Feature wall hallway
74 hallway ideas to make a great first impression | House & Garden
“It is easy to forget that an entrance hall is a room,” says decorating maestro Rita Konig. “It often receives corridor status, but it is, in fact, an important space. As the place for arrivals and departures, it sets the tone for the rest of the house, so it needs to be welcoming.” For this reason, pay as much attention to the stuff in a hallway as you would in any other room, and don’t use it as dumping ground for furniture or art that has no home elsewhere.
Just because you’re moving through a space regularly to get to another room where you might spend longer, that doesn’t make it less important – if anything, it makes it more important. The hallway is nearly always the part of a house that you and your guests will encounter first, so make sure it leaves an impression, perhaps by hanging a statement piece of art in it or by introducing an unusual colour.
Hallway ideas: decoration
Since hallways, especially in city houses, tend to be narrow, the walls are an important feature. Opt for a warm paint colour, some elegant wall panelling, or a patterned wallpaper to lend the space character. Also consider adding wall lights, for a gentler glow than an overhead light. This is a great place to display art. We’ve seen some brilliant examples of statement pieces taking up practically an entire wall, but gallery walls are also a great option in a hallway, perhaps displaying a collection of photographs or botanical prints.
“Traffic is a consideration when you are decorating,” notes Rita. “The floor, for example, has to be practical while remaining in keeping with the style of the house.” We love a flagstone hallway, or the traditional tiles you can still find in Victorian houses, but sisal or jute can also be a great, hardwearing option for this space.
Don’t forget to take into account the other rooms you can see from a hallway – if you have easy views into lots of rooms or one particular room, try to keep the colours of the walls tonal, and think about positioning hallway mirrors to allow unexpected glimpses throughout the house. Pocket or sliding doors can also work well for the rooms that lead off a hallway, especially if it is a dark or narrow space, allowing the doors to be open most of the time, letting light flood in.
Hallway ideas: furniture
“The furniture here should be good,” continues Rita. If you have enough space, consider a hall table, either a console table that can provide a space for keys, post, along with flowers, lamps and decorative objects, or something a bit grander to go in the centre of the hallway if you have a larger space. “The hall table can be quite magnificent – just as it is in many of Robert Kime’s projects, and in William Yeoward and Colin Orchard’s house in Gloucestershire.” A bench or pair of chairs can also be a great feature, allowing people to perch and take off their shoes, or providing a place to wait as you prepare to leave the house.
Hallway ideas: storage
Finally, hallway storage is absolutely key if you want to maintain tidiness. Hallways are always prone to get cluttered up with shoes, bags, umbrellas, coats and other paraphernalia. A bench with storage built in underneath can be a great option, while wall-mounted storage or a simple row of hooks can work well in super small spaces. If you have a bit more room, a coat rack, wardrobe or built-in joinery can look rather distinguished.
Hallway ideas – 25 clever design tricks and color schemes |
(Image credit: Mariell Lind Hansen / Emil Eve Architects)
First impressions count, so getting your hallway ideas spot on is really important. However, because they are often small and awkward or overly vast and vacant space, hallways often get slightly neglected when it comes to design. They are areas we sling shoes, dump keys and pile up dog leads, almost like we stop noticing them as we run in and out of the house. But we think hallways deserve more of our attention, so we have pulled together tons of gorgeous hallways and entryways to get you inspired to give your space an update.
'A good hallway has the potential to create a lovely vignette in the home, a brief moment of art, color & texture as you pass through the space,' says Caitlin Parker-Brown, director of Parker Studio. 'With that in mind, I always aspire to add something artful to the space, which is so often overlooked.'
From dramatic color schemes to clever storage ideas and handy hacks to make the space feel bigger, we cover it all with inspiring spaces and expert tips. And remember, a hallway can set the mood and tone for your entire home, so put as much effort into its design as you would a bedroom or a living room. Rather than playing it safe, create a vibrant and welcoming space that reflects both your taste and the style of the rest of the house.
25 hallway ideas to refresh your space
1. Add wall molding and paneling
(Image credit: Ema Peter Photography)
Wall paneling ideas are super chic and will look good in any entrance hall, whether modern or traditional, you're adding it as new, contemporary addition or restoring original paneling. Keep it neutral for an elegant scheme or paint in bold, bright shades for something a little more dramatic and fun!
'No space in the home should go undressed - especially hallways which are essential spaces for transitioning from one room to another. In this home, the wrap-around staircase in this grand entry flows right into the upper hallway,' explains Kelly Deck, interior designer and founder of Kelly Deck Design . 'We dressed all the walls with delicate moldings to catch the sunlight as it streams in through the front door and upper landing windows,'
(Image credit: anna Stathaki)
Not only are tiles a really practical flooring choice for hallways – they are easy to clean, hide dirt and scuffs, and are ideal for high traffic areas – they can be the main feature of your hallway. Give a traditional Victorian floor a modern twist by opting for a monochrome hallway flooring idea and keep the rest of the space really simple so the flooring doesn't feel too busy.
'The hallway of our house, creates a visual link to the garden. The hallway sets the tone for the house, with the black and white marble tiles which remind me of Alice in Wonderland, the original curves retained and some Dentil cornice added for some drama,' says Kate Clare, founder of Loud Architects . 'The tones are kept quite muted, as my style is full of 'color pops' which in this case, is done with art on the walls. The hall skirting boards reflect the height of the ceilings and draw the eye upwards.'
