Looking for the perfect paint color for your dark hallways, but trying avoid white? Today we’re explore alternative bright paint color for dark hallways.
Dark and narrow hallways can feel gloomy and unwelcoming when painted the wrong color so it’s important to choose a paint color that will brighten up the space.
There are plenty of amazing non-white paint options available that can transform the mood in your dark hallway. They might even help make it a focal point in your home.
When choosing a paint color for dark hallways, designers usually recommend opting for neutrals such as taupe, gray, or cream.
These shades not only add warmth and depth to the space but create an inviting atmosphere for your family and guests.
In addition to neutrals, some other popular paint colors for dark hallways include Pelt by Farrow & Ball, a moody plum tone, and Behr Equilibrium, which offers a balance between light and dark shades.
By testing out different shades and considering the overall atmosphere you’d like to create in the space, you’re sure to find the perfect hue that brings life and style to even the darkest and narrowest of hallways.
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15 Best Paint Colors For A Dark Hallway (That Aren’t White)
Greens
- Sherwin Williams: Rainwashed (SW6211) – This sage green color has a calming and organic feel that embraces nature and brings brightness to darker areas.
- Benjamin Moore: Saybrook Sage (HC-114) – A soft and airy green that enriches dark hallways without overpowering the space.
- Farrow & Ball: Bancha (No. 298) – Named after Japanese tea leaves, this warm green is perfect for creating a sophisticated, harmonious atmosphere.
Blues
- Sherwin Williams: Languid Blue (SW6226) – A peaceful and serene blue that makes a hallway feel more spacious and inviting.
- Benjamin Moore: Windy Sky (1639) – This ethereal blue adds a refreshing touch and opens up the space in dark hallways.
- Farrow & Ball: Parma Gray (No. 27) – Despite the name, this elegant blue shade is perfect for adding a tranquil and timeless backdrop to any hallway.
Grays
- Sherwin Williams: Passive (SW7064) – This versatile light gray color with a hint of blue undertones adds a polished, contemporary feel to dark hallways.
- Benjamin Moore: Classic Gray (OC-23) – This subtle gray shade works beautifully to bring a sense of balance and warmth into a dark hallway.
- Farrow & Ball: Cornforth White (No. 228) – Contrary to its name, this timeless gray is calming and versatile, making it a go-to option for dark hallways.
Yellows
- Sherwin Williams: Sunrise (SW 6668) – A lively warm yellow that instantly adds a cheerful vibe and brightens up a dark space.
- Benjamin Moore: Hawthorne Yellow (HC-4) – This sunny yellow color brings warmth and positive energy, turning the hallway into a more inviting space.
- Farrow & Ball: Babouche (No. 223) – This bold, rich golden yellow is perfect for adding a statement presence in a dark hallway without being overwhelming.
Purples and Pinks
- Sherwin Williams: Veiled Violet (SW 6268) – This soft lavender delivers a beautifully calming and subtle touch of color to dark hallways.
- Benjamin Moore: Mauve Desert (2113-50) – This lovely pink-toned purple adds a touch of femininity and depth to dark hallway spaces.
- Farrow & Ball: Calamine (No. 230) – A delicate pink with a light touch of grey.
Understanding Hallway Lighting
Natural Light
Hallway lighting plays a significant role in selecting the best paint color for a dark hallway.
If your hallway has a lot of natural light throughout the day then you can go with a more neutral or muted color. You can because it’ll absorb and reflect the light. That’ll make the space appear more luminous.
So for hallways with limited natural light you’re going to want to opt for shades that will brighten the space. To do that, look for colors with a high LRV or Light Reflectance Value.
Artificial Light
When choosing paint colors for dark hallways you should know that artificial light will significantly impact the appearance of a paint color.
Selecting paint colors that complement your artificial light sources will create a balanced appearance in your hallway.
You’ll want warm-toned paint colors for areas with warm lighting, such as incandescent or halogen bulbs. Then you should choose cool-toned colors for spaces with cooler, energy-efficient LED or fluorescent lights.
The direction of the artificial light can create shadows and influence how the paint color appears too so you should test out samples.
How the color looks in the store and how it looks in your home can be totally different.
You’ll see how lights that illuminate from above highlight the ceiling and upper part of walls. Alternatively, floor lamps will cast light on the lower part of walls changing the appearance of your paint color as well.
Both scenarios will change how a color looks, so again, definitely test out samples to find the best paint colors for your dark hallway.
Color Theory for Dark Hallways
Contrast and Balance
When you’re choosing the best paint colors for dark hallways, it’s important to consider the principles of contrast and balance.
Choosing colors with appropriate contrast will accentuate specific features in the hallway, like your trim, doors, or decor.
I’ve noticed how a lighter shade of paint on the walls can make darker trim stand out and a darker hue can create a striking contrast with lighter doors.
Some popular paint colors that provide a balanced contrast and aren’t white include:
Warm and Cool Undertones
Another factor to consider when selecting paint colors for dark hallways is the undertone of the color.
Warm undertones like reds, oranges, and yellows create a cozy atmosphere.
