7 Narrow Hallway Ideas To Open Up Your Space

When it comes to narrow staircases, it doesn't help to be narrow-minded. Enclosed staircases can be dark and unwelcoming, making a small space feel even smaller. With our narrow staircase decorating ideas, it doesn't have to be this way.

We've compiled these simple decorating tips to make a narrow staircase seem wide and welcoming. You don't need to fully renovate your staircase or completely revamp your interior design to get a fresh look; our easily achievable DIYs will help you makeover your narrow stairs with minimal effort, time, and budget.

Narrow Enclosed Staircase Decorating Ideas

If you have a narrow, walled staircase or a dark hallway with no natural light, don't fear. With years of interior design and stairwell design experience under our belts, we're here to help with our expert decorating tips:

1. Creative Lighting

Lighting can completely transform a narrow hallway, making it feel brighter, larger and more inviting. Start by choosing soft, unobtrusive ceiling lighting to flood the space with warm, even light. This can instantly lift a darker hallway and create a more welcoming first impression. For a more contemporary look, consider integrated step or wall lights. These create a gentle upward glow, naturally guiding the eye along the staircase and drawing attention towards the top of the stairs. A pendant light or ceiling fixture placed at the top of the stairs can act as a stylish focal point, especially when space is limited.

If natural light is scarce, wall lights positioned near artwork or mirrors can enhance depth and add visual interest. Thoughtfully placed lighting not only improves function but also helps small hallways feel more open, stylish, and beautifully put together.

Photo credit to @themanorhouserenovation on Instagram. 

2. Hanging Decorations

There are a number of ways to incorporate hanging decorations into a narrow staircase to transform its look.

Mirrors have long been used to create illusions of expansive space with clever placement. It's one of the best narrow stairway decorating ideas. You can use mirrors in a number of ways to achieve this. Place a large mirror in a place where it will reflect a source of light, like a window or a fixture, for the best results. You can also place a number of small mirrors that are framed and shaped to resemble a window.

Hanging pictures or photographs running up the staircase wall provides a beautiful aesthetic and really elevates your home decor. When thinking about how to arrange photos on your staircase walls, remember to plan and measure: it's a good practice to ensure each picture is at eye level when walking up the stairs.

Embrace seasonal decorating by hanging garlands on your stairs that reflect the time of year, from spring flowers to autumn leaves to the classic winter festive look. Find out how to safely hang garland on your stairs and get inspired by different seasonal garland ideas.

3. Creative Use of Paint

A fresh coat of paint can make a room feel completely different! If you have dark hallways, consider repainting them a light colour to make them appear more spacious and airy. Another trick for a narrow hallway with a staircase is to paint the wall at the end of the room a darker shade and the surrounding walls a lighter shade to create the illusion of more space. Vertical stripes, when subtly done, can also create the sense of a taller wall. If you want a clean, open look, stick with pastel shades or incorporate elegant heritage colours.

Photo credit to @emilymay_interior on Instagram. 

4. Embrace Pattern With Wallpaper 

Hanging wallpaper on stairs is a simple yet striking way to introduce personality and depth to a compact space. Opt for lighter tones or subtle patterns to brighten the area and avoid overwhelming the walls. Vertical stripes or delicate prints can create the illusion of height, while a statement wallpaper on a single feature wall adds interest without crowding the space. For a cohesive look, choose a design that complements the paint or wood tones in the rest of the hallway. 

5. Install a Carpet Runner and Stair Rods 

Carpet runners and stair rods are a practical and elegant way to enhance a narrow hallway or staircase. A well-chosen runner adds softness underfoot, reduces noise, and brings warmth and texture to what can often be a cold or overlooked space. Choosing a runner in a light shade or with a subtle stripe can help elongate the staircase visually, making it appear wider and more open.

Stair rods not only secure the runner in place but also add a refined decorative touch. Available in a wide range of finishes and designs, they allow you to complement other elements in your hallway, from door handles to lighting. The combination of a beautiful runner and coordinating stair rods creates a sense of cohesion and style, turning a narrow staircase into an eye-catching feature.

Customer photo credit to Danny P. 

6. Moulding and Panelling 

Moulding, panelling, and wainscoting are timeless design features that can instantly elevate a narrow hallway or staircase. These architectural details add texture, depth, and a sense of character, helping small spaces feel more structured and considered. Vertical panels can draw the eye upwards, giving the illusion of height, while lighter paint colours on panelling can brighten the area and make it appear wider. Wainscoting also helps protect walls in high-traffic areas, combining style with practicality. It’s a smart and sophisticated way to transform a narrow staircase into a welcoming, well-balanced feature within the home.

Photo credit to @thecubyhole on Instagram. 

7. Hallway Storage Solutions

When you have a very narrow hallway, things can get cluttered pretty quickly. That's why it's a great idea to incorporate smart hallway storage ideas.

If you have space underneath your stairs, there are plenty of under-stair storage ideas that will help you declutter and optimise your space. Install cupboards or storage units that can be used to house clothes, shoes, children's toys, or anything that is taking up space!

If you don't have the capacity to incorporate storage under your staircase, shelves built into the walls allow you to place items without them taking up walking space. Failing that, a simple console table is narrow and can look chic and elegant while storing your bits and bobs, too.