Ideas for decorating a small hallway
10 tips to make an entryway look bigger |
(Image credit: Davide Lovatti / Future)
Small hallway ideas are often overlooked, despite setting the decorative tone for the rest of your home. But a combination of practical storage and design know-how can turn this traditionally transitional space into a welcoming place to linger, no matter the size.
Think of your hallway as a room in its own right and not just as an interim space. Once you’ve made the most of its natural features, consider how to personalize it from a decorative point of view with the best hallway ideas and decorative tips for small spaces.
Hallways are where first impressions are made and the scene is set for what lies beyond. It’s important to appreciate the significance these spaces give to the overall feel of a home, so do remember that first impressions count.
1. Consider scale, light and color in a small hallway
(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)
Remember that lighter colors give the appearance of more space – ideal for small or narrow hallway ideas – while darker tones will bring the room in, resulting in a cozier, more intimate feeling that can help you play with proportions.
‘Hard-wearing paints or tough, wipeable wall covering are best for particularly busy areas,' advises Claire Vallis, design director of the Harlequin Design Group . ‘This is more important in family homes.’
2. Decorate with your favorite color
(Image credit: Future / Sarah Maingot)
Give this often-overlooked small hallway ideas a little bit of love with the addition of color.
Here, saturated shades of cobalt, malachite and verdigris combine with botanical motifs to bring natural depth and earthiness. A low-hung pendant is a great way to add emphasis to the furniture below.
‘When introducing color, it’s best to avoid too many different shades; the choice of one hue for wall and floor treatments can be very effective,’ advises interior designer Tara Bernerd .
3. Tone it down and opt for sophistication
(Image credit: Ted Todd)
If you love idea of painting your woodwork in a color, just not as bright as above, you can opt for darker hallway paint ideas like this navy.
It still creates a bold design feature in your hall as Robert Walsh, founder and owner of Ted Todd Fine Wood Floors explains:
‘Hallways should be just as beautiful as any other room and should take you on a journey through the home. To keep the hallway light and airy, choosing a paler wood floor will not only bring the great outdoors in, but will keep the space feeling bright. Introducing a pattern such as a chevron or herringbone will help to draw your eye through the space making it feel bigger, too.
'What's more, lighter floors offer a contemporary feel and will add a subtle statement allowing you to use bolder color elsewhere – why not opt for dark blue, gray or green for your doors, frames and other woodwork to add contrast and balance to the space?’
4. Add a standout pattern for impact
(Image credit: Future / Catherine Gratwicke)
Pack a punch with a well-chosen stair runner that reflects your personality.
Areas of the home that that we pass through rather than live in, such as a cloakroom or hallway, can be the perfect opportunity for the more tame among us to try out bolder trends.
Setting a print carpet against a backdrop of low-key décor can also have a rather pretty, boho look, as seen here.
Everything else in this hallway scheme has been left neutral so that the carpet is the focus as you walk into the house. This is a look that's effective, but simple to achieve, as it doesn't involve elaborate decorating everywhere else.
It's worth noting that the stairs have been painted white, compared with the dark-wood floors, to let the pattern stand out.
5. Decorate with an accent color for impact
(Image credit: Little Greene)
Small hallway ideas needn’t be dull; in fact, they can be quite the opposite. But that doesn’t mean they need to be full of bright colors.
We love the contrast here between the hallway storage ideas, painted in Little Greene’s Dark Brunswick Green, and the use of Portland Stone Light on the walls and Portland Stone on the dado rail, door and trim. Don't forget to organize your hallway closet so it looks as good on the inside too.
The green here is enough to create a statement, but when balanced with the neutrals, including the terracotta tiles and coir runner, it works perfectly as a strong accent shade.
(Image credit: KDLoves)
‘A hallway is the first part of your home that anyone will see when they enter, so it's important to make sure it's a true reflection of your personality and style,’ explains Emma Deterding, founder and creative director of Kelling Designs .
‘To keep a brighter feel, opt for neutral tones on the walls ,as they'll keep the small hall fresh, and use a large mirror to help reflect light whilst giving the illusion of space.
'A console table will not only allow you to display personal touches and prized possessions, but will also be practical to drop bags, keys and mail as you go in and out of the house.