As Jemma Dayman, buyer at Carpetright points out, 'often the first thing you see when entering a house, the stairs and hallway create a first and lasting impression on your guests. It's the perfect area to take risks and be daring with your styling. Bold, geometric designs and bright colors will give your space that wow factor and work well when mixed with minimalist furniture and accessories. Opting for repeating patterns will not only allow your design to flow easily into other rooms, but will be forgiving to everyday marks and scuffs as your stairs see some serious use over their lifetime.'
3. Go for a striking all white scheme
(Image credit: James Merrell)
Sometimes, no color can make just as much of a statement as a really bold color scheme. Case in point with this hallway idea. It's the lack of color that makes the statement, the sea of white barely punctuated by any other shade or piece of decor. It's a look that can work wonders in a small hallway, making the space feel more open and airy, but equally it looks chic and clean in a more spacious hallway too.
To recreate this look don't just stop at the walls and ceilings, bring the white paint onto the stairs too and even the floor. You can add in pieces to stop all that white looking stark like a rug or a runner, or add simple mirrors or prints onto the walls.
4. Add interest to hallway walls with a gallery wall
(Image credit: Inigo)
If you are decorating a narrow hallway, or you are squeezed for space, gallery walls are a great way to add in plenty of personality without taking up any square footage.
Designer Kathy Kuo says, 'One of my favorite ways to spruce up the hallway is by creating a gallery wall – not to mention it adds personality and doesn’t take up any floor space. When it comes to choosing the art, variation is the most important component. This is a time to play with shapes, sizes and frames. Every piece doesn’t have to be the same, in fact, it often looks more aesthetically pleasing when they’re not. As long as all the pieces share some common colors and visual motifs in terms of the art itself, it will look cohesive.'
'You can also complement the gallery wall, and your hallway, with other decor that is more subtle yet functional. If you have the space on the opposing side, adding a sleek console table with sculptural objects, antique trinkets or a table lamp can add dimension to the overall flow and allow for additional design creativity without crowding the space.'
5. Create a surface for decor with a console table
(Image credit: Ansel Olson photography)
Not everyone has the room, but if you do, add the ultimate wow-factor piece to a hallway in the form of a chic credenza or sideboard. It’s hassle-free as it involves a single item of furniture. You can use the surface top to display an edited selection of design accessories; a large statement vase with fresh flowers, a table lamp or photo frames.
The colorful home was updated by northern California-based interior designer Kevin Sawyers of Sawyers Design . The couple met Kevin Sawyers in 2015, when Sawyers was hired to do a large remodel of the couple’s San Francisco home. The goal was to give the home a significant refresh; they wanted to use a bold color palette while keeping the original architectural elements of the classic 1870 structure, resulting in this hallway paint idea using lilac.
'I love to do accent walls in entry spaces. It’s a time to put your best foot forward and to go big,' says Kevin. 'In this entry for a home we recently finished, I played with scale and proportion by adding the oversized mirror.'
6. Draw the eye through the space with herringbone flooring
(Image credit: Taran Wilkhu)
Hallways tend to be small spaces, especially in more modern homes that haven't been blessed with the acres of floor space you often find in the entrance of period properties. So in order to make these small spaces feel bigger, you need to make the most of some of the oldest design tricks in the book.
Flooring is a good place to start. Look for designs that draw the eye away from the door and avoid anything too busy like patterned tile. A herringbone pattern created either with tiles or wood flooring is perfect for making a small or narrow hallway seem longer as it gives that never-ending optical allusion to the room.
'The hallway is the first space we see when we enter a home. Having a place for everything is absolutely critical. Look for unobtrusive places to put hooks, shelves and possibly some hallway furniture to make it easier for you and guests to de-robe and store things neatly,' says Jo Littlefair, interior designer and co-founder of Goddard Littlefair . 'A small mirror is an essential item on the route out of the house, ideally with a small shelf for a pen, hairbrush or lipstick. Children will unintentionally overwhelm you with coats and school bags, I’ve designed furniture pieces for the home to hide these items as much as possible!'
7.
Make use of the space under the stairs(Image credit: Future)
That space under the stairs is prime real estate for storage, but don't just let your hallway storage become a dumping ground for shoes and bags, make it part of the design. If you do need to use it for more... un-aesthetically pleasing items like shoes and umbrellas opt for built-in closed storage that just fits seamlessly into the space. You would even make it a feature by wallpapering or painting the doors.
If you already have the shoe storage covered elsewhere, why not go for a beautiful bookcase. Display books, candles, plants, and more to turn that boring space into a real feature of the room. We love how this is painted in moody dark charcoal too so all those bright colors really pop.
8. Save floor space and add storage with shelving
(Image credit: Future)
‘If your hallway is tight in space then we would suggest using a wall-mounted shelf to save space, it’s a great way of introducing a focal point to a hallway. Not only does it allow you to display a nice brass or ceramic bowl (handy for house keys and accouterment) but it can also be an area to place a vase and bring in a fresh bunch of flowers. Instant design points for making the space welcoming!' says interior designer Petra Arko, founder of interior design practice Bergman and Mar .
