Paint ideas for halls
the 15 best colors to use |
(Image credit: Future)
When painting our homes, it’s all too easy to forget the hallway; after all, it’s not as if we spend much time in this particular room.
There are a range of hallway ideas out there, but painting the hallway is a great way to transform the space.
The hallway is the first space any guest sees in the home, as well as being an important connecting point between rooms. The hallway deserves some serious design attention, especially when it comes to clever color choices. Besides often being overlooked, they’re also cursed with limited light and no natural focal point, so you need some solid color know-how to transform them into artful spaces.
As well as looking inviting in its own right, a hallway color scheme should set the tone for the rest of your home. Move it up on your decorating agenda: it’s a place to be bold and show your personality. Winning hallway paint ideas pay attention to the mood, size and natural light, so whether you go for something playful or serene, here are some hallway paint ideas to get you started.
Hallway paint ideas – 15 clever color and paint ideas for your home's entrance
Paint is a remarkable decorating medium. What could be easier – or more impactful than paint? Explore our top hallway paint ideas below for some beautiful inspiration for updating your hallway space.
1. Create a striking feature wall
(Image credit: Davide Lovatti / Future)
Using paint to create a striking feature wall is a great way to add drama and impact to your hallway space. No matter the size of your hallway, adding a splash of bright color to a wall adds personality and charm. In this hallway, the warming red-orange paint creates a cheerful, inviting atmosphere, with the rug perfectly coordinating with the paint color to elevate the scheme, a great example of red hallway ideas.
2. Embrace neutrals
(Image credit: Future)
For a calming, relaxed style, opt for a muted, neutral color palette, with shades of cream, grey and brown working well for neutral room ideas.
These colors can coordinate with an array of accent colors, so are great if you would rather use brighter colors through accessories and furniture, allowing a subtle introduction to other colors used throughout the rest of the home.
3. Pick a pale pink
(Image credit: Matt Clayton Photography Limited)
Pink room ideas and decorating a pink room will always be guaranteed to lift spirits and create an inviting, welcoming space - perfect for hallway paint ideas. If your hallway is on the smaller side or lacks natural light, picking a light shade like pale pink will make the space feel bigger and brighter.
4. Paint the front door
(Image credit: Erin Little)
If you would rather your hallway were painted a more neutral color but still want to inject a pop of color, painting your front door is a great way to add character and charm to the space. Pick a contrasting color to the rest of your scheme for an impact, or opt for a tonal color for a more coordinated look.
5. Use a warm yellow
(Image credit: Styling Claudia Bryant | Photo Polly Wreford )
In color theory, yellow is known for creating feelings of happiness and creativity, with yellow room ideas becoming increasingly popular for the modern home. When decorating with yellow, the color is the perfect choice for the hallway, as being greeted by this stimulating color creates a positive and welcoming mood, ideal for that first entry point into the home.
Psychologist and wellbeing consultant Lee Chambers states, ‘entering a yellow hallway is likely to make you feel happy and vibrant…yellow is perfect in a hallway for creating a sunny welcome – and a creative burst as you leave’. See our yellow hallway ideas for more inspiration.
6. Create a harmonious color scheme
(Image credit: James Merrell / Future)
When there are clear views from a hallway into neighboring rooms, think carefully about your choice of paint ideas to ensure that the eye is drawn naturally from one space to the next.
Don’t think you have to stick to one hue: instead create a palette out of complementary hues, such as taupe, greige and off-white. One way of linking rooms is through common flooring, while using different papers or paint colors to create separation. Vice versa works too.
(Image credit: Paul Raeside / Future)
The design possibilities with paint are endless. And, thankfully, there is much to be said for decorating in a single color palette, especially when considering small hallway ideas.
'If introducing color in a hall, monogamy serves well and the bold choice of one hue for floor and wall treatments can be very powerful,' says interior designer Tara Bernerd .
Keeping the floor within the same color palette as the walls also helps to blend the room together – if nothing stands out, then your eye will flow around a space and in a narrow hallway this can be key to making it feel larger.
