How can I make hallway more open?

[House7345]

We are looking to buy this house but the hallway is quite enclosed and dark.

Any ideas on how we could open it up more, any examples of how it has been done?

I'll attach floorplans on next post...

[House7345]

Floorplans

[gretagreengrapes]

I don't think you can without sacrificing some useful space but others may have ideas. You could have the door mainly frosted glass to let as much light in a possible?

[doubleshotespresso]

Glass panel above and through the front door maybe?

[TheFogsGettingThicker]

Change the front door for one with a bigger window? Mine had only a half-moon at the top. Our hall is very similar to your potential one, narrow and gloomy.... The difference in having an arched window in the top half of the new door was amazing.

[Watto1]

Quite drastic but how about knocking down the wall between the hall and the lounge? You might need to put in a second door between the loo and the lounge door though, otherwise the loo will be directly off the lounge and the front door will lead from outside directly to the lounge.

[Ariela]

Depends on how your roof/loft is arranged, and which way is south but I'd consider a sun tube (other brands available) that directs light to above the stairs so it shines down and also lights the hall.
www.velux.co.uk/products/sun-tunnels. Or even two of them so the landing is lighter.

I'd also look at replacing the door between lounge and hall with one entirely glass panels if it isn't already - and pop a mirror on the wall opposite it, as well as having a glass panelled front door and if there's any space at the sides, glass panels there too.

You could also replace the hall lighting for downlighters that are PIR operated - so always come on when you enter.

[TeaAndBisquits]

To give the illusion of light, a very large mirror on the wall could work.

[Bluntness100]

Light reflective paint and a large mirror is the simplest options.

[RandomMess]

You could also have a part frosted glass door on the WC but light tube/velux window and glazed front door worth looking at.

[LagneyandCasey]

Is there enough room for double doors into the lounge which would open it out a bit.

I agree with pps, add a mirror or two at points that reflect the light and change the front door to one with more glass.

Add some nice wall lights. I think they can look less gloomy than overhead lighting. And/or a big standard lamp if there's room.

Pale but warm paint. Something like a pebble grey or a warm cream. Flooring with stripes that go across the width can make it look wider.

If one day you decide to convert the garage into another room you could put in a window, glass bricks or glazed door to let in light from there.