Hallways, Landings and Narrow Walls: Making Words Fit a Tight Space

Hallways and landings are tricky. They are narrow, they are often dark, and people move through them quickly. They are also the first part of the home that visitors see, so words here do more work than almost anywhere else. These are the choices that help in the Canvas Builder.

Choose portrait

In a narrow space, a tall canvas uses the wall better than a wide one. A portrait canvas also draws the eye up, which can make a low corridor feel taller. A tall, narrow piece such as our A3-proportioned 29.7 x 42 cm size suits a slim wall beside a door.

Keep the words short

Hallway canvases are read in passing. Short words, set large, are the right fit. A welcome, a name, a one-line sentiment. Our gallery’s Welcome to Our Home is a classic, and does its work in a glance.

Consider how far away it is

In a long hallway, the canvas may be seen from the far end. In that case, go larger, and use bold raised lettering so the words hold up at a distance. In a short hallway, where you pass close to it, a smaller canvas with finer lettering can feel more intimate.

Think about light

Hallways are often dim. Light colours, such as white on a textured white canvas, bounce what light there is, and raised lettering catches it. Dark canvases can look beautiful, but may disappear in a poorly lit passage. Our guide to how light changes raised lettering explains why.

Use a stair wall with care

On a staircase, the wall rises at an angle, and canvases look best when grouped to follow it. If you have a single canvas, hang it at eye level for the middle of the flight, not at the foot or the top. Always check that it cannot be caught by someone carrying something.

Mind the width of the space

Leave enough room that nobody brushes the canvas as they pass. A canvas does not need to be deep, but a hallway canvas that sticks out from the wall is easy to catch, so choose secure fixings.

Plan a set

A hallway can carry a row of small canvases hung at the same height, each with a short word. Tell us in your notes if you would like them to work as a set, and open the Builder to start.