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Modern hallways decorating


10 tips for a contemporary entryway |

(Image credit: Andrew Martin/Claudia Afshar Design/Meghan Bob Photography/Paul Raeside)

Modern hallway ideas should be all about ‘less is more’ – largely because this part of the house often doesn’t have that much space to play with. 

Sticking with the modernist mantra will not only keep your hallway ideas feeling cool, clean and stylish, but paring things back will help with this potentially pokey space feel open and bright – exactly the kind of entrance you’ll want for your modern home.  

‘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 favourite and most comfortable place in the world,’ says David Harris, Design Director at Andrew Martin . 

Modern hallway ideas

From slick and stylish console tables to modern neutrals and even glass walls, we’ve put together some stunning modern hallway ideas, and asked the experts for their advice on creating a entrance perfect for your here and now.  

1. Keep it light and bright 

(Image credit: Davide Lovatti)

Whether at the front of the house or somewhere in its midst, hallways are often in danger of feeling dark and pokey. Maximizing light flow throughout a space is a cornerstone of modern design, so keep this in mind, especially for narrow hallway ideas. Whether you’re lucky enough to have lots of natural light in the space or not, sticking to light colors like white or pale neutrals on the walls will help the space feel bigger and brighter. 

They will also feel coherent if the rest of your home is largely neutral. ‘We would recommend thinking carefully about the color scheme you choose and ensuring that whatever colors you pick for the hallway are complementary to the other areas,’ advises Duggan.

2. Choose a modern mirror shape

(Image credit: Claudia Afshar Design/Meghan Bob Photography)

For a quick check-in on your outfit before leaving the house, a hallway mirror is essential. Not only are they useful, but a mirror can be an excellent aesthetic addition – work them into your small hallway ideas to help the space feel larger, or make a design statement with your style, shape, size and frame choice. 

To achieve a modern look in your hallway choose something simple, but captivating. Swap ornate frames for contemporary shapes: in this room, interior designer Claudia Afshar has chosen a perfect circle, a modern favorite. Suspended over the entry table with brown-tinted glass, it’s a design choice that is both clean and sharp, but soft and welcoming at the same time. 

3. Pick a slick console table

(Image credit: Future)

‘A console table – ideally with a drawer – provides a useful place to store keys, post and fresh flowers,’ says Duggan. For a modern approach to this hallway furniture staple, pick the slickest you can find. 

With a necessity to be slim and unobtrusive, console tables are already genetically wired to work with modern design principles, and often look best when at their simplest. If you want to create some visual interest, think architecturally: with this feature table, the visual interest comes from the curved legs, rather than from any fussier details. You can then add more personality through your entry table decor ideas. 

4. Make your neutrals modern with grey

(Image credit: Richard Powers)

A neutral palette is a cornerstone of many a successful modern design scheme – but to bring your space really up to date, go for grey. Among the most popular hallway paint ideas of the moment, grey’s darker tones can create drama, while lighter versions work as a contemporary alternative to white, as demonstrated in this hallway. Choose warm undertones for a welcoming feeling, or cooler tones for elegance. 

5. Channel your personality with artwork

(Image credit: Andrew Martin)

‘A hallway should give your guests an insight into who you are, and what your house and interior says about you,’ says Harris. ‘Choose colors and modern hallway wallpaper ideas that show off your favorite piece of art, textiles, photographs or whatever you wish to adorn your walls with. ’

If you’re looking to inject personality into your hallway, you can’t get more unique than displaying a piece of artwork you love. ‘Artwork can have a dramatic effect without taking up any floor space,’ adds Duggan. ‘I love to use grids of artwork in narrow hallways to maximize feeling of space.’

This is exactly what has been done in this hallway by Andrew Martin, where a grid of statement abstract painting has been back with a dark grey wall – you might not expect as such, but darker tones are an excellent backdrop for showing off art. 

(Image credit: Alicia Taylor )

Hallway lighting ideas are a hugely important part of making these small spaces work. Be sure to layer you lighting to make sure every nook and cranny is well lit – and, if you have a tall enough ceiling, consider making a grand entrance with a chandelier. 

No, they’re not just for stately homes – choosing a contemporary-style chandelier or statement pendant can set your modern design intentions right from the front door. Consider sputniks-style arrangements, or an artistic approach, such as this globe chandelier made up of dozens of porcelain butterflies. 

