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Liminal spaces have become so popular in recent years that they’re now ingrained in internet culture and media. In a nutshell, they’re abandoned-looking spots that are an eerie transition between one place and the next, like hallways, airport lounges, empty streets, parking lots, stairwells, and waiting rooms.

They often have an unsettling, even creepy vibe that is, nonetheless, enrapturing and intrigues you. Today, we’re featuring some of the coolest real-life photos from the ‘Liminal Space’ online community. Scroll down to enter the realm between dream and reality… just be careful not to lose your way.

#1

A Quiet Communion With The Hills And Open Sky

Green grassy field with wildflowers and trees under a bright blue sky, an unusual liminal space nature scene.

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    #2

    This Images Makes Me Feel Very Uncomfortable

    Desert road stretching into barren liminal spaces with distant mountains under moody cloudy sky resembling the backrooms.

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    UnclePanda
    Community Member
    21 hours ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Get your motor runnin' - Head out on the highway! - Looking for adventure - In whatever comes our way...

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    It’s quite likely that you’ve heard of liminal spaces in some capacity. They’re very well known after all. These days, they’re featured in various video games and amateur movie projects, not just photographs and videos.

    These places are fascinating for a number of reasons, including the fact that they create this eerie sense that something isn’t quite right.

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    In other words, these photos feature places that you and we have probably strolled through hundreds, if not thousands, of times in our lives.

    And yet, despite looking so familiar, there’s an air of mystery present here, thanks to the lack of people in the snapshots and specific lighting.

    So, there’s this mix of nostalgia, dread, coziness, and slight discomfort at play here. What we’re seeing are familiar, almost universally recognizable spots in a very different setting.

    #4

    Took A Late Night Ferry Back Home. I Was The Only Passenger

    Empty waiting area seating in a liminal space resembling the eerie and creepy atmosphere of the Backrooms.

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    UnclePanda
    Community Member
    21 hours ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've been the only person in the entire airport. The TSA guy drove up just before the flight, walked me through to the tarmac, and drove off. I was the only passenger on the plane. I had Twilight Zone chills the entire time.

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    #5

    I Came Across These Odd Trees While Hiking A Volcano On Tenerife

    Yellow trees growing sparsely on a dark, barren landscape creating a creepy liminal space resembling the backrooms.

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    Verywell Mind explains that liminality isn’t just related to physicality. For instance, physical liminal spaces can include the likes of airports, hallways, doorways, trains, airports, bridges, etc.

    However, emotional liminal spaces include transitional periods like divorce, moving house, grief after the passing of a loved one, graduation, illness, and more.

    What’s more, you can experience metaphorical liminal spaces, too.

    #7

    Balcon-And-On-And-On-And-On-And-On-And-Ony

    Geometric liminal spaces with repeating red and yellow frames and black railings creating a backrooms-like effect.

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    #8

    "Frozen In Time, Nowhere To Go"

    Snow-covered desolate street corner with stop line sign, capturing eerie liminal spaces that resemble the backrooms atmosphere.

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    “Metaphorically, a liminal space exists any time there are two ideas that someone is vacillating between. A trapeze makes an excellent metaphor for this. Once you jump off the platform, you are literally swinging through the air, waiting to transition from where you came from to where you are going. You might also think of having to choose between two decisions. Maybe you need to choose between spending the evening with your romantic partner or your best friend. Until you make a decision, you are in a liminal space,” Verywell Mind explains.

    #10

    I Like Pictures Like This Give Me More Of Them

    Abandoned industrial silos with a rusty ladder and c*****d walls creating a creepy liminal space like the backrooms atmosphere.

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    G A
    Community Member
    20 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Watch that last step, its a bit of a drop....

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    #11

    Golden Hour At The World Trade Center

    Empty room with large windows at dusk, showcasing a liminal space that looks like the backrooms with urban skyline views.

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    #12

    You're So Far From The City

    Snow-covered road through dark forested liminal spaces with distant city lights under an ominous cloudy night sky.

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    NJ P
    Community Member
    16 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can just hear the sound of tires rolling in the snow.

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    Liminal spaces themselves aren’t dangerous. However, your perception of them can affect your mental health.

    For example, if you see these spaces as particularly dangerous, full of uncertainty, and stressful, you might end up distressed or overwhelmed. This can, potentially, lead to anxiety and even depression.

    #13

    Daytime In Beijing

    Faint image of a building with a screen showing a face, surrounded by fog creating a creepy liminal space atmosphere.

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    Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
    Community Member
    Premium
    22 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like a city background scene in Blade Runner.

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    #14

    Does A Weird Empty Forrest Count?