However, if using a shelf affixed to the wall, space is key in this high traffic area. 'My top tip would be to try and find a shelving idea that has rounded corners so that if anyone does happen to brush passed too closely, it’s not an issue. Also, just make sure it’s thoroughly secured to the wall. Some hallways can be busy spaces, particularly family homes, so making sure it’s petite but robust, is a must!’
5. Be brave with your color combinations
(Image credit: 2LG studio/Megan Taylor)
Hallways are the perfect place to have a bit of fun with your decor. Sure, you might walk through it every day but you don't actually spend a prolonged amount of time in the hallway as you do a living room or a bedroom, so you don't have to think as much about how liveable space will be. Going bold in say a living room is a proper commitment as you have to live in the space, relax in it, watch TV in it, and maybe even work in it, but a hallway is just a space to pass through, be wowed by the interiors and move on.
'Make a statement - the hallway is not only a space that greets you when you return home, it also greets guests, so give yourself and your guests a big warm welcome with a bold glimpse of who you are. This could be minimalism or it could be clashing pattern, whatever feels really ‘you’. Go there big in the hallway,' says Russell Whitehead, founder of 2LG Studio .
'It’s a space that you move through so it’s an opportunity to go bold as you won’t be lingering long. Don’t be afraid to try strong colors or print in this space. We have a deep blue patterned carpet in our and pink hallway wallpaper, leaving guests in no doubt about our love of color when they arrive.'
10. Add contrast with the woodwork
(Image credit: Paul Craig)
Want a simple hallway idea to make give a neutral space a bit of interest? Paint the woodwork in a contrasting color. In smaller hallways keeping the color scheme light and bright is an easy way to make the space feel bigger, but you want to ground all those paler hues with just a touch of something darker to create a bit of depth. And see how the black lines of the dado rail in this hallway again, draw the eye away from the door, helping this paint idea make the space feel much longer.
11. Build in a window seat
(Image credit: Claire Esparros)
If you are lucky enough to have been blessed with a window in your hallway, make the most of the dead space underneath by building in a window seat. They are ideal for shoe storage and look really stylish too. Plus it can help make your hallway feel more like a room rather than just a buffer before entering the main house. Soften it by adding a few cushions to create a lovely reading corner or just a comfy spot to put on your shoes.
No window? No problem you could add a build-in bench along one wall or underneath the stairs.
12.
Make practical hallway paint choices(Image credit: Alexander James)
This chic black and white hallway is not only a really striking entryway to the home, it's a really practical design too. Firstly the tiles, more on those later, are one of the most effective and stylish flooring, and see how the walls are kept darker below the dado rail? Perfect for hiding the wear and tear of such a high traffic area.
'Color blocks are great and very popular and add real interest to a space. Choose a paint finish that is tough, which is easy to wipe clean and touch up. Hallways are the busiest thoroughfare of your house with people passing past each other at the busiest time of day. It needs to be practical and stand the test of time,' says David Harris, design director at Andrew Martin . 'Dark colors under the dado rail with fresh white woodwork and light colors above, work really well to hide any scuffs and marks. It adds lots of light this way, to what can be narrow spaces. '
13. Up the pattern with a mural
(Image credit: Claire de Quénetain)
This hallway, designed by Claire de Quénetain who's known for my beautiful bold fabrics and murals proves that you can bring in a busy pattern in more subtle ways. A wall mural or wallpaper doesn't have to go floor to ceiling, in this space it's just used below the dado rail adding a punch of pattern that doesn't overwhelm the room – the space feels linked with the bolder prints used in the adjoining rooms but isn't competing with it for the focal point.
'To create an impactful hallway design it is important to consider colors and movement.' says Claire. 'Murals allow me to paint everywhere and create atmospheres each time very unique. I am challenged by the wishes of the clients who are choosing colors and designs to bring a special piece into their home, I love it.'
14. Or take the pattern onto the walls
(Image credit: Paul Raeside)
It can be tricky to bring lots of decor into a hallway, you don't want it to feel too cluttered and really it has to be a practical space first, stylish space second. So instead of adding personality with lots of decorative items that are just going to clutter up the space, use a fun hallway wallpaper as a design feature.
We love the bold colors of Cole & Son's Circus just on a single wall in this hallway, it brings the perfect amount of color into this otherwise quite neutral space. And see how it started above the dado rail? An easy trick for making the room feel loftier.
'First impressions count and your hallway is the perfect place to set the tone for the rest of your home. As the first thing you see when you walk through the door, it makes sense to spend time and effort making the hall a fabulous place to be,' says Lucy St George, co-founder of Rockett St George .
'Whether you have a grand entrance or a more compact space to work with, wallpaper is a great way to bring wow factor. Floral patterns are a timeless addition, with oversized florals and darker color palettes perfect for introducing a more modern take on this classic trend. Alternatively, tropical wallpapers and murals can be a great way to brighten up your hallway. Reminiscent of fabulous getaways; by opting for palm prints, tropical landscape scenes or beautiful botanicals you can create a hint of that holiday feeling back home.'
'If you’re hesitating to go for full pattern on the walls then why not play around with wallpaper on your stairs. Perfect for DIY novices or experts, wallpaper can be added to the risers of your staircase to create a similar look to a stair runner but at the fraction of the cost. Preparation is key but as long as you’ve measured properly, the process should be simple.'