7. Keep an entryway bench minimal

(Image credit: Paul Raeside)

Taking things back to basics is key for a successful modern scheme – but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make yourself comfortable. While you might be trying to minimize furniture, an entryway bench is still a practical necessity for taking shoes on and off. The key to making it feel modern is keeping the design as simple as you can. 

In this white hallway, a bench with thin black legs and a leather seat adds a little bit of dark drama, as well as some texture, but doesn’t overwhelm. If you are planning to use a bench for hallway shoe storage, counteract any bulkiness with light colors and a minimalist design. 

8. Stand the test of time with natural stone tiles

(Image credit: Quorn Stone)

'Hallways are the busiest thoroughfare of your house with people passing past each other at the busiest time of day,’ says Harris. While you may want your finishes to be stylish, you’ll need them to be hardworking too. 

‘Natural stone flooring can be one of the most forgiving floor coverings if the right stone and finish are chosen,’ says Isabel Fernandez, Director at Quorn Stone . Whether polished and neat or open to a little texture, large tiles of natural stone are a great way to achieve a modern look with added grandeur. ‘Naturally some stones will be denser than others which provides more durability, however all natural stone will be subject to a little wear and tear over the years’

(Image credit: Anna Stathaki/Davide Lovatti)

Of course, ‘modern’ means different things to different people and eras. Mid-century modern design has made a comeback in recent years, so feel free to get stuck in with trends and pieces from the thirties up to the sixties. 

If you want to go back to its earliest years, consider the subtler, more geometric aspects of late Art Deco, as demonstrated in the console table and wall sconces of this stylish space. As mentioned before, your hallway should complement the rooms around it, so keep this in mind if you’re working with mid-century modern living room ideas too. 

10. Open up with an industrial chic Crittal wall 

(Image credit: Mark Bolton)

Getting light into an entrance hallway can be tricky if you’ve only got the window in the top half of the front door to play with. One pretty extreme answer is to get rid of one hallway wall altogether, and replace it with glass. That’s exactly what’s been done in this home, where the hallway looks directly into the living room through a full Crittall wall. Not only does it allow the hall to access light from the adjacent room’s windows, the Crittall wall adds a very modern, industrial-chic look. 

What color is best for a modern hallway? 

Neutral colors are the backbone of many modern design schemes. For hallway walls, think towards the paler end of the neutral spectrum – modern design thrives on bountiful light, so you’ll need to make sure you maximize it in narrow or small hallways. Then, you can pair those lighter backdrop colors with dark furniture and accessories, creating drama and a sense of crispness. 

Grey is an elegant backdrop neutral, and can be matched with white or black accents. If you’ve chosen warm neutrals for your walls, try using dark woods. 

If you are stuck with a whole host of period features in your hallway, an alternative way to bring them up to date is to contrast them with a contemporary palette of bold colors. Accent your traditional features with white to make them feel fresh. 

Ailis started out at British GQ, where a month of work experience turned into 18 months of working on all sorts of projects, writing about everything from motorsport to interiors, and helping to put together the GQ Food & Drink Awards. She then spent three years at the London Evening Standard, covering restaurants and bars. After a period of freelancing, writing about food, drink and homes for publications including Conde Nast Traveller, Luxury London and Departures, she started at Homes & Gardens as a Digital Writer, allowing her to fully indulge her love of good interior design. She is now a fully fledged food PR but still writes for Homes & Gardens as a contributing editor.

32 ways to make an impression with decor |

(Image credit: James Merell / Maddux Creative / Michael Sinclair)

Planning great hallway ideas can be one of the more challenging aspects of designing interiors. But facing the task means that rather than an area of the home everyone passes through to get elsewhere, the hallway is elegant and stylish as well as welcoming. 

There may be additional issues to tackle along the way, including a lack of daylight and, in some, awkward dimensions, yet there are plenty of ways to make it a destination, including small hallway ideas, hallway color schemes, wall decor choices, furniture, flooring, and more.

Here we’ve selected the best to stimulate your own choices, and asked the experts to contribute their advice.

Hallway ideas – 32 exceptional looks 

There are so many reasons for making the effort with the hallway. After all, it’s the first part of your home that family and friends encounter when they visit, and the one you see after a hard day. 

