Make An Entrance – Ten Ideas For An Inviting Hallway

Whether you choose to roll out the red carpet metaphorically or literally, rugs, deep pile floor runners or perky striped carpet runners for stairs immediately warm up a hallway. Both practically in texture through the introduction of a softer material but also by absorbing sound.

If you have many muddy boots, piling through hard-wearing sisal carpet runners over a hard wearing washable floor stops give you some texture as well as a practical solution.

If you have a backdoor where dogs and kids go after messy play you can choose something more indulgent. Practically speaking hallways are always high traffic areas linking the rest of the house, so ensure you also treat the carpets and look at patterns or weave to hide footprints and fluff.

Hallway colour ideas can make all the difference to a hallway that stops before it starts (common in new build flats). Try putting a slightly lighter shade on the furthest wall to stop it feeling box-like.

Experimenting with hallway lighting ideas can also help create the illusion of a more interesting space. Don’t go for a strong overhead shade alone as it can feel very stark; if you do need it for task lighting put a modern chandelier on a dimmer so you can dim it when you are preparing to welcome guests or for an evening mood. Window covering are a great eye catcher and practical too offering privacy and light control as well as style.

Avoid too large a print on hallway wallpaper as it will exaggerate the feeling of the space being cramped.

Too much space isn’t usually a problem but in these spaces it can add to the sense of hollowness. To be successful hallway decorating ideas should allow easy movement as well as make storing your coats, bags and shoes (sports equipment, keys, Wellington boots…) easy. Smart hallway furniture choices can help with this.

Try a long, lean bench with shoe storage underneath, or for vintage chic points add in an old school gym bench.

Hallway paint colours can be used to make a large space seem less overwhelming: try decorating with contrast by painting horizontal bands of complimentary hues instead of a plain wall. Instead of a cramped, overstuffed coat rail, spread out hooks at different heights along one wall and annotate each with picture frames of family members. It might just encourage the youngest (or teenage) members of the family to hang up school bags.

Even the best thought through of under stairs storage ideas often end up as a cobweb-riddled dumping store. But even a small space can get a useful new life as an efficient decluttering space. Pop a basket on pull out wheels as a smart under stairs storage solution for cricket bats or other sports kits.

Depending on your layout, an under stairs storage unit or some under stairs shelving can work as a family mini-office hub. And think inside the box: stair storage, which means the stairs become drawers that pull out or the act as lift up lids, can hold shoes or hats and gloves. (And a full body mirror is also good on the back of that stair cupboard door.)

Deep and bold or light and fresh, hallway paint ideas should cover more than the obvious magnolia or white. Whether looking for wallpaper or paint colours for hallways, don’t fall into the trap of choosing something bland or too neutral by default.

As these spaces tend to be narrow and lack room for furniture the colours you use have more impact. Look at how the light works during the day. If it can be harsh make sure you avoid shades that are too strong such as a brilliant white or bright blue or it will seem cold. Consider slightly more muted tones such as sage green, powdery teal or a gentle grey or pink tone.

If you are lacking light black or a vintage yellow tone, grey will add drama when paired with wall lights casting a golden glow. If you have large windows or a modern glass entrance, use blinds that can be controlled to add warmth in the evening or light in the day. Vertical blinds are a great look for long windows, and for added security try blinds that you can control wherever you are, such as the PowerView® Motorisation System.