'Here, a pair of matching table lamps help to create entry table decor ideas with symmetry and balance. Opting for lampshades and upholstery in bright colors and bold patterns will allow you to bring your personality into the space, whilst setting the mood for the rest of your home.
’
7. Lead the eye with a runner
(Image credit: Future / Catherine Gratwicke)
Whatever the size of your entrance hall, there is always a way to make an impact.
Traditional hallways in period homes are often narrow, so look at ways of deceiving the eye. Consider using a floor runner to lead the eye towards a vista and try leaving internal doors leading off of the hall open to increase a sense of space.
Small hallway ideas also offer the opportunity to be brave with color, particularly with soft furnishings that can be easily changed. Here, an eye-catching runner and wall decor ideas lend vibrancy without overwhelming.
8. Create interest with objects
(Image credit: Future / Tom Leighton)
Set the tone the moment you walk through the door with a strong symmetrical arrangement, such as this collection of woven African baskets displayed on a French bistro table.
The earthy colors of the baskets harmonize with the frames of the botanical prints and the amber-colored walls; statement hallway lighting ideas in the form of a modern chandelier complete the effect.
9. Use architectural details to your advantage
(Image credit: M. Lavender Interiors / Chris Bradley)
When faced with interesting curves and beautiful detailing, it seems a shame not to make a feature of them. We love the way this small hallway has been decorated with a deep turmeric color on the inside that gives it a cocoon-like feel, whilst also incorporating sophisticated gallery wall ideas.
The dark wood flooring contrasts with the color scheme, whilst at the same time creating a continuity from the hallway to the living room beyond.
10. Create a cohesive color scheme
(Image credit: Future / Chris Everard)
When creating a scheme, view your hallway as an integral part of your home.
Try to ensure the decoration is in harmony with your living room ideas and any other rooms leading off it, as well as with the stairway, balustrades and landing (if visible), and also that your paint colors and hallway wallpaper ideas do not clash.
How do you make a small hallway look good?
It’s worth making the most of the bones of your hallway – if you live in a period property, consider keeping things simple and exposing original features such as cornicing, ceiling roses, encaustic flooring and handrails.
In contemporary spaces, aim for a central feature, such as a striking glass staircase, a frameless picture window or statement lighting.
Smaller tweaks such as adjusting your lighting scheme can be just as impactful. Choose a layered approach, adding subtle dimmable recess uplighters and ceiling lights combined with the warm yellow glow of table lamps.
Don’t forget to consider your staircase too, and be sure to incorporate enough storage to keep it clutter free – particularly hallway shoe storage solutions.
Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world.
Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.
25 Smart Hallway Decorating Ideas - How to Decorate a Hallway
Style
Ideas & Inspiration
by Kelsey Mulvey
updated Apr 3, 2022
SavePin ItSee More Images
Nothing says, “welcome to my home” like an entryway and hallway. While this space may seem inconsequential, in reality it sets the tone for your entire home when visitors arrive. What’s more, a well-styled hallway can draw a visitor’s eye into your abode, leaving them eager to share your space with you.
For more content like this follow
It doesn’t matter if you live in a city apartment or a spacious place in the suburbs, there’s probably something you can do to spice up your main hallway and entryway.
Most hallways aren’t large enough for a full scheme of furniture and accessories, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a well-placed console table, or even some clever storage options.
Believe it or not, your entry or hallway still has a lot of design potential. You just need to learn how to style this small space to your advantage. To help you in that endeavor, we’ve rounded up the smartest hallway decor ideas. From the best entryway paint colors to top plants for low-light apartments, you’re bound to find an idea here that can work for your space, whether it’s long and narrow or small and wide.
SavePin ItSee More Images
1. Unexpected patterns
Sure, you want to impress visitors when they first enter your home, but that doesn’t mean you can’t experiment with bold colors or patterns. This tiny UK home does just that, with a dramatic tropical wallpaper that offsets a very different striped pattern on the stair carpeting.
SavePin ItSee More Images
2.
Modern farmhouseA dark, boring hallway in a 1950s Colorado home gets a dramatic makeover, complete with neutral gray batten board walls, updated hardware on the doors and lighting and white doors instead of the glossy wood tones that have come to look so outdated.
SavePin ItSee More Images
3. Shades of blue
We love hallway decor ideas that incorporate clever pops of color. This one, from Anne Chicheportiche’s home, comes together expertly with a hallway carpet that coordinates with a set of blue doors at the end of the hall, and a gallery of art that also includes various shades of blue.