As the hallway is where guests are welcomed, it should say something about you and set the mood for the rest of the house, says Henriette von Stockhausen of VSP Interiors . ‘A hallway should flow into the rooms that come off it,’ she adds. ‘Art collections work well in spaces with vast walls and help lead the eye onwards. I keep flooring uniform throughout as it helps enlarge the space and avoids it looking disjointed. Introduce a statement piece to add wow factor. A stunning portrait above a console with a picture light works well.’

Whether you go for something fun and colorful or calm and soothing, here are some stylish hallway ideas to get you started.

1. Introduce Parisian elegance

(Image credit: Maddux Creative)

Hallway mirrors have long been used to extend the feeling of space but when paired with tall, glazed doors, high ceilings and elegant architecture the result is light and chic.  

‘Given this property is an apartment means the hallway doesn’t lead to stairs, so we wanted to avoid it feeling like a long narrow hallway,’ says Jo Le Gleud, co-founder of Maddux Creative who put together this scheme. ‘We broke it up by adding mirrored panels to the doors, which helped carry light and show the original architectural detailing.’ 

She then brought in warm gold lamps, wall lights from Charles Burnand, a terrazzo console by Rooms Studio and an antique rug sourced through Robert Stephenson.

2. Lay down an interesting floor

(Image credit: Alex Wilson)

Very large entrance halls and grand staircases can err on the side of too formal for some – one way to counter this is by using an unexpected color on the walls and a modern encaustic tile on the floor. This project by the interior design duo Natalie Forbes and Louisa Rix of Forbes Rix required a total refurbishment of a large historic property in London. ‘We wanted to give this hallway flooring a contemporary twist. By using patterned encaustic floor tiles and bold hallway paint color on the walls and the woodwork, we retained the elegance, but brought it right up to date,’ explain Natalie and Louisa. Farrow & Ball’s Oval Room Blue was chosen for the walls and woodwork, paired with tiles by Bert & May on the floor.

3. Put art in focus

(Image credit: Michael Sinclair)

When there is room to store the usual hallway detritus somewhere out of sight of the entrance, take the opportunity to place a favorite piece of furniture, art or sculpture as a way of setting the stage for the rest of the decorative scheme in a house. 

‘A strong, one-off unique piece of art is a great way to draw focus into a space that would otherwise be awkward or too small,’ says interior designer Natalia Miyar who used a russet red paint on the walls to set off the vintage console and statement mirror by New York-based studio Chen Chen & Kai Williams . 

‘Often, you need a standout piece to bring life to the walls, and this will give you the opportunity to transform your hallway into a key feature of your house. ’

(Image credit: James Merell)

One way to maximize the feeling of space in a hallway is to replace solid doors into the adjoining rooms with glazed alternatives – a tried-and-tested method to allow light to travel between rooms. But there is another advantage to taking this route: making a feature of any pictures, paintings or sculptures that are in the hallway. 

This example makes the most of the glazing by creating a focus of art in the hallway with the quartet of abstract paintings from Jenna Burlingham Gallery – which can be enjoyed whether the doors to the dining room are open or closed. Brass detailing on the shelf over the radiator cleverly links in with the frames and the metallic wall sconces, which helps subtly sew the scheme together. 

5. Build in storage 

(Image credit: Simon Brown )

Nowhere is hallway storage handier than in a hallway and yet so often there’s little space to squeeze any in. If standard furniture runs the risk of getting in the way, the best option is to invest in bespoke joinery.  

Beata Heuman cleverly plays a trick on the eye with the space in this narrow London hallway by designing a floor-to-ceiling cabinet to the right of the door painted in the same white to blend with the rest of the hall. The effect of borrowing about 30cm of width results in cupboards to hide away coats with a brass-lined niche in the center to accommodate keys and post. To distract the eye, she then added layers of color, with a tiled floor, sisal stair runner, close-hung artwork, and a witty pendant light.

(Image credit: Gunter & Co)

Victorian hallways sometimes feature a curved archway, a decorative ploy to soften the repeat of boxy right angles that hallways typically feature. When these details have been lost, or in the case of a new build, use rounded shapes to make a more welcoming entrance, recommends Irene Gunter, founder of Gunter & Co , who created this scheme for a house in London. 

‘The curved arched doors in this hallway and curved rug beyond in the sitting room are just some of the many gentle shapes that are the backbones of the overall house design,’ she says. ‘Softer, rounded silhouettes are a clever way to stop a townhouse from feeling like a long tunnel of rooms, which is particularly important for a small hallway.’

7. Showcase art and decorative elements

(Image credit: Fiona Barratt-Campbell.)

