footfall, as washable wallpapers are easy to maintain and keep clean, especially in homes with children and pets,’ says Chelsea Clark, head of marketing at Lucie Annabel.
James Mellan-Matulewicz, CEO and creative director at Bobbi Beck, agrees, ‘With washable and scrubbable options, wallpaper is practical for maintaining a clean, fresh look in busy spaces.’
Vinyl wallpapers are innately easy to clean which is why designs like this one are perfect for hallways - all you need to do is wipe it with a damp cloth and it will be as good as new. And this on-trend striped pattern is very sophisticated, while the white and blue colourway brings a bit of coastal charm.
Nature-inspired botanical wallpapers are super popular, especially when it comes to hallways as it is the transitional space between the indoors and the outside. Which is why we love this vintage-inspired herbarium motif of this washable B&Q wallpaper.
Graham & Brown is known for its whimsical wallpaper prints and motifs. And this cottagecore Hopwood design is no exception. We love the intricate, fluid pattern! And the added benefit of being washable means you can use it in the likes of hallways and even kitchens.
2. Go for stripes
Striped patterns are one of the most popular wallpaper trends at the moment. But they look especially great in hallways as they make small spaces appear bigger than they are – which is something most of us can use in our hallway. Wouldn’t you agree?
‘Stripes are always popular in hallways, helping to elongate or add height to a space. Vertical stripes can make ceilings feel higher, while horizontal stripes can widen the space visually,’ Chelsea at Lucie Annabel says.
Fiona Howard adds, ‘Stripes are wonderful in a hallway and are very on-trend right now. Plus, they can be used horizontally to give the impression of a very wide, long hall and make the whole space feel much more expansive.’
3. Look to the past for inspiration
You can blame fashion trends or a widespread sense of nostalgia (or both) but the past is apparently in. And as far as hallway wallpaper looks go, this is expressed through vintage-inspired charming motifs like toile de jouy.
‘There has been a resurgence in vintage-inspired prints like toile and chinoiserie, bringing a touch of elegance and historical charm,’ Chelsea at Lucie Annabel explains.
Eloise at Galerie Wallcoverings, ‘Vintage and retro styles are also making a comeback, bringing classic elegance and a touch of nostalgia to homes.’
4. Wallpaper the ceiling
While you can, of course, cover your entire hallway in your chosen wallpaper design, sometimes it’s better to exercise restraint and only pick out one area or feature to wallpaper. The ceiling is the perfect target as it will create an unexpected focal point which will also draw the gaze upwards, making the space appear bigger.
‘Wallpapering an entire hallway creates a cohesive and dramatic effect, especially with subtle or neutral patterns. However, many prefer to wallpaper select areas for balance which can create a focal point without overwhelming the space,’ James at Bobbi Beck says.
5. Team wallpaper with wood panelling
Panelling part of the wall with timber cladding is a beautiful way to break up an expanse of patterned wallpaper.
In this instance the grey cloud print wallpaper has been taken into the window alcove and across the ceiling. If the wallpaper was covering the entire height of the walls as well, it could feel over-powering.
Situated between the wallpaper and the patterned tiles on the floor, the navy hallway wall panelling idea brings balance to the scheme.
6. Create a kaleidoscopic effect
The hallway is the perfect space to get creative with colour and pattern, going big and bold. 'Wallpaper can work in almost any room in the house including the hallway, so don’t be afraid to make a statement,' says Ann Marie Cousins, founder of AMC Design. 'Opt for fabulous patterns that really draw the eye in and pack a punch!
'Consider how much natural light the hallway has and think about your design scheme as a whole before choosing so that it looks cohesive at the end. Whether your hallway is small or large, don’t feel restricted with the wallpaper you choose.
'If you want the wallpaper to stand out, pick a design with a larger print to take the eye directly to the walls as soon as guests walk in. If you opt for a wallpaper in a darker design and wallpaper every wall, this can also give the illusion of space rather than making the room feel smaller.'
7. Wallpaper panelled sections
Pattern all over the hallway walls too much? It does have to be something you know you can live with for some time at least. Take a different route by wallpapering doors and panelled sections of your under stair storage instead.
Team the wallpaper with painted woodwork in a tonal hue and you'll create a stylish feature out of this often neglected part of the decor. 'If you’re decorating a hallway, staircase or landing then lean into your limited space with a decisively bold print,' says wallpaper designer, Elizabeth Ockford.
