10 Best Tips to Make Your Hallway Look Expensive
If you’re looking for ways to make your hallway look more expensive, you’ve come to the right place. I’m sharing ten simple tips that will help you achieve a high-end look on a budget. Keep reading for inspiration!
This post is sponsored by Grandeur Hardware and contains affiliate links. However, all opinions and recommendations are my own. Please see my full disclosure policy for more details.
Hallways are often one of the most neglected areas in a home. Sure, they’re functional spaces that we use to move from one room to another, but they’re often an afterthought when it comes to design and décor.
And maybe that’s because sometimes they can feel disconnected from the larger spaces in a home. But that’s exactly why taking the time to make the space feel cohesive with the rest of a house is so important.
You don’t need to fill a hallway with all the shiny glamourous objects to make it look expensive. It can be as simple as incorporating certain elements or materials from the rest of your home, that make a room look thoughtfully planned out and professionally designed.
And that, my friend, is exactly what draws the eye in and makes you think, “Wow! This is tasteful.”
And taste is synonymous with expensive, right?
What makes a home look luxurious?
There are certain things that can make a home look luxurious, even if it’s not actually extravagant.
One of the most overlooked, and key ways to give any space a high-end look is to declutter.
A home with too much stuff can feel overwhelming and messy, whereas a minimalist space looks clean and sleek. Take the time to get rid of any knick-knacks or items that are taking up space on surfaces.
By carefully editing your belongings and making sure everything has its place, you can create a chic, luxury-inspired home without breaking your budget.
Upgrading your home’s hardware and fixtures can also give any space an instantly luxe feel. But it doesn’t always have to include high-end purchases.
One thing is certain though. Homes that look luxurious all have one thing in common.
They have a balanced combination of high and low-end items. And they mix materials beautifully.
A unique mix of textiles adds richness and depth to a space. Think beyond basic blankets and throws; instead, layer different textures throughout the space.
Incorporate wood tones, warm metals, velvet, linen and leather for example. These mixed textiles will add interest and make your home look more expensive.
How to make your hallway look expensive
Dressing up your hallway can make a big impact on the overall look and feel of your home. And fortunately, it’s easy to make your hallway look much more luxurious than it actually is.
With a few simple decorating tricks, you can turn your ordinary hallway into an impressive space that will wow guests and make your whole home look more expensive.
Before you get started hanging artwork or swapping out fixtures though, consider how you’d like the space to feel and function on a daily basis.
A good design will flow well when connected to adjacent rooms and living spaces.
Do you have a large family with a lot of foot traffic that tends to use your hallway as a dumping ground? Are you in need of additional storage for common items like blankets and pillows? Do you have a narrow space with little available light and would love a grand entrance feel?
Take the time to envision what you want and need in your hallway.
Here are our 10 best tips on how to make your hallway look expensive
1) Never underestimate the power of a fresh coat of paint.
A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a room. It can brighten up a dark space, make smaller hallways feel larger, or simply give a space a whole new look.
When choosing paint colors, it is important to consider the mood you want to create as well as any open area living spaces your hallway might adjoin.
For a warm and inviting space, opt for rich and warm colors. These shades will help to create an inviting and comfortable atmosphere.
Conversely, if you are looking to create a more energizing space, brighter and cooler colors may be more appropriate
Paint can also be used to highlight architectural features and molding within your hallway. Even ceilings are fair game to play up some luxurious drama.
I opted for a warm shade of Simply White to act as the perfect neutral backdrop for our long hallway.
2) Choose High-Quality Materials
An interior designer will always tell you that when it comes to materials, quality always trumps quantity.
In other words, it’s better to have fewer pieces made from high-quality materials than lots of pieces made from cheap ones.
These materials tend to look and feel more luxurious and are worth investing in for longevity. And an easy way to do this is by swapping out your builder grade hardware for luxurious brass or aged iron.
I selected these Fifth Avenue solid brass doorknobs from Grandeur Hardware to add character to our traditional colonial home and they instantly elevated our gorgeous doors.
In fact, these stunning knobs were actually the inspiration for the entire hallway design.
There’s something about solid brass doorknobs that just adds a touch of class and sophistication to a home. They have a weight and solidity that feels luxurious, and they can really make a space feel more expensive.
Even if your home is on the budget side, adding some beautiful brass doorknobs can give it an extra boost of style. Plus, they’re easy to install yourself, so you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get the look you want.
3) Paint your interior doors
If you’re looking to add a touch of luxury to your home, consider painting your interior doors a different color for a contrasting look.
This small change can give any room an upscale feel, as it adds a touch of sophistication and visual interest.
A darker shade or moody colors, like the ones we painted in Benjamin Moore’s “Cheating Heart”, can make a space feel more dramatic. Just take a look at these other beautiful examples of black interior doors.
You can also opt for a lighter color to create an airy and inviting atmosphere. Whatever color you choose, painting your interior doors is an easy way to give your home an expensive makeover without a high price tag.
4) Hang a Large Mirror
A small hallway can feel cramped and dark, but one of the easiest ways to make any room feel larger and more luxurious is to hang a large mirror on one of the walls.
This will create the illusion of more space and also reflect light around the room, making it feel brighter and airier.