15. Experiment with dark colors
(Image credit: Future)
It's a total myth that dark colors shouldn't be used in small spaces, they can in fact expand space just as using lighter colors can. Create a really dramatic entrance to your home by going all over with a really deep inky blue or soft matte charcoal grey. And don't just stick to the walls, go all over the woodwork and radiators too and even blend your furniture in by painting it to match, like this dark staircase idea.
Make the space less cave-like by keeping the ceiling light and going for bleached wooden floorboards for a softer, rustic touch. If you do opt for a darker palette make sure to get your hallway lighting spot on so it never feels gloomy when you have to rely on artificial light.
16. Expand the space with a large mirror
(Image credit: Claire Esparros)
Another simple design trick for making a hallway feel bigger is to hang mirrors. They bounce light around the space and, if placed strategically, can allude to there being more space. If your hallway is narrow, opt for a large, tall mirror at the end furthest from the door. For hallways that just need a hand to feel more open and light, choose a large mirror to hang at eye level above a console table.
'When designing the hallway or entrance, consider the space and functionality. A slimline gold-framed console works especially well in hallways or smaller spaces. The warming tones of the metallic make the space feel welcoming, while the minimalist style tricks the eye into thinking the space is much larger,' advises Ben Stokes, Founder and Interior Designer for KAGU Interiors . 'Complete with a mirror above in a similar metal for a cohesive look. The mirror will also bounce natural light around the space, making it appear much lighter and brighter.'
17. Blend in a staircase
(Image credit: Soho Management London Ltd)
The stairs are a big part of your hallway, so consider if you want them to be the main feature or almost blend into the background. In this smaller hallway, it makes sense to 'expand' the space by blurring the white floorboards into the stairs and the walls. This simple, monochrome painted staircase look is a classic for small spaces, but it's a classic for a reason – it always works.
18. Or paint them to stand out
(Image credit: Future)
Or at the opposite end of the spectrum, make your staircase the feature of the space by painting it in a bright color. It's a really easy update you could do yourself in just a weekend and can totally change the look of your hallway. Go for a playful hue like this vivid blue, a soft but stylish muted pink, or make it more dramatic with a glossy black paint (cool and practical).
19. Bring in light with Crittall doors
(Image credit: Future)
It can be tricky to know how to make a dark hallway feel lighter, they are often windowless and rely heavily on lighting. But why not copy this hallway idea and borrow light from adjoining rooms using glass or Crittall-style doors. Light flows into this spacious hallway thanks to the Crittall partitions, making the space lighter and more open.
20. Keep it simple with symmetry
(Image credit: Roger Davies)
A symmetrical layout creates an instantly more elegant hallway, plus is always going to make a space feel longer. Try facing two slimline console tables towards one another, and mirror the wall lighting to create a really cohesive, balanced space. Avoid that matchy-matchy unnatural look by hanging artwork or mirrors to break that absolute symmetry.
‘There are two really effective ways to make a statement with art in a hallway.' says Camilla Clarke, creative director at Albion Nord . 'The first is to play with scale. Make the most of the wall space and choose a large-scale artwork that spans the full height of the wall. It will feel bold and impactful. If you have a long hallway, another interesting way to make a statement with art is to create an art wall. Play with a mixture of artworks in different sizes, colors and genres to create your own personal gallery space.’
‘We love to use tapestries in hallways as they add richness and warmth to a space that may not have much furniture. They also come in huge landscape sizes which make them great for long hallways or entrances.’
21. Mirror the adjoining rooms
(Image credit: Paul Raeside )
When designing a hallway, also think about the look and style of the adjoining rooms. Do you want the hallway to seamlessly flow into your living room? If so create that link by bringing some of the colors used in the other rooms into the hallway.
The steely blue of the velvet sofa in the living room of this home is mirrored in the hallway with the same blue being used on woodwork and in the floor tiles.
22. Or contrast the adjoining rooms
(Image credit: The Modern House)
Or you could create a contrast with the rooms that lead on from the hallway. Despite being different colors, it doesn't have to feel jarring if you go for this approach, see the rooms as a single color palette, so they should all work together and feel cohesive even if they don't have the same scheme.
We love how the yellows and pinks in this hallway work with the pistachio green of the adjoining room. It's such a fun and vibrant look, that still feels stylish and sophisticated.
23. Add height by adding color at ground level
(Image credit: Inigo)
If you want to add in some color to your hallway but don't want to overwhelm the space, be inspired by this hallway idea and just paint a quarter of the way up wall. Plus, if you go for a darker color at ground level it will hide all those scuffs that just instantly seem to appear in hallways and up the stairs.
Tash Bradley, color specialist at Lick suggests, 'Painting a two-toned wall in your hallway is an effective way to create a unique space. '
24. Repeat lighting in a hallway
(Image credit: The Modern House)
Whether you are opting for pendant lighting or wall sconces, never just stick with one light source, repeat the lighting two or three times along the space. This creates multiple pools of light throughout the space, so you don't end up with any gloomy corners. The repeating aspect of this hallway lighting idea along the space will elongate it too.
25. Throw down rugs
(Image credit: Future)
Carpets just aren't a practical solution for a hallway, but you can add some softness underfoot by throwing down a rug. A single runner is great for lengthening a narrow or go for a few shorter mismatching rugs dotted along the space for a more laid back look.