'Wallpaper with a meandering pattern will lead the eye and create a feeling of movement in a connecting space. In narrower areas, pattern adds visual interest without encroaching on precious square footage.'
8. Add a tropical flavour
Palm prints have been a popular home decor trend for some time, bringing their tropical beauty to UK homes.
Hanging palm print wallpaper throughout a hallway will instantly inject your home with personality and pizazz, not to mention holiday vibes. Keep it looking tidy with a rack for coats, shoes and bags, so the focus stays on those vibrant walls.
9. Hang pretty wallpaper panels
There are numerous ways to introduce pattern and colour to walls. If you've seen a wallpaper or two that you love but don't want to cover your entire hallway in them, get creative.
Consider framing sections of the paper in a trio or triptych instead. This makes a smart alternative to a feature wall or hanging artworks or prints.
Select the darkest tone in the pattern and paint the frame in that shade. This will set it off and create a sharp contrast against white walls.
10. Add interest with texture
When we think of wallpaper, we tend to think of busy patterns and bold colours. Yet there are plenty of subtle and textured wall-coverings that can change the feel of a space too.
'Hallways can vary greatly in size, so if you want the space to feel bright and open, choose a wallpaper in a neutral colourway or opt for a delicate pattern or texture to offer a soft backdrop,' says Juliette Thomas, founder of Juliettes Interiors.
'This will show enough attention to detail to capture your guests’ attention, without diverting too much away that it becomes overpowering. In narrow hallway ideas especially, this will make a big difference as it will give the illusion of space.'
11. Go for a graphic print
A simple graphic wallpaper print will enliven a hallway and look smart too.
If you’re not brave enough to adorn all your walls with pattern, then zone a certain spot or area to break up the space. Depending on the size, establish a cosy corner or a welcoming walkway, with a different feel to the rest of the hallway.
12. Turn storage into a feature wall
Make a style statement out of the under stair storage in your hallway with a quirky wallpaper in a vibrant print. Paint the door in a bold colour that flatters the wallpaper idea for a fun feature.
If you know how to hang wallpaper and are confident in your skills, this would make a great DIY project on a rainy weekend.
13. Make your mark with monochrome
Keep your hallway feeling fresh and bright with an eye-catching black on white wallpaper print. These water lilies look gorgeous blown up to this large oversized scale in monochrome.
This simple palette offers a calmer atmosphere than colour would, and it doesn't matter if doors are left open, as it's easy to work it with whatever schemes lie ahead in the rooms beyond.
14. Coordinate a colour scheme
Create a cohesive colour scheme by picking out a key colour from your wallpaper design to paint the woodwork which frames it. As this beautiful example by Little Greene shows a matching colour scheme creates a big impact, giving the wallpaper design more prominence.
In this bright hallway the green and blue wallpaper is accentuated by the woodwork in the same shade of blue.
15. Match wallpaper throughout a hallway and landing
Use a wallpaper design to create a seamless flow to guide you through the space, transitioning through from the entrance hallway up onto the landing idea and the first floor above. Choose a design that intrigues to make the space come alive with pattern.
As with this bold hallway decor it's a great idea to paint the adjoining walls in a paler shade that coordinates with the design but doesn't overpower the print.
16. Wow with a feature wall
In a hallway where you have one full length of wall, while the opposite walls is broken with doorways, the layout naturally lends itself to wallpapering a feature wall idea. Choose a design you love to make a statement style impact from the moment the door is open, setting the tone for the rest of the decor throughout your home.
Take a daring approach to decorating your hallway - this beautiful blousy floral wallpaper is sure to brighten your mood as soon as you walk in the door.
17. Wallpaper the stairs
Where you want to add wow with wallpaper, without overpowering the walls in a small space, try papering the stairs instead. Adorning the threads on a staircase is a creative way to welcome colour, pattern and interest to a hallway colour scheme.
'Another idea is to wallpaper the stairs, which can serve as a creative focal point without overwhelming the walls in a smaller hallway. This adds a wow factor while introducing colour and pattern in a fresh, unexpected way,' Chelsea at Lucie Annabel says.
18. Take pattern to a higher level
To create depth in your hallway decorating scheme and naturally draw the eye upwards, guiding you up the stairs, choose to wallpaper at waist height and above. Save the bottom panel of the wall with a neutral to ground the scheme and allowing the pattern to really stand out.
