Hallway Paint Ideas for a Modern Look
Hallways usher guests into the house. They need to be neat and welcoming. Though tiny, there are many ideas you could try to make the hallway more than just a space that people use to get into the main house. You can do a lot to enhance your hallway and make it a place to behold, urge your guests on, and make them curious to see what lies ahead. Let’s look at ways you can give your entrance an elegant look with modern hallway colors.
Staining vs. Painting Stairs
Staining and painting the staircase are both capable of producing exceptional results. While many people are familiar with the similarities, understanding the key differences between painted and stained stairs will make it easier to decide which is best suited for your next renovation project. Let’s do a critical analysis of staining and painting.
Effect of Painting vs. Staining Stairs
Staining is cheaper compared to painting, but it comes in fewer colors and options. Staining is typically done in wood but can also be done on concrete projects. The stain color is preferred for wood projects because it penetrates the surface where it is being applied easily, bringing out the natural and beautiful look of the wood.
To Paint or Stain Your Stair Railings?
In most cases, the stain is easier to apply than paint because it only requires one coat to get the job done. However, the number of coats you apply depends on the absorbance rate of the wood surface you are staining.
The more absorbent the wood surface you are staining, the more coats of stain you will need. Since stain gets absorbed into the surface, it does not require priming like paint. This makes it hard for the stain to peel off. On the other hand, paint remains on top of the surface, and if not done correctly, it peels off.
Staining Stairs
The best stain for DIY projects is gel stain, which is easy to apply. After applying wood stain onto the handrails, they should be sealed with wood varnish.
Pros of staining stairs
- Available in various colors. Stains come in multiple options, such as solid, semi-transparent, and clear colors. These colors make it easy to choose how much of the natural wood you want to show.
- Does not peel off. Instead of peeling off, the stain fades, which makes repairing the stairs as easy as adding a new clear coat on top.
- Gets absorbed into the wood grain. Stain penetrates the wood grain, blocking moisture that would have caused the wood to rot. Staining is thus easy to apply and efficient in protecting the wood.
- Enhances the beauty of wood. Applying the right stain on your staircase will help to bring out the natural look and feel of the stairs rather than hide them under a coat. The fact that stains do not peel off but rather just fade makes it easy to identify any faults in stained wood and repair them at an affordable cost.
- No Need for a Primer. The stain is thick and thus does not need priming before application, which makes it easier to apply. You generally need one coat to completely stain your stairs.
- Affordable. As you’ve seen, staining usually only needs one coat and doesn’t require priming, which keeps the cost down.
- Long Lasting. Staining stairs and railings have a long-lasting effect.
Cons of Staining Stairs
- Requires Continuous Maintenance. As some stains tend to last up to five years, failure to re-stain the surfaces of the stairs for too long can be a challenge the next time you stain them. And the more complicated and labor-intensive the job is, the more money you will spend trying to get them back into shape. In general, maintenance repairs will be required every couple of years.
- Certain Types of wood don’t Hold Stains. Tropical hardwoods are an example of wood that cannot hold onto the stain well. The solution is to sand your hardwood floors before staining them lightly. Specific sanding techniques require a skill. For certain types of wood, applying a clear wood conditioner every couple of years can help guard the wood against sun damage. Failure to maintain the surface of the stained stairs will ruin it and call for a complete repair, which will be costly.
- Stain is Unpredictable. To achieve your most desired outcome, you will need to do a lot of testing, which may require the hand of an experienced painter to pull off. If you want to stain your stair railings, it would be best to hire a professional painting contractor because mistakes can be expensive.
- Not Ideal for Painted Stairs. Staining already painted surfaces requires a lot of labor because you must scrape off every bit of paint before staining. This process can be tedious and costly due to the added prep work involved.
Painting Stairs
Painting is preferred for walls, kitchen cabinets, doors, and window frames, among others. Before you paint stair railings, you need to prime the surface so the paint can stick. Paint comes in a variety of colors and costs more than stain. Painting takes a little longer compared to staining and requires more coats to get the job done.
Pros of Painting Stair Railings
- Easy and Affordable. Unlike staining, which sometimes requires previous experience, painting is more manageable and can be an easy DIY project.
- Variety of Color Choices. Paint comes in several color options. You can choose the paint color that resonates with you and brings out a different look on every surface. This allows you to select a color that matches your wall paint to bring harmony to the house.
- Works on Stained Wood. You can easily apply wood paint on stained stair railings without problems. Use oil-based paint primer before painting railings and stairs that were previously stained.
- Easy as a DIY Project. Most of the time, it is easy to complete a paint job on your own.
Cons of Painting Stair Railings
- Makes Surfaces Slippery. Painting the stairs makes them more slippery, putting the whole family at risk of slipping. However, professional painting contractors use slip-resistant paints to minimize accidents. The right paint for stairs and railings creates friction, making them less slippery and safe for use.