    Snow-covered forest with tall slender trees creating a creepy liminal space resembling the backrooms with long shadows.

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    #15

    Windmills In The Ocean, As Seen From A Plane Window

    A bright blue sky with scattered clouds and numerous small wind turbines creating a surreal liminal space effect.

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    If these sorts of liminal spaces and experiences make you unusually scared, you may want to consider reaching out to a mental health expert who can help you reframe your perspective.

    But liminal spaces can be beautiful, too. Transformation and change can be incredibly scary, but there are plenty of opportunities there, too.

    #16

    The Hospital On My Campus Looks Unreal

    Empty hospital corridor with pale blue walls and green chairs, resembling creepy liminal spaces like the Backrooms.

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    #17

    I Feel A Little Tiny

    Abandoned industrial liminal space with large windows and rusty pillars, resembling creepy backrooms atmosphere.

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    #18

    It Went On Forever

    Public restroom sinks with endless mirror reflections creating a creepy liminal space resembling the backrooms atmosphere.

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    Meanwhile, Mili Kyropoulou, an assistant professor in the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design at the University, explained to Popular Mechanics that liminal spaces can be unsettling due to their emptiness.

    “Frozen in time without their usual bustling energy, these spaces emphasize the profound impact of human presence within designed environments. The human brain is wired to make sense of the world through contextual associations.”

    #19

    Pool At Hurst Castle

    Foggy liminal space with empty classical pool and statues, evoking eerie backrooms atmosphere and creepy isolation.

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    #20

    Liminal Pics I Took On A Walk

    Dimly lit, empty stairway leading to repetitive buildings, evoking creepy liminal spaces that resemble the backrooms at night.

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    #21

    Took This At Work Yesterday

    Industrial concrete liminal space with wet floor and large cylindrical structure, evoking creepy backrooms atmosphere.

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    Founded back in August 2019 (which subjectively feels a century ago, or is that just us?), the ‘Liminal Space’ community does exactly what it says on the tin. Its members share photos of liminal spaces, and they’re very active to this day.

    At the time of writing, the community has 156k weekly visitors who make 4k contributions every week.

    #22

    "A Silhouette You Can’t Forget."

    Ghostly statue silhouette behind power lines and poles in a foggy landscape, evoking creepy liminal spaces vibe.

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    G A
    Community Member
    20 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've seen this in the daylight on BP only recently

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    #23

    Was My Hotel Liminal?

    Curved concrete balcony and window in a foggy liminal space with eerie, backrooms-like atmosphere.

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    BeesEelsAndPups
    Community Member
    8 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Was your hotel a converted WWII artillery bunker?

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    #24

    The Traffic Jam Leaving Burning Man

    A long line of cars in a desert landscape creating a surreal liminal space resembling the backrooms atmosphere.

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    NJ P
    Community Member
    16 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What if you forgot something and need to turn around?

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    The online group defines liminal spaces as “the time between the 'what was' and the 'next.' It is a place of transition, waiting, and not knowing. Liminal space is where all transformation takes place, if we learn to wait and let it form us.”

    Naturally, the moderators who keep the group running smoothly expect you to only post about liminal things.

    #25

    This Photo I Took Gave Me A Weird Feeling

    Railway tracks at dusk framed by trees, creating a creepy liminal space that looks like the backrooms with an eerie glowing light ahead.

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    Limey
    Community Member
    8 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have a question. Did you have a weird feeling and then take the picture, or felt ok and then had a weird feeling when you saw the picture?

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    #26

    Winter Walk

    Snow-covered liminal space with tire tracks and bare trees under an eerie orange sky resembling the backrooms atmosphere

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    AuspiciousTree283
    Community Member
    13 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I thought the sky and the tree were something else.

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    #27

    On A Night Walk, Southwestern Ontario Canada

    End of sidewalk sign in a dark, empty outdoor liminal space resembling backrooms atmosphere at night.

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    G A
    Community Member
    20 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Where the sidewalk ends....isn't that a book?

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    According to the moderators, the images you share on the sub shouldn’t have any people, creatures, or edited texts in them. What’s more, there’s absolutely no tolerance for artificial intelligence-generated content in the ‘Liminal Space’ group.

    And before you actually post anything, look through the subreddit so that you don’t repost some of the most popular liminal photos of all time.

    #28

    Guys My Grandma Took This Photo So Y’all Also Think It Look Weird?

    Solitary tree in a vast open field under a clear blue sky, evoking eerie liminal space vibes.

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    #29

    Jazz Music Was Playing

    Empty liminal space corridor with chandeliers and patterned carpet, resembling creepy backrooms atmosphere.