Use a dado rail to gauge a natural divide, but fear not if your home doesn't have this architectural detail – simply create your own divide by measuring a dividing at roughly waist height. Use a spirt level and masking tape to the determine a pleasingly sharp line to paint up to and wallpaper beyond.
'Only wallpaper certain sections, like the upper half of the walls, and keep the lower half neutral. This creates depth and naturally draws the eye upwards, making the space feel more expensive. A dado rail can serve as a stylish divide between wallpaper and paint, balancing the design,' Chelsea at Lucie Annabel confirms.
19. Liven up a storage unit
Choose a geometric grey wallpaper for a thoroughly modern way to jazz up a white storage unit in your hallway. Cover the wall before you fit the unit, and any gaps in the shelving will appear beautifully decorative. Circular hooks such as these will add to the futuristic effect.
20. Go bold to the ceiling
Your hallway may seem a functional space, but Keith Stephenson and Mark Hampshire, founders of retro wallpaper brand Mini Moderns, see it as a playground where the past's motifs inspire future ideas. And they believe you shouldn't be put off by a lack of light.
'When faced with a room or corridor without natural light, it can actually be more successful to use a darker colour,' say Keith and Mark. 'Include pattern to open it up visually,' they recommend. And we recommend you wallpaper the ceiling, too, to take the look to a powerful and cocooning next level.
21. Add a touch of luxe with gold
Shine out with a white and gold wallpaper that demands attention. This design is a great example of a large-scale, uncluttered design that loses none of the eye-catching powers of a more busy print. It's light and bright feel is ideal for a hallway, where natural light is often lacking.
'Metallic accents and subtle gold details are favoured for adding glamour and reflecting light in narrow spaces. Light-reflective finishes, like metallic or pearlescent accents, brighten the area and enhance openness,' James at Bobbi Beck says.
22. Bring the outside in
Choose a trailing trellis design to create the look of a summer garden in your hallway. Paired with a gardener's table painted in a distressed green shade, this look is for those who can't bear to be parted from their gardens when indoors. An abundance of cut flowers could barely be more appropriate as an accessory.
'A trend we are seeing around wallpapering hallways is botanical and floral designs. Botanical wallpapers help connect indoor spaces with nature, making the hallway feel more inviting and alive,' says Lauren Kavanagh, art director at Hovia.
23. Set the scene
Choose a scenic wall mural to add a characterful touch to an entranceway. Watch as visitors stand and stare at this striking wallpaper, which features a traditional landscape oil painting as its design. You'll almost feel as though you could walk into this scene and the space will seem larger for this trick of the eye.
'Mural wallpapers depicting landscapes or abstract scenes can turn the hallway into an artful focal point,' James at Bobbi Beck says.
When using such a statement wall mural stick to furniture that will blend in, rather than add contrast.
24. Fake wood cladding with wallpaper
Create a rustic hallway scheme by choosing a wallpaper that looks like weathered wooden boards. Distressed wall finishes are a popular look just now, and wallpapers are an easy way to get the look without the need for expensive wooden cladding.
A sleekly painted blue door, neutral wicker accessories and a striped storage seat show that this space isn’t in the slightest bit neglected.
FAQs
Can you wallpaper hallways?
Yes you can wallpaper hallways, in fact it's a great place to use wallpaper to make a real wow statement for first impressions. If your wallpaper is maximalist and bold choose to wallpaper the largest expanse of wall, one that is not broken by doorways to avoid it feeling too overwhelming. For smaller, more subtle designs you can afford to wallpaper all walls – regardless of layout.
How do you pick wallpaper for a hall?
Pick a wallpaper for a hall that sets the tone for the rest of your decor, if you want to create a seamless flow throughout the downstairs layout. Pick out a dominant key featured in your chosen wallpaper to paint doors, door frames, cornicing and skirting boards to ensure the colour scheme matches perfectly.
With colour matching services in DIY retailers you can take a sample of your wallpaper along with you to get the exact colour match.
To create an impact from the minute you walk through the door choose an on-trend maximalist wallpaper that stands out, in comparison to your wider decorating scheme.
So don’t be afraid of some colour and pattern – have fun with wallpapering your hallway and take your guests’ breath away.