- Time and Energy Consuming. Painting railings and stairs is a long process. You need to apply at least two coats of paint to achieve a professional finish. The first coat is primer paint, and the second coat is latex paint or oil-based paint. You can add a top coat of the same paint type and color for a perfect look. Priming surfaces for painting is labor-intensive and can take up to 2 days. If you are not sure how to go about it or are strapped for time, save yourself the trouble and hire a professional painting contractor for a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
- Frequent Maintenance. Painted stairs require constant maintenance depending on the color of the paint you choose. While white paint exposes tiny dirt on the stairs, darker colors such as black tend to hide imperfections. Due to the continuous friction stairs are exposed to, the stair paint is likely to peel off, meaning it won’t last long. You will need to do occasional repairs to maintain the beautiful look of the color paint on your stair railings.
- Can Leave Brush Strokes. Painting stair railings with the wrong brush can leave behind brush strokes that interfere with the aesthetic beauty of your house.
What Paint Should You Use For Stair Railings?
Stairs and railings receive a lot of traffic and support a lot of weight daily. The paint you apply on these surfaces should be easy to clean and wipe. Consider satin and semi-gloss as they are easy to keep clean.
The lighter the color you choose for your stair railing paint, the more it reflects light and makes the whole staircase look brighter. On the other hand, darker colors absorb light and make the area appear dark. If you want to make your hallway appear larger than it is, you need to go for lighter colors. According to experts, start your painting with the handrails and spindles, then move to the stairs. Consider matching the color of the handrails with that of the stair treads.
When painting heavy traffic areas such as stairs and railings, applying more than one coat is advisable. Also, remember to use wood paint instead of wall paint. Leading paint manufacturers make special wood paint that sticks better and lasts longer on wood than ordinary wall paint.
Benjamin Moore Advance paints tend to work well in high-traffic areas as they cure fast and do not need a top coat. Latex paint cures faster than oil paint and is the best option if you want to complete the project more quickly. Find those with a glossy finish for an appealing look, and use a paintbrush that doesn’t leave brush marks behind. If you’re painting as a DIY project, start with a small paintbrush before switching to a roller. Start painting from the top, moving slowly on your way down.
Techniques of Hallway Painting
Consider the amount of natural light getting into the hallway.
You may be surprised, but having a well-lit, welcoming space can boost your mood and make you feel happier. Lighting it up makes it safe and also gives it a feeling of tranquility. Not all hallways receive enough natural light. If your hallway is not getting enough light, you can change your front door to one with glazing that lets in some light while safeguarding your privacy. Glazing on internal connecting doors can help you get light from other rooms into a narrow hallway. Accent lighting can be great for those dark corners within the hallway while highlighting a focal point in the hallway. Additionally, mirrors and reflective gloss paint on the window frames can create an illusion of proper lighting in the welcoming space.
Add a feature wall
Apart from lighting, a mirror, artwork, feature wall, and paint color can affect your hallway look. Use neutral colors on the walls and light colors on the ceiling to give a narrow hallway a lush look. If you have a feature wall, paint it a dark color or highlight it with wallpaper. Feature walls work magic on small hallways, making them look bigger than they are. As an interior designer for your home, you can pair it up with a decorative rug, an art gallery, paintings, or live plants.
Make a bold choice
One of the modern hallway ideas you need to try is avoiding all those neutral colors and going for bold colors. A strong color scheme can make a bold introduction to your home in ways that white walls and gray accent colors can’t. Brighter colors like red, orange, and a deep shade of blue are allowed. You do not have to use a single color in the hallway. If you have off-white, pale blue, or gray as your primary color, create a contrast with these brighter colors.
Expand the space
There is nothing wrong with a narrow hallway. Even a small hallway can look better with a suitable color scheme and interior design ideas. One of the best ways to do this is by playing with the wall paint color, the ceiling color, and other decorating ideas. Any hallway decor ideas that increase the amount of light getting in can make this welcoming space look bigger. A bigger space looks clean, healthy, and welcoming. Experiment with mirrors, lighting, and paint colors. A uniform color on the walls and ceiling is a great idea, as are mirrors and glazed doors. Also, remember to paint the inside of the front door a neutral color to expand the space.
Wallpaper can be a gorgeous backdrop.
Wallpapers work wonders too. They allow you to give your walls or accent walls a unique look and feel. You can match it with your wall colors and decor. Wallpapers come in all shapes and patterns, and abstract shapes can create a subtle contrast in your hallway and add character to your hallway.
Exude some warmth with peach and yellow
Your hallway paint should always create a welcoming feel. Warm colors such as peach and yellow do this perfectly so that you can try it out. However, go for the lighter shades and mix them with a different subtle color.
Create a relaxing feel with green
Your guests need to feel comfortable as soon as they enter the hallway. Use colors that make the hallway feel relaxing and set the pace for a great conversation and a lifetime of friendship. There is no better way to do this than with the paint colors you use, such as green and pale blue. Ask an interior design professional to help you with the right color scheme.
Paint the stairway and add a border
When painting the hallway, do not forget the woodwork and the stairs. Painting the staircase with a contrasting color can go a long way in adding detail to your hallway. A dark border on the stairway can also highlight it in a way that makes it stand out.
A dark color is allowed.
