Interior design ideas for small hall


22 small hallway ideas to make your space feel bigger

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(Image credit: Habitat)

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Small hallway ideas can still pack a punch in design interest. So if your space is on the tiny side, there's nothing to worry about. Consider the art of making your hallway feel bigger and brighter, an exciting decor challenge. 

From mirrors that give the illusion of a larger entrance, to slimline furniture that soars to the ceiling, there are plenty of workarounds which won't make you feel like you're compensating on style or, good use of the space. It's all about being clever with the latest hallway ideas and designs to make the results stand out.

Stylish but small hallway ideas for your home

1. A small but seamless work space

(Image credit: Carpetright)

If you've no space for a dedicated home office idea and a small hallway then one way to still make use of the space you do have is to install a flip-down fixture where you can hot desk when you need, and pack it away when you're done.

Make it a seamless addition by partially painting it the same color as your walls. This half and half, blue and white paint job means the wooden fixture is barely there and it adds a little design interest too.

2. Use chalk paint to upcycle tables and accessories

(Image credit: Annie Sloan)

If you want to zhuzh up your entrance, but don't have money to completely remodel the space, it's time to get out the chalk paint and get upcycling.

From console tables to vases, you can apply this paint treatment to almost everything. As you can see here, you don't just need to apply a lick of paint in a single color. Be brave and experiment with different patterns or motifs or go wild with abstract paint strokes which are en vogue.

Get your hands on a pot of Annie Sloan or Frenchic furniture paint and unleash your creative side.

3. Invest in a tall storage idea to hang coats and shoes

(Image credit: Habitat)

Want to get your kids ready to make a quick dash out of the door? Or better still, put their coats and shoes somewhere other than the floor?

If you don't have the luxury of under stairs storage, you may want to consider slimline shelving ideas to stash your footwear and outerwear. Enter the white tallboy design by Habitat .

With three shelves for trainers and lots of hooks for jackets and bags, its versatile design means it's suited to most small hallway designs.

The grey and mustard trunks with handles overhead are also lovely retro ideas that can cram in extra storage above the main furniture fixture.

4. Create a small reading area by the front door

(Image credit: Homesense)

There are no rules to reading nook ideas. Just as you can sit and cozy up to a good book on the floor or on the bed, why can't you immerse yourself in the hallway too?

As well as adding a flavor of who you are in your foyer, it's a great place to supervise children who like playing in this narrow space. So get comfy with an occasional chair, cushions and delve into a cupboard cum home library, full of books.

If you've not got children, it's also the perfect spot for waiting on an important parcel delivery... Or takeout.

5. Add a runner to brighten up a narrow apartment hall

(Image credit: Sonya Winner Rug Studio)

We get it. Minimalist black and white decor is all the rage in small apartment decorating ideas. But if your entry is craving a bit of color, runners make great small hallway ideas to inject personality and pizzazz into your interior design.

Starting from an abstract paper collage of overlapping organic shapes and colors, Sonya (of Sonya Winner Rug Studios ) and daughter Rosie worked together to re-imagine this handmade artwork as a creative and original rug design.

6. Use narrow, made-for-purpose storage

(Image credit: Ikea)

Narrow shoe storage ideas with hinged drawers that tip out, are great ideas for narrow hallways, and the surface gives you somewhere to pop keys or post when you come through the front door. Two have been placed side-by-side for optimum storage opportunities.

7. Create a broken-plan space in a small hallway

(Image credit: Ikea)

We love this small hallway idea of partially removing the wall between the hallway and lounge, creating an open-plan feel, while still having wall space for coat and shoe storage.  

Want to give this whole open plan living thing a go? Find out everything you need to know about creating an open-plan layout in your home.

8. Multi-purpose function and form in small hallway

(Image credit: Kreis Design)

Just because you have a small hallway, doesn’t mean it has to lack character. Paint a wall with blackboard paint to give you somewhere to write messages and reminders, use the space above doors to hang shelves for books, and hang a pegboard with a mixture of hooks and shelves, to provide a range of small storage options.  

If you want to try out this look, it's actually a really easy DIY jobbie. Just check out our guide to how to create a chalkboard wall, (spoiler: with chalk paint).

9. Easy small hallway idea? Choose a bench with storage

(Image credit: Garden Trading)

Look for small hallway ideas to keep your space clutter free and organized: a selection of hooks, shelves and an umbrella stand positioned by the door will do. And, if space permits, a small bench is also one of many hallway storage ideas that will giving you somewhere to perch when pulling on your shoes.

10. Hang sliding or pocket doors

(Image credit: Norsu)

Unlike a standard hinged door that requires floor space to swing open, a sliding barn door takes up little more space than the thickness of the door. These sliding doors feature a very simple mechanism, which, if you’re a competent DIYer, are easy to install.

Just be aware, because barn doors slide and hang to the side of the door, you will need to make sure you have wall space to slide the door across.  

11. Pick storage that fits your space (and needs)

(Image credit: String)

Transform your hall into a welcoming entrance with multi-functional modular furniture, which can be customized to work for your space.

The system can accommodate a variety of different storage solutions, including hooks for coats, shoe racks, and a bowl shelf for your keys, which is made from felt to minimize noise.