On the other hand, cool undertones, such as blues, greens, and purples, will bring a sense of calm and tranquility to your dark hallway.
Remember to consider the specific features in your dark hallway, such as trim and doors, when selecting a paint color.
By selecting a color with the appropriate contrast and undertone, you can create a visually appealing space that feels welcoming and bright.
Popular Paint Brands and Colors
When choosing the best paint colors for dark hallways that aren’t white, consider popular paint brands and their top-rated colors.
In this section, we will explore some of the highly recommended colors from renowned paint brands like Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, and Farrow & Ball.
Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore is a reputable paint brand known for its high-quality products and a wide range of color options.
Some of the top paint colors for dark hallways we covered above from Benjamin Moore are:
- Edgecomb Gray HC-173: This color is a soft, warm gray that brings a touch of warmth and sophistication to your hallway without being too overpowering.
- Stonington Gray HC-170: Another beautiful gray shade, Stonington Gray is a neutral choice that provides a sense of balance and tranquility.
- Swiss Coffee OC-45: This off-white color is perfect for those looking for a non-white alternative, adding a subtle warmth and brightness.
- Lychee AF-40: A soft, pale pink hue that can add a delicate and elegant touch to your dark hallway.
- Silken Pine 2144-50: This peaceful pale green hue brings a soft, soothing vibe to any space, making it an ideal choice for dark hallways.
Sherwin-Williams
Sherwin-Williams is another trusted paint brand and one of my personal favorites, with an extensive collection of inspiring paint colors.
Some popular hallway colors from Sherwin-Williams include:
- Pure White SW 7005: Not quite white, this almost off-white color provides a clean and bright background for your hallway.
- Rock Candy SW 6231: A subtle, cool gray tone, Rock Candy is perfect for creating a serene, calming atmosphere.
- Clean Slate SW 9621: This versatile neutral color can add depth and sophistication to any dark hallway.
- Alabaster SW 7008: A warm off-white, Alabaster complements various home styles and works well for most hallways and entryways.
Farrow & Ball
Farrow & Ball is a premium paint brand well-known for its rich, luxurious paint colors. To brighten up a dark hallway, consider these Farrow & Ball options:
- Slipper Satin: A soft, warm neutral color that adds a touch of elegance to any space.
- Cornforth White: This sophisticated, warm gray tone adds a welcoming atmosphere to dark hallways.
- Cabbage White: A classic versatile non-white option for those looking to brighten up a hallway while keeping the space light and airy.
- Eddy: An ever-popular choice, Eddy offers a sense of balance and tranquility to your dark hallway.
- Peignoir: A timeless, romantic color, created by giving the softest pink a touch of grey.
With the right paint color, you can transform a gloomy, dark hallway into a warm, inviting, and visually appealing area of your home.
Additional Ways to Brighten a Dark Hallway
Flooring and Rugs
When it comes to brightening a dark hallway, don’t forget the importance of flooring.
A valuable tip I always share is to choose light-colored flooring. Think pale hardwood or light-colored tiles. These help reflect light and create a brighter space.
Youn can also add a colorful or patterned runner to make a significant difference in the overall appearance of your hallway.
Not only does it add visual interest, but it’ll increases the sense of depth and dimension.
Ceiling and Trim
A simple yet effective way to brighten a dark hallway is by paying attention to the ceiling and trim.
I always recommend a light neutral color for both the ceiling and trim. This is going to help create a more open and airy feeling.
Adding crown molding or other decorative trim can draw the eye upwards to create a sense of height and spaciousness in dark hallway too!
Wall Decor and Accents
Finally, finish the look with wall decor and accents to further enhance your dark hallway.
An accent wall, for example, is going to give a pop of color or pattern that contrasts nicely with the lighter paint colors recommended for dark hallways.
Stylish doors with glass panels or decorative details can also help break up long stretches of wall.
To make the hallway even brighter you can install artificial light fixtures or try out these options that don’t need electricity.
One of my favorite ways to create a sense of depth is to strategically place mirrors to reflect natural light.
Then follow your style and add artwork or decorative items on the walls to bring your personality and life to the space.
Testing Paint Samples
Once you have a few paint colors in mind I again highly recommend you test them in the actual hallway.
Since colors can appear differently depending on lighting conditions and surrounding elements, you should always try out paint samples before committing to a particular shade.
One practical and mess-free way to test paint colors is using peel-and-stick paint samples. I recommend using Samplize.
These can be easily applied to the wall and removed without causing any damage.
Observe the samples at various times of the day and under different lighting conditions because as lighting changes so will the color.
Conclusion
As I’ve showed you, there are many paint color options that can effectively brighten up dark hallways without resorting to white.
Selecting a paint color with warmer undertones, such as beige or light gray, can create a cozy atmosphere in the hallway.
On the other hand, cooler colors like shades of blue or green can give a sense of freshness and airiness in the space.
It’s important to strike a balance between the two depending on your preferences and the overall aesthetic of the home.
With the right color choice, a dark hallway can transform from a dull and unwelcoming space into a bright and inviting area that adds character and warmth to any home.