Keeping the palette of a hallway neutral creates a gallery-style space that is perfect for showing off art, as demonstrated in this scheme by Fiona Barratt-Campbell .  ‘I particularly love the Moroccan tapestry by LRNCE on the left-hand wall,’ she says. Curating a decorative and delightful gallery wall is also a trick the experts use when staging a hallway for potential buyers. 

(Image credit: Future / Jake Curtis / Alyce Taylor)

A hallway can be too small a space to be filled with pieces – so make what you do include really count in the design stakes. 

A console table can not only work as a landing pad for keys, wallets and post, but as a stylish piece to set the tone for the house’s decor – and will fit in with narrow hallway ideas too. Or, opt for a buffet, which will be visually bulkier but take up no more floor space, and provides plenty of storage, too.

Here, space has been enhanced by soft tones of parchment, truffle and mole set against peach blush plaster walls. Don't forget to use entry table decor ideas in any hallway wide enough to take a table: a collection of lovingly curated objets is the star of the show, here, set above the rich black tone of the fluted buffet. 

9. Bring pattern to an all-white scheme

(Image credit: Bert & May)

Add decorative detail to an all-white hallway with patterned flooring. It’s a tactic that doesn’t require a space this grand. 

A small scale tile design like this is top notch as it’s light and breezy with a hint of color, and creates interest as soon as you walk in, great for blue hallway ideas. If your hall is on the larger size then using small tiles can make it more intimate. Conversely, if the hallway is compact, opt for larger tiles with fewer grout lines to avoid a busy effect.

The rest of the scheme here is white, including all of the woodwork and ornate detailing around the door and the original flooring and wood pieces add warmth. 

10. Take a modern approach to checkered flooring 

(Image credit: Evens Architects/Windsor Smith/Karyn Millet)

Checkered flooring has an interior design history that stretches back not hundreds, but thousands of years. Its place in foyers and hallways is particularly storied – if planning on using it to help your home make a grand entrance, think about how you can make it modern.

In this Bel Air home with interiors by Evens Architects and Windsor Smith , the traditional black and white pattern is swapped for a gray and white design, giving a light and airy feel to the space. Alternatively, opt for marble slabs with speckled patterns for added interest. 

11. Create a warm rustic welcome

(Image credit: Dan Duchars)

A hallway can feel like a hug with snug and smart fittings and furnishings. In this space, plank paneling and brick flooring is softened with cushions and seasonal flowers. 

Seek out an antique bench and team with soft textures, such as natural rug. Accents of color come from the Dirty Orange velvet cushion from Oka .

12. Introduce a smart runner

(Image credit: Kersaint Cobb)

Opt for hallway runner ideas to add color and pattern to the hall and lead the eye up and down the space. It can reduce noise, too.

Note the books and pictures in this space – even tiny hallways can be furnished to feel like a room, not a thoroughfare, to make them feel far more welcoming. 

13. Be creative with wallpaper

(Image credit: Little Greene)

Generally, we recommend using a darker wallpaper below the dado rail, and a lighter one above. This hallway is the opposite.

It works for several reasons, however. The wallpaper design from Little Greene is the same but in different colorways, so this creates a sense of cohesion. And the color of the lower wallpaper matches the stone flags, creating a light feel. Note, too, that the woodwork paint shade matches the wallpaper and tiles to make this a beautifully executed combination. 

And while this is a look that suits period homes, consider it to bring character to a modern hallway.

14. Use white to make a low ceiling feel taller

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

Hallways come in all shapes and sizes, and depending on the era of the property, can have low ceilings. White hallway ideas are generally the go-to in this situation as it will brighten the space, but if you prefer more subtle yet still uplifting color, then consider gray hallway ideas, such as using Dimpse by Farrow & Ball , seen here. 

It’s a delicate gray that has elegance, and won’t be as harsh as a brilliant white. Be consistent and use it for walls and woodwork; that way you’ll achieve an all encompassing feel. 

15. Lift the look with pink

(Image credit: Samantha Todhunter)

Think pink to elevate the look of a hallway. We love the way this shade follows through from the flowers, runner and up to the curtains at the top. As a side note, the glass on the top of the console also works to add reflection and life. 

‘Mirrors are always a good go-to in a hallway but nothing beats a vase of flowers on a console to add life,’ advises interior designer Samantha Todhunter . ‘We used a vibrant pink stair runner to create a focal point at the end of the hallway.’

