Your hallway gets you from A to B in your home. But, have you ever walked down it wondering if it could be so much more? The answer is a definite yes.
Some extra style, storage, and creativity can transform this often-neglected space into a functional and aesthetic stand-out in your home. Seeff has rounded up our top hallway space ideas to add charm and utility, ensuring yours brings joy on a daily basis.
Play with colour: While neutral shades like white, grey, and beige can create an open, airy feel, don’t be afraid to experiment. A vibrant colour like yellow or orange can brighten up a dreary space. A monochromatic colour palette can also add visual interest without overwhelming your space.
Get clever with paint tricks: Techniques like using a light colour at the top of your hallway wall and a darker colour on the bottom can lengthen your space. Horizontal stripes add width while vertical stripes can make your hallway appear taller. Painting the ceiling in a lighter colour than your walls will also create an illusion of height.
Declutter your space: Less is more in a hallway. Remove any items or decor you don’t need, scale back on chunky furnishings, and clean and organise on a daily basis. A minimalist approach will create an effortless and inviting space.
Embrace fab flooring: As a high-traffic space, invest in flooring that mutes noise while still being durable and looking great. Cork, vinyl, and carpeting are great options. However, if you’re not a fan of full-on carpeting, a runner rug is a worthy alternative. Besides saving your feet from a cold floor, they also delineate the hallway, prevent floor scratching, and bring in extra style with their colours and patterns.
Layer your lighting: This effect will prevent shadows from appearing and make your hallway space feel larger. Use a mixture of pendant lights, sconces, and ceiling lights for a warm, cheerful atmosphere. The right window treatments and fittings such as shutters and blinds can also maximise ambient lighting.
Make magic with mirrors: Strategic mirror placement can reflect light, widen hallways, and reflect art, decor, and outside views for visual appeal. Plus, they’re useful for last-minute touch-ups and clothing checks before you exit your home. Throw in an interesting frame and they become statement pieces.
Double up on storage: Whether your hallway is big or small, there are still opportunities to make it useful. Install hooks, shelves, floating storage cubes, under-bench storage, or use storage bins and baskets for miscellaneous items like keys, purses, shoes, and jackets. If you have the budget, creating a recessed niche is a wonderful way to display decor items without taking up valuable floor space.
Use space-smart furniture: Squeezing heavy tables and chairs will make your hallway feel cramped and cluttered. Look for sleek console tables or benches that maximise your existing space. Those with built-in storage are useful for storing the odds and ends you need during the day.
Decorate with flair: Instead of being boring or cold, your hallway can make visitors pause with some thoughtfully chosen decor pieces. Gallery walls of family photos, travel mementoes, or your favourite books, candles, or ornaments can make your space feel both personal and intriguing.
Bring in some green: Plants will add life to your hallway and there are plenty of low-light-loving options like mother-in-law’s tongue, heartleaf philodendrons, Chinese evergreens, and African violets. If you’re space-poor, opt for a vertical garden that will add appeal and better indoor air quality.
Create a functional space: If your hallway is wide enough, consider creating a small workspace with a wall-mounted desk, a cosy reading nook with a built-in bookshelf, or a place to enjoy a quiet cup of tea or coffee with a simple chair and end table.
Hallway space ideas FAQs
1. How can you make your hallway more interesting?
There are plenty of design strategies that can transform your space. Thoughtful paint choices, furniture uses and arrangements, decor items, and statement lighting can all add interest. An interactive wall can entertain kids while mirrors can reflect a stunning outside view from an opposing window. Talk to an experienced interior designer who can advise you on the best approach for your space.
2. What do you put in an empty hallway?
This will depend on your needs, the size of your space, and the budget available. There are plenty of options available on the market designed for narrow or low ceiling hallways, for example, that can make the most of these spaces. Console tables, wall-mounted shelves, stylish runners, and wall sconces can do much to make an empty hallway feel full and brimming with delightful details.
3. How can you make your hallway look more expensive?
While everyone has their own ideas of luxury, there are some typical features you’ll find in high-end catalogues. Use a cohesive, neutral colour palette, elegant light fixtures, framed artwork and mirrors, flower arrangements, and quality furnishings to make a posh impression. A decluttered look without visible wires and cords will also make your space feel more curated.
Make the most of your hallway’s potential
Embracing creative ideas can transform it into a captivating, functional space that adds value and character to your home. As you consider every nook and cranny of your property, remember that these details matter, especially when buying or selling. Whether you're showcasing your home to potential buyers or searching for a new space, never underestimate the power of a well-designed hallway. It could just be the detail that seals the deal. For help on your property journey, don’t hesitate to contact the property professionals at Seeff.
Related Articles
