If you’re looking to create an open, light and airy hallway, these white hallway ideas might be the perfect inspiration you need.
White interiors can get quite a wrap in the interior world for being ‘bland, beige and boring’, but white only becomes a lifeless addition to an interior if colourful accents aren’t used in the scheme too.
These 15 white hallway ideas are proof that white spaces can be beautiful, light and bright, but also full of personality. Let’s get stuck in!
15 of The Best White Hallway Ideas For A Light, Bright Welcome
1.Black and White Hallway For Definition
Black and white is a magic colour scheme for an interior, it works perfectly with traditional, modern and Scandinavian colour schemes.
Where white is such a neutral base, black is what helps to ground and add definition to a hallway. Without it and it leaves a lifeless, boring and uninspiring interior.
These black and white tiles help to ground the hallway, but you can choose to introduce black through bannisters, stair runners, mirrors, light fittings or decorative accessories.
2. Add A Rustic Beam To Draw The Eye In
In our own terrace hallway, I knew that something needed to be done to break up the monotony of the white, and this is key to nailing an all white hallway.
We had an existing steel beam which had been plaster boarded and painted white and it was just the perfect placement to give this a rustic wood look to make it look more authentic.
We used wood stain to create the look and I just love how it instantly draws your eye in as you step into the hallway now.
3. Half Wall Panelling Brings Depth & Character
Half wall panelling is a classic and popular style of panelling in a hallway.
It adds instant depth and character and can be a great way to add a separation of colours.
Use bright white on the lower or upper half to add visual interest against a contrasting colour. Opt for pairing with a warm neutral like this, or add a defining shade to the lower half such as a baby blue to ground the space.
4. Introduce Warm Materials For A Rustic Feel
White lends itself to being perfect in modern rustic and Scandinavian style interiors, introducing warm materials instantly breaks up the monotony of white and creates a relaxed, yet ultra stylish hallway.
Use warm brass materials, wooden tones and natural materials such as rattan and seagrass. Don’t forget to also introduce a few well placed black accents, they’ll define the hallway and create a cohesive feel through the entryway.
5. Bring A Pop of Colour With A Pink Door
Use your front door as a catalyst for colour in your hallway.
This light pink door adds a gorgeous dimension to this white hallway, it draws the eye in whatever side of the hallway you’re in and brings a beautiful contrast to the white.
Do introduce other accent colours for warmth in the space. I love the use of original wooden flooring here as it grounds the hallway and adds natural warmth.
6. Paint The Bannister Sage Green
Inject a pop of colour into your bannister. This is one of my favourite white hallway ideas, I love the relaxed, restorative look of sage green in an all white hallway.
Sage green embraces a natural feel, so introduce real house plants for natural colour and even an ascending gallery wall for colour as you elevate the stairs.
7. An Ascending Gallery Wall For Colour
An ascending gallery wall is one of the easiest ways to introduce new colour into a hallway.
Playing with scale is a crucial element in creating a visually appealing gallery wall – everything goes.
Incorporating artwork of different sizes adds visual interest and breaks up the monotony. It creates a dynamic display that catches the viewer’s eye and invites exploration.
8. Combine Black & Red For A Bold Statement
Black and red is a timeless, classic colour combination, and against white it creates a bold and striking contrast that is sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Use black as a focal feature in a hallway such as on the bannister, and on a few other well placed areas such as on a mirror and decor accessories, it will help to effortlessly tie the room together.
9. Use A Grey Toned Off-white For A Cool Feel
You don’t have to go for bright white in a hallway, and actually I would encourage that you don’t unless you have a lot of natural light to bounce around.
A grey toned off white can be a great way to introduce a cool toned, yet neutral colour to a hallway that still works with a whole host of colours.
10. Introduce Black & A Playful Colour
A monochromatic colour scheme is a winner in a hallway, and it’s super easy to pull off. But do try to incorporate at least one of two extra accent colours to break up the two tone look, and add some much needed warmth to the colour scheme.
Any type of green such as sage green or olive green is a great complementary colour to black and white.
11. Use Black To Define & Ground A Hallway
A black accent is a winning design trick for any type of interior.
The black is going to define, ground the hallway, and when used correctly it will pull the space together in perfect unison.
Use black on flooring, furniture, elements such as a bannister, lighting fittings and small decorative accessories.
12. Shiplap Panelling To Create The Illusion of More Space
Shiplap panelling or tongue and groove panelling is a great alternative wall covering in a hallway.
It delivers greater character than plain painted walls, and whether it’s fitted vertically or horizontally, it can give the illusion of a bigger space too.
Ground with some gorgeous charcoal black tiles like this, it makes all the difference in an all white space.
13. Original Wood Flooring For Warmth
If you have good quality original flooring, get it exposed!
There is nothing like original flooring in a hallway, it’s so welcoming as it brings instant natural warmth into the equation.
14. Add A Plush Stair Carpet Runner
A stair carpet runner should be seen as a leading design accent in a hallway, it can become a focal feature for a reason and it’s the perfect opportunity to make it a pleasurable experience for your feet too!
A plush carpet stair runner adds softness and elegance to a white hallway.
15. Splash Playful Colour Around The Hallway
A white hallway is a perfect base for exploring the use of colour, you really can take it any way, but focus on only introducing another 2-3 different colours to avoid a clash of colours, and senses as you step through the door.
I love the way this yellow door instantly warms the hallway, yet its reflection in the mirror continues to bounce that sunny, warm light around the room. It ties in perfectly with the floor runner for a cohesive feel.
Which of these white hallway ideas is your favourite? White doesn’t equally mean boring and bland in an interior, it’s all about the other accent colours and textures you introduce to create that warm, bright and airy aesthetic in the space.
Before You Go…
Have a dark, narrow hallway? Perhaps, you’re also looking for some tips on how to make your space feel more open than just giving it a fresh lick of white paint. I share my exact narrow hallway transformation, along with actionable tips you can make in your own hallway…