SavePin ItSee More Images
4. Orange and blue
This clever hallway redo by @colourfulnumber12 gives a mid-century vibe to the space, with a circular mirror placed above a slim console table. A tiny table like this is one of our favorite hallway decor ideas, since it lends character and adds storage at the same time.
See More Images
5. Expertly incorporated seating
A place to sit down and remove your shoes upon entering your home is a great idea, which is why a low-profile place to sit like the one shown here is a great hallway decor idea. This neutral-colored bench blends perfectly with this beige and black space.
SavePin ItSee More Images
6. Bold tiles
This homeowner took a potential eyesore in the form of a black heater, and made it part of a beautiful grand scheme by incorporating bold, black and white tiling and a black-rimmed circular mirror.
SavePin ItSee More Images
7. Modern and geometric
When it comes to hallway decor ideas, mirroring a shape seen elsewhere in the home is a great option. We love how this slim console table perfectly mirrors (both in shape and color) the rectangular door that sits just beyond it.
Pretty cherry blossoms and visually interesting lighting bring this look together perfectly.
See More Images
8. Make a statement with mirrors
Want to fake your way to a more spacious hallway? All you need is a reflective surface. “Adding a mirror at the end of a narrow hallway will make a typically dark space feel lighter and larger,” says Liana Thomson, an accessories product developer at home decor retailer EQ3. Take a cue from this suburban retreat by adding a small, circular mirror to your mix. This option makes a pretty, sculptural statement without overwhelming the rest of the space.
SavePin ItSee More Images
9. Style with shiplap
Recreate the look of this modern Louisiana farmhouse in your home by covering your hall walls in shiplap. “Not only does shiplap make a space look more important and special, but it also adds durability,” says designer Michelle Gerson.
“Adding shiplap to the walls is a cool way to make the hallway feel like an extension of the design of the house.” A practical, pretty, and space-efficient way to pack on the style? Chip and Joanna Gaines would definitely approve.
See More Images
10. Repeat your light fixtures
If you want to give a slim entry some pizazz, choose your light fixtures with care. “The addition of sconces provide repetition and visual interest while also setting the tone upon entering,” says designer Lauren Nelson. “Sconces offer ambient lighting, which is much more inviting than recessed cans (much like the effect of candles in the old days).” A sconce can give your place plenty of personality. In this New York City rental, the stacked geometric fixture oozes of old school, Art Deco glamor and gives guests a hint of what decor is to come in the rest of the home.
SavePin ItSee More Images
11.
Pick out a pendant We love the idea of playing around with lighting if you’re looking for hallway decor ideas. Speaking of lighting, you can always wow visitors by adding a single statement pendant to your foyer. In this charming English home, a rattan pendant lends the formal-looking hallway a cool, coastal edge.
SavePin ItSee More Images
12. Add accessories
If you have a few extra hats and bags on hand, borrow some “style” from your closet by hanging a few pieces in your entry, as seen in this Orange County-based crib. Not only will this option add some texture to your walls, but you’ll also be less likely to leave without these key pieces as you head out the door!
SavePin ItSee More Images
13. Create storage with a console
Just because entries are notoriously small doesn’t mean you can’t fit in some furniture. “I always use the hallway as a landing place,” says designer Sarah Wilson, owner of Chansaerae Designs.
“Set up a table where you can unload as you come in.” A console table, like the one seen in this Barcelona home, offers some extra storage and keeps the space from feeling too sterile—that’s a win-win in my book.
See More Images
14. Keep your console clear
While a slim console table can amp up an entry, there’s always the risk that it’ll make your small space feel cluttered. Get the best of both worlds with a transparent table. “If you have a hallway that seems wide enough for a console table, opt for a thin, acrylic one,” says Alessandra Wood, interior design expert at Modsy, an e-design company. This will allow light to pass through and keep your hallway feeling open and accessible while still giving you a spot to drop keys.” This Brooklyn Heights home takes this clear storage to the max by slipping a woven basket underneath the table.
SavePin ItSee More Images
15. Get a gallery wall
One of the best hallway decor ideas we’ve come across? Turn your unassuming hall or entry into a museum-worthy masterpiece by creating a gallery wall.
