18 hallway renovation ideas for every style and budget

A hallway renovation can have a huge impact on your home, transforming what is often an overlooked area into a stylish and practical space. Whether it's introducing more light, improving storage, or updating your hallway design, making changes to this space can elevate both its look and functionality.

From knocking down walls to adding custom-built storage, there are plenty of hallway renovation ideas worth considering. These updates can not only improve the flow of your home but also make a stunning first impression for visitors.

So, if you're searching for hallway ideas to inspire your next renovation project, we’ve compiled a range of tips and expert insights to help you maximise your space. Whether you’re looking for simple DIY updates or more ambitious projects, these ideas will help turn an overlooked space into the hallway of your dreams.

Hallway Renovation Ideas

“Hallways are extremely important because they are usually the first thing that people see when they step into your home," explains Shakir Hussain, CEO of HandyHumans. "I think homeowners also tend to forget about them as they would rather focus on areas such as the kitchen or the living room.”

Shakir Hussain

Shakir is CEO of HandyHumans – a leading service provider of property maintenance and renovations. Over the last 5 years he has built up a large base of satisfied clients, providing over 3,000 residential properties with building services for their renovation projects.

With this in mind, it's worth considering ways to make your hallway feel less like a transitional space and more like a standout feature of your home. Below, we share 18 ways to transform this underutilised room.

Quick and Budget-Friendly Hallway Updates

Even small changes can make a big difference in a dated or narrow hallway, refreshing the space without a large investment. Here are some easy hallway updates to get started:

1. Completely redecorate your hallway with a new lick of paint or wallpaper

While this isn’t a full renovation per se, reimagining your hallway with a fresh lick of paint, wallpaper, or a strategically placed mirror can transform the space on even the smallest of budgets.

Painting a dark or narrow hallway in lighter colours, such as soft whites or pale greys, will instantly make the space feel brighter and more open, without the need for costly glazing or new lighting. Alternatively, if you want to create a focal point, consider adding a feature wall with wallpaper – whether you choose a subtle pattern or a bold design depends on the look you want to achieve.

Mirrors are also highly effective in narrow or dark hallways. “Well-placed mirrors reflect light and create the illusion of more room,” explains Shakir Hussain. "They are the perfect way to make your hallway appear bigger and brighter on a budget".

Instead of simply hanging a mirror, consider installing a mirrored wall with large-format tiles or built-in mirrored panels. These surfaces can visually expand your hallway, making it feel more open.

2. Add unique architectural details with crown mouldings

Why not go the extra mile by adding DIY architectural details like crown moulding, architrave, picture frame moulding, or dado rails? These elements are perfect for adding an extra layer of sophistication to your space and can make your hallway design feel more polished and considered.

You can install crown moulding where the walls meet the ceiling to frame the room in a way that feels both classic and elegant. For a cohesive look, consider painting the mouldings to match your chosen wall colour, or go for a contrasting shade to make them stand out as a feature.

Chair rails and picture frame moulding are also great hallway additions. Chair rails are traditionally installed about a third of the way up the wall and can be paired with wainscoting or wallpaper below to create a balanced, two-tone effect. Picture frame moulding, on the other hand, adds a decorative element to plain walls, giving them a gallery-style feel that's perfect for hallways.

3. Sand and paint your staircase to give it a new lease of life

If your staircase is looking worn or outdated, sanding it down and giving it a fresh coat of paint can completely revitalise the look of your hallway. Start by sanding the stairs to remove old paint or varnish and create a smooth base for the new finish. Opt for durable, non-slip paint to maintain your staircase for years to come. Rust Oleum floor paint from Amazon or Annie Sloan paint from DIY.com are both excellent options.

A popular design trend is to use contrasting colours – paint the risers in a bold shade while leaving the treads in a neutral tone. This adds a stylish, two-tone effect that elevates the overall look. Adding a patterned hallway runner can also bring texture and warmth, protecting the newly painted surface.

Once you’ve sanded your stairs, you may even find that you prefer the natural wooden aesthetic. If so, consider sealing your stairs to protect them from wear and tear using a clear varnish or wood sealant. This will preserve the wood’s natural beauty while providing a durable finish that can withstand heavy foot traffic. Ronseal Clear Matt Floor Varnish from Amazon is a popular and well-reviewed choice of varnish.

4. Update your hallway with a stylish new floor

Hallway flooring is one of the first things people notice when they enter your home, so updating it can have a big impact on the look and feel of this space. If your existing floor is worn or outdated, consider replacing it with durable materials like hardwood, tiles, or luxury vinyl planks. These materials are not only hard-wearing but also come in a range of styles to suit any style of décor.

For a bold design statement, don’t be afraid to play with colour and pattern when tiling your hallway floor. Geometric or patterned tiles are an effortless way to inject personality into this space, while herringbone or chevron patterns with hardwood or luxury vinyl planks will add a touch of traditional elegance and texture to the space.

If you’re choosing carpet for a hallway, make sure you select a durable, stain-resistant option designed for high-traffic areas. A low-pile carpet or runner can add much-needed warmth and softness underfoot, while still being easy to clean and maintain.