16. Add a pop of color for a quick fix

(Image credit: Bees Knees Interior Design Studio)

This farmhouse hallway has been given a pop of brightening color with a coral bench and multicolored cushions, a elegant example of red hallway ideas.

'Your entryway serves as the introduction to your home and the wonderful characters that reside within,' says Mary Maloney, owner and designer at Bees Knees Interior Design Studio . 

'Your entry should suit the architecture of your home, along with the functional needs. The church pew in this entry holds sentimental value, along with a bit of family history, all of which suits this reproduction style colonial perfectly.  

'Details count: the bright color and fabric add to the charm and welcome all who enter!'

17. Light the way

(Image credit: Kasha Paris/Idha Lindhag)

Apartment living means hallways don’t lead to stairs, so you can often end up with long narrow spaces that have a tendency to be gloomy. We asked Betsy Kasha, co-founder of Paris based interior design studio Kasha Paris for her top tips for lightening up hallways.

‘We tend to use soft white paint in hallways; not only does this brighten the space, but it is also a perfect background for art. Depending upon the ceiling height, we will either install gentle recessed lighting or simple, bright hanging lights.’

A design faux pas that’s often made in hallways is to only have a single pendant light, whereas in fact, you need at least three if your hallway is long and narrow. Make sure they’re a good size, too. The lights shown here are well proportioned within the space and also illuminate the artwork.  

Hallway carpet ideas can reduce sound transmission in an apartment, or lay a runner over hardwood flooring.

18. Make space for art 

(Image credit: M. Lavender Interiors/Chris Bradley Photography)

In a narrow hallway with very little space for furniture or bulky decor, make an impact with without straying more than an inch from the wall. 

In this Lake Michigan home by M. Lavender Interiors , a small arched hall is turned into a space inspired by the owners’ travels in Africa. The walls are painted in Farrow & Ball's Sudbury Yellow to echo the color of the grasses in the Serengeti, while one is bedecked by framed photographs they took on a trip there to create a stunning gallery wall. 

19. Introduce two shades of a color

(Image credit: Little Greene )

Using two shades of one color can add subtle interest to a hallway, but keep the look restful. Go for green hallway ideas, as in this space, to maximize the calmness of the atmosphere.  

The top part of this wall features Acorn from Little Greene , while Hopper below the dado rail adds depth and is what your eye sees first. 

The tiles act as the perfect foil to the flat wall color and create a lighter feel. 

20. Enhance a sense of length with horizontal lines

(Image credit: Marlaina Teich Designs/Patrick Cline)

It’s not unusual to want to make a small hallway space feel bigger. This corridor, in a house with interiors designed by Marlaina Teich , shows not only how lighter colors are a great way to help make the space feel brighter, but that a little optical illusion goes a long way. 

White shiplap arranged in horizontal lines creates a sense of distance between one end of the hallway and the other, as they disappear towards a vanishing point. This makes the space feel both longer and grander. 

21. Choose paint with a soft sheen to reflect light

(Image credit: Etch Design Group)

Note the paint finish in this stunning gray hallway – it has a soft sheen, specifically chosen to reflect light and to create a smart look in this roomy entryway. This trick, though, will also work really well in smaller hallways or those starved of natural daylight, enhancing light levels and make the space feel larger. 

'Don't forget about the entry walls. Sometimes even after furniture and art an entryway can feel incomplete, so your entry may be calling for wallpaper or architectural wall paneling,' says Etch Design Group 's principal interior designer, Stephanie Lindsey. 

'We provided 2D elevation drawings for the paneling design. A classic traditional element, the wall paneling created sophistication at the entrance to the house but we painted it gray to modernize it.'

22. Go for a maximalist wallpaper 

(Image credit: M. Lavender Interiors / Chris Bradley)

A hallway is the perfect setting to embrace your love of wallpaper. If you are looking for inspiring hallway wallpaper ideas, illustrative designs are eye-catching and create a fabulous welcome for your visitors.

It can really frame an entrance to another room too, which can look quite spectacular: it’s worth using the same colors within the room you can see in this case so the look is cohesive, and consider using the same floor so there’s flow from one space to the next.

23. Decorate with a warm tone for a welcoming feel

(Image credit: John Lewis)

Hallways need to feel welcoming – not just for visitors but for when you come home, too. So, using even a splash of a sunny shade for yellow hallway ideas can be vital for creating an inviting atmosphere, especially if your space is poorly lit by natural daylight or north-facing.

