- Design Inspo
Dark Hallway? Consider These Remedies
Dark as in a mysterious and sexy place can be intriguing. Darkness, as in the moonlit sky full of stars, is cause for pondering and dreaming. But a dark, dimly lit hallway is generally nothing to romanticize. Surely, it’s not inviting. In general, having to navigate a dark hallway is often cause for frustration in a living space. Alas, consequently, to solve this structural dilemma, Nest Casa has compiled some of the best tricks of the trade to shed some light on the issue.
How to Use Lighting to Brighten a Dark Hallway
Just ask anyone involved in film or photography; lighting is everything. Generally, if only seeking one remedy for a dark hallway, seeking a lighting solution is core to resolving it.
There are a least three keys ways to achieve this. First, suggests Nest Casa founder Sara Colombo add a ceiling-mounted statement lighting. For instance, this treatment draws the gaze upward, distracting from the lack of natural light. To demonstrate, this tiered crystal ball chandelier from Aerin or the castle 18-02 by Jason Miller, whose lighting sculpture name was inspired by the Castle move in chess.
Ceiling Statement Lighting
Table Lamps
Additionally, a small decorative table lamp on a table or small console can also draw attention while also providing additional lumination. This Porta Romana handcrafted perfume bottle lamp in black makes a dramatic visual catching the eye. At the same time, the Saint Louis Crystal classic Apollo pattern with its light as air presence adds warmth and intrigue.
Wall Sconces
Furthermore, if the decorative ceiling fixture isn’t a feasible option, nor does the space allow for a table lamp, another option is wall sconces to either add additional light to the hallway or provide a source where none exists. While two is generally sufficient, a longer hall can accommodate up to four nicely. Jason Miller’s two-sided Modo Sconce with two globes does the job and inspires a “where did you get that reaction.” Similarly, the Nouvel small sconce is both organic and Space-Age and guaranteed to earn its fair share of adoration.
How to Use Floor Accessories to Brighten a Dark Hallway
Conversely, drawing attention downwards can also help to illuminate your hallway. A floor treatment fr a non-carpeted surface such as a rug or runner can also lighten it up. Likewise, they can also protect the floor below, which is generally subject to wear and tear as a high traffic area. This smooth flatwoven run from Perennials from the Mesa collection is simple yet nails the task. Additionally, its super flat surface makes it useful for a high-traffic area such as a hallway. Conversely, it may be the perfect place to add a pop of color, as demonstrated in this Abstract Lines rug from West Elm.
How to Use Wall Treatments to Brighten a Dark Hallway
Of course, grabbing a can of white paint would surely brighten any dark hallway. But it may leave you yearning for more. More interest, more depth, more than just a white-washed wall. Cue the wall treatments. For instance, lightly colored wallpapers can add texture and pattern. Italian family-run Dedar Milano demonstrates the power of texture in the Alaya wallcovering. However, for an overhaul that doesn’t require a complete renovation but only looks like it does, Phillip Jeffries Venetian plaster wallcoverings achieve the look without the labor or cost customarily involved. Furthermore, only a true expert will know the difference.
How to Use Mirrors to Brighten a Dark Hallway
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who has the biggest hall of all? This playful sentiment may very well be your victory tune for conquering the dark hallway conundrum. By and large, mirrors are the biggest illusionists out there. Mirrors, used on a dark hallway wall, open the space by making it appear more vast. They can also add a decorative touch. Ultimately, who doesn’t love a hall mirror? Especially near the door, perfect for last-minute touch-ups. Or, according to some, mirrors provide a stroke of luck when peering into before entering the world. One King’s Lane has several swoon-worthy round styles, such as Arterio’s Von Webber round wall mirror ensconced in snow marble and brass flange-like decorative rim or the Noir Cooper style with a ring of perfectly round balls circling its edge.
How to Use Reflective Accessories to Brighten a Dark Hallway
Correspondingly, reflective materials don’t only come in the form of mirrors. Metals can also provide a reflective surface. For the ultimate reflective surface, the Piani console from Artemest is aptly described as an “exercise in elegant minimalism.” Designed by Jun Yasamoto from steel, it features a second shelf for storage. Jonathan Adler offers the Jacque console in lucite and brass.
Of course, these chic consoles need some company. Enter more Saint Louis Crystal in the form of this “En Cage” two votive candle holder or Jonathan Adler brass ripple decor bowl to really take a shine to the space. Correspondingly, a photo frame trimmed in tarnished silver or slender gold finish statues from Dora Mar that bare a slight resemblance to the hallowed Oscar will score an award for being among the best ways to brighten a dark hallway.
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