How to give your hallway a glow-up on $70

Hallways are the workhorses of the house—used constantly but rarely updated. They’re also the first impression when someone walks in, which makes them worth a little attention. The good news? You don’t need to spend much to make a big difference.

With around $70, you can brighten, organize, and polish your hallway so it feels intentional instead of forgotten. The key is choosing small changes that have a high visual impact while still being practical for everyday life.

Swap out tired lighting

Nothing dates a hallway faster than bad lighting. Replacing an old ceiling fixture with a modern flush mount or semi-flush light instantly updates the space.

Warm bulbs make all the difference—stick to a color temperature around 2700K for that cozy, welcoming glow. You can find stylish, affordable options at big-box stores or online for under $70 and completely change the look of the space in an afternoon.

Add a narrow runner

A hallway without a rug can feel cold and unfinished. A long, low-pile runner adds warmth, texture, and a bit of sound absorption, which makes the whole space feel softer.

Look for washable or stain-resistant options in patterns that hide dirt. You can find plenty of durable runners under $70 that instantly make your hallway look styled instead of neglected.

Paint the doors or trim

If your hallway feels flat, a small paint project can bring it back to life. Repainting the trim, baseboards, or even the doors in a fresh neutral color gives instant polish.

Choose a semi-gloss finish so it’s easy to wipe clean. You’ll spend more time taping than painting, but the payoff is huge—your hallway will look cleaner and more finished without touching the walls.

Hang a mirror to reflect light

Mirrors make narrow hallways feel brighter and larger by bouncing light around. A medium-sized framed mirror adds both function and style.

Place it across from a window or light source for maximum effect. You can find attractive mirrors within your budget, and it’ll make even a dim hallway feel open and welcoming.

Create a small gallery wall

Adding a row of framed art or family photos gives personality to an otherwise plain stretch of wall. Matching frames keep it cohesive and make everything look intentional.

Stick to two colors—like black and white or wood and brass—and space them evenly. Printing your own photos and using affordable frames keeps the total cost well under $70.

Upgrade your entry mat

If your hallway starts near an exterior door, a fresh doormat is an easy way to make it feel cleaner and more inviting. Worn mats drag the space down fast.

Choose something durable like coir or a woven mat in a neutral tone. It’ll trap dirt before it spreads through the house and instantly make your entry look more put together.

Add functional wall hooks

A hallway with nowhere to hang things turns messy in no time. Wall hooks solve that instantly while adding a little visual interest.

Go for simple metal or wooden hooks that match your hardware. Even a few well-placed hooks can make your space more practical and easier to keep tidy.

Bring in a plant or greenery

A touch of life goes a long way in tight spaces. A small potted plant, wall-mounted greenery, or faux arrangement adds color and freshness without crowding the area.

If your hallway doesn’t get sunlight, faux plants are perfectly fine—modern ones look realistic and still give that organic feel every home needs.

Add peel-and-stick accents

Peel-and-stick wallpaper, decals, or wainscoting strips can totally change the feel of a hallway without committing to a full renovation.

Stick with soft neutrals or subtle textures that add depth without overwhelming the space. It’s renter-friendly, budget-friendly, and can be done in an hour.

Layer in warm lighting

If your hallway tends to feel dim at night, motion-sensor or plug-in LED lights are an affordable fix. A soft, warm glow makes the space feel cozy and safe to walk through.

You can tuck small lights near baseboards or corners to highlight the area without harsh brightness. It’s one of the easiest upgrades that quietly makes the biggest difference.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.