Building Narrow Hallways and Staircases

Floor plans with narrow hallways or staircases can be tricky to decorate. But if you can’t change it, you have to find a way to maximize your narrow spaces. They don’t have to feel cramped or uncomfortable if use the right design elements. You can use simple decorations, lighting elements and flooring additions to make your narrow stairs really pop. Look for budget-friendly decorative pieces to alter the look and feel of these spaces. For Stairs: Create contrast with colors. To add brightness to a narrow staircase, you can create a contrast of colors between the stairs and surrounding wall. White stairs with brightly colored walls add contrast that makes the space look larger than it actually is. Bright colors work well where the staircase isn’t closed off by walls. You can even accent the riser by painting it a contrasting color from the tread of the stair. Add a stair runner. Stair runners also add contrast in color, as well as the pattern of your staircase. Runners with vertical lines will make the staircase look longer, and will create an intriguing visual appeal. Stair runners can be changed if you tire of the one you buy. They are relatively inexpensive, and if cared for properly will last a long time. Maximize your lighting. The number one reason why staircases look narrow is because they are dimly lit. bright lighting, especially a decorative chandelier that hangs close to the foot of the staircase, will immediately brighten and augment your stair space. Get creative with wall lights, hanging lamps, or bright lights at the upper end of the staircase. For Hallways: Decorate minimally. If your hallway is small, you don’t want to clutter it with wall decorations that protrude and take up even more space. Don’t place coat hangers, tables, or furniture near the entrances – it will only make it harder for you to walk through and navigate. Use wallpaper or bright paint (never dark colors) to add style, rather than excessive decor. Make a statement. At the end of the hallway, preferably in the room to where it leads, add a prominent statement piece of furniture. It will focus the eye on that piece, rather than the closed-in walls. Vanities, sculptures or pieces of art, a bright design painted on the wall or even a favorite piece of furniture make for great statement piece. Add photos. Instead of using elaborate decorations to clutter the hallway, use family photos or framed art. Surprisingly, the more photos you can add, the better your narrow hallway will look. Create your own personalized art gallery, featuring your favorite photos and memories. Need more creative inspiration? Check out more of Naffco Flooring and Interiors’ blog! We have tons of project ideas and guides to help you get started. Or check out our Pinterest for more info.