If you have decided to renovate your home or build a new home, one of the last things you are likely thinking about is the hallways. While the importance of having hallways in a home cannot be denied, they are one of the least exciting parts, to many, when it comes to home design. When you are updating or building a new home, your hallways should not be forgotten. They are used daily, usually multiple times, and give you a great opportunity to showcase artwork, mirrors, and other focal points. This may not be a question you have considered yet, but how wide should a home’s hallways be? Let’s review.

How Wide Should a Home’s Hallways be?

The width of a home's hallways can vary depending on the specific needs and preferences of the homeowner; however, a general rule of thumb is that hallways should be at least 36 inches wide to accommodate people and furniture comfortably. There are actually rules regarding the width of a home’s hallways. The International Residential Code specifies that a hallway needs to be at least 36 inches wide, which is 3 feet. Local cities and jurisdictions may also have specific requirements. Your local home renovation or building team can help you better understand what is needed where you live.

Rules and guidelines aside, how wide a home’s hallways should be, depends on the people living in the home. While there may be a minimum requirement, many people opt for larger and more spacious corridors. There are things you should consider when deciding how wide your home’s hallways should be:

• Home’s Occupants: If the hallway will be used by someone with a mobility device, such as a wheelchair or walker, it is recommended that the hallway be at least 42 inches wide to allow for easy passage.
• Additional Use of Space: If the hallway will be used for multiple purposes, such as seating, storage or displaying artwork, a wider hallway may be necessary. Think about if you want to add a table or other furniture to the space.
• Doors and Openings: It's also important to consider the layout of the home and the location of doors and other openings when determining the width of hallways. Typically, you will want to allow enough space to have a door open and for people to be able to comfortably get by.
• Flow and Floor Plan: Hallways should be wide enough to allow for easy movement between rooms without feeling cramped or cluttered. Think about what areas of the home are connected by the passageway and things that will need to regular go through the area. If the hallway is by a laundry room, will the laundry basket comfortably go through?

Ultimately, as long as your home is up to code, how wide your home’s hallways should be, really depends on you.

Can a Bigger Hallway Make a Difference in Your Home Design?

Bigger hallways can make a home appear more spacious, as they provide a sense of openness and flow between rooms. A wider hallway can also make it easier to move furniture and other large items through the space. Keep in mind, the overall size and layout of a home will also play a significant role in how spacious it appears.

When it comes to designing your dream home in Northeast Ohio, Sanctus Builders can help. Our experts can guide you through all of the decisions, even how wide your home’s hallways should be and what we recommend based on their usages and the overall look and feel of the space.

At Sanctus Builders, our team of knowledgeable professionals, general contractors, and skilled tradesmen, with over 70 years of combined experience, has worked with hundreds of homeowners in Cuyahoga and Lorain Counties to ensure that they have the home of their dreams. We have integrity in all that we do, are honest and respectful, and will treat your home like it is our own. We strive for excellence and accountability and aim to provide high quality and affordable services and outstanding customer service.

Bring your vision and we will deliver with passion. Bring your plans and we will bring them to life. Bring your ideas and we will build them. Contact us to get started today.