12. Create a feeling of space with huge mirrors

(Image credit: Nigel Rigden)

Hallway mirrors in narrow rooms are particularly effective, making the space feel almost twice its size. Have one made to measure so that it covers the whole wall (this will help the visual effect of lengthening and widening the space), and, where possible, place near a window to reflect light from outside. 

13. Use under stairs space for storage

(Image credit: Avar Furniture)

Utilize under stairs storage space with built in storage cupboards. Pull-out storage drawers like these are a brilliant way of introducing lots of storage in your hallway and can be used to stash anything from cleaning equipment to coats, to children’s bikes and toys. 

14. Decorate for character (and to stretch space)

(Image credit: Trollsteinen Interior)

Just because it’s small doesn’t mean it can’t be striking. Check out @trollsteinen_interior 's hallway: with bold stripes, painted in wide bands of black and white, which she’s teamed with a neat black bench and peg rail, and some lush green foliage, it's packed with character. Plus, the horizontal stripes make the room exaggerate the walls' proportions.

15. Don't forget good lighting for small hallways

(Image credit: Holloways of Ludlow)

Small hallways need to include good hallway lighting ideas: after all, you're going to spend a lot of time coming through that front door on dark evenings, and good lighting can help your space look its best. Ideally, choose a combination of lighting types: bright overhead downlights to create a feeling of daylight in otherwise dark hallways; characterful table lights for atmosphere only; and lights in skirting boards to light stair risers (and exaggerate the stairs' width).  

16. Use lightening tricks to make your hallway brighter

(Image credit: Cormar Carpets)

Small hallway ideas should include brightening tricks — since hallways tend to be light-starved spaces. If yours lacks the natural light you need to make it feel as big and bright as possible, use all the tricks up your sleeve to lighten it — from hanging mirrors (tick) to choosing pale hallway paint ideas paint color schemes (tick) to picking pale flooring (tick) to shopping for slimline furniture that won't block light (tick).

17. Use wallpaper to create visual tricks

Emilia is a brand new narrow stripe inspired by the Breton stripes. A modern and timeless stripe in classic colours. Do you want to see all the colours of Emilia visit sandbergwallpaper.com! Add Beauty To Your Home

A photo posted by @sandbergandfriends on Jan 22, 2017 at 10:04pm PST

Choosing hallway wallpaper ideas with a subtle stripe will exaggerate a smaller space's proportions. A horizontal stripe will make it feel longer or wider; and a vertical stripe will make the hallway seem taller. The Emilia from Sandberg takes its cue from Breton stripes and will complement a contemporary home with nautical accents.

18. Add character with a gallery wall

(Image credit: Katie Lee)

We know we bang on about gallery wall ideas, but what's not to like: they're easy to create, add bags of character and take up no space. Plus, if you choose light-colored frames and prints, your hallway's proportions will be flattered.

19. Replace heavy curtains with window film

(Image credit: The Window Film Company)

Saving space and letting in light are the two must-dos when designing a small hallway. Window film is a super-affordable way to create instant privacy, but interest, too, without having to invest in high-ticket window treatment ideas.

20. Add in some sneaky book storage

(Image credit: Jody Stewart)

Didn't think you had room for any book storage in, say, a narrow hallway? Think again. This book shelf has been built into a door so it doesn't take up any extra space and makes a great home library idea.

We are sure you could DIY this kind of thing but if you aren't up for the challenge, a carpenter or joiner would be your best bet.

21. Small hallway ideas can be dark-toned

(Image credit: Future/Malcolm Menzies)

We know that we have probably said many a time that light, bright colors make a small space feel bigger, and, yes, while this might be true that doesn't mean you should shy away from darker hues. In fact, using a darker color scheme can, in fact, disguise the limited dimensions of a room, making it appear larger. 

If that sounds like too much of a bold step for you, why not copy this small hallway idea? Use dark paint below the dado rail and a brighter white on top. It will make the ceiling feel higher and the darker color is practical for hiding scuff marks, too. Choosing dark flooring will further blur those dimensions.

22.

Reuse a chest of drawers under the stairs 

(Image credit: Ikea)

If your small hallway is literally just a space under the stairs, then make the most of that area by adding a small chest of drawers. They look cute plus have plenty of storage, you could even put shoes in them. Add in some baskets and boxes for any extra clutter too and you could hang prints on the wall too to make it more of a feature.

How do you make a small hallway look good?

'Your hallway is the first point of entry. It should shout out to you that ‘I am home’ every time you step through the front door, that you are in your favorite and most comfortable place in the world,' says David Harris, Design Director at the global design brand Andrew Martin .

'It should also give your guests an insight into who you are, and what your house and interior says about you. Choose colors that show off your favorite piece of art, textiles, photographs or whatever you wish to adorn your walls with.  Color blocks are great and very popular and add real interest to a space. Choose a finish that is tough, but 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.'

'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.'

'Painted paneling and built-in cupboards to store away unwanted bags and coats are a great addition, and when painted in a durable satin finish, add a really smart edge to the space. Hallways project the first impression of your interior, so give it some love and show it off.'

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.

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 in what style 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 it's time 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 wardrobe .

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 quite gloomy if you do not equip it 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.


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