When hanging a mirror in your hallway, be sure to choose a spot that gets plenty of natural light. This will help to maximize the reflective effects of the mirror and make your hallway feel brighter and more welcoming.
For an extra touch of elegance, go for a gilded or beveled frame. In addition, a well-chosen mirror, like this gorgeous Anthropologie primrose dupe, can act as a statement piece, adding a touch of elegance to your hallway.
5) Stick to a Neutral Color Scheme
If you really want your hallway to look chic and expensive, stick to a neutral colours throughout the space.
Monochromatic shades of white, cream, gray, or black always look sophisticated and elegant – just think of all those fashion runway shows where models strut their stuff against a blank backdrop!
To add interest and texture (and break up all that neutrality), consider using different finishes and surfaces throughout the room, such as matte paint on the walls paired with a satin finish on doors.
This rich luxurious shade of charcoal grey on the doors makes for a classic design.
6) Add a console table or bench for storage and extra seating space.
If your home is anything like ours, the hallway is usually one of the busiest areas in the house. It’s the space where we drop our keys and mail, put on our shoes, and sometimes even take a break to sit and put our feet up.
That’s why I love the idea of adding a console table or bench to this space. Would you believe this DIY bench only cost $10 to make?! It rivals the high-end versions!
Not only do they offer extra storage space for all of those things we need to keep within easy reach, but they also provide the perfect place to sit when putting on our shoes or taking a break. Plus, they can really help to make your hallway feel more pulled together and expensive.
We especially love how a console table can provide an elegant focal point, while a bench can help to make the space feel more inviting. No matter which option you choose, you’ll be happy with the results.
These pieces can also help to make your hallway feel more spacious by creating the illusion of an extra-wide corridor.
7) Accessorize with art
A few well-chosen pieces can add color, visual interest, and a sense of sophistication.
If you’re working with a tight budget, consider shopping at flea markets or garage sales for affordable artworks. Choose a few well-chosen pieces of artwork that reflect your personal style and display them in striking frames.
You can also create your own artwork using supplies from a local craft store. Or you can opt for a stylish gallery wall of family portraits, or simply hang a statement piece to stand alone.
With a little effort, you can transform your hallway into an impressive space that reflects your personal style. Be sure to hang them at eye level as anything too high or too low can make a space feel unbalanced.
8) Add an area rug.
When it comes to making your home look and feel more expensive, there are lots of little details that can make a big impact.
One of the most effective and simple ways to add a touch of luxury to your space is to use an area rug or runner in your hallway. Rugs have a way of making a long hallway feel more cohesive by anchoring the design and tying together various colors and elements of the space.
An not only will this help to protect your floor from wear and tear, but it will also add a touch of color and texture to the space. Plus, an area rug can help to muffle noise, making your hallway feel more tranquil and inviting.
9) hang designer light fixtures
Designer light fixtures can add a touch of elegance, and since hallways are typically modest in size, it’s easy to make a big impact without breaking the bank.
Pendant lights can be a great addition to larger hallways, while wall sconces can elevate the look of the room when ceiling height is limited.
It’s also a practical solution to brightening up a dark hallway where multiple light sources might be needed.
For an even more luxurious look, select a light fixture with some intricate details or an eye-catching finish.
I opted to swap out our builder-grade recessed lighting and use an easy kit to convert them into these gorgeous budget friendly brass flushmounts.
The repetition of them throughout the hallway makes the space feel more thought out. And repetition can be an effective way to create a high-end look without spending a lot of money.
By using similar colors, textures, and shapes throughout your home, you can create a sense of cohesion and luxury.
10) Consider using molding, wainscoting or paneling to add architectural interest and depth to flat hallway walls.
Architectural details like molding, wainscoting and paneling can add a lot of interest and depth to flat walls. These elements can be used to create a variety of looks, from traditional to modern.
Molding is a great way to add definition to a space, and it can be used to highlight doorways, archways and windows. Whereas wainscoting is a type of paneling that covers the lower part of a wall, and it can give rooms a more formal look.
Paneling can also be used on ceilings to create a cozy and intimate feel.
When selecting molding, wainscoting or paneling for your home, consider the style of your space and the overall aesthetic you’re trying to achieve.
I selected an inexpensive faux brick paneling for our empty hallway nook, and the texture it added to the space is stunning.
A brick wall can really make a home feel expensive.
The classic look of bricks is always in style, and it can add a level of sophistication to any space. Whether you’re looking to create an accent wall or an entire exterior facade, brick is a material that will make your home feel luxe.
And the best part is that brick is actually quite affordable, so you don’t have to break the bank to get the look you want.
There you have it – 10 simple tips for making your hallway look more expensive!
By painting the walls, hanging designer light fixtures, adding an area rug, and accessorizing with art and quality hardware, you can create an elegant space that will impress your guests and make your home feel more luxurious.
With these tips, you can easily elevate your space and give it a luxurious feel.
Just remember that when it comes to luxury décor, quality is key. Choose pieces made from high-quality materials in classic styles that will stand the test of time, and stick to a neutral color palette throughout the space for an elegant finish.
With these guidelines in mind, you’ll be sure to create an impressive hallway that will make guests want to see more of your beautiful home!