8. Be brave when it comes to color in the hall
(Image credit: Future)
Over the last few years, we have been led to believe that white walls are the only way to go.
A plain and neutral base can indeed be a good starting point from which to build a decorating scheme, but if you ignore the spectrum of colors available in paint, you could be missing out. Many brands now produce paint, so tricky decisions are often already made for you when it comes to creating perfectly coordinated combinations. Be brave and find a color scheme that work for you.
Paint doesn't have to be pedestrian. Look for uplifting shades that make you feel good. Color should be able having fun, and the hallway is the perfect place to experiment with paint ideas that spark joy.
9. Go for an all-grey hallway color scheme
(Image credit: Paul Raeside / Future)
Grey hallways offer infinite possibilities for making spaces feel airy and relaxing, refined, and timeless, or elegantly sophisticated, but its most redeeming quality is the feeling of calm it creates in any space,' says Farrow & Ball's color curator Joa Studholme.
Dark greys can work superbly in light starved halls to create drama on arrival and make all adjacent rooms look spacious and unapologetically bright.
Pale greys provide a softer alternative to whites, while deep dark greys are packed with drama allowing contrasting shades to pop against their bold backdrop. While the darker shades usually have the strongest appeal, when push comes to shove, having such a deep color on the walls may be too much of a commitment for some.
The key is to choose the right undertone for your space. 'With almost as many grey paint colors to choose from as off-whites, finding the perfect grey can be a minefield,' says Benjamin Moore director, Helen Shaw.
10. Use paint to add interest to architectural features
(Image credit: James Merrell / Future)
Shun the default white for doors in favor of a more dramatic approach. Architectural details such as panelling, rails and coving provide a framework in which to explore color.
Mouldings and architraves are easy to add to plain walls and can then be customised in a favorite color scheme. A bold shade always looks very smart – and works wonderfully when contrasted with brilliant white.
11. Reach for the green paint
(Image credit: Simon Brown / Future)
Green hallway ideas promise to renew your connection to nature and is said to evoke feelings of balance and vibrancy. It comes to life with plenty of natural light but can also work in a dark or small hallway.
'Green is incredibly versatile, and the breadth in shade and tone is huge,' says Megan Holloway, marketing manager at Sofa Workshop.
You shouldn't be afraid to pair greens along the color spectrum – all colors complement green. However, choosing accent colors – whether that is the green or another color – needs to be done carefully to ensure there's harmony, which is what green is all about.
12. Paint wall panelling
(Image credit: Brent Darby / Future)
Fitting wall panelling vertically will make a room feel taller, making it a great trick for small rooms, such as the hallway. Painting it in a pale color will further emphasize the room's proportions, and introduce architectural interest and intrigue.
13. Decorate in an all-white color scheme
(Image credit: Alicia Taylor / Future)
Nothing surprising about this, but brilliant white paint has a transformative effect on interiors. For white hallway ideas, use it on walls and ceilings and it will make a star of every non-white piece of furniture – or soft furnishings.
White is a wholly selfless paint shade, providing all the light and energy while reflecting the attention elsewhere – and white decorating ideas are incredibly easy to switch up.
14. Paint your hallway in a tranquil shade of blue
(Image credit: Future)
Calm, cool and collected, decorating with blue is win-win: not only does it make a beautiful base for a hallway color scheme but it’s scientifically proven to be a subconsciously serene shade, making it the perfect choice for an entrance or foyer.
Most colors go well with blue, although introducing warmer shades, such as yellow, orange and red will add warmth to the scheme where it might otherwise be lacking.
If in doubt, revisit the color wheel for inspiration for your blue hallway ideas.
15. Embrace a bold color scheme
(Image credit: Future / Jake Curtis)
Being imaginative with color, a specialist finish or decorative effect is the perfect way to give your hallway individual style.
‘Current trends show a real shift towards brighter colors with a clean-cut finish,’ says Sue Kim, senior color designer at Valspar . ‘When choosing a paint color for an entrance, don’t forget to look beyond the walls – consider the ceiling, skirting, window frames and mouldings and how they can be brought into the scheme.’