“I love when I see hallways used to display a full collection of art,” Wood shares. “This seemingly small space can house a ton of art and become a passageway for inspiration.” With art as far as the eye can see, Kate Beebe’s maximalist hall proves this point—and is an anything but boring way to set the tone when you enter her home.
See More Images
16. Round up some rugs
Fun, eye-catching rugs can make great hallway decor ideas. While a single runner will pack a punch, this New Orleans home utilizes a set of two vintage rugs for a unique look. The varying patterns offer visual interest, but the similar color palettes keep the look cohesive. Even if you don’t have a lot of room for furniture, you can certainly pull off a small rug.
SavePin ItSee More Images
17. Prioritize pops of color
Sometimes a little bit of color is just what the design doctor ordered. “Painting the ceiling is a fun way to add dimension into a hallway,” says designer Ginny Macdonald.
“It will draw the eye up and elongate the space.” Instead of using one shade, incorporate the hallway decor idea of creating a cool, ombré effect with multiple hues as seen in this Barcelona space above. The result? A hallway you’ll actually want to stay in and look around—and not just pass through.
See More Images
18. Go to the dark side
Turns out painting with dark colors does have its perks—especially when decorating your entry or hall. “You could also paint the ceiling and the walls in a moody color and play with the fact that the hallway is dark,” Macdonald says. “Painting it white, especially if it has no natural light, could actually make it feel more gloomy, as the white has nothing to bounce off. Playing into the darkness will make it feel cozy.” In Lori LaMont and Monte Weiss’s Long Beach apartment, you can see this principle at play, where they embraced a deep blue wall color for their windowless hallway but punctuated that darkness with orange pendant lights and crisp, white trim.
See More Images
19. Finish it off with floating shelves
Looking for hallway decor ideas for stowing your mail or apartment keys? Add some wall storage to your hall. “Floating shelves can be a good option if you have a wider hallway that could use some much-needed depth and pizazz,” says designer Breegan Jane. “They can be functional without taking up any floor space.” Not only is this trick space-efficient, but this is one DIY project that can be done in an hour. Use Amber Guyton’s tiny bungalow above as your inspiration.
SavePin ItSee More Images
20. Layer in a storage ladder
If the mere thought of drilling holes into your wall makes you nervous that you’ll lose your security deposit, lean a ladder-like shelving unit against your wall instead. Not only is the ladder in this Barcelona house tour equal parts pretty and practical, but it’s also from IKEA!
SavePin ItSee More Images
21.
Small space dwellers, take note! If you want to carve out an “entryway” from the rest of your home, fake its footprint by laying down some tiles. This Scandinavian sanctuary nails this idea with a fun patchwork of designs that stick to a cohesive color palette. Living in a rental? You can get the look with peel-and-stick tile decals or temporary vinyl tiles.
SavePin ItSee More Images
22. Style out a shelfie
Have a hallway with charming nooks or niches? Put those built-ins to good use by creating a shelfie brimming with personality. With a cactus, colorful books, and a seriously impressive matchbook collection, we can’t help but smile whenever I look at this Scandi-inspired space.
SavePin ItSee More Images
23. Fill it with foliage
Aspiring plant parents will find a lot to love about “Plant Doctor” Hilton Carter’s Baltimore abode. His 1,000-square-foot home features over 200 plants—including a hallway with a propagation wall. Go ahead and embrace your green thumb by copying this look.
See More Images
24. Try a tapestry
If you want to give your walls some love but aren’t ready to commit to a full gallery wall, add a few tapestries. I love the simple pair hanging in this Philadelphia pad. Not only can this trick give your walls some much-needed texture and visual interest, tapestries can also strike a balance between subtleness and statement if you select them carefully.
SavePin ItSee More Images
25. Layer your ledge
The key to a design-savvy entry or hallway is making the most of the architecture you have. This Swedish space doesn’t have statement light fixtures or whimsical wallpaper, but the addition of a few plants and pottery pieces to the windowsill turns up the charm in an otherwise fairly quiet room.
SavePin ItSee More Images
26.
Adding an accent wall might be one of the oldest tricks in the design book; however, it’s still a solid way to spruce up your hallway or entryway. Convinced accent walls are played out? Check out the cool alternative from this Spanish home above. The stark contrast between the pink and black hues makes a big statement without the need for excess ornamentation.