Who said dark colors are not for the welcoming room of your home? Dark colors do not always give a place a gloomy feel. Many use chalkboard paint in the hallway to create a family noticeboard. You can also paint the inside of your front door with darker shades to create a highlight and give the space depth.
Consider adding a console table.
A console table is a great hallway decoration idea and an excellent alternative to a feature wall. Adding a console table to the hallway can give you space to display beautiful porcelain, lamps, mirrors, books, plants, or anything that can add personality to this space.
Use the floor paint color to create visual interest.
Most of the dirt from your shoes will collect in the hallway, but you can use this space to create visual interest. If there is a staircase, remember to paint it and give it a bright white or off-white trim. A warm color spectrum could enhance the look and feel of this high-traffic area.
Use a decorative rug on the floor.
Floor mats and decorative rugs can add to the curb appeal of your hallway. Place a nicely decorated rug inside and match it with the interior decor.
Add a sofa for extra comfort.
Who said the hallway could not be comfortable? If you have a considerably large hallway space, allow your guests to sit and rest before entering the main house. You can also sit there some days, watching the world outside, especially if there is a large window where you can fix a window seat.
Hallway Paint Colors to Try
What is the best paint color for your hallway? A single color, two colors, three colors, contrasting colors, a single color… There are no rules to follow when selecting the ideal color scheme for this space. However, factors such as available space, interior color scheme, amount of natural light coming in, lifestyle, and the desired feel all play a role. Here are some common hallway paint ideas to consider:
Different shades of white
Most hallways have white trim on the doors, window frames, and off-white walls. You can go with different shades of white to add detail while maintaining the bright look of this space.
Terracotta
Give your hallway a practical look with terracotta paint on the floor. You can pair it up with white walls. Terracotta also gives this space some texture and depth.
Gray
If you have a large hallway, light gray can work wonders on the walls, while dark gray makes an attractive accent color. Gray gives the space a lighter look, one of the effects you want to create in the hallway. You can pair it with a bold color on the furniture and fittings and a subtle color on the floor.
Chalkboard
Most hallways are white, but you can always break this tradition with something unique. Without a console table, feature wall, or art gallery in the hallway, you could always create a chalkboard paint color on the hallway. If your hallway color scheme is bold, the chalkboard paint color inside the front door will work wonders.
Green
Green is calming and gives any space an earthly feel. Being the color of nature, it tends to create a relaxing atmosphere. Whether in the hallway walls or other rooms in your home, green is a paint color you need to experiment with. You can achieve a lot with different shades of green. For instance, sage can help you create an illusion of space in a narrow hallway. Green is among the modern hallway colors that pair well with white walls. It also works beautifully with a darker shade on the floor to maintain a cohesive look.
Why do you need professional help?
Your hallway is a unique space. Whether big or small, modern or classic, you can instantly transform it into the welcoming space you desire. How you organize and paint the hallway can affect your home’s entire mood and how your guests interact with you. You want your home to be a friendly, relaxing, and happy place while simultaneously creating room for warmth and friendship. An accessory here, a new paint color there, and other budget hallway ideas can help you achieve this goal. Working with a professional can help you convert a dull home into a modern home without breaking the bank.
The Ohio Painting Company has helped hundreds of homeowners like you achieve this with paint color. Here is why you need to partner with us in transforming your hallway;
Save time and money.
The number one reason you need to hire a professional to help you paint your hallway is because of time and money. Choosing the right color schemes for your home can be time-consuming, and most people experiment with different colors without success. The more colors you try, the more you spend. Avoid the guesswork. We have tried it on many homes and have an idea about what could work in yours.
Create the right feel
Guesswork never brings results, only frustration. If you are in love with a specific color, it does not mean you should try it on your walls, ceiling or floor. Not every favorite color should go into your interior decor. Some colors work well on the exterior walls, while others work best on the cabinets and fittings. Allow us to select a color palette that matches your taste and the personality of your home.
Blend colors professionally
Contrast is good when trying to create a visual appeal of your welcoming space, but it must be done artistically. You must follow some rules when mixing two or more colors to maintain harmony in your home. It is what we do at The Ohio Painting Company. Call us to guide you through the entire process.
Create a harmonious look
The colors on your walls and floor affect how safe, comfortable, or warm your home feels. Some colors work beautifully, while others clash terribly. Clashing colors affect your mood and the peace in your home. Create harmony with the right color schemes when you hire an expert. Call us for expert project advice.
Beautiful finish
Paint color means nothing at all if you do not have a professional finish. You can have the most expensive and lush color schemes and accessories in your hallway. Still, you need a beautiful finish to communicate this. Finishing the paintwork properly also gives your paint a long life. It is one of the tasks you do not want to include in your DIY projects. Hire a professional to bring out the perfect look you were aiming at.
Need a Modern Approach to Your Hallway Painting? Call Us for a Wide Range of Modern Hallway Colors
You need an expert to create that welcoming look in the high-traffic space of your home. The Ohio Painting Company specializes in a wide range of services, including interior painting, exterior painting, and faux finish. Whether you have a residential or commercial painting project, you could benefit from our expert project advice, quality products, and superior service. Call (937) 409-4443 for a free consultation.
