Narrow hallway is a common problem in apartments with standard layouts. The premise was considered auxiliary, so the architects does not pay too much attention to its functionality and area when designing high-rise buildings. The situation can be saved by redevelopment – the integration of the entrance area with living quarters. But such a step is not always justified from the point of view of the comfort of the residents. The modern design of a narrow hallway is a universal solution. Competent surface finishing, installation of ergonomic furniture, non-standard lighting – and now the corridor has been visually expanded, it has become bright, beautiful and comfortable.
Surface Finishing: Color, Materials
In the corridor, as a rule, light comes from other rooms of the apartment. In other words, twilight reigns here during the daytime and completely dark at night. To compensate for the lack of natural light in a narrow corridor, you can use a pastel palette with dominant white. Cream, sand, light beige, pearl white, ivory are ideal shades for a narrow hallway. They reflect all the light entering the corridor, thereby visually expanding the space.
When decorating surfaces in a narrow corridor, you should follow the rules:
Walls – Only durable materials resistant to mechanical damage and moisture. Plain vinyl wallpaper for painting looks great. It is worth avoiding pronounced vertical and horizontal ornaments, in a narrow corridor they will create an undesirable “tunnel” or “hole” effect. It is better to choose colors that are light, but soft. The yellow tint looks great, it imitates sunlight – just what you need for a narrow hallway.
The ceiling is laconic, without complex design solutions – The ceiling looks great, just painted with white water emulsion. But if it’s too easy, you can consider options with a glossy suspended or smooth plasterboard ceiling with spotlights.
Floor – Here you can deviate from the “light” rule and arrange the surface in dark shades. It is optimal to use coatings made from natural materials or their imitation. Wood, ceramics, cork are considered the best for finishing the entrance area. The main thing is to choose high quality floors that can be easily maintained.
Designers recommend decorating the corridor in a single color. Contrasting transitions on the walls are inappropriate here. They take away the usable space needed to create the illusion of space. The minimum amount of furniture is matched to the tone of the walls and ceiling. Hidden storage areas completely solve the issue of functionality and at the same time do not overload the already insufficient space.
Corridor Zoning
If the hallway is narrow and long, then the design involves dividing the space into 2-3 zones. This eliminates the structural flaw in the room and provides a comfortable perception of the space. The modern design of a narrow hallway involves the use of bright furniture, which delimits the area into different thematic parts:
- The area at the front door is completely free of furniture. It is only allowed to hang a small shelf for keys or an open hanger for 3-5 hooks;
- The “guest” zone – the area of the corridor near the kitchen, bathrooms and living room – is designed with comfort in mind. Small benches, narrow shoe cabinets, a wall table for small things are installed here, a growth mirror is suspended. All conditions are created for the hosts and guests to change their clothes comfortably;
- The neutral part of the corridor – the space between the living rooms – is given for the arrangement of the storage area. A narrow wardrobe from floor to ceiling, bookshelves, and a wardrobe are installed near one of the corridor walls, usually with an entrance door. Pictures, family photographs, light-colored small tapestries are hung opposite.
Designers recommend zoning the space of a narrow corridor with finishes. The main thing is that it should be in a single color palette. For example, the dark tiled floor at the front door gently fades into a lighter shade in the guest and neutral areas. You should not create pronounced contrasts that are used in the design of the kitchen-living room or bedroom-living room. The entire corridor should create the feeling of a single light space, where there is room for different thematic zones.
An excellent solution for dividing a narrow corridor into parts is the arrangement of air arches. Small protrusions on the walls in the form of brickwork or a minimalist colonnade delimit the corridor, structurally removing the length without compromising the width. The main rule is that the protrusions on both sides should not exceed 10 cm.
Mirrors are a classic way to not only expand the space, but also create different zones. When using mirrors in a narrow corridor, heavy massive frames and floor structures should be avoided. Everything should be as light and airy as possible. Solid mirrored doors on the built-in wardrobe, a growth mirror in the guest section or opposite the storage area – this is quite enough for a narrow corridor to turn into a full-fledged living space.
Lighting a Narrow Hallway
Filling a narrow corridor with light is the main task of modern design. At the same time, it is necessary to prevent an excess of artificial lighting uncomfortable for the eyes. For this, several types of lamps are used in the corridor:
- Wall Sconces – small wall sconces, no more than 5 pieces for the entire corridor. It is advisable to limit yourself to two lamps at the front door;
- Central – ceiling chandeliers of compact size. The number depends on the length of the corridor – as a rule, no more than 3 pieces;
- Spotlights – built-in lights in the ceiling, mirror frame, built-in wardrobe doors. Particular attention is paid to size. Lamps really need to be pinpoint – small and neat;
- In Niches – LED lighting built into the eaves of ceilings, baseboards, bottom of hanging cabinets. Creates a floating effect, also serves for space zoning.
Designer’s advice in corridors whose ceiling height does not exceed 2.5 meters, to use a wall-lit with lamps directed up and to the sides. Scattered rays visually expand the narrow room. Reflecting from light walls, mirrors, light even from 2-4 chandeliers or sconces completely fills the corridor. When choosing lamps for luminaries, you should avoid the neon “cold” light typical of office premises. It is better to give preference to a natural yellowish tint, symbolizing warmth and comfort.
Interior Style For A Narrow Corridor
An entrance hall in a modern style in a narrow corridor should be consistent with the rest of the rooms of the apartment or house. Classic designs based on a light palette are ideal for rooms with a “special” configuration:
- Provence conveys all shades of sunlight. Decoration in light shades of blue, green, cream, violet. Furniture – bleached, artificially aged wood. Accent on the soft cushion of the bench and the rug;
- Classic – English stiffness and quality. The color palette is neutral – from creamy white to sandy. Furniture is distinguished by smooth lines with moderate decor, most often carving;
- Scandinavian – northern restrained style, in which white dominates, “awakened” by small accents. Furniture is built-in if possible. The decor is missing in principle. Warmth is added by natural wood and textile elements made of wool, fur;
- Minimalism is a style on the verge of asceticism. The narrow corridor is completely free of furniture. Only a wall hanger that merges with the walls, and a shoe cabinet that looks more like a cornice. A mirror in a warm wooden frame and wall decor in the form of paintings on a modern theme will help smooth out excessive severity.
In the design of a narrow corridor, constructively heavy styles replete with many details should be avoided: oriental, baroque, renaissance, art deco. A large number of decorative elements and colors “eat up” the space, making the hallway cramped and uncomfortable. It is not difficult to create an interesting and functional design in a narrow corridor if you apply expert advice in practice. Moreover, the process turns into fascinating creativity if you independently think over and implement unique ideas. To do this, you only need to take into account the color, dimensions and material properties.