The 10 Best Hallway Paint Colors

For blending color schemes and easing transitions, these hallway paint colors are unmatched.

farmhouse hallway
Photo:

Jay Wilde

If you haven’t given a lot of thought to your hallway paint color choices, it’s time we change that. Whether your transitional spaces are large, small, or somewhere in between, finding the right color scheme for your hallways can help create smooth transitions from one room to the next. Where to begin relies on several factors. Thankfully, we’ve enlisted a roster of pros to help you find the right look for these often overlooked spaces.

How to Choose the Best Hallway Paint Color

Hallways work to connect rooms, so it stands to reason they shouldn’t be neglected when it comes to adding to the home’s overall style. A good hallway paint color can unite various color schemes, easing transitions and softening edges.

While finding the right one might seem a daunting task, Erika Woelfel, Behr VP of color and creative services, says you should begin the process by considering your floor plan. “Neutrals like beige, cream, gray, and taupe are good colors to use for open floor plans or to seamlessly connect one area to another,” she says. From there, selecting colors that complement your decor, furnishings, textural elements, and more can help determine the right shade for your hallways.

Here, designers and color experts share their top picks for hallway paint colors, plus tips for making the most of these transition spaces.

The Best Hallway Paint Colors

01 of 10

Platinum (PPU26-11) by Behr

Behr Platinum Paint Color in Entryway Hall

Behr

Woelfel says there are a few requirements when it comes to hallways, namely they should be both friendly and welcoming. Platinum fits the bill. The light gray hallway paint color strikes a neutral note that imparts a warm feel. Subtle greenish-blue tones give it a tranquil note that goes a long way in creating a sense of ease.

02 of 10

Pashmina (AF-100) by Benjamin Moore

Benjamin Moore Pashmina Paint Color in a Hallway

Benjamin Moore

Pashmina is as cozy as it sounds. It’s a neutral gray with an elevated sense of style that brings warm sophistication to hallways. Hannah Yeo, color marketing and development manager at Benjamin Moore, says it’s a great option when you’re trying to connect color schemes from one space to another as it has a definite transitional quality to it.

03 of 10

Rabbit’s Ear (PPG0999-2) by Glidden

Glidden Paint by PPG Rabbit's Ear in Dining Room

Glidden Paint by PPG

Rabbit’s Ear is a soft and cozy hall paint color with a hint of a cool side. “We love using this warm greige with blue and cream color palettes,” says designer Amy Youngblood of Amy Youngblood Interiors. “It feels more ashy, which makes it lean more gray, but is so rich.”

04 of 10

Even Better Beige (DC-010) by Behr

Behr Even Better Beige Paint Color in Hallway

Behr

Finding the right neutral is easier than going bold, right? Not always. Just as it’s important to find the right shade, tone, and even finish with a saturated paint color, the same can be said for their more subtle counterpoints. Woelfel says Even Better Beige is a favorite hallway paint color both for its versatility and its warmth.

05 of 10

White Dove (OC-17) by Benjamin Moore

Benjamin Moore White Dove in Upper Stairwell

Youngblood describes White Dove as a true white that has a great degree of versatility thanks to its warm undertones. The designer says it’s no accident that designers and paint pros tend to veer toward these soft whites, beiges, and greiges for hallways. “We stay away from darker paint colors so the hallway doesn’t feel like a cave,” she explains. “Lighter and brighter is the best so it feels more open and less stressful.”

06 of 10

Swirling Smoke (PPG1007-2) by Glidden

Glidden for PPG Swirling Smoke Paint Color in Room with Wood Paneling

Glidden for PPG

This rich neutral has mahogany undertones that make it a winner for pairing with wood tones. If your hallway connects to a dining room, Swirling Smoke is worth considering. “[It’s] a beautiful and light modern greige that will work with many different color palettes,” says Youngblood.

07 of 10

Tudor Cream (2157-60) by Benjamin Moore

Benjamin Moore Tudor Cream in Hallway

Benjamin Moore

Tudor Cream is a peachy, happy shade that has an invigorating energy. “The bright saturation instantly lights up the darkest hallway, giving the illusion of a warm sunglow,” says Yeo. “Pair it with crisp white and lighter wood tones to maximize the luminous effect.”

08 of 10

Toasted Almond (PPG1097-3) by Glidden

Glidden for PPG Toasted Almond Paint Color in Living Room

Glidden for PPG

There’s nothing boring about beige, as long as you pick the right one. Toasted Almond has flourishes of caramel and bronze to keep it interesting. “[It’s] a more traditional beige color that still feels modern and bright and works well with natural woods,” says Youngblood.

09 of 10

Tamarind (AF-120) by Benjamin Moore

Benjamin Moore Tamarind Paint Color in Entryway

Benjamin Moore

Grounding elements can provide a sense of calm within a space—and that includes earth-inspired hues like Tamarind. “This rich mushroom hue holds weight to ground the home, especially in an open floor plan and multi-level homes,” says Yeo. While light colors are oftentimes preferred when it comes to hallways, deeper shades like this are unmatched when it comes to highlighting architectural details like arches and moldings.

10 of 10

Elemental (AF-400) by Benjamin Moore

Benjamin Moore Elemental Paint Color in Entryway

Benjamin Moore

For something unexpected, Yeo suggests Elemental, a soothing green shade that delivers relaxation in spades. “Greens can work with a variety of different colors, from creams and neutrals to bolder violets and blues,” she says. “Dress it up with deep navy and browns for a rich, alluring hallway, or opt for a calming effect with neutral hues; the design potential with Elemental is endless.”

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