SavePin ItSee More Images
27. Make a makeup mecca
If you’re looking for hallway decor ideas that make the end of a slim hall feel less, well, abrupt, add a compact vanity table. In this pretty Philadelphia pad, a small table and faux fur stool give this otherwise sterile space a fun, cozy feel. Plus, this kind of setup can double as a desk when you work from home.
SavePin ItSee More Images
28. Bring on the books
Looking for the best hallway decor ideas for bookworms? Add some square shelves to your entryway. The low-slung cubbies seen in this North Carolina home can hold a lot without making the space appear cluttered. You can always sub in some baskets and bins, too, if you want some covered storage.
See More Images
29. Dress up your door
The quickest and easiest way to spruce up your entry? Paint the inside of your front door a bold hue. When one couple used this trick in their New York City apartment, they ended up with an unapologetically stylish moment—whether they’re coming or going.
Small hallway design - 65 photos, interior ideas
The entrance hall is the part of the apartment that first opens up to the eyes of the household and guests, so it is very important to make it practical and beautiful. It would seem that on an area of 1.5-2 sq.m. It's hard to implement any design ideas, but it's not! To visually increase and save space, there are many tricks, which we will discuss below. If you approach the design of a small hallway wisely, there is a place to store all the necessary things in it, and the interior will delight you with home comfort for many years.
Interior style for a small hallway
In order for decoration, furniture and household trifles to look together as a single ensemble, it is very important to choose the style in which the interior will be designed. A small hallway will be decorated with discreet trends: modern, classic, Scandinavian, Provence or loft. All of them are united by minimalism, accuracy and harmony. Thanks to these features, even a small room will become comfortable and pleasant.
Contemporary foyer
Elegant functionality - that's the motto of modern style in design. It is characterized by clear lines, contrasting colors (often achromatic or close to them) and smooth surfaces. High-tech materials are used throughout.
In the modern interior of a small hallway, there are almost no decorations, drawings or protruding elements. In general, it gives the impression of impeccable taste and refinement.
Entrance hall in classic style
Classic at first sight conquers with its exquisite nobility. The soft glow of gold on a snow-white or beige background, perfect symmetry, luxurious textures, as well as magnificent decor - all this creates an atmosphere of well-being and makes the interior of the hallway elite.
Entrance hall in Provence style
French romance of Provence - pastel colors, vintage light furniture, floral ornaments and openwork inserts. In such an environment there is always a lot of light and air. A small hallway, decorated in Provence style, with its gentle simplicity, resembles a dollhouse or a summer vacation in the village with a grandmother.
Loft style entrance hall
Unplastered brick walls, an abundance of metal and roughly processed wood, exposed ceiling beams and communications - all this makes the loft quite brutal, but in a small hallway this design can be very appropriate.
This style does not tolerate pretentiousness - instead of a banal set on the wall, there can be only a few hooks and one or two shelves, and an old chest of drawers can be adapted to store shoes.
A bicycle, a backpack, roller skates, a skateboard and other attributes of an active lifestyle will organically fit into a loft, so travelers and creative people will surely like this concept.
Scandinavian foyer
Inspired by northern nature, Scandinavian style brings freshness to the interior. It is based on the impeccable purity of the snow cover, icy rivers and darkening rocks, and they are complemented by warm notes inherent in Swedish and Norwegian houses.
Whitewashed wood, ethnic patchwork tiles and distinctive floor rugs break up the austere design of the hallway, creating a cozy, lived-in look.
Colors
The choice of shades for the hallway should be approached responsibly, showing artistic taste and moderation. In a small area, it is advisable to use no more than 2-3 colors: one main, the rest - for contrasts and small details.
Small entrance hall in white
White color is ideal for interior design of a small hallway, as it visually expands the space. A snow-white room will become a model of order and cleanliness, black and gray elements will beautifully complement the achromatic design, and colored inserts next to white will look calmer.
Small entrance hall in beige
Many people love milky-coffee tones for their practicality. Beige finishes and furniture look great in any style. This is a very light, but at the same time warm, homely color. The best neighborhood for him is dark brown, creamy, not bright green.
Small entrance hall in gray tones
Neutral and discreet gray color is the best solution for laconic design. Polished steel, mirrors and the right lighting will make a monochrome setting livelier, while splashes of white will remove the feeling of gloom.
