In flats with basic layouts, a narrow corridor is a common issue. The premise was regarded as an afterthought., As a result, architects did not pay too much attention to their utility and area in the construction of high-rise buildings. Redevelopment – the merging of the entrance area with residential quarters – can save the situation. However, from the consumer’s perspective, such a move is not always warranted—residents’ comfort. A tiny hallway with a modern design is a versatile option. Surface finishing that is both competent and beautiful and the installation of ergonomic furniture and non-standard lighting has resulted in a visually extended corridor that is now bright, beautiful, and pleasant.

1. Narrow hallway

Color, materials, and surface finishing

The light in the corridor usually emanates from other rooms in the house. The apartment. In other words, it is twilight in the daytime and completely dark at night. To reduce the amount 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.

2. Narrow hallway

When decorating surfaces in a narrow corridor, you should follow the rules:

  • Walls – only durable materials that are 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. As a result of the lack of natural light in the room natural light, but soft. The yellow tint looks excellent. It imitates sunlight – just what you need for a narrow hallway;
  • The ceiling is laconic, without complex design solutions. The top looks great, just painted with white water emulsion. But if this is too simple, 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 area needed to create the illusion of spaciousness. 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, 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. Tiny 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, a cabinet are installed near one of the corridor walls, usually with an entrance door. Pictures, family photographs, small light-colored tapestries are hung opposite.

3. Narrow hallway

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. It would be preferable if you didn’t create pronounced contrasts used in the kitchen-living room design or bedroom-living room. The entire corridor should generate the feeling of a single light space, where there is a place 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 brickwork or a minimalist colonnade delimit the passage, structurally removing the length without sacrificing the width. The main rule is that the bubbles on both sides should not exceed 10 cm.

Mirrors are a traditional way not only to expand the space but also to 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 part, 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. In this case, 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:

  • Workers – small wall sconces, no more than five pieces for the entire corridor. It’s best if you limit yourself to two. Lamps at the front door;
  • Central – ceiling chandeliers of compact size. The quantity depends on the length of the corridor – as a rule, no more than three pieces;
  • Spotlights – built-in lights in the ceiling, mirror frame, built-in wardrobe doors. Particular attention is paid to size. Lamps need to be pinpoint – trim and neat;
  • In niches – LED lighting built into the eaves of ceilings, skirting boards, bottom of hanging cabinets. It creates a floating effect, also serves for space zoning.

4. Narrow hallway

Designers advise in corridors whose ceiling height does not exceed 2.5 meters, to use a well-lit with lamps directed upwards and to the sides. Scattered rays visually expand a narrow room. Reflecting from light walls, mirrors, light even from 2-4 chandeliers or sconces fills the corridor. When choosing lamps for luminaires, you should avoid the neon “cold” light inherent in office premises. It is preferable to give priority 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 coordinated with the rest of the rooms of the apartment or house. For a room with a “special” configuration, classic designs based on a light palette are optimal:

  • 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 – Restrained Northern 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 from wool, fur;
  • Minimalism is a style on the verge of asceticism. The narrow corridor is utterly free of furniture. Only a wall hanger 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. Many decorative elements and colors “eat up” space, making the hallway cramped and uncomfortable.

It is not difficult to create an exciting 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 consider the color, dimensions, and material properties.