Long Dark Hallway Decorating Ideas

room with brown walls

Don Freeman

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Get Started!

You already know that nothing transforms a room faster (or cheaper!) than a few gallons of paint. And you've probably realized that dark colors deliver the most drama. But within that power lies the potential for self-doubt. Should deep hues be confined to large or small areas? Private or public ones? Walls or woodwork?

red and black bedroom

Bjorn Wallander

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Find the Right Hue

Find inspiration in the things you love. A cherished decorative object, perhaps? Or maybe a wallpaper or fabric? Check out how this bedroom incorporates the reds and grays from the painting on the bedside table.

red mudroom

Lucas Allen

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Lesson #1: Make an entrance.

Why hide your personality? Greet guests with a foyer painted an inviting rustic red.

purple and red living room with white mantel and stacked suitcases

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Go (So) Bold

This palette of aged colors creates a deep, beautiful backdrop with Valspar Signature™ paint in La Fonda Midnight 4004-4C.

brown dining room

Roger Davies

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Lesson #2: Dark hues set the stage for texture.

When your walls wear a moody brown, you don't need other colors or patterns. Weathered woods, woven rattans, plush velvets, and light-catching crystals all turn up the depth, dimension, and contrast in a saturated space. Bright idea: A tall table lets a living room double as a dining area.

bright blue kitchen

Miki Duisterhof

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Lesson #3: Go for broke ...

Bathe everything—walls, cabinets, and trim—in high-gloss teal to turn a pint-size kitchen into a gleaming jewel box.

navy blue and white bedroom

William Waldron

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Lesson #4: ... or experiment in smaller doses on an accent wall.

Vivid blue takes an oddly shaped attic wall from awkward to amazing.

dining room with dark gray walls and turquoise lamps

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Balance Bright Accents

Dark walls can help tie together pieces from different eras, giving the whole room a look that's cohesive and up-to-date. Here, the walls feature Valspar Signature™ paint in Turkish Coffee 6003-2C.

framed portraits wall

Alec Hemer

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... or on molding.

A deep-green window frame draws attention to the view beyond.

Bold Bathroom

Max Kim-Bee

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Lesson #5: Tiny spaces demand big gestures.

Forget what you've heard about cramped quarters requiring light colors. Bold black lends great presence to this petite bathroom.

Bjorn Wallander

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Lesson #6: Luxe gray brings glamour to a utilitarian room.

Unexpected in traditionally workmanlike zones, a posh color ups the oomph of a kitchen, walk-in closet, or powder or laundry room.

bright green shelves against a deep blue wall

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Play with Accessories

A clean, modern palette can add drama with rich blues and pops of color. Wall features Valspar Signature™ paint in Bluer Than Blue 4006-8C.

master bedroom sitting area

Quentin Bacon

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... or on wall paneling.

Trade customary white wainscoting for a bluish-green to send ceilings soaring.

Björn Wallander

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Lesson #7: Play with pattern.

For a surprisingly understated "wallpaper" effect, try painting one fearless shade atop another—like this orange leaf design on a magenta wall. Don't want to freehand it? Shop for stencils at etsy.com.

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Video: How to Color Block a Wall

CountryLiving.com editor Rachel DeSchepper shows how to take a hot fashion trend—color blocking—and apply it as bold design element in your home. To get the look, use the following colors by Valspar: La Fonda Midnight, Glowing Dune, Roasted Pumpkin, Stone Mason Gray, and Sable Evening. Shop what you see in this video! »