A focal point in a hallway is always a win, too; here the entry table decor ideas attract attention. Tables can also accumulate clutter, though, so be sure to provide a storage option within a table such as this, or nearby.

24. Go for a dazzling woodwork display

(Image credit: Little Greene)

For sheer fun, match your skirtings to a color from your wallpaper, and don’t be afraid to go bright like in this exquisite hallway from Little Greene. Featuring the striking Loriini Dorian wallpaper, the reasonably traditional design – albeit in bright colorways – contrasts against the ultra modern paint shade, Trumpet (196).

It’s not for the faint of heart admittedly, but if your hallway is light and bright it can take it. Keep the rest of the scheme lower key and let the walls and paintwork do the talking. 

25. Introduce subtle pattern

(Image credit: Weaver Green)

Plain walls give you room to be creative; they’re the original blank canvas to which you can add interest – for example with a hit of pattern. 

Runners are excellent for this as Tasha Green, director of Weaver Green explains: ‘Runners allow you to instantly update and change the feel of a hallway. A statement runner can be the main design feature from which you complement other interior elements in your entrance. For example, a simple herringbone helps to create a classic timeless look, from which you can add vibrant or strong patterns and prints with other accessories.’

26. Enhance storage potential 

(Image credit: Future / Richard Powers)

It’s the first place anyone sees when they arrive at your home, but a hallway is also a magnet for everyone’s stuff. Tidy it up with a few key buys and keep the everyday essentials close at hand. 

Many are narrow, so keep all of your storage ideas along one run of wall. A high peg rail can be home to a variety of items, and keeps items off surfaces. Or, if space allows, a row of built-in cabinets is a neat and tidy alternative. 

27. Create the right mood with lighting

(Image credit: Future / Jonathan Gooch)

If you are planning a scheme with no, or few, windows, hallway lighting ideas are critical. 

Try to include ambient or background lighting, task lighting for areas such as a mail table, and accent lighting to pick out features such as a mirror or doorway.

This hall includes LED spotlights, a table lamp and fireplace, for good measure. 

28. Create a focal point with antiques

(Image credit: VSP Interiors)

If your entrance is on the larger side, it’s a good idea to create a design statement so the space doesn’t feel too cavernous.  

A beautiful antique table will do the trick; round is always best so you glide around it rather than getting caught on corners. Use it to display fresh blooms and groups of trinkets. 

The color you choose is also important. Henriette von Stockhausen, creative director at VSP Interiors , explains, ‘I love how this color, Worsted by Farrow & Ball, together with the warm tones of the antiques and the beautiful damask print by Pierre Frey makes this room cozy and welcoming.’

29. Choose a classic look that never dates

(Image credit: Gunter & Co)

A classic that never dates, a monochromatic scheme is bold and beautiful. Irene Gunter, founder of London based design studio Gunter & Co , explains her design choices with this hallway, ‘In areas that tend to be dark, like a narrow hallway, a reflective floor combined with large wall mirrors will bounce the light around. A design in classic black and white marble is not only timeless, but also makes the hallway feel less long and narrow.  

'A patterned floor, when designed carefully, is the best way of making a room seem bigger. A good patterned floor doesn’t show where each tile starts or stops, which gives a very homogenous effect, tricking the eye into making the space feel bigger.’

30. For dramatic effect choose two dark shades

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

If your hallway is large enough, you can get away with painting a wall in two dark and vibrant shades. Olive green is on a roll currently, and Farrow & Ball’s version, Bancha No.298, looks rather fabulous with fresh white woodwork and the company’s Studio Green painted on the paneling of the stairs.

The neutral runner up the stairs creates a striking contrast right in the middle of the two shades, an intentional feature that’s worth copying. 

31. Never underestimate the power of a mirror

(Image credit: Graham & Green)

The larger the mirror, the more light you can bounce about, and a floorstanding design can easily be propped up against a wall. It will also be an impressive focal point for the hallway. 

‘Mirrors are interior designers’ magic tool for creating captivating optical illusions,’ says Lou Graham, co-founder of Graham & Green . 

‘They create the illusion of more space, of brightening up dark corners, of bouncing color from one side of the room to the other. They can even imitate doorways, like portals into other worlds. 

'Hallways can be elongated into endless pathways with elegant floor-length mirrors, and blue skies can be brought indoors with window-like wall mirrors.’

