Add glossy surfaces to visually maximise the space
The corridor forms the first impression of the whole house, and it may not be a good one. This is especially critical if the corridor is narrow and its shortcomings are not hidden in any way. RBC-Ukraine gives tips on how to easily turn such a space into a stylish area thanks to simple design tricks.
Hide doors to create a unified space
One of the main challenges in designing a narrow corridor is to make it visually wider. This can be achieved by creating a sense of cohesive space. Interior doors should be camouflaged by painting them the same colour as the walls. So they will “dissolve” in the interior and will not break the composition. To further conceal doorways, do away with platbands.
Lay a space-expanding rug
Many people think that a carpet is unnecessary in the corridor because of dust and dirt. But the track can be placed not at the very entrance, but a little further away. The right pattern will help to make the room cosier and balance its proportions.
The ideal option – horizontal or diagonal stripes, as well as elongated geometric figures. Large patterns or transverse lines will only emphasise the narrowness, so it is better to avoid them.
Freshen up your interior with light-coloured walls
The classic design solution is light-coloured walls. Dark colours “eat up” the space, making it smaller and narrower. But light colours visually expand the room, creating a feeling of lightness.
Even more space can be added by using glossy paint that reflects light. If monochrome walls seem boring, choose wallpaper with a small pattern or an inconspicuous vertical stripe.
Use mirrors for depth and airiness
If you don’t want to repaint the walls, hang a mirror. Reflections create an effect of depth and visually expand the corridor. It can be one large mirror, a composition of several smaller ones or a panel. You can also install a cabinet with mirrored facades or mirrored panels from floor to ceiling. This approach is simple and very effective.
Decorate your walls with stylish accents
Monochrome walls are perfectly complemented by paintings or posters. They help visually divide a long corridor into zones and set accents. Large paintings placed at an equal distance from each other look best.
Choose neutral subjects and minimalist frames without too much decoration. A good trick is to stagger the paintings, alternating with doors or complementing them with lamps.
Go for gloss and shine
To visually enlarge the room, add glossy surfaces. This can be tiles on the floor, furniture with shiny fronts or glossy paint on the walls. Even a light-coloured stretch ceiling can help achieve the desired effect.
Although matte designs are considered more stylish, in a narrow space it is better to choose what works. The key is for the sheen to help light diffuse better.
Focus attention on a single point
When you can’t disguise flaws, you need to draw attention away from them. A so-called focal point – a single bright element that catches the eye – can help. It can be a poster, a painting, a decorative lamp or even a fragment of a photo wallpaper.
Place it at the end of the corridor to create the illusion of a finished space. This way, the length of the corridor will no longer be an eye-catcher.