'A rug should always be considered early in the design process, no matter which room, as it can be used to anchor a space and plan furnishings and accessories around. Once the paint color and any key furnishing have been picked, it is time to consider whether you’d prefer pattern or plain, and in which color, depending on the overarching style you want to achieve. ' says Noemie Deed founder of Cosy Coco .
'For a statement hallway, incorporate bold patterns and colors as a focal point and an injection of personality. A hallway is a great place to introduce guests to your interior style so if you’re a maximalist, don’t be afraid to show it straight away.'
How do you make a hallway welcoming?
The best way to make a hallway welcoming is to treat it as you would the other, more lived-in rooms of your home. Use it to set the tone for the rest of your house, mirroring the style and color palettes of the other rooms. You want to make sure it's well lit so it never feels like a gloomy space to just shuffle through. Use mirrors to enhance that light and if you have room bring in a key piece of furniture, whether it be a bench or a console table so it doesn't just feel like a sea of floor.
Rugs will help to soften the space, and wallpaper can add in some personality without actually taking up any space or adding too much visual clutter.
What is the best color for a hallway?
The best color for a hallway will depend on the size and aspect of the space. Is it long and narrow? Or open and airy? Does it have any windows or are you relying totally on artificial light? And you'll also what to think about how your hallway colors will work with the rooms adjoining it. Do you want them to flow seamlessly with similar schemes or for them to feel like totally separate spaces?
A safe option for a hallway color is to keep it light and bright with a white, cream or light grey. These colors are known for their space-expanding effects so are guaranteed to make the room feel bigger. That being said, going dark in a small hallway can also work. Not only well it creates a very dramatic entrance to your home, but it can also blur the edges of the room, making it feel bigger.
'Hallways are often starved of a generosity of natural light but don’t let this inhibit you too much. If you are nervous about compromised natural light you can lean towards warmer tones specifically those with an underlying red or yellow through them like Joa’s White, a warm red-based light neutral teamed with one of our softest whites like Pointing for your woodwork & ceiling color. ' advises Patrick O’Donnell or Farrow & Ball .
'If you feel courageous and want to make your hallway a statement area go dark, as Hallways are transitory areas for passing through it is a great place to be bold. The perfect dark would be Inchyra Blue in Modern Emulsion, the green nuance stops it feeling to chilly. If you are blessed with a high ceiling, choose a deeper neutral such as Shaded White which will give you a softer line where wall stops & ceiling starts.'
'If it is a dark hallway, using a bright white(ish) color won’t necessarily make it brighter so using complimentary deeper tones will make the spaces off of your hallway feel brighter and fresher.' explains Aaron Markwell Color Lead at
COAT Paints . 'Combinations must-tries for darker hallways would be And Breathe and Nomad, creating a rich and warming botanical atmosphere. Kind Regards and Adulting, are great cooler neutrals that provide a clean contrast. If you're looking to create a bold statement pairing marine tones like Hamilton and The Drink work really well, and make rooms coming off of them feel warmer and cozier. '
As the Houses Editor on Livingetc, Rachel has been obsessed with property ever since she was a kid. With a diploma in interior design and more than a decade working on interior magazines under her belt, she feels very at home sourcing the best contemporary houses the world has to offer for Livingetc. It's not just the day job either, she admits she's spent a scary amount of her own time researching schemes for her own renovations - scrolling Instagram, stalking Rightmove and Modern House, flicking through magazines and snooping in other peoples' windows - so she really does live and breathe houses on a daily, if not hourly, basis. Before Livingetc, Rachel had a stint finding homes for Ikea Family magazine where she was lucky enough to gallivant around the world on shoots meeting and interviewing interesting people, all with a very keen eye for blending high-end design with everyday items from Ikea. It inspired her to not be afraid of mixing new and old, expensive and affordable, vintage and modern and so Rachel's current Victorian terrace in north London is very much an updated, contemporary take on a period property; think open-plan modern kitchen with concrete floors, feature fireplaces and her grandmother’s paintings on the walls. Rachel is currently crushing on reeded glass, large gingham prints, squishy curved furniture; like Buchanan Studio’s Studio chair, and vintage wall sconces; she especially adores Retrouvius for sourcing antique finds and feels inspired by Lonika Chande, Beata Heuman and Matilda Goad and already can’t wait to start planning her next home, wherever that might be.
Top 10 materials and design features
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Features of wall decoration in the entrance hall
The entrance hall is a kind of face of the house: it is it that creates the first impression of it for visitors. Therefore, it is important that the decor of this area is attractive. But in pursuit of beauty, it is important not to forget about the purpose of the room, which imposes certain restrictions on the use of materials. In order not to constantly repair, the selected decor must have the following properties:
- Wear resistance. Including resistance to abrasion and mechanical damage.
- Durability. It is optimal that the manufacturer guarantees at least 5-7 years of service life of the coating.
Photo: Instagram kubus_design
- Easy care. Given that the walls in the hallway are often contaminated, the material must at least tolerate wet cleaning. It is optimal if it can be brushed and some detergents used.
- Maintainability. It is important that the coating be refurbishable. Then, if a defect appears, it can be repaired, which is much cheaper and easier to replace the entire finish.
