Dark hall - picture attached

[DrowningInPaint]

Following all the helpful advice on my thread about curtains I am seeking help again!

In the attached photo the hall does not look as dark as it actually is..... trick of the camera. How can I brighten it up?

My thoughts are to paint the cabinet but is that a no no? It is a very dark piece of furniture but incredibly useful for shoes. Might be better in a cream colour or would that be just awful??

I know the curtain could go but it makes it cosy in the winter. Will probably get it down once house is up for sale.

I would like to paint the front door lighter, but then it wouldn't match the outside. Do people have front doors different colours on either side, or is that just weird?

Please let me have your thoughts on any of the above points!

Coat stand must go. Looks cluttered and messy. One curtain immediately across front door as I suggested in a nice cosy wool if you want. Can look sophisticated and cosy. Make sure there is adequate clearance and it has proper pinch pleats in. Radiator cover yes . Picture above radiator us far too small and not centralised, go with silver rather than gold to flatter north facing light. Can you draw a plan of hall as it is? What is the height and dimensions?

Paint the door white, walls maybe a lemon yellow to brighten it up ( cream is dull) and ditch the cabinet, it's far too big for the space.

I would definitely get rid of the coat stand first, I have a wooden frame thing with hooks on the wall, looks really need and modern. Also the cabinet is nice but it is a bit dark, I wouldn't be worried about painting it as long as you use a primer and do it properly, it'll definitely lighten the whole hallway up. Oh and maybe a lighter curtains if you're definitely wanting to keep them.

I'd suggest... Painting the walls a light/warm grey and either remove the curtain, or get a lighter colour. See how the cabinet looks beside the walls. It might work well with the new colours. If not, then paint it. I agree with the poster that suggested a big mirror on one of the walls. My own hallway is dark and the mirrors really help reflect light & makes the room appear bigger.