32. Factor in texture

(Image credit: Future)

'If you have gone for a pale paint color in a hallway, it's important to work in texture, whether via natural materials or pattern in upholstery,' says Homes & Gardens' Editor in Chief Lucy Searle.

Paneling ideas for walls is one way to do this; aesthetically pleasing, practical and space-enhancing, paneling can be a real bonus in a hallway. We love how the material used here has been continued into the storage, while providing seating in what would usually be a thoroughfare given little pause for thought.

What is the best color for a hallway?

The best color for a hallway is a light color. Lighter colors give the appearance of more space, while darker tones will bring the room in, resulting in a cozier, more intimate feeling. 

Similarly, wallpaper with a large motif will introduce a sense of drama, while a smaller design will help to make the hallway appear more spacious.

With no, or few, windows, hall lighting is critical. As with most schemes, the key is to layer different sources – this includes ambient lighting, task lighting and accent lighting to pick out your hallway's features, such as a mirror or doorway.

How do you make a hallway more interesting?

Whether it’s the first space your guests see or a route between rooms, a hallway merits serious design attention.

Winning schemes pay attention to wall and floor treatments, mood, and storage.
Whether concealed or statement, fit plenty, particularly focusing on hallway shoe storage solutions, to ensure that it doesn’t become a glorified dumping ground.

The hallway is usually the first area of your home that visitors encounter and, as such, should be a reflection of your taste and personality. You can go flamboyant or pared back: nothing is off limits as long as the scheme is in tune with the rest of your home and not a one-off statement that competes with other rooms.

Arabella is a freelance journalist writing for national newspapers, magazines and websites including Homes & Gardens, Country Life, The Telegraph and The Times. For many years she has specialized in writing about property and interiors, but she began her career in the early 2000s working on the newly launched Country Life website, covering anything from competitions to find the nation’s prettiest vicarage to the plight of rural post offices. 

Wall decoration in the hallway - design options, choice of material, photo of the hallway

Interior Design

July 14, 2021 Reading time 2 minutes

Pyotr Velvetov

Permanent author of the Divano. ru Blog, interior designer with more than 10 years of experience

An important stage of the repair is the decoration of the walls in the hallway, since it is this room that is most often contaminated due to the presence of the entrance area. Precipitation, dirt, dust from the street quickly settle on surfaces, so it is important to choose materials that are hygienic and easy to care for. nine0003

Features of finishing the hallway

The entrance area, together with the hallway, is the real "face" of the apartment and house. The impression of the housing as a whole may depend on the chosen style and color, and it will already be difficult to somehow fix it. Therefore, when choosing the optimal materials, based on performance characteristics, it is important not to forget about their design. There are the following requirements for wall decoration:

Often, interesting combinations of materials are used when creating a hallway wall decoration design. First of all, such solutions are aimed at compensating for the lack of light in the room, and secondly, they visually make it wider and more interesting, placing the right accents.

Color range

When choosing a palette, it is important to focus not only on personal preferences, but also on the size, shape, and features of the hallway. For example, for small rooms, cold silver and gray tones are suitable, as well as ivory, which will visually raise the ceiling. nine0003

Long corridors also need to be adjusted. To correct proportions, use white and light colors, as well as prints in the form of horizontal stripes that will cope with this problem. Large spaces also require a special approach and warm colors. There are several tone options.

Dark colors

They set a certain mood, while adding refined and elegant notes. Often it is such a background that becomes an ideal option for furniture compositions. In addition, each subject is visually emphasized without creating dissonance. Art deco, modern, fusion work perfectly with dark colors, creating a real masterpiece. nine0003

It is believed that such a decision will make the overall atmosphere gloomy and inappropriate. But, the right lighting and furnishing work wonders, creating an elegant, expensive, elite interior. Colors such as cobalt, purple, indigo, burgundy, dark blue look great.

Light shades

The main feature of this tinting is the ability to adjust the space and make it lighter and more spacious. In addition, any of the palettes in this category are perfectly combined with hundreds of colors and shades, also allowing you to correctly place all the necessary accents. nine0003

For a fresh, calm, clean interior, light green, lilac, blue and other pastel colors, as well as beige and ivory, are well suited. It is these shades that will provide proper coziness and homely atmosphere, add volume and warmth, light and comfort.

