Choosing hallway wallpaper — and how to decorate a staircase wall

The hallway is the first thing anyone sees, and yet it is the space most often left plain. That is a missed opportunity, because a hallway is the perfect place to be brave: you pass through it rather than sit in it, so a bold design makes a real impression without you having to live with it all day. Stairways and landings are the same — awkward, often overlooked walls that a mural can completely transform. Here are the ideas that work best, and how to tackle a staircase wall.

Hallway wallpaper ideas

For a bold entrance, dramatic designs set the tone the moment you walk in — a dark floral, a striking geometric, a marble or a black and gold design gives a hallway instant character.

For depth in a narrow space, scenic murals work brilliantly — a forest, landscape or mountain scene draws the eye into the distance and makes a tight hallway feel wider and more open.

For a classic look, chinoiserie and world-map designs bring timeless, characterful detail to an entrance or landing.

For a dark or windowless hallway, you have two good options: lean into it with a rich, cosy dark design, or lift it with a light, bright or scenic mural to make the most of what little light there is.

How to decorate a staircase wall

The wall that climbs alongside a staircase is one of the trickiest to decorate — tall, sloped and hard to fill with pictures. A made-to-measure mural solves it neatly, because the design is printed and scaled to your exact wall, sloped edge and all, so it flows up the stairs as one continuous scene with no awkward gaps. Scenic and botanical designs suit this beautifully, drawing the eye upward. Measure the full height and width including the rake of the stairs, and our measuring guide will help you get the shape right.

Narrow and awkward hallways

Narrow hallways benefit most from designs that add depth or light. A scenic mural creates the illusion of space, while a pale or softly textured design keeps a tight corridor feeling open. Vertical elements, like a design that draws the eye upward, help a low or boxy hallway feel taller. Keep the woodwork and doors light to balance a bold wall.

Which material to choose

Hallways and stairways are high-traffic zones — bags, coats and hands all take their toll — so a hard-wearing, wipe-clean finish is worth considering. The extra-durable, water-resistant Heavy-Grade material stands up well to a busy entrance, while peel-and-stick suits renters and quick updates. You choose your material, and see the price for your exact wall size, on each product page.