- Security. The material must be safe for the health of others. In addition, you need to consider its fire safety. Do not use flammable or toxic coatings in the room where the front door is located. This can cost lives in a fire.
- Robust, high wear resistance and long service life.
- Good breathability. Plastered walls can breathe.
- Security. The coating does not emit toxic substances and does not burn.
- Easy care. Most materials tolerate wet cleaning.
- Washable vinyl wallpaper. Good concealment of irregularities in the base, easy to clean, good adhesion. Can mimic a variety of textures. The cost of vinyl wallpaper is low. Among the shortcomings, you need to be aware of the low vapor permeability and the possibility of damage to the decorative vinyl layer. If there are pets in the house, it is better to choose something else.
- Non-woven wallpaper. Durable, resistant to moisture. They easily withstand staining, which makes it possible to repair them or simply repaint them when the design gets boring. They are very easy to glue, especially varieties with a meter width. Of the minuses, it should be noted the need to level the base.
- Glass fiber. Panels made with glass fibers. Differ in the high durability, wear resistance, immunity to moisture. Such wallpaper is not afraid of mechanical damage. They are completely safe, vapor-permeable, withstand numerous colors and solvents. In addition, they additionally reinforce the walls. Disadvantage: the need for careful preparation of the base.
- Quartz wallpaper. They are a coating of quartz sand applied to a non-woven base. The material is very wear-resistant, not subject to mechanical stress, easy to clean and wash. It is possible to repeatedly stain with latex paint, which allows you to update the coating as needed. The disadvantages include a fairly high cost.
- Liquid wallpaper. Forms a monolithic, very durable coating with high wear resistance and good sound insulation properties. The material is quite elastic; when the building shrinks, it does not form cracks. Easily tolerates repeated staining and wet cleaning. If necessary, the coating can be easily repaired. Of the minuses, it is worth noting the rather high cost.
- Cork and bamboo wallpapers. Completely natural and very beautiful finishes. They have good sound and heat insulation characteristics. Sufficiently resistant to various mechanical damage, unpretentious in care. The disadvantages include difficulty in application. A leveled base and a special adhesive are required.
- Good wear resistance and high resistance to mechanical damage.
- Durability. With proper installation, artificial stone can last for decades.
- High moisture resistance. The material does not pass water to the base.
- Easy maintenance. The covering is well washed and does not absorb pollution.
- Security, including fire. The material is not combustible.
- Durability and high resistance to all kinds of damage.
- Durability, coating can last at least two decades.
- Moisture resistant, which greatly facilitates maintenance. The tile is easy to clean, and even aggressive detergents can be used.
- Good compatibility with other finishing materials. For example, you can tile only the lower third of the wall, which is the most vulnerable to dirt.
- Low cost. Perhaps this is the most budgetary way to decorate.
- No need to level the walls before installation.
- Easy care. The panels are well washed.
- Ecological safety. The material is harmless to others.
- Strength and high resistance to various mechanical damage.
- Durability. With proper maintenance, the panels last more than a decade.
- Easy maintenance. The panels are easy to wash and clean.
- Quick and easy installation.
- Possibility to disguise defects in the base, for this reason complex preparation is not necessary.
- Maintainability. If necessary, the fragment that has become unusable is replaced.
- Possibility to simulate various materials.
- Wear resistance and strength.
- Easy care.
- Strength and wear resistance.
- Attractive appearance, various colors and surface textures.
- Easy and quick installation of the material.
- No need to prepare the base before installation.
- Size and shape of the room.
- The general style of home decoration.
- Presence of small children and pets, which may damage some finishes.
- 0 It is better to paint a small hallway with a lot of ledges, picking up a calm color. Hang photos on the walls in bright frames, highlight the ledges with light.
- If the walls are decorated with smooth plaster, the imitation of masonry at the base of the wall and at the corners will look good. You can also focus on the mirror and the doorway.
Photo: Instagram designerkzn
Photo: Instagram dom_tvoej_mechty
Photo: Instagram dom_tvoej_mechty
Photo: Instagram dom_tvoej_mechty
Coating color and texture can be very different. They are selected based on the characteristics of a particular hallway. By combining materials, shades and textures, you can achieve the best result. Light colors visually expand the space, dark ones, on the contrary, narrow it. Skillful use of the pattern on the coating, lighting design and competent installation of mirrors enhance the effect.
The best materials for the walls in the hallway
In the hallway, different materials can be used to decorate the walls. We have selected those that are best suited for this. Let's consider each in more detail.
Photo: Instagram dom_tvoej_mechty
1. Decorative plaster
Distinguished by an exceptional variety of textures and shades. Thanks to the fillers added to the composition, the finished coating can be smooth, embossed or patterned, small or large. Plaster makes it possible to achieve unusual decorative effects, in addition, it has a number of advantages:
Among the shortcomings, the complexity of applying the material, especially some of its varieties, should be noted. Only a master can properly plaster the walls, which, of course, increases the cost of finishing. The price of the material can also be high. But it more than pays for the durability and practicality of this type of finish. Another disadvantage is that decorative plaster can be very difficult to apply to complex architectural elements.
Photo: Instagram igorglushan
2. Paint
A practical and fairly economical way to decorate walls. A wide range of colors allows you to choose any desired shade. You can combine two or three colors, make an ornament or pattern. Paints make it possible to obtain special decorative effects. Some of their varieties are able to change color when changing the angle of view or lighting, imitate a variety of materials, cast metal, etc.