If you really want to go bold, then consider embracing this year's biggest paint trend – color drenching. This trend involves choosing one color and painting it across multiple surfaces in one space. The result is bold and thoroughly modern, though its appeal extends beyond its daring aesthetic.
How do you pick a hallway color?
When picking a paint for your hallway it is worth noting that lighter colors will give the appearance of more space, while darker tones will bring the room in, although this can be good if it results in a cozier, more intimate feeling.
The same applies to wallpaper – a large motif will introduce a sense of drama, while a smaller design will be subtle and make the hallway appear more spacious.
Be sure to view the hallway as an integral part of your home, and as such try to make sure it’s in harmony with any rooms leading off it, as well as with the stairway, balustrades and landing (when visible). Don’t treat it as a one-off room: ensure any paint colors or wallpaper designs, even if they are different from those in the surrounding rooms, are in keeping.
(Image credit: Future)
Should hallways be painted light or dark?
Whether your hallway should be painted a light or dark color can depend on factors such as the size of the space and how much natural light the room receives. If your hallway is on the smaller size or quite dark, opting for a light paint color will make the room feel bigger and brighter.
Simon Morris, Marketing Manager at The Radiator Company states, 'hallways often have limited proportions but are some of the busiest places in our homes.
We need the space to look great, but also ask a lot from them. A bit of thoughtful planning can help the space feel more elegant from a decorating standpoint'.
Ultimately, it is completely up to you what color you choose. The hallway is a great place to get creative and use colors and paint ideas that reflect the rest of the decorating scheme in your home, whether you opt for a light or dark color, the space should reflect your personality and thoughtfully welcome you into the home.
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.
Designers Share the 15 Best Hallway Colors
Tom Ferguson
Just a guess, but the word you'd use to describe your hallway probably isn't one of these: striking, dramatic, gorgeous, warm, intimate, exciting. But it could be! It's all about knowing what hallway color you should choose as your backdrop. Keep reading to get inspired by fifteen beautifully decorated hallways along with designer tips and paint color suggestions to transform all your transitional spaces.
Farrow & Ball
1 of 15
Brown
"I always think it's a mistake to try to make an interior room look brighter with white," says interior designer Tom Stringer. "I'd rather make it dark and interesting." His go-to dark color is Benjamin Moore's Van Buren Brown HC-70, which resembles semisweet chocolate chips. "It doesn't feel dark to me, just intimate and enveloping," he says.
Shop a similar shade below:
BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Tanner's Brown, $110
Anson Smart
2 of 15
Baby Blue
Designer Darren Henault has a probing question for the world: "Why do people treat hallways as a lonely, pathetic passageway?" His cure is adding seating, "even if nobody's actually going to sit.
" This makes it feel comfortable and inviting. In this space designed by Arent & Pyke, the soft blue accent color softens everything up while the striped barrel chair brings in a modern touch.
Shop a similar shade below:
BUY NOW PPG Zero Blue Ice Age Paint, $19
Farrow & Ball
3 of 15
Bright Yellow
"Usually, hallways don't get much sun, so I like yellow—a color that emanates warmth and light," shares designed Marshall Watson. "It won't take on that gray pallor that white and beige or tan can acquire when there's no window around," He explains. Then consider hanging a series of black and white photographs, as repetition works well in a corridor, he suggests.
Shop a similar shade below:
BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Babouche 223, $110
Tom Ferguson
4 of 15
Black Blue
"I like black in a small hallway. Clients think you're crazy at first, but it's very romantic," Elizabeth Brauer tells us.
"Do sconces or a chandelier on dimmers, because you don't want bright light flooding the walls." In this hallway designed by Arent & Pyke, the deep shade of navy still has a lively spirit to it.