Hallway Upgrades for a Bigger Impact

If you're ready to invest a little more time and effort into renovating your hallway, these upgrades will make a noticeable impact.

5. Rework your lighting or opt for a stylish statement light

Hallway lighting is not only an extremely functional consideration, but it plays a key role in setting the mood and tone of your home. Despite this, it’s often overlooked, leading to narrow hallways that feel cramped or, worse, poorly lit and difficult to navigate.

Replacing outdated fixtures with modern lighting can instantly brighten up a hallway. If you have a long or particularly narrow hallway, wall sconces can provide additional light and prevent the space from feeling too dim. You may also want to consider using recessed staircase lighting – whether at eye level or floor level – to create a subtle glow that continues down and along the hallway.

If space allows, a statement pendant or chandelier above the stairwell will draw the eye upward. Layered lighting is also key to a well-lit hallway. Combine overhead fixtures with wall sconces or under-stair lighting to ensure every corner is illuminated for safety and ambience.

6. Introduce hallway panelling

Adding hallway panelling is a simple yet effective way of elevating the space. Whether you opt for traditional tongue and groove, or modern vertical panelling, this simple addition to your walls is guaranteed to transform the feel of a tired hallway. You can also panel halfway up the wall for a classic wainscot effect or cover the entire wall for a more contemporary feel.

The right tones can make a hallway feel warm and inviting. When considering hallway paint ideas, remember that deep, rich colours like navy, forest green, or the ochre shade pictured above, will create a cosy and sophisticated atmosphere, ideal for making your hallway feel intimate and welcoming. These shades also work beautifully in homes with traditional or period details.

For an open, airy feel, white shiplap panelling will lend your hallway a chic coastal aesthetic. The horizontal lines naturally draw the eye along the hallway, visually elongating the space. And if you're seeking a contemporary touch, consider sleek vertical panelling in muted tones and enhance the effect by integrating LED lighting into the vertical cladding. This not only illuminates the hallway but also creates a warm, ambient glow that's perfect for evening use.

7. Or panel your staircase to add grandeur

Panelling a staircase can introduce a touch of grandeur and sophistication to your hallway – no matter its size. So consider extending your hallway wall panels along or up your staircase for a cohesive look that ties the entire design scheme together. This allows for a smooth visual transition between levels of your home and adds more architectural interest to an often-overlooked space.

8. Replace your bannisters with glass to open up your hallway

“Opening up the side of a staircase with glass panels or spindles can make your hallway feel way more spacious," explains Shakir Hussain, CEO of HandyHumans. "It’s a brilliant way to let light flow through the space while maintaining safety and style."

Glass allows light to flow freely, helping to open up darker or enclosed spaces, especially in small hallways. When choosing panels, select toughened or safety glass, which is durable and safe for everyday use. Minimalist metal fixings will also help keep the look clean and contemporary, but pairing glass with a wood or metal handrail can create a striking contrast.

This easy update works particularly well in homes with modern décor or narrow or small hallways.

9. Create bespoke hallway storage

Let’s be honest – hallways work hard for busy households, often bearing the brunt of coats, bags, and muddy shoes. Yet, they’re usually overlooked when it comes to storage. Adding built-in hallway storage can completely transform this high-traffic space, flipping a disorganised area into a functional part of your home.

“Built-in storage is your best friend in narrow hallways,” says Shakir Hussain, CEO of HandyHumans. “Floor-to-ceiling cupboards painted to match your walls keep everything tidy without overwhelming the space.” For a truly custom look, consider working with a carpenter to design multifunctional storage benches or wall-mounted racks that can discreetly hold all those everyday essentials.

Shakir adds, “If space is tight, removing walls or slightly extending the hallway can create the room you need for functional, seamless storage.” But even if structural changes aren’t an option, there are plenty of ways to maximise your existing space. Built-in shelves, floating shoe racks, or slimline floating shelves can provide smart storage solutions without taking up valuable floor space, keeping everything neat and accessible.

10. Carve out a small office space in your hallway

If you’re short on space but need a functional home office, your hallway can offer a creative solution. One of the best spots to consider is under the stairs – an often –overlooked area that’s perfect for creating a cosy workspace. By adding a built-in desk, some shelving, and a comfortable chair, you can transform this unused nook into a productive office space without sacrificing square footage in other rooms.

For hallways with less space, consider fold-down desks or wall-mounted workstations that can be tucked away when not in use. These clever, space-saving options allow you to create a functional office area and when you’re done working, simply fold the desk back up to maintain a clean, uncluttered look.

Transformative Hallway Renovations

If you’re ready for a larger project, these more complex and costly hallway renovation ideas will dramatically transform your home.

11. Add a large picture window to connect your hallway to the outside

“Brightening up a hallway by increasing the amount of natural light that gets in is crucial," explains David Clarke, group marketing manager at IDSystems. "Adding large picture windows will make the space feel more spacious and inviting.”

Before installing a window, consider where it will have the most impact. Placing it on a stair landing or high in the hallway can allow light to filter down through multiple levels, brightening darker areas below. Installing a large picture window at the end of your hallway is a perfect way to create a connection with the outdoors, drawing natural light into the space and making the hallway feel more open.

