Removing furniture that obstructs or feels like an obstruction is one idea. Also providing something fantastic to look at, at the end of the hall also distracts. As do darker colors. Not sure what mirrors would do as you’ll only see a reflection as you pass by, of your shoulder.

Strip all the faux wains coting trim off, furniture out, pictures off the walls. The false paneling is too heavy for a narrow hall, it closes the walls in on you.

I would use Sage green paint + a slimmer console with a mirror. And a chandelier will draw the eye up.

Rough visual with the Behr Sage on wainscoting:

If you want to "visually" widen the hallway, you need to use something that gives the illusion of a wider space. I think the wainscoting is very nice and adds architectural interest and texture to an otherwise tunnel-like space. The two or so inches aren't making the space appear too narrow. So I would remove the console table and add a runner with horizontal stripes, which lead your eye to the sides rather than down the long expanse of hallway. I'd get a runner that goes wall to wall so as not to stop the eye.

Transitional Hall · More Info

The wainscoting is beautiful and does not give a closed in feeling. Agree with Diana.

Freedom’s idea of light fixtures is a great one, for drawing the eye up:

I would add a lovely rug or rugs, art (no mirrors), and nice light fixtures in whatever your decor style is. Or wallpaper, as jackowskib mentioned.

Just embrace that it’s a semi-narrow hallway, and make it appealing in other ways. Removing all interest will just make it a plain and boring entry into the home, not give the illusion of width.

@arcy_gw the only reason I didn't use a photo with trim is because I couldn't find one. As I said, the 2 or so inches isn't significant enough to warrant taking it out. It really doesn't contribute much to the closed in feeling.

Declutter. Take the table out of there. Remove the pictures. And square off that arch. The arch is like a tunnel; the circular shape visually narrows the space. IMO, the arch also doesn't fit with the wainscoting.

I love the wainscoting and the arch! I would remove the table and the art. Add a pretty runner and a small chandelier. I love the white walls and wood floor.

A single darker color on all will make the walls recede a bit.

Not that I am suggesting black, but I painted a stairhall black, including a closet door which I did no think needed to be emphasized, and it looked much more spacious in black than it did in white. The unit has sold twice since I lived in it and both owners have kept the black so it must be working.

So now my comment looks silly since the comment I was referring to was deleted. Nice.

Typical behavior from her, Diana.

Your input is always valuable. :)

Who on earth and how does someone delete a comment? Diana, you always have the neatest ideas and visual appeal! I love the ideas you present. I wish at some point after i get my bedding in place you would pop over and see what i’ve done with our new bathroom and guest room for mom, but still working on it and having to fix best i can (lipstick) some poor schluter and above shower work we had done :(

If it was arcy_gw, she has poor taste in this post. The wainscot makes that long hallway IMO!

I think if you painted above the wainscot and the interior of the coffers in a nice color you would help lower the height and trick the eye into believing it was wider. I think the sage others have suggested could be nice. A long rug with a pattern that tends to run horizontally could help too. Lights would be a great investment here.

Colonial Revival Restoration + Addition · More Info

Thank you @Alice and @Jilly I appreciate your kind words. From now on I'll ignore any comments from that person.

About how to delete a comment, you can find the "Edit" and "Delete" functions on the lower right section of your post. They will exist for a period of time (not sure how long) and then disappear. Perhaps they don't appear on the app, but if you use a computer you can see them.

Wouldn’t remove the wainscoting. Just paint the top portion a warmer white tone. It will then pick up the brown in the floor and lift your eye up. A very simple solution.

Oh my gosh! Such wonderful suggestions! I did not want to remove the wainscoting (and my husband loves it) so I'm glad I found some fantastic solutions here. This is my first time asking for help on Houzz and I am so impressed with everyone's help and kindness. I'm not very computer literate so I hope I thanked you all properly. I am humbled by your responses and willingness to help. Thank you all so much!!! I know which way I'm going now ( @Diana Bier Interiors, LLC, @Jinx, @freedomplace1 and @decoenthusiaste, a special thanks for all the visual help with the photos. I really appreciate it!)

Such a gracious response--very glad to have been of help! Good luck in your new home!