Shop a similar shade below:
BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Black Blue 95, $110
STEPHEN KENT JOHNSON
5 of 15
Brown Gray
Kim Alexandruik's motto is to "go for impact." She encourages you to consider the hallway a playing field for bold accents, like unusual seating and colorful artwork that may be harder to integrate into other rooms. Her color of choice is a "putty-colored gray, with a hint of pink and lavender. Not too light, so it doesn't go vapid," says Aleandruik. Use this hallway designed by Mally Skok as inspiration.
Shop a similar shade below:
BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Elephant's Breath 229, $110
Jonny Valiant
6 of 15
High-Gloss Green
"To reduce that long tunnel effect, you have to dematerialize the walls," says designed Maureen Footer.
She suggests lacquering them to reflect light and get that shimmery glow. These high-gloss green walls in a hallway designed by Christina Murphy are such a fun surprise.
Shop a similar shade below:
BUY NOW Behr High-Gloss Sparking Apple, $33
Anson Smart
7 of 15
Beige
"A hallway should be the reverse of what's happening around it," says designer Birch Coffey. In this home designed by Arent & Pyke, the front door is painted a lively orangey-red color, so the entry hall softens things up with a muted pewter. Coffey likes Benjamin Moore's Revere Pewter HC-172. "This seagull gray doesn't scream for attention, yet it has presence. Light, yet deep enough to look sharp with a contrasting trim," says the designer.
Shop a similar shade below:
BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Wevet, $110
Francesco Lagnese
8 of 15
Hot Pink
Intense, eye-catching, and adventurous, we're loving the neon pink walls in this townhouse designed by Jonathan Berger.
Use it in a foyer for a warm, welcoming, impossible-to-forget entrance, or to embolden a lackluster hallway.
Shop a similar shade below:
BUY NOW Benjamin Moore Peony, $43
Felix Forest
9 of 15
Light Gray
"Remember those boutique hotels with hallways so dark they made you feel like a mole? I think the drama should come from your art, and the paint should be fresh and light," says designed Betsy Brown. A nice in between neutral is a gorgeous backdrop for sculptural mirrors and unique lighting, as seen in this hallway by Arent & Pyke.
Shop a similar shade below:
BUY NOW Benjamin Moore Classic Gray 0C-23, $43
Blush Pink
10 of 15
Blush Pink
A light, delicate pink that provides just a touch of oomph looks surprisingly good when paired with more modern, streamlined, geometric pieces. It also works brilliantly in playful, eccentric spaces, like this one designed by 2LG Studio.
The pink color makes it feel open and bright while the elaborate, saturated blue runner grounds it.
Shop a similar shade below:
BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Middleton Pink, $110
Matthew Williams
11 of 15
Deep Aqua
"Hallways without windows can and should be mysterious," asserts Susan Zises Green. She recommends trying a a deep blue with a lot of green that's wet and languid, like this glossy transitional space designed by Studio DB. Green also suggests carrying it up the ceiling to make it feel like a cocoon.
Shop a similar shade below:
BUY NOW Benjamin Moore Naples Blue 2057-30, $43
Sara Tramp
12 of 15
All White
Sometimes white really is the best option. "I like to use white in a space that has no natural light," shares Lisa Jackson. Her favorite is Farrow & Ball's All White 2005 because "it's not too blue, not too pink, not too yellow.
" She also says "there should always be a focal point at the end of a hall—a console table, a fabulous chair..." In this one designed by Jess Bunge of Emily Henderson Design, our attention is drawn to the minimalist mirror.
Shop a similar shade below:
BUY NOW Farrow & Ball All White, $110
Tom Ferguson
13 of 15
Dark Gray
People are often afraid of dark colors. But it's just paint, bottom line. Try it. You'll like it," Sue Burgess reminds us. Her favorite dark paint color is Benjamin Moore's Taupe 2110-10, which is a rich chocolate-y brown. You could also opt for a moody gray hue like this one used by Arent & Pyke. It's sullen and serious yet exciting and fresh. Plus, it pairs beautifully with a ton of color schemes.
Shop a similar shade below:
BUY NOW Farrow & Ball Manor House Gray, $110
Dustin Askland
14 of 15
Mint Green
You can embrace color without going too over-the-top, as proven by this cheerful little hallway designed by Elizabeth Architecture and Design.
