Best Paint for a Hallway – a Full Guide

As a decorator, it’s fair to say that I have painted a few hallways in my time. A lot of homeowners seem to put a lot of thought into kitchen and bathroom paint, but don’t even consider which paint products should be used when talking about a hall, stairs, and landing. This is a bit silly in my opinion because a hallway is a unique environment and the paint needs to perform well.

Let’s look at emulsion first. A hallway is what I’d call a “high traffic area” and walls are prone to being scuffed or marked. So, a durable matt emulsion is often needed. However, because of the amount of polymer binder in durable matt, some brands show defects such as picture framing and flashing. These defects show more in a hallway than in any other room in the house, simply because you’re looking along the walls rather than square onto them. What you need is a durable emulsion with a very low-sheen level and leaves a flawless finish… Easier said than done, right?

Same sort of thing for the ceiling; I know the ceiling paint doesn’t need to be durable, but it does need to be low-sheen. Otherwise, you will see imperfections and defects.

Then you have your woodwork, which causes another headache! Without boring you with too much science of oil-based paints, EU restrictions now limit the amount of chemicals known as VOCs a manufacturer is allowed to use in paint such as satinwood and gloss. The knock-on effect is oil-based paints now quickly discolour in rooms that do not have a lot of natural light (such as hallways). Because of this, it’s much better to stick with water-based paint in a hallway, rather than traditional oil.

So, the best paint for a hallway is a low-sheen emulsion for the ceiling, a low-sheen durable matt emulsion for the walls, and a water-based paint (probably satinwood) for your woodwork.

I’m going to give you some specific product recommendations now. I tend to stick with trade paint rather than retail, but I cherry pick the best products from different brands.

Best Emulsion for the Walls in a Hallway

Best Paint for a ceiling in a Hallway

The Best Paint for Woodwork in a Hallway

Tips for Choosing Colours in a Hallway

I’m more of a ‘product focus type of guy’ if truth be told. Interior design doesn’t really excite me, but I can give you a few helpful tips for choosing paint colours when decorating a hallway.

Think about light and space

Most hallways are narrow and don’t get much natural light. They don’t lend themselves to strong colours, which would make the walls feel closer than they are. Unless you have a wide hallway with loads of natural light, then neutrals are your friend. Pastel colours, creams, and warm greys suit most hallways.

Consider a feature wall

Some hallways don’t lend themselves to feature walls, but others do. You might choose the wall going up the stairs and then mirror it under the stairs to create a sense of symmetry, so it looks like the same wall. Try not to go with too much of a contrast between the feature wall and the rest of your walls. A Colour wheel will help you choose. The Dulux Heritage Colour Picker is useful too.

Consider panelling

Panelling is very popular now. It looks modern and adds ‘a bit of something’ without jumping out at you and being too bold.

Consider two-tone

If you have a picture rail, then you might consider having different, but complimentary colours at either side of the rail. Again, use a colour wheel or the Dulux Heritage Colour Picker.

Flow with other rooms

Don’t just think about the décor in the room you’re working on. Think about how it flows with other rooms too. This is another argument for neutrals in a hallway, because you know they won’t clash with the rooms that come off it. You might consider using a colour wheel to try and choose complementary colours for your hall in relation to the other rooms in your home. Having the same flooring throughout your house helps too (you might have the same hardwood flooring over the whole of the downstairs and the same carpet throughout the upstairs).

FAQs

Is silk or matt paint better for hallways?

Silk should be avoided at all costs. It’s high sheen finish not only looks dated, but it also highlights imperfections, shows defects, and can cause problems with crazing further down the line.

What is the best finish for a hallway?

A low-sheen durable matt emulsion is the best finish for a hallway.

Should I paint my living room and hallway the same colour?

This is a fantastic way to make your home’s decor flow from room to room.

Should I use washable or scrubbable paint in a hallway?

Hallways get a lot of foot traffic, and the walls are often scuffed, particularly when people are carrying things. A durable paint stands up better and will look good for longer.

What colour is best for a narrow or dark hallway?

Go with light and neutral colours in narrow and dark hallways.

How many coats of paint do I need for a hallway?

Two coats of paint on the ceiling, two coats of paint on the walls, and three coats of paint on the woodwork, providing you use good-quality paints.

How do I stop hallway paint from getting scuffed easily?

It’s all in the paint products. A Durable paint will resist being scuffed.

Final Thoughts

There are a lot of factors to think about when choosing the best paint for a hallway. You don’t just need it to look good, but you also want it to look good for a few years until you’re ready to redecorate again. By following this blog (even if you don’t take my recommendations on paint brands), you can’t go wrong.

I hope it helps.