Paint Tikkurila Euro Power 7
The paints adhere easily to surfaces, even those with complex shapes and hard-to-reach places. Minor repairs to painted walls will not be difficult, it will be enough to repaint the damaged area. The advantages and disadvantages of different types of paints are presented in the table.
Benefits | Defects | |
---|---|---|
Latex | High abrasion resistance, vapor permeability. The cover washes well. | Old coating is difficult to remove. Continuous exposure to moisture can cause peeling. |
Water based | Easy to apply, no unpleasant smell, dry quickly. The cost is low. | Some varieties get dirty after drying, wash off with water. Limited application. |
Acrylic | Fast drying, economical use, wear resistant, safe, durable. | Difficulty in choosing colors and shades. When self-mixing, they cannot be repeated. |
Silicone | High strength, durability, vapor permeability, UV resistance. They have water and dirt repellent properties. | High consumption and high material cost. |
One of the common disadvantages of using paint is the need for careful surface preparation. The walls must be even, otherwise the slightest defect will be clearly visible.
13a photo
Photo: Instagram eclettico.ru
Photo: Instagram eclettico.ru
Photo: Instagram ds_lisart
Photo: Instagram el_kostenko
Wall mural Design Studio 3D Victorian garden in dark colors
Photo: Instagram grandstroy
4. Artificial stone
Quality imitation of natural stone. Available in the form of tiles or flexible plates. The latter are especially suitable for designing curved surfaces. For interior decor, a composite is usually used, the basis for the production of which is gypsum. Artificial stone is quite easy to lay, it goes well with other finishing materials. Of the advantages of the coating, it is worth noting:
Photo: Instagram home_feyka
The disadvantage of artificial stone is its high cost, its flexible varieties are especially expensive. For this reason, cladding is more often used for finishing fragments of a room: doorways, corners, and the lower half of walls.
5. Ceramic tiles
A practical way to decorate your entryway. The choice of tiles is very wide. The manufacturer offers materials with a variety of colors and textures. Imitations of expensive finishing materials are available: leather, natural stone, valuable wood. Of the significant advantages of ceramics, it is worth noting:
The disadvantages of the coating include not the easiest installation. Tiles are laid by specialists with the skills of laying the material.
Photo: Instagram style_ceramics161
6. PVC panels
Plastic wall panels are well suited for hallway decor. Their choice is very rich: an extensive range of colors, with a variety of textures, patterns and decor. Of the significant advantages of PVC panels, they note:
The material has a lot of disadvantages. First of all, it is instability to mechanical damage. After impact, dents or even holes remain on the surface. During installation, a certain amount of free space is “eaten up”, since it is required to assemble the crate. The panels do not tolerate UV radiation. They fade quickly in the sun.
Photo: Instagram rada_doors
7. MDF panels
A good alternative to wooden lining. The basis of the material is an MDF board, which is painted, veneered or laminated. The result is a high-quality imitation of leather, wood, stone, fabric, etc. The main advantages of MDF panels are:
Of the minuses of the material, it is worth noting its rather large weight, as well as the need to equip the crate to secure it. The panels are combustible, which is also considered their disadvantage.
tena photo
The disadvantage of the material is considered to be a rather high cost.
Photo: Instagram ecoatr_3d
9. Laminate
This flooring is well suited for decorating the hallway walls. Considering that the material for the floor was created, it has excellent performance characteristics. Its advantages include:
Laminate Classen Impression
Among the shortcomings, it is worth considering the high hygroscopicity of the material. It cannot be used in rooms with high humidity, as it deforms under the influence of moisture.
Photo: Instagram proff_remont_nsk_
10. Fresco
Painting on wet plaster is very beautiful. However, only an artist can perform it on his own, so a special finishing material is produced that imitates such a pattern. The basis of the fresco can be synthetic or non-woven. Perhaps interspersed with marble chips and plaster, which gives the decor a very realistic look. The fresco is used as a decoration; it can occupy a fragment of one or more walls.
Frescoes imitating an aged wall are most often produced, but other options are also possible, for example, with a texture of silk or velor. The material is durable, resistant to abrasion and has a very attractive appearance. Among the shortcomings, it is worth noting the high cost and rather complicated installation. It is better to entrust it to specialists.
Photo: Instagram kubus_design
What to consider when choosing a finish?
Entrance hall - utilitarian room. Before proceeding with the choice of its decor, it is worth determining the desired functionality of the room. This may be the placement of closed storage systems, an exhibition of family photos, children's drawings or souvenirs brought from holidays, or something else. Depending on this, the design is selected. In addition to functionality, you need to consider:
a photo
Photo: Instagram igor_les_ip
Photo: Instagram mebelbos. by
Photo: Instagram mebelbos.by
Photo: Instagram mebelbos.by
Photo: Instagram mebelbos.by
Photo: Instagram mebelbos.by
Photo: Instagram mebelbos.by
Photo: Instagram mebelbos.by
Photo: Instagram mebelbos.by
Photo: Instagram mediana_interiors
Instagram petra.byPhoto: Instagram petra.by
Photo: Instagram petra.by
Making a niche in the wall
It is worth considering the presence of niches, ledges or arches. They make finishing somewhat difficult and require competent placement of accents. In a well-chosen design, such elements become a kind of highlight that adorns the interior. For example, niches are often decorated in contrast with the main finish. Thus, as if emphasizing them. If the niche is small, you can place a lamp or figurine in it. In a more spacious room, frescoes, photo wallpapers or a small exhibition are placed.