Pale mint green is a lovely option to give a narrow passageway some fresh energy.
Shop a similar shade below:
BUY NOW Behr Light Mint Paint, $32
Hecker Guthrie
15 of 15
Cream
"There's just something about white that feels very pure and fresh and doesn't compete with the rooms off the hallway," Alex Papachristidis tells us. The designer usually opts for Benjamin Moore Cloud White 967, using different finishes for the wall and trims to create subtle contrast. The soft white in this hallway designed by Hecker Guthrie allows us to focus on the striking blue carpet in the room ahead.
Shop a similar shade below:
BUY NOW Behr Vermont Cream Paint, $35
20 Designer-Approved Concrete Floor Ideas
tips for choosing style, decoration and furniture - INMYROOM
The living room in the house is the place where, as the name suggests, guests are received.
However, the owners themselves relax here, spending time in front of the TV or a book, with drinks, pleasant conversation and other activities. Therefore, the living room should be the most comfortable place in your home.
If your family consists of several people, it is important to consider the interests of everyone. It is quite possible that for one of the family members, when designing the interior of a living room in an apartment, they will have to give space for working at a computer, doing creative work, even sports. All these points must be planned at the stage of designing the premises. nine0003
Determine the center of the living room
Living room design is inseparable from a competent layout. After looking at examples of photos of the living room in the apartment, you can see various space planning options. Of course, the choice depends on your preferences, as well as on the size and functionality of the room.
Place sofas and armchairs around the perimeter of the room in no case is worth it.
Firstly, this is the last century, and the modern design of the living room categorically does not accept such a layout. In addition, you will clutter up the space with only recreational items, leaving no free space for other functional areas. nine0003
The best option for the interior of the living room is to highlight the central group, around which the rest of the furniture will be grouped. As a rule, a recreation area with a TV and a sofa is chosen as the center of the composition.
A fireplace can also be a central element, next to which chairs, rocking chairs or even luxurious skins for relaxation will comfortably fit.
Standard set of furniture for designing a living room in an apartment:
- sofa;
- several armchairs;
- coffee or coffee table;
- shelving for decorative items and/or books.
If the room is large, or it has to take on a diverse functional load, of course, you should not limit yourself to this.
The living room may well have a desktop for a computer, chests of drawers and cabinets, a bar counter.
In order not to clutter up a cramped room too much, give preference to the transformer models that are popular today. Such furniture is very functional and allows you to perfectly save scarce space. nine0003
Choice of colors
If your living room is located on the sunny side, then you are practically unlimited in the choice of colors for finishing and furnishing it. The contrasting interior design of the living room will look very interesting. For example, walls and floors can be decorated in cold colors, while furniture, in contrast, in warm colors.
Many modern interior styles welcome the clean slate living room design. This technique involves decorating the walls and ceiling with plain white plaster or paint. And furniture and decor elements can be selected in a variety of colors: bright or rich dark - to create a spectacular and stylish interior, delicate and pastel - for a light, cozy and elegant design.
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For north-facing living rooms with little to no daylight, choose warm-coloured finishes. Such an interior design of the living room compensates for the lack of sun, makes the room cozy and conducive to relaxation no matter what.
And, of course, if the room is a bit dark, you should take care of good artificial lighting. Well-placed spotlights are best suited to illuminate every corner of your living room.
Of course, the choice of colors for decorating a room should also depend on what visual and emotional effect you want to achieve. nine0003
If the living room is intended for stormy parties and active pastime, then it makes sense to decorate it in bright, saturated colors.
If the owners want to indulge in a calm and relaxing holiday, then the interior of the living room should be to match. In this case, you should give preference to soft light tones or, conversely, deep and calm, but in no case flashy.
Finishing materials
The choice of finishing materials should largely depend on the style in which you would like to maintain the design of the living room in the apartment.