Using specific scales

Monocolor in design means using shades of the same color for all surfaces and elements with the addition of just a couple of accents. For example, chocolate brown solutions show conservative tastes, as wood is predominantly used. nine0003

The rich gray scale is quite noble, and not faceless, as many people think. The practical gray color has a positive effect on the atmosphere, and the decor will be especially pleasing in graphite, pearl, light metallic tones with a pleasant sheen.

As for only white, it needs to be diluted with wood for comfort. And, you need to remember that it shows the most pollution and even fingerprints. Beige monocolor is a representative of the classic direction, but mint will add unexpected freshness. nine0003

Styling

To decorate the walls of the hallway, you can use absolutely any style. The main thing is that it matches the design of other rooms in the apartment or house. nine0003

Wall finishing materials

When choosing the optimal material, it is important to take into account not only its external characteristics, but also the features of operation, as well as relevance in a certain stylistic decision.

Ceramic tiles

Thanks to modern design solutions, you can completely transform the room, protect the walls from burnout, mechanical damage, cracks and other problems. Elements can be of different shapes, as well as in the form of a mosaic. For example, tiles in the form of honeycombs or puzzles will look original. nine0003

Another advantage is the maintainability of the tile: in case of impact or damage to an individual element, it can always be removed and replaced with another one. Therefore, it is always recommended to buy materials with a small margin (2-3 tiles) so that you can make a replacement if necessary.

Liquid wallpaper

In its texture, this option is more like plaster. Wallpapers are breathable materials, do not form mold and fungus. The material is suitable for rooms with different temperatures, you do not need to carefully prepare the base first. If necessary, a specific area can be removed with warm water and re-treated. nine0003

Laminate and parquet

These coatings were designed for floors, but they are also suitable for walls. First of all, the material perfectly imitates the surface of wood, so you can do without outdated lining. But, not everyone is ready to take such a step, since visually the material reduces the room.

Artificial stone

It is made from various crushed rocks and concrete with the addition of plasticizers for a secure connection. Often used as decorative cladding elements, which are ideal for decorating corners, doorways. Such a stone can be used to create a wall protection at a certain height. nine0003

MDF panels

They are most in demand in a private house and apartment, as they are safe materials. They are made from pressed sawdust of natural wood. The finished product has high strength and wear resistance, is easy to maintain, and its facade can be made in various colors.

The panels are treated with a special moisture-resistant composition, which allows you to easily remove various dirt and dust from the surface with ordinary microfiber. Antistatic properties repel particles of dirt, wool, odors, which is especially important in a house where allergy sufferers live. nine0003

Plug

Natural, environmentally friendly and safe option does not require careful maintenance and is hygienic, bio-resistant. The undeniable advantages are heat resistance and a high level of acoustic comfort. This decorative finish will last 15 years or more.

Decorative plaster

It is used in cases where you need to give the room an original appearance, while not spending a lot of time preparing the base. Using several techniques will create a real masterpiece, visually enlarge the room, raise the ceilings, add light and texture. But, the work of a specialist is required, since the application technique is quite complicated. nine0003

Wallpaper

This option is not welcome when decorating the hallway, as there are many new options that are resistant to moisture and pollution. And if you choose vinyl wallpaper, there may be a problem with the formation of condensation due to temperature differences.

Painting

A classic look that will never go out of style. Washable, odorless paints are produced with a quick drying time and various modifications (metallic inclusions, gloss, color overflows, textured details, etc.). In addition, you can always give preference to regular painting, and focus on furniture. nine0003

Selection and arrangement of furniture

Even in a small hallway, it is important to find a place for arranging the main furniture elements, which should stand out against the background of the wall decoration. First of all, it is the wardrobe that is the central item in this room. It can be built-in, occupy a minimum of space or be combined with a hanger. It is worth giving preference to the coupe option with mirrors to expand the space.

A small table near the door will be a great helper for storing keys, a wallet, documents, a phone and various little things that you should not forget before going out. If there is a place, for comfort it is worth putting a soft pouf, chest of drawers for shoes or other things. As for decor, you should limit yourself to wall elements that do not take up space and do not require special care. nine0003

Photo gallery

The gallery with real photos is an inexhaustible source of bright, modern and original ideas. Solutions for hallways and corridors of various types are presented.
















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. nine0003

It is important to correctly 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. nine0003

As regards refurbishment, this is especially true in homes where children or pets live, as damage or possible contamination is caused by them.

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. nine0003

The strength of 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 environmentally friendly, 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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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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