Your hallway is often very low purpose, it acts as not much more than a space for you to welcome people before leading them into the more major rooms of your house. And when not used as your portal to entertaining guests, it’s the place the kids probably kick off their shoes, coats get slung and random clutter starts to appear.
So, let’s make it more than that. With a few small changes, you can make your hallway a haven, or simply something that adds a little character to an otherwise often neglected part of the household.
How are we going to do it? Read on!
Add a mirror to a small hallway
If your hallway is quite small, the addition of a mirror can accentuate the space and create the illusion you have a larger space. The trick is in positioning. If your hallway is long and narrow, hang the mirror on a side wall. If the hallway is short, hang it at the end. The almost optical illusion will be an easy addition to your hall that can really help transform the perception of it for both you and your guests.
Add a large hanging light as a statement piece
Sticking to the theme of light and reflection, a statement light adorning the ceiling can not only help illuminate your hall but act as a fantastic focal point. The great thing about such lights is that there is such a vast array of possibilities be it shape, size or colour.
You can shop around for one that matches colour schemes or the décor of your hallway. Look at options where the light can be dimmed to help create the right atmosphere and consider whether you want classic or contemporary to help avoid too much of a clash with the décor of your hallway.
Decorate boldly
The space in your hallway is relatively small when compared to anywhere else in the house so it allows you to be a little more experimental without being too imposing. Vibrant wallpaper may stand out as could a stunning splash of paint, but you can let the floor speak volumes too. Your hallway flooring can not only help change the style of the room but also alter perceptions of its size. Stone effect floors with intricate patterns do well at this. Opt for LVT flooring to provide a variety of stunning patterns and styles to help withstand the footfall a hallway endures and at the same time benefit from its low maintenance too!
Make your hallway functional
The addition of seating or shelving not only adds some practical benefits to your hallway but it also helps give you room to create some added character. Many hallways have random nooks that remain bland and boring. Add in some shelves to match the rest of the décor and adorn it with flowers, photos, or ornaments and see how it adds a more welcoming and attractive feel to your hallway. Add a bench and see it work as not only a storage area but in larger hallways, a well-positioned bench can act as a good place to line up the kids before a fun day out!
You can extend the functionality to things such as a message centre or console table too. This way clutter is kept contained whilst also adding a touch of style to a small area that at times can get hectic.
Use artwork
Pieces of art can be game changers in how your house is perceived but also in how you decide to decorate additional rooms. Adding art to a hallway wall can really transform a small room. Especially if the pieces are textured and run from floor to ceiling. If larger pieces are not your style, Symmetry and a selection of themed framed prints do wonders for helping create the vibe you are looking for. Vintage or modern, once you find a style that compliments your dream aesthetic, run with it. Just don’t go crazy though. A wall too full may make the space cramped when you want it to feel welcoming. Picking the right art can bring balance to the room too. By acting as a counterpoint to doors and walls, they can then introduce colour schemes you may incorporate elsewhere in the house.
Maximise the comfort feel
If you have a smaller hallway, it is often hard to make the best of what you have so look to combine the assets you have. Narrow hallways can benefit a lot from this. Popular among many is the shabby chic or farmhouse style. These lend themselves to great opportunities. By bringing your furniture and storage together, you help create a look of relaxed and not cluttered. Adorn the small bench with cushions and a throw but utilise under the bench as shoe storage. Then hang coats above it. Sounds simple? It is, and it’s impactful. Expand upon this by sourcing wicker baskets of varying sizes that can double up as storage for the dog’s accessories, kids’ outdoor play items or winter warmers. Position them next to or around the cosy bench and you will have created something very appealing!
Don’t forget your staircase
The stairs can be just as welcoming as your hallway and depending on how big the hallway is, your stairs could do a lot of the talking for the room.
Consider painting your stairs in a variety of colours. Maybe alternating. Then furnish the walls of the stairway with pictures. Have the wall behind the wall painted white to help the pictures stand out. For the best impression, have a variety of different frame types and ensure the art is mixed enough to draw curiosity. Whilst lots of variety is great, just be careful not to clutter too much as it can end up looking more messy than stylish.
Of course, the possibilities are endless and much depends on the amount of space you have and the budget you work to. Work from the floor up and you could be transforming your hallway into something amazing with little effort needed at all!
