A beautiful patterned runner would be nice. No long stripes though.

Paint the end wall a wonderful, eye-catching color (eggplant? dark blue?) and hang a large, longish piece of art on it - and I mean "art" in the broadest possible sense of the word: wall hanging, quilt, large photograph, metal sculpture. Replace the ceiling fixture with something that direct light toward the "art".

Or - if you like casual and entertaining - chalkboard paint. If you have teenagers, check what's written on the chalkboard often - and especially before the assistant pastor visits.

Ooops - just noticed your wish for a table. Maybe chair rail (or something that suggests chair rail) down the hall, and a wall-hung shelf hung at chair rail height at the end. A wall sconce could be added above the "table".

thanks for all the great ideas! I do want a nice colorful runner. Was unsure about the end wall being painted darker, or lighter than the rest to brighten the space. Totally agree with a large mirror or art work at the far end, and a light fixture directed on it would really make the hallway seem bigger. I still am toying with the idea of a painting all trim white. That is eventually the idea, but not in the budget yet, as I would like doors to be replaced, too.

I like all of shabbynest's suggestions. I would definitely paint all the doors and door frames a warm white and the walls a contrasting color like a light gray or beige. If you have the budget changing the doors to solid core with some architectural details would be great and/or depending on privacy and noise issues some of the doors could have a frosted section to let light pass back and forth. A long colorful art piece at the end and/or a skylight flooding the hallway with light. I prefer to see the wood floor without rugs as it will look bigger.

Hi there,

If budget permits, I would paint the doors, the trim and even the walls white. It will make a world of difference and it doesn't have to be a stark white; Pot of Cream by Behr is a lovely cream color but it is slightly cooler and a good bit brighter than the wall color in the hallway right now.
Good luck!

the wall color right now is BM Monroe Bisque on side walls, and my lame attempt at jazzing things up, a dark carmel color on the far wall. I thought it would add interest, but it actually makes the space look smaller. I appreciate all suggestions, thanks again!

Paint the trim and doors a nice light color. They are what is sucking up all the light. Either get a professional to do it or study up on the right paint products and application, and you won't feel like you have to replace the doors when you are done. See this photo here on Houzz to see what I mean

I kinda think you paint the walls with cyan n u hang some 3D artworks
U can use a spotlight facing the artwork ,hmmmm mirror too should help

I would paint all the doors and trim white, and install a tubular skylight.

Change out those doorknobs. Lighting is critical. Add lighting that floods the whole hallway. Build a niche on that back wall. That end wall could be cut into for a depth of almost 4 inches. Brought down to about 36 inches from the floor. Back the cutout with mirror and add glass shelves.