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    Nizumi
    Community Member
    4 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy...

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    #30

    Picture My Girlfriend Took At Her Last Hospital Shift

    Rows of empty hospital beds in a large, sterile, liminal space resembling creepy backrooms atmosphere.

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    G A
    Community Member
    14 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    One of the emergency covid hospitals?

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    Which of these photos caught your attention the most and why? Have you upvoted your favorites yet?

    In your personal opinion, why do so many internet users enjoy liminal space-related images, videos, and games?

    Share your thoughts below! And if you’ve ever taken any liminal photos before, feel free to share them in the comment section at the very bottom of this list.

    #31

    It's Time To Go!

    Deserted liminal space with wooden benches and glowing lamps along tiled walls, evoking eerie Backrooms atmosphere.

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    G A
    Community Member
    20 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is it real? Seems odd to have benches and outdoor lamps in a....tunnel?

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    #33

    The Inside Of This Cat Tree Looked Liminal To Me

    Pink and yellow textured room resembling a liminal space with an arched entrance and soft lighting, evoking backrooms atmosphere.

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    #35

    Come Join Our Family Atmosphere! The Family Atmosphere:

    Gray office cubicles under bright fluorescent lights creating a liminal space that looks like the backrooms environment.

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    #36

    Thought My Friend’s House Had Liminal/Eerie Material, So Took Some Pictures

    Narrow creepy liminal space with stained walls and a closed wooden door, evoking backrooms atmosphere.

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    G A
    Community Member
    20 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Needs a bl00dy good clean and decorate

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    #38

    Where I Work (Don't Walk Alone)

    Industrial liminal space with metal structures and pipes at night, resembling eerie backrooms atmosphere.

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    Lotekguy
    Community Member
    Premium
    6 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like a set for Blade Runner or The Fifth Element.

    #39

    So I Was Searching For My Car And Suddenly

    Foggy parking lot at night with dim light, creating a creepy liminal space that resembles the backrooms atmosphere.

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    #40

    The Glowing Underpass

    Graffiti-covered dimly lit liminal space with a red glowing entrance, creating a creepy backrooms atmosphere at night.

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    G A
    Community Member
    19 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'll risk crossing the road, thanks.

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    #41

    Came Upon This Hallway On My College Campus

    Dimly lit empty stairwell with wooden handrails in a dim hallway, evoking creepy liminal spaces like the backrooms.

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    #42

    Developed A Roll Of Film My Dad Shot In The 2000s And This Was The Only Image On It

    Minimalist beige building exterior with a closed white door under clear blue sky, evoking creepy liminal spaces vibe.

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    #43

    Abandoned Tori Gate In A Japanese Tunnel

    Dark cave tunnel with a red torii gate and hanging lanterns, evoking creepy liminal spaces like the Backrooms.

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    #44

    All Alone

    Indoor street with colorful neon lights and empty tables, creating a creepy liminal space resembling the backrooms.

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    Lotekguy
    Community Member
    Premium
    5 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's the business district leading to the Hogwarts train station.

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    #45

    Rite Aid Is Pretty Liminal These Days

    Store shelves with evenly spaced red Powerade bottles create a strange liminal space resembling backrooms atmosphere.

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    NJ P
    Community Member
    16 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When you have nothing to fill the shelves.

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    #46

    I Work At A Movie Theatre And Have To Close Up And Check The Rooms Often

    Dimly lit empty theater seats facing a blank screen in a creepy liminal space resembling the backrooms.

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    G A
    Community Member
    14 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've seen bigger home screens...

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    #47

    Took This Picture On Jan 5 2022

    Curved glass structure with plants inside, view of dome-like greenhouse under dark cloudy sky in liminal spaces.

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    #48

    Mcdonald’s New “Play Place” For Children. Two Screens/Two Chairs

    Empty fast food play area with wooden walls, tiled floor, and a large window showing an outdoor parking lot, liminal spaces.

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    G A
    Community Member
    20 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I know its a burn on McDs but it doesn't look finished....

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    #49

    Visited Girlfriend In Her New Apartment And This Place Was So Eerie Couldn’t Pinpoint Why

    Modern empty building interior with spiral staircase and indoor plants in a liminal space resembling the Backrooms.

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    HangryHangryHippo
    Community Member
    13 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Doesn’t it feel like this space was once a shopping mall?

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    #50

    Cruise Ship Outdoor Track At 3am

    Dimly lit liminal space corridor with a yellow path and signs, evoking a creepy backrooms atmosphere.

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    Note: this post originally had 75 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.