Our tips for hallway wall art
The hallway is often the most overlooked part of a home, yet it is the first thing guests see and the space that links every room. It sets the tone for the whole house.
Hallways are usually narrow and short of daylight, which makes them a challenge. With some planning, though, they make excellent galleries. Whether your taste runs to minimalist abstracts or a wall of family photos, these tips will help you make an impression without overcrowding the space.
Look at what you have
Dimensions and layout
Measure the length, width and ceiling height. In a narrow hall, less than a metre wide, upright arrangements draw the eye upwards and make the space feel taller. A wider hall can take a long row of pictures or one oversized piece.
Remember that in a narrow hall people pass close to the walls. Choose slim frames that do not stick out, and fix them securely so that a passing shoulder or bag does not knock them askew.
Lighting
Daylight is scarce in most halls, so artificial light matters. Note where the fittings are.
- Ceiling lights. Adjustable spotlights or track lighting can be aimed at the pictures.
- Wall lights. At about eye level, they cast a warm, soft light.
- LED strips. Hidden under a shelf, they give a modern glow without glare.
If the hall does get direct sun, through a glazed front door for instance, use UV-filtering glazing to prevent fading.
Architectural features
Make use of mouldings, alcoves and the staircase. Pictures can step up the wall beside the stairs, or sit symmetrically within panelling.
Choosing the artwork
A gallery wall
A gallery wall gives a practical space some personality. Mix framed photos and prints with objects such as plates or woven baskets, and hold it together with a theme:
- One colour scheme. Black and white photographs or sketches give unity.
- An eclectic mix. Old botanical prints with abstract paintings, linked by matching frames.
In a small hall, five to seven pieces are plenty.
One statement piece
A single large picture anchors the space. Choose strong colour or texture that contrasts with the wall. A vivid abstract stands out against soft grey.
Mirrors and shelves
A mirror multiplies light and space, which is ideal in a dark, narrow hall. Choose an ornate frame for a classic look, or a plain one for a modern home. A narrow picture shelf lets you lean frames and change them easily.
Arranging the pictures
Height
Hang pictures with the centre about 57 inches (145cm) from the floor, the average eye level. Go a little higher under a tall ceiling.
Spacing
Keep 5 to 8cm between frames in a group. Mark the layout on the wall with low-tack masking tape, or paper templates, before you make any holes.
On the stairs
Follow the slope. Imagine a line running parallel to the stairs at eye level above the treads, and keep the centre of each picture, or of the group, on that line.
Above furniture
If there is a console table or a bench, centre the art 15 to 20cm above it, and keep the picture or group to about two-thirds of the width of the furniture.
Asymmetry
An arrangement does not have to be regular. A cluster of small frames can be balanced by one larger piece. That works well in halls broken up by doors.
Lighting the pictures
- Layer the light. Use general light from the ceiling, practical light where you need it, such as by the coat hooks, and accent light from spotlights or picture lights for the art.
- Avoid glare. Aim lights at about 30 degrees to the picture to keep reflections down, and use diffused fittings or a dimmer.
- Consider smart lighting. Motion sensors are practical in a hall, and bulbs with adjustable colour let you choose a cooler light for modern work and a warmer one for older pieces.
Making it personal
Tell a story
Arrange family photos in date order, so that they lead you along the hall. Put childhood portraits beside family treasures, such as a grandparent's letters, in a box frame.
Change with the seasons
Swap the pictures to keep the hall fresh: botanical prints in spring, beach scenes in summer, warm abstracts in autumn. A picture shelf makes this easy.
Do it yourself
Spray-paint second-hand frames, or make a collage of concert tickets and postcards. Renters can use removable adhesive strips for light pictures.
Looking after the display
- Dust the frames regularly with a microfibre cloth. Clean glass with equal parts of vinegar and water on a cloth.
- Watch the light. Move pictures round from time to time if one spot gets more sun.
- Refresh without starting again. A new mount changes a picture completely. Navy brings a traditional gold frame up to date, and red gives life to black and white photos.
Mistakes to avoid
- Overcrowding. Too many pieces overwhelm a narrow space. One focal point to a wall is a good rule in a tight hall.
- Ignoring scale. Very large art feels oppressive in a small hall, and tiny frames get lost on a long wall.
- Poor lighting. A picture nobody can see has no effect.
Sustainable and inexpensive ideas
- Buy second-hand. Charity shops and online marketplaces are good for frames and vintage prints.
- Support local artists. Buy prints from people near you, or swap pictures with friends.
- Choose responsible materials. Look for frames in wood from sustainable sources.
Conclusion
Turning a hall into a gallery takes thought, but the reward is great. Choose pictures that suit the space, arrange them with care and light them well. A hall is a place we pass through many times a day, and it is worth making those moments a pleasure.
EasyFrame offers a wide range of made-to-measure frames, and with long experience we can advise on the right frames for your hallway. Call us on 01234 856 501 or email sales@easyframe.co.uk. We are always happy to talk, whether or not you want to buy.