Hallway art

Art transforms a hallway from a simple passageway into a deliberate and engaging part of your home. It’s the connective tissue between rooms, and the art you choose can create a cohesive flow and tell a story as you move through the space. A well-decorated hallway makes your home feel more complete, considered, and welcoming from every angle.

This depends on your hallway’s layout. For a long, narrow hallway, a series of medium-sized vertical prints or a curated gallery wall can create a beautiful rhythm and encourage movement. If you have a wider hallway or a prominent wall at the end of the hall, a single large-scale statement piece can create a stunning and dramatic focal point.

Because a hallway is primarily a space for walking through, it’s best to stick to the standard gallery rule: hang the artwork so that its center is at eye level, which is about 57 inches (145 cm) from the floor. This ensures the art is perfectly positioned for viewing as people move through the space. If creating a gallery wall, use this 57-inch mark as your central anchor line.

To create an illusion of space in a narrow hallway, choose art that is light in color and has an uncluttered composition. A series of prints with plenty of white or negative space can make the walls feel like they are receding. Sticking to a cohesive theme and using identical, simple frames can also create a sense of order and calm, preventing the space from feeling cramped.

A single large piece is a bold, simple choice that works brilliantly as a focal point, especially at the end of a long hall. It creates an immediate and high-impact statement. A gallery wall is a more personal approach that allows you to tell a story and add more character. It’s particularly effective along the length of a hallway, turning the journey through it into an experience.

Art that is engaging from a distance and also reveals details up close is perfect for a hallway. Abstract prints with interesting compositions, bold graphic designs, and a series of related drawings or sketches are excellent choices. They create visual interest that can be appreciated both in passing and when paused for a closer look.

Good lighting is crucial in a hallway. If you don’t have natural light, consider installing directional ceiling lights (like track lighting or spotlights) that can be aimed at your artwork. This not only illuminates the pieces beautifully, making them a true feature, but it also adds a layer of ambient light that makes the entire hallway feel brighter and more inviting.