Small entrance hall in pastel colors
Lavender, light blue, soft pink, mint and lemon colors create a sweet and unobtrusive atmosphere. They are indispensable in the Provence style, although individually they can be used in other directions.
Finishing and materials for the hallway
The entrance hall does not belong to problematic premises, therefore the requirements for moisture resistance in it are moderate, but it is there that the most dirt accumulates from the street. This means that it is better to choose materials with a smooth surface - those that are easy to wash and clean.
Floor
For practical reasons, the floor in a small hallway should be made durable. For this purpose, tiles, porcelain stoneware or linoleum are perfect. You can also arrange a self-leveling floor. Natural parquet and laminate in the mode of active use, most likely, will not last long.
Walls
For wall decoration in the hallway, artificial stone, ceramic tiles (simulating brick), ordinary and decorative plaster, plastic panels, and wallpaper are often used. A rather interesting option can also be cork, wallpaper with a visual perspective, or painting with slate paint, on which you can draw with chalk.
In order not to make the room seem even smaller, it is better to refuse lurid patterns, contrasts and eye-catching stripes on the walls in favor of plain light colors.
Ceiling
You can visually raise the height of a small hallway by arranging a two-level ceiling of a white plasterboard frame around the perimeter and a mirror film in the center.
However, the usual painting of the ceiling in a light color, and the tension version, and mirror PVC panels are also suitable. The main thing is not to place voluminous or massive structures above your head that draw attention to yourself.
Furniture and its placement
Uncomfortable furniture is the main problem of small hallways. This means that the time has come to throw out the old bulky cabinets from the corridor and replace them with modern compact storage systems.
Small square hallway
The square entrance hall is convenient because it has a lot of space on the sides. Thus, linear furniture can be placed along one wall (for example, closer to the corner at the front door - an open hanger with hooks, a shoe stand under it, a chest of drawers and a mirror nearby), and along the other, if it fits, a shallow closet .
Another option is to place radius cupboards with rounded doors in the corners, and use the rest of the space for low shoe racks.
Narrow (rectangular) small hallway
In a narrow hallway, you should make the most of the space around and above the front door. Narrow storage systems should be placed on the sides, and a stylish mezzanine at the top.
Instead of a bulky mirror with a cabinet, it's better to just hang it on the wall, and buying a cabinet with a mirrored door, you can see yourself in full growth.
For shoes, it is advisable to purchase a special boot with folding shelves, in which each pair will be located not horizontally, but at an angle.
Small irregular foyer
In private houses and two-story apartments, to save space, hangers are often arranged under the stairs. Sometimes the non-standard form of the corridor is the result of redevelopment, or that was the original idea of the architect.
In any case, for unusual rooms it is better to order furniture according to individual measurements and drawings - then each cabinet will fit perfectly into the niche provided for it.
Small hallway lighting
To prevent the hallway from appearing gloomy due to the lack of windows, good lighting should be provided in it. These can be spot LEDs or a neon strip around the perimeter and a small ceiling chandelier (or better, several) in the center; two to four sconces in the form of flashlights or other forms suitable in style; corner spotlights.
The floor can be illuminated with fluorescent elements or LED lamps integrated under the safety glass - this will help you not to stumble in the dark.
Warm, yellowish lighting is best for creating a cozy atmosphere. With cold white, you can illuminate a mirror at face level from both sides - this will allow you to see makeup without shadows and distortions - the way it will look on the street.
Design of a small hallway in Khrushchev
It is often possible to expand the space of a small hallway and modernize the interior of a Khrushchev apartment with the help of redevelopment. Of course, this requires financial costs and legal formalities, but the result justifies itself. By combining the corridor with the living room, you will get a spacious hall, and one corner is enough for outerwear and shoes.
If this option is not possible, you should simply make more efficient use of free space, which is usually left without attention - the space above the front door, corners, and under the ceiling, a spacious mezzanine for storing seasonal items will not interfere.
Another interesting option is to make a niche in the wall and mount the storage system right there. The main thing is that it should not be a bearing support, but an internal partition, the destruction of which will not harm the house.
Interior design of a small hallway - photo
Especially for you, we have collected the best examples of the design of small hallways. In the photo you will find many unusual solutions, interesting ideas and secrets on how to organize the space comfortably and ergonomically. Get inspired!