Features of the color solution
Competent color design can solve many problems: visually expand the space, hide some defects, visually increase the height of the room. Considering that the hallways are often small and dark, it is better to choose light and warm colors for them. Otherwise, there is a risk of getting the effect of non-residential premises.
Photo: Instagram idesing_spb
It is better not to get carried away with dark tones, they visually reduce the room. Saturated and bright colors should not be much. They are best used as accents. It is better to choose the color of furniture, focusing on the walls and floor. Its tone should be combined with the shade of the flooring or walls, or be in contrast.
Photo: Instagram mebelbos.by
Nuances of interior design
When choosing a design for walls, you should decide on furniture and accessories, know how and where they will be located. For the hallway, it is necessary to have storage systems for shoes and clothes. This is the minimum set, which it is desirable to significantly expand. If possible, it is worth delimiting the space. This is especially important for narrow spaces. It is better to zone them with furniture, a multi-level ceiling, and wall decoration.
Photo: Instagram stroiindeks iqdom_kazan
It is important to decide on the design style. It can be common to all rooms or individual for each. In the latter case, the chosen style should correspond as much as possible to the features of a particular hallway, its size and functionality. For example, for a small room, a minimalist design is well suited.
fifteena photo
Photo: Instagram petra.by
Photo: Instagram petra.by
Photo: Instagram planirovochka_ru
Photo: Instagram planirovochka_ru
Photo: Instagram planirovochka_ru
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Photo rss02 Photo: Instagram salon_plitki
Photo: Instagram salon_plitki
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Photo: Instagram vse. pro.dom
Photo: Instagram yuliaaltysheva
Photo: Instagram small.flat.ideas
Photo: Instagram stroiindeks
Interesting hallway design ideas
You can choose one of the win-win design solutions to decorate your hallway:
- A narrow room is decorated with wallpaper with a small pattern. The lower third of the walls are covered with decorative panels, furniture is selected to match.
- To visually increase the height of the room, you can choose striped wallpaper, close the lower part of the walls with suitable panels of any type or tiles.
Photo: Instagram petra. by
There are a lot of wall decoration options for the hallway. When choosing the best one for your home, do not forget about the strength and durability of the material you like. Perhaps a combination of coatings would be a good solution. Then the lower part of the wall can be reliably protected with wear-resistant, but not the most attractive material, and the upper part can be decorated the way you want.
Prepared by
Inna Yasinovskaya
Walls in the hallway - how and with what to finish the walls? (photo-instruction)
It's no secret that the overall impression of the room depends to a greater extent on the finish of wall surfaces and the entrance hall is no exception.
It is important to competently complete the general wall decoration in the hallway, since the individuality and peculiarity of the space largely depend on this.
Necessary materials for the entrance hall
When comparing all the rooms in the apartment, the entrance hall occupies a special leading place.
Based on this, the types of materials for decorating the walls in the hallway are determined, which will give it some reliability, help, if necessary, refine and increase the duration of its operation.
With regard to rework, this is especially true in those homes in which children or pets live, as they cause damage or possible contamination.
It is for this reason that it is better to select materials that can be easily cleaned (it is better to acquire less light shades) and, if necessary, restored.
No less important problem is the lack of space, and this is typical even for large apartments. As a result, the space is usually cluttered and resembles a warehouse for storing a wide variety of items of all sizes.
The strength of the materials is necessary to avoid the occurrence of various chips or scratches, which can be characteristic of a decorative wall in the hallway.
Currently, there is a huge variety of materials for wall decoration in the hallway, characterized by durability and high quality. However, the choice should be based on compliance with a number of requirements and criteria.
Main advantages of finishing materials
Each material has its positive and negative characteristics. Let's consider the main ones in more detail:
Wall panels. It has several varieties. The MDF panel, shown in the photo of the walls in the hallway, is distinguished by its environmental friendliness and has a wide classic color gamut.
Plastic ones are also considered similar, they do not differ in the main criteria.
Ease of attachment and no problem. It should be noted that they do not require preliminary preparation of the walls. A huge positive quality is considered to be an increased duration of operation - an average of up to 15 years.
The main disadvantages include a rather narrow range of colors and ornaments when choosing the most suitable wall color in the hallway.
Important to note. That such an option is considered relatively budgetary and economical.
Micro cement. It is a mixture with the presence of polymers and dye options. It makes it possible to create various textures, while not requiring preliminary preparation and leveling of the surface. Differs in durability and rather lower cost.
Wallpaper. It has a huge range of colors and textures. So, for example, vinyl wallpaper has a couple of varieties: non-woven and paper-based.
Wall-papering in the hallway can sometimes hide surface irregularities by means of the presence of a pattern. An equally popular variety is liquid wallpaper, which has an increased service life.
Decorative plaster. It has a number of pronounced distinctive properties, the main of which are increased strength and a variety of texture solutions.
It is important to apply it on a previously perfectly leveled and puttied surface. As an experiment, to create an unusual wall design in the hallway, you can use different grain sizes of the material.
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