David explains that choosing double-glazed glass ensures your windows are energy efficient and keeps your home well insulated. If nosey neighbours are a concern, he also suggests opting for frosted or obscured glass. This allows plenty of light into the space while maintaining a sense of privacy.

11. Introduce a skylight to flood the hallway with natural light

"When it comes to bringing more natural light into a dark hallway, a skylight is a popular choice,” shares Shakir Hussain, CEO of HandyHumans. “This is especially true in London, where we need every bit of sunshine we can get.”

Adding a rooflight above your hallway or staircase is an excellent way to introduce light from above and illuminate the entire space, especially in confined areas that lack natural light. The placement of the rooflight is key – installing it directly over the staircase allows light to cascade through multiple floors, illuminating even the darkest corners of your hallway.

12. Drop down walls to open up the space

If your hallway feels cramped or disconnected from the rest of your home, removing a non-load-bearing wall can instantly open the space and improve flow from one room to the next.

David Clarke explains, “Knocking down internal walls so that you can see all the way through the hallway into the kitchen and out to the garden can transform how the hallway functions and connects to the rest of the house.”

Before taking on this type of project, consult a structural engineer to ensure the wall isn’t a load-bearing wall, and plan for how the transition between rooms will work with flooring and decor.

13. Embrace glazed elements, like internal windows or floor-to-ceiling glass walls

If you want to maintain some separation while opening up the space, consider adding glazed doors or internal windows to you hallway. These options allow light to flow freely between rooms, making your space feel more open without compromising privacy.

Glazed doors are particularly effective in connecting the hallway to other areas like living rooms or kitchens, ensuring that natural light from those spaces spills into the hallway. Meanwhile, internal windows can serve as stylish design features that enhance the sense of openness while maintaining distinct room boundaries.

“Replacing internal doors leading off the hallway with glazed doors will draw more light through from the rest of the house,” explains David Clarke from IDSystems. This simple change not only brightens up darker hallways but also creates a more cohesive and connected feel throughout your home.

Whether you choose frosted glass for privacy or clear glass to fully embrace the open-plan aesthetic, glazed doors offer a balance of light and privacy that suits any home aesthetic.

14. Reconfigure or expand the hallway with the help of an architect

Reconfiguring or expanding your hallway is a larger renovation, but one that can have a truly transformative effect. In older homes, hallways are often narrow and enclosed, making them feel cramped. Widening the hallway or extending it into a porch or entryway can provide valuable extra space and enhance the flow of the home.

If space allows, reconfigure your hallway by relocating walls or creating new openings can open up the space and even allow for built-in storage solutions or new windows to bring in light.

15. Reimagine your staircase

If your staircase is showing its age or doesn’t quite fit the look of your home, rebuilding or renovating your staircase can make a world of difference. While the cost of installing a new staircase can range from around £2,000 to £5,000, depending on the design and materials, the transformation is well worth the investment.

When planning a new staircase, consider what type of staircase will suit your space best. If your hallway is on the smaller side, spiral staircase ideas can be a stylish, space-saving option to consider. For a more open feel, an open-riser modern staircase will allow light to pass through, making the space feel larger and brighter. If your home has a traditional aesthetic, consider restoring a classic wooden staircase or adding modern touches like glass or metal railings to blend the old with the new.

It’s always a good idea to check what’s feasible for your space before diving in. Consulting with a structural engineer or architect can help you figure out if you have room for a design change – like turning the staircase or even opting for a floating staircase to maximise space.

16. Create drama with double-height ceilings

If you’re looking to make a dramatic impact, knocking through the existing ceiling and opening up the area above will invite more natural light into the hallway, making it feel brighter and more spacious.

Double-height ceilings work especially well if your home has tall windows or stairwells that can help accentuate the vertical space. You can further enhance the effect by introducing windows or skylights at the top, and to complete the look, pair your new ceiling with a statement chandelier or a series of pendant lights.

17. Or introduce a glass ceiling

For a bold and modern design statement, consider installing a reinforced glass floor on the landing above your hallway. This creates a stunning glass ceiling effect that allows light to travel between floors. Replacing a solid landing with glass not only enhances the sense of openness but also introduces a one-of-a-kind architectural feature that will add a contemporary edge to your home.

18. Add archways or beams if height allows

If your hallway has the height to accommodate it, adding architectural features like archways or exposed beams can instantly elevate the space.

Archways work beautifully in both traditional and modern settings, creating soft transitions between rooms and allowing light to flow freely between the hallway and adjacent spaces. This not only adds visual interest but also helps unify the design of your home, making the hallway feel like an intentional part of the layout rather than just a simple passageway.

Exposed beams, on the other hand, introduce a rustic or industrial edge to the space. Whether you choose reclaimed wood for a natural, warm feel or sleek, painted beams for a more contemporary look, beams draw attention to the height of your hallway, making it feel even more expansive. This design feature can also help define open-plan spaces, giving the hallway a sense of structure while keeping it open and airy.

Once you have renovated your hallway to your satisfaction, consider showing upstairs a little love with these landing ideas to add wow factor to your home.