Video: Small Hallway Design Ideas
Design of a small hallway - 90 photos of interiors, ideas for repair and decoration
The entrance hall is the first room that sets the tone for the rest of the apartment, serves as a kind of business card for the owners, so its design deserves special attention. A small hallway is not a sentence, even a few square meters of the entrance hall, with the right approach, can turn into a comfortable stylish environment that surprises with its functionality and spaciousness.
How to start repair?
Starting repairs in a small hallway, you must first evaluate the possibility of expanding the space. In this case, combining the entrance hall with the living room can help out by dismantling the doorway and a fragment of the wall. To prevent street dirt and cold air from entering directly into the living room, decorative plasterboard partitions are installed. A good solution would be to build arched vaults instead of interior doors, as a result of which the space of a small corridor will become more open and bright.
Quite often the layouts of hallways provide for the presence of niches, this is especially typical for apartments in Khrushchev. Recesses in the wall can be used for arranging built-in wardrobes where clothes, shoes or appliances will be stored (sometimes even a washing machine is found here).
It is worth starting repair work with the complete dismantling of old finishing materials, leveling and cleaning surfaces. Think over the future lighting system in advance, since even before the start of finishing work, it is necessary to equip the locations of lamps and sockets in order to disguise the electrical cable.
Before starting the repair, you should think over everything to the smallest detail, from the choice of style, color of a small hallway to the installation of furniture, lamps and decor. It is better to draw a draft sketch on a piece of paper, following which you can carry out repairs step by step without unforeseen problems.
Color for a small hallway
For the design of small spaces, designers quite rightly prefer a light palette that can visually expand the boundaries of the room. In the hallway, where there are no windows and practically no natural light gets in, light finishes are most relevant. As a rule, they choose the main color, to which one or two additional ones are added to create contrasts and small accents.
Today, many people prefer the white palette, which is typical for many modern styles (minimalism, Scandinavian, classic). The design of the walls and ceiling in one snow-white palette will “blur” the boundaries between the planes, due to which the room will seem much wider. There is no need to be afraid that the hallway will turn into sterile hospital rooms, because you will fill it with peculiar contrasts, the role of which will be assigned to the original flooring, rugs, wooden furniture, wall decor in the form of paintings, photos or a beautiful mirror.
For a lighter yet more welcoming environment, a beige color scheme can be used as the basis for the design, which looks great in any style. Brown will create the best company for him, but white and pastel colors can be connected to the design.
Gray is at the peak of popularity - it is neutral and concise, so it is often the best solution for decorating rooms in modern, restrained styles. To enliven a monochrome environment, they install multi-level lighting, mirror surfaces, use interspersed white, black colors and other contrasts.
Pastel colors, such as light green, blue, pink, lemon, etc. , will help create a soft, unobtrusive atmosphere in a small hallway. spectrum - alternate light and dark stripes of the same tone or make a more saturated accent wall against the background of a general light finish.
Finishes and materials
When choosing materials for finishing a small hallway, pay attention to the fact that pollution from the street, cool air currents and humidity can penetrate into this room, so you should give preference to coatings that are resistant to these conditions.
Floor
Entrance hall - a walk-through room where the floor surface is constantly under mechanical stress and quickly gets dirty. Therefore, you need to choose the most stable coating that is easy to clean.
Floor tiles or porcelain stoneware may be the best option - the materials meet all the necessary requirements for use and have a huge range of designs.
A more economical option is linoleum, which, although considered somewhat outdated, today also has many interpretations, is made from artificial and natural materials. Parquet and laminate tolerate moisture, sand much worse and can deform over time.
Walls
For the walls of the hallway, the choice of finishing materials is quite large and often they are combined to create a unique interior. Having previously leveled the surfaces, the walls can be painted with acrylic or water-based composition, finished with decorative plaster, pasted over with washable wallpaper.
An interesting option would be to cover one of the walls with photo wallpapers, where the images are matched to the style of the room. Separate sections can be decorated with decorative stone, highlight, for example, doorways, corners or niches. No less relevant are PVC panels with a wide range of colors.
With the help of finishing materials, you can visually enlarge the space of a small hallway. Vertical patterns on the wallpaper will “raise” the height of the ceiling surface, and horizontal ones will expand the room. Do not get carried away with large patterns that can bring the surface closer - if you don’t like a monochromatic design, choose a wallpaper with a small pattern that gives dynamics to the design.
