Mirrors and plants definitely help, but honestly, artwork can sometimes make a narrow hallway feel even more cramped. I've found that minimal wall decor and lighter paint colors do more to open up the space—especially in older homes with tight hallways like mine...
Interesting point about artwork sometimes making spaces feel tighter. I've had mixed experiences with that myself. A few years back, I was renovating a narrow hallway in a 1940s bungalow, and initially, I thought adding some vibrant artwork would liven things up. But once I hung a couple of framed prints, the hallway felt even narrower and more closed-in than before. It was surprising how quickly it changed the feel of the space.
After some trial and error, I ended up removing most of the artwork and instead went with a very subtle textured wallpaper in a pale cream color. The texture was minimal—just enough to add interest without overwhelming the space—and it reflected natural light nicely. I also swapped out the overhead fixture for recessed lighting, which made a huge difference in brightening things up without cluttering the ceiling visually.
One thing I'm curious about is whether anyone has experimented with indirect lighting or LED strips along baseboards or crown molding? I've seen it done in some modern homes, but I'm not sure how well it would translate to older houses with traditional architecture. It seems like it could be a subtle way to brighten things up without adding visual clutter or relying solely on mirrors and plants.
Also, while I agree lighter colors generally open up tight spaces, I've seen darker accent walls used effectively too—especially at the end of a hallway—to create depth and draw the eye forward. Has anyone else tried something similar? I'm always interested in hearing how different approaches work out in practice...
"One thing I'm curious about is whether anyone has experimented with indirect lighting or LED strips along baseboards or crown molding?"
Funny you mention LED strips—I actually tried this in my 1930s craftsman, thinking I'd be all sleek and modern. Turns out, it looked a bit like a spaceship had landed in my living room at first. 😂 But after some tweaking (and switching to warmer LEDs), it actually turned out pretty cozy and subtle. Definitely recommend going for warmer tones if you do try it, otherwise it can feel a bit clinical.
Also, totally agree about artwork sometimes crowding a space. I had a similar hallway issue and ended up painting the far wall a deep navy blue. Sounds counterintuitive, but it really did add depth and made the hallway feel longer somehow. Plus, it hides fingerprints from kids and pets way better than cream wallpaper ever could... just sayin'.
LED strips can definitely be tricky. I've installed them along crown molding for clients, and you're spot-on about warmer tones—3000K or lower usually hits the sweet spot. Also, consider using aluminum channels with diffusers; they soften the glare and give a more professional finish. And yeah, darker accent walls can surprisingly open up tight spaces... good call on the navy hallway.
Great tips on the aluminum channels—I second that. Another sneaky trick I've found helpful is placing LED strips under floating shelves or cabinets. It creates a subtle glow without being too obvious or harsh. And if you're feeling adventurous, try mirrors opposite your darker accent walls...sounds weird, but it bounces around that cozy, warm light nicely. Just don't go overboard with mirrors, unless you're aiming for a funhouse vibe, haha.
