Modern Hallway Ideas

Colour is the key to a modern hallway transformation. Contemporary hallways use colour strategically to create visual interest, whether through dramatic colour drenching, minimalist monochrome palettes or bold colour blocking. 

When choosing paint for hallways, consider how much natural light the space gets and how you want the design to work with the rest of your home. If you love minimalist, modern designs, you could choose complementary shades that create a sense of continuity between your hallway and the adjacent rooms.  

Prefer a bold, maximalist design? Use your hallway to showcase your personality with a contrasting palette to the rest of your interior, adding drama and sophistication.  

We’ve rounded up some of the best modern paint colours for hallways to help you find your favourites. 

The timeless combination of black and white is the ideal choice for a modern hallway. This classic pairing creates a striking visual contrast while maintaining the clean, uncluttered aesthetic that defines contemporary interior design. A crisp white hallway with black trim and doors makes artwork and architectural details pop, while an all-black hallway gives the space a cosy and dramatic feel – particularly in hallways with little natural light. 

Consider these paint colours for your black and white hallway: 

• Rich Black – this deep black hue adds instant drama to your hallway, whether used on the walls or trim. 
• White Mist – this cool-toned white is ideal for modern homes, working well in monochrome designs or as the primary shade for a bright, contemporary hallway. 
• Rock Salt – a cool-toned white that adds a modern touch to your black and white hallway colour palette.  

Grey is the ultimate neutral shade for modern hallways. It’s a versatile alternative to white, as it complements a range of other colours and serves as the ideal backdrop for colourful artwork and accessories. Consider using different shades of grey to create a minimalist tonal effect or pair grey walls with crisp white ceilings and trim for a fresh, contemporary look.  

From soft grey to dark charcoal, grey provides endless possibilities for creating depth and interest in your hallway. These are the top modern grey hallway colours to consider: 

• Polished Pebble – this light grey shade can make narrow hallways feel more spacious and airy. 
• Natural Slate – this dark, charcoal grey creates an inviting and sophisticated atmosphere in hallways. 
• Perfectly Taupe – a warm grey with subtle beige undertones and the ideal choice for traditional homes seeking a modern update.  
• Goose Down – a cool mid-grey that complements contemporary design features. 

Rich jewel tones bring a sense of luxury and depth to modern hallways while adding personality. They also provide the perfect backdrop for artwork and decorative elements, allowing metallic frames, hardware and mirrors to shine. Consider painting an accent wall or colour drenching smaller hallways for an intimate, cocooning feel.  

Whether you prefer deep emerald greens, sapphire blues or amethyst purples, these shades create dramatic spaces that feel both contemporary and timeless. Some of our favourite modern jewel-toned shades for hallways include: 

• Pine Needle – this deep forest green makes a dramatic impact in hallways, whether used as an accent wall or in a bold colour blocking design.  
• Acai Berry – a rich purple that’s ideal for colour drenching a hallway or pairing with pale neutrals to create contrast. 
• Sapphire Salute – this classic navy blue shade adds a sophisticated touch to any hallway. Discover more of our favourite blue hallway ideas here. 

Modernising a Victorian hallway requires a delicate balance between honouring its character and embracing contemporary design. Here are our top tips: 

• Highlight original architectural features. Crown moulding, wainscoting and decorative ceiling elements can be given a modern update with a new colour palette. Rich colours like navy blue, forest green, or sophisticated greys can feel both period-appropriate and contemporary. 
• Contrast your woodwork and trim. Consider painting original woodwork in White Cotton or Timeless to create contrast against darker walls. This approach maintains the Victorian emphasis on architectural details while feeling fresh and modern.  
• Invest in modern lighting. Contemporary light fixtures can update the space dramatically – think sleek pendant lights or wall sconces that complement rather than compete with period features. 

Clean lines, natural materials and sophisticated colour palettes define modern mid-century hallways. Explore our top mid-century hallway ideas to honour this design while giving the space a modern update: 

• Choose warm, earthy tones. Copper Blush, Fresh Artichoke or California Days have an authentic mid-century feeling while being bright and contemporary.  
• Opt for warm wood tones. Pair your chosen colours with sleek furnishings in warm, dark wood to embody the mid-century design. You could consider incorporating wood panelling to enhance the natural elements and bring more warmth to your hallway.  
• Invest in statement lighting. Mid-century lighting is sculptural and statement-making, whether you prefer modern starburst chandeliers or sleek pendant lights that serve as functional art pieces. 

As well as your chosen paint colours, your hallway décor can bring the space to life. These are some of the best ways to add the finishing touches to a modern hallway: 

• Mirrors. Large-scale mirrors can make your hallway look bigger and brighter, and there are plenty of modern designs to choose from. 
• Wall panelling. A popular trend in modern homes, wall panelling adds texture and interest to plain walls. 
• Statement lighting. Lighting is one of the easiest ways to give your hallway a modern update. Statement pendant lights, sculptural sconces or dramatic chandeliers are both functional and a unique design feature. 
• Built-in storage. Custom benches, floating shelves or sleek console tables maximise storage without cluttering the space. 
• Gallery walls. Curated artwork or photography displays add a personal touch. Consider abstract, modern pieces to enhance the contemporary feel of your hallway. 
• Plants or flowers. A sculptural vase with fresh flowers or a minimalist plant pot can bring life into a modern hallway, making it feel more homely. 
• Runners and rugs. Modern geometric rugs or runners in a contrasting colour will add texture and warmth underfoot. 

For more design inspiration, find out how to brighten up a dark hallway in our guide.