Do you have a small hallway?
The hallway is often one of the most neglected spaces in our homes, a dumping ground for
shoes, coats, post, keys and all the other general paraphernalia that you grab at the
last minute as you are leaving the house.
Yet, as the first space that guests see when they enter your home it is worth spending
the time and effort to ensure your hallway has instant wow factor.
Increase the sense of space in your entrance hall and make a fabulous first impression
with these inspiring small hallway ideas.
1.
Highlight with wall lighting Need some light in your hallway but short
on space?
Opt for wall sconces, which attach directly to the wall, meaning they take up less floor
space, and create ambient lighting that directs either up or down, depending on your choice
of design.
2.
Add a table lamp It’s always nice to be welcomed home to
the cosy glow of soft lighting, especially on a dark, cold night and adding a lamp to
your hallway gives you the option of layering your lighting according to need, so you don't
always have to rely on your main light.
3.
Choose wood flooring To create a sense of cohesion throughout your
home, use the same flooring from the hallway in other ground-level rooms.
Wood and laminate are ideal for areas that get heavy footfall, as they are long-lasting
and durable.
4.
Keep entryways clean Hallways naturally get a lot of traffic with
people coming and going in dirty footwear, and can be difficult to keep clean.
Combat this by using suitable heavy-duty mats – pop a rubber mat outside and a coir one
inside and you'll notice a difference.
5.
Be daring with carpet Bold, dramatic carpet is making a comeback
and we couldn't be more excited.
But if you're a little on the nervous side and running a statement design through your
main living space feels you with dread, then keep to smaller zones.
6.
Decorate with a classic style For a scheme that will stand the test of time
and never go out of fashion, the classic look is a trusted choice.
It works particularly well in a hallway when you add an elegant hat stand, shoe cupboard
and storage bench all together for a homely feel.
7.
Fix up wood panelling Wood panelling is a practical and characterful
choice for your hallway walls as it's robust and quick to wipe down, and easy to repaint
should it become too scuffed.
It will work in most rooms, but looks particularly fitting in country or coastal schemes.
8.
Use rugs and runners Adding a rug or runner to your hallway will
instantly make the space feel more warm and welcoming.
Make sure you choose a hardwearing design, ideally in a flat weave to minimise the risk
of tripping.
Double-sided carpet tape will prevent the rug from slipping out of place.
9.
Opt for slimline shoe cabinets First impressions usually count and a stylish
entryway will create a warm welcome, however, you don't have to spend a fortune to achieve
this.
Slimline storage will keep shoes and keys in their place, while a wicker wastepaper
bin in between will keep umbrellas and outdoor toys tidy.
10.
Coordinate storage Your entryway probably requires flexible storage
to meet many needs.
Add plenty of stylish solutions by coordinating furniture and choosing a combination of open
and closed cabinets to maximise the sense of space.
11.
Lighten up with vinyl Narrow hallways can often be the darkest areas
of the home so lighten the look with light-toned flooring.
Vinyl is a budget-friendly option and (depending on your pattern) can create a seamless and
spacious look.
It also has the benefit of being waterproof and so coming home during rainy days is not
a problem.
12.
Create a boot room vibe Give your hallway a 'cottagecore' vibe with
shiplap panels for added protection and a bespoke built-in wooden storage bench.
Natural wood floors and country-style door will enhance the rustic charm.
13.
Use tier furniture In narrow hallways, tiered furniture is practical
as it naturally takes up less floor space without compromising on storage capacity,
thanks to the layered shelving.
Iron and wood designs channel industrial style, while the open nature keeps the room from
looking too full with furniture.
14.
Paint internal doors Who said internal doors have to be white or
bare wood?
Make a real style statement by painting them in a welcoming hue.
This looks fantastic when several doors lead onto the hallway and better still when they
are different colours!
Coordinate the look with matching skirting boards, door frames and even stair treads.
15.
Choose a bright scheme Hallways benefit from being light and bright,
which is why this décor, with its refreshing Scandi looks, is particularly well suited.
Glass front doors allow in plenty of light and are an easy way to make any room feel
bigger, while white and pale wood furniture pieces are clean and stylish.