So, paper wallpapers with romantic flowers are definitely not suitable for laconic hi-tech or minimalism. And Provence or country-style interiors will not be combined with bright carpets with psychedelic prints and ultra-modern wall coverings with fur or leather texture. nine0003
In addition, the shape and size of the room is of great importance. Properly selected finishes will perfectly smooth out the flaws of the room and focus on its merits. While a thoughtlessly chosen design can spoil even a spacious and bright room.
Walls
The classic rule is that for small rooms it is better to choose light shades. It always works flawlessly. However, if this solution seems too boring for you, you can try all sorts of interesting wall designs. Spectacular examples of wall design in the living room, photos of which are presented in our article, will help you navigate and choose the most attractive options for yourself. nine0003
For example, even smooth, light-colored walls can be made a spectacular interior detail by adding bright or simply contrasting color accents to them.
See such unusual living room interior ideas in the photo below.
All kinds of plasterboard niches look very stylish. They not only diversify the interior, but also become its very functional detail. After all, they can accommodate both decorative elements and items needed in the household. And if such a niche is beautifully illuminated from the inside, this will create an interesting effect of depth. nine0003
The traditional option for decorating the living room walls is wallpaper. Fortunately, today there is a great variety of them: both classic paper, and modern non-woven, and washable, and glass, and even innovative liquid wallpaper. If you are a lover of change, then you can pay attention to the wallpaper for painting. With such a finish, you can easily change the look of the room, at least several times a year. However, please note that, as a rule, such wallpapers are designed for a limited number of repaints. nine0003
Smoothly plastered or painted walls look great in modern interiors.
At the same time, if you are a fan of the original design, you can pick up plaster with all sorts of beautiful and unusual textures. With its help, you can add a twist to your design and create a truly beautiful living room interior.
One of the fashion trends in modern design is the combination of materials. It is very important to use combinations of several finishes in one room: different types and shades of plaster, paint plus wallpaper, or even a combination of two types of wallpaper with different patterns and textures. See examples of such a living room design in the photo below. nine0003
Using this technique, you will not only be able to make your interior bright, stylish and original, but will also successfully cope with the zoning of the room. As you know, for proper zoning, it is not enough to collect several diverse groups of furniture in one room. So that all this does not look like a "hodgepodge", it is necessary to highlight each of the functional areas with its own design elements.
And here, the design of wall sections in different colors and even different textures is the best fit. nine0003
Ceiling
When choosing the design of the ceiling in the living room, first of all, start from the size of the room. No matter how much you like spectacular multi-tiered structures, in a small room, packed full of necessary furniture, they will look simply ridiculous. In no case do not overload the design of the room.
If the room is small, then the best option is a simple ceiling in light colors with built-in ceiling lights. A good design move would be a small cornice around the perimeter, it will add a sense of depth. nine0003
Another interesting solution for visually increasing the space is the so-called "floating" suspended ceilings. This is a two-tier structure with a small height difference and built-in lights mounted inside the "upper" tier in such a way that they themselves are not visible. This technique creates soft diffused light and an interesting depth effect.
As a result, the room seems visually higher and more spacious.
However, remember that the design tricks you have listed are inappropriate for small rooms with high ceilings. If in such a room you try to “distance” the ceiling even more due to visual techniques, then you will feel in it like at the bottom of a bottomless well. nine0003
In narrow rooms with high ceilings, it makes sense, on the contrary, to reduce the height - through visual means or with the help of suspended structures. Then the living room will immediately seem more comfortable and suitable for a comfortable stay.
If you are lucky and your living room is spacious and has high enough ceilings, then feel free to experiment with their design.
Here, multi-level suspended structures, both laconic and intricate forms, stucco, columns, scallops, and complex lighting systems can be used. nine0003
The main thing is not to overdo it and stick to the intended design of the room. If the room is decorated in a ceremonial classical style, in the spirit of Baroque or Empire, then without a doubt, both bas-reliefs and columns will be appropriate.
But for more concise modern styles, you should choose a simpler and more rigorous ceiling design.