Ceiling
A light ceiling looks best in a small hallway. The smooth surface can be whitewashed or painted. A popular trend has become the finishing of the ceiling with drywall and stretch glossy or matte canvas. Such designs make it possible to do without preliminary leveling of the surface, to equip curly structures and a spot lighting system, hiding electrical wires.
Furniture for a small hallway
The choice of furniture often becomes the main problem of a small corridor. There is no place for bulky cabinets, so you need to choose the most compact storage systems. You need to try to maximize the use of corner areas, for example, install a radius wardrobe or hanger. You can choose a modular set for the hallway by placing individual elements in less passable places.
It is worth making the most of the space around the front door - equip a mezzanine in the upper part, and install compact storage systems on the sides. If there is a niche in the corridor, use it to equip the built-in wardrobe - for this you only need to install shelves and sliding doors. You can purchase a narrow shoe rack, where folding shelves allow you to store shoes compactly.
In a small hallway, you can get by with a minimal set of furniture, for example, install a shoe cabinet-bench on which you can sit or put a bag, and attach a shelf with hooks for outerwear on top. It remains only to add a wall mirror and a couple of decorative elements.
Lighting and decor
In most cases, there are no windows in the hallway and the room can seem rather gloomy if it is not equipped with high-quality lighting. It can be a small ceiling chandelier, spotlights, spots.
The area near the mirror should be additionally equipped with lighting in the form of one or two lamps (sometimes make-up mirrors equipped with many lamps are installed). The surfaces of the ceiling and floor with hidden illumination in the form of neon ribbons and luminescent elements look original.
In a small hallway, do not get carried away with overall decor, which will clutter up an already small space. Its role can be played by finishing features, colored inserts, a couple of photographs or paintings, a mirror in a beautiful frame, a bright floor rug or pouffe.
Interior styles
To make the interior of the hallway look beautiful and orderly, it should be decorated in one of the interior styles, which should be combined with other rooms in the apartment. We offer to consider some good ideas for a small hallway.
Small entrance hall in classic style
Cream, milky, light gray tones are acceptable for a classic-style hallway, so the design is perfect for a small room. Here, preference is given to white furniture made of wood, massive mirrors in luxurious frames, moldings and carved elements that decorate the environment.
Marble tiles or porcelain stoneware are laid on the floor, and decorative plaster, stone or fabric wallpaper with small discreet ornaments decorate the walls. The classic does not age and this is its main advantage - a luxurious interior can be complemented by more modern details, such as wardrobes, spotlights, etc. , but stucco elements, luxurious chandeliers, expensive finishing materials will always emphasize the presentability of the design and the good taste of the owners.
Small entrance hall in minimalist style
The design of a small hallway in the style of minimalism suggests a laconic design, practically devoid of decorations and useless elements. The interior has strict geometric shapes, clear lines and angles. The advantage is given to light colors of finishes, built-in storage systems, bright multi-level lighting.
Wall decoration is characterized by simple, but high-quality materials without patterns - it can be wallpaper for painting, plaster or PVC panels. An integral element of the design are large mirrors of any shape, visually increasing the space.
Scandinavian style small hallway
A style that originated in Sweden in the 18th century has renewed its relevance in our time thanks to the design features, where the desire for minimalism is perfectly combined with homely comfort.
A small Scandinavian-style entrance hall is most often decorated in a white palette, but this is not a dogma - gray, beige, olive shades may well be present. Preference is given to wooden furnishings, which should be few: open hangers, a small sofa or pouffe, a mirror in a massive wooden frame and a small bedside table - this is quite enough to accommodate the necessary things.
Finishes include plaster, paint, plain wall panels or brickwork. Decorative elements are often vintage gizmos (an old chest of drawers, a shabby rug), live flowerpots, photographs, bright elements of furniture and clothing.
Small entrance hall in loft style
The peculiarity of the "attic" style in a small hallway is manifested in the deliberately rough decoration of the walls like brick or concrete, a large number of lighting fixtures, often with an original (industrial) design, as well as in the minimum amount of furnishings.
Furniture here can be presented in the most unusual forms: open shelves, racks, massive metal hangers and, of course, a floor mirror in a wooden frame - all these details clearly emphasize the style design features.