If your living room will have several functional areas, then the zoning can be "supported" with an appropriately designed ceiling. nine0003
For example, a central seating area with a sofa group and a TV set can be highlighted with a second tier of false ceiling. Depending on the general style of the room, both strict rectangular shapes and soft rounded lines may be appropriate.
The ceiling does not have to be white. Delicate, warm pastel shades will look perfect in almost any room.
Fans of more extravagant options can experiment with bright shades. It is not necessary to decorate the entire ceiling in saturated colors. However, if you highlight only part of it or one of the tiers with a spectacular shade, you will get a chic look. nine0003
As far as materials are concerned, it is best to avoid whitewashing and painting. After all, this will take a long time and carefully level the surface.
An excellent modern solution is plasterboard suspended ceilings or stylish stretch models. They are quick to install, provide perfectly flat surfaces, and in addition, allow you to create a wide variety of design options.
Lighting
Just a few years ago, when choosing lighting, the issue was always decided in favor of a large ceiling chandelier. Of course, today there are many lovers of such lighting fixtures, including those decorated with numerous "crystal" pendants. However, you should not get hung up on this option, because modern manufacturers offer many interesting, stylish and comfortable options. nine0003
If you - due to adherence to traditions or in order to create a certain style of interior - have opted for a massive chandelier, you do not need to limit yourself to this. In any living room, additional sources of lighting will be appropriate: wall sconces, floor lamps and portable standing lamps.
Additional light sources perform several functions at once:
- They allow you to well illuminate all corners of the room without leaving any terra incognita areas in it, where it is dark in the evening, even if you gouge out your eye.
nine0022 - Create separate lighting and comfort in each functional area. Thanks to a well-placed floor lamp or sconce, one of the family members with all the conveniences can read or work at a computer in the corner of the hall, while others have a “movie show” or an evening rest in the twilight on the sofa.
- Can create decorative lighting in a niche, near art objects, etc.
- They are additional decorative elements.
If you are a supporter of laconic design, then recessed ceiling lights are the best fit. They also allow you to create separate lighting in different functional areas of the living room. And besides, with their help you can always adjust the brightness and level of illumination of the room. And with all this, they remain almost invisible, do not overload the design and fit almost all interior styles. nine0003
It's safe to say that recessed ceiling lights are the best choice for a small room with low ceilings. But, at the same time, they will also be appropriate in a spacious hall.
Style Selection
Choose a style based on the tastes of the whole family. Look at photo examples of living room designs in a magazine, on the Internet, explore the various styles that are in abundance today.
Of course, the dimensions of the room must also be taken into account. In a small room in Khrushchev, a lush baroque or any other “palace” interior will look out of place. For small living rooms, it is best to choose a laconic design in the Scandinavian style, elegant classics or strict hi-tech or minimalism. Country and Provence are perfect, as these styles suggest comfort and emphatically home furnishings. nine0003
If your living room is large, then there is room to roam. In principle, a spacious room can be decorated in almost any style that you and your family like.
When choosing the style of the living room, be sure to take into account the features of the interior of the other rooms. Maintain style and harmony.
Classic
The classic style of the interior involves the use of the most natural materials.
The whole environment should breathe quality and good taste. As part of this style, traditional furniture made of solid wood or at least high-quality MDF will be appropriate. nine0003
Classic interior colors are soft, calm, usually light. But in principle, within the framework of this style, almost any shades (except bright and flashy) will be appropriate if they are correctly beaten.
Elegant wallpaper, paintings, vases, traditional chandeliers, beautiful curtains - all this will be an excellent frame for an interior in a classic style.
Despite certain design rules, there are different directions for decorating a living room in the spirit of the classics. Within the framework of the classical style, several variations can exist at once:
- refined and rich "palace", in which discreet gilding and more elaborate forms will be appropriate;
- solid and reliable English style, suggesting solid furniture of simple shapes and unpretentious decor;
- neoclassical, meaning lighter and simpler forms, expensive elegance without ostentatious luxury.
Minimalism and high-tech
High-tech and constructivism can also be combined under this general direction. All these styles imply laconic finishes, emphatically simple and modern furniture models, built-in lighting, and an abundance of technology. nine0003
Minimalism is characterized by soft colors, calm combinations, stylish and simple shapes.
For hi-tech, for all their similarities, saturated tones, metallic luster and a lot of glass are more characteristic. High-tech furniture or decor can have very unusual, but at the same time laconic and streamlined shapes.
Minimalist interior of the living room is best suited for young and energetic people who keep up with the times, who do not attach much importance to luxurious surroundings, preferring simplicity and elegance of lines. nine0003
However, do not think that the interior in the style of hi-tech or minimalism is something from the category of "cheap and cheerful". Such a design may well turn out to be much more expensive than some magnificent Empire style.
Country and Provence
These styles are perfect for lovers of home comfort, antiquity and rustic simplicity. If you want to enjoy peace as much as possible, relax and forget about the bustle of the city, then these are excellent options for the living room.
At the same time, country is deliberately rough, emphatically rural, with simple, almost unfinished furniture and themed textiles. It is characterized by natural, natural shades: soft light and dark green tones, the whole range of brown, light yellow, ocher. Of the prints, a large cage, as well as various variations of floral patterns, will be especially harmonious. nine0003
The Provence style, as it should be for a true Frenchman, is more refined, distinguished by a special chic and charm. It is characterized by lighter shades of furniture and finishes: white, cream, pale blue, turquoise, beige. Decor and textiles can be very flirtatious: with ruffles, scallops, flounces, etc.
Today, these design trends are very popular not only in the design of country cottages, but also in the decoration of city apartments.
Therefore, in stores you can easily find furniture, decor and finishing materials that perfectly match these styles. nine0003
Scandinavian
This style is incredibly popular right now. The secret of its success is in the harmonious combination of minimalism, comfort and homeliness. It involves a simple and concise finish, convenient and comfortable furniture of simple shapes, stylish, but at the same time soft and not defiant decor.
The Scandinavian style is characterized by calm shades: white, beige, light gray, gray-green, pale blue, dark blue. Often in the colors of such an interior there is a certain marine theme. nine0003
Living room interior in Scandinavian style is the perfect balance of functionality, convenience, modernity and home comfort. Stylish and modern upholstered furniture for the living room is perfect here, a photo of which you can see below.
Choosing furniture
Before you start choosing furniture for your living room, carefully consider which functional areas will be allocated in the room.
Beautiful furniture for the living room, the photo of which can be seen below, is not all. It is important to correctly arrange it so that all the inhabitants and guests of the apartment feel cozy and comfortable. nine0003
If it is intended exclusively for families, then a comfortable sofa, armchairs, a TV stand and a couple of shelving will be enough. If space allows, you can add a coffee table, as well as small cabinets where you can place various decor items.
If you often arrange parties, like to receive and treat guests, then you will need a bar counter. It looks stylish, modern, spectacular, can serve as a place to store all kinds of items and will allow you to organize the serving of drinks and treats for guests in a very small area. In addition, the bar counter can be an excellent dividing element if you need to zone the living room. nine0003
Choose the dimensions of the sofa and the number of chairs depending on the number of family members and the possible number of guests.
It makes no sense to choose an airfield sofa and three armchairs if you live alone and rarely receive guests. In this case, it is worth limiting yourself to more compact options and leaving more free space in the room - to create a feeling of spaciousness or to accommodate other functional elements.
If you expect your guests to occasionally stay overnight, then the choice of sofa should be approached especially carefully. Choose folding models, on which, if necessary, you can fully sleep. If there can be several overnight guests, then it makes sense to consider options for transforming chairs that can fold out and turn into a bed. nine0003
Modern design solutions, as a rule, do not involve the placement of solid cabinets in the hall. It is assumed that this tradition should remain in the Soviet past. However, if you don't have a walk-in closet and don't have enough space to place storage items in other rooms, no one can force you to give up a spacious closet in the living room.
In a classic interior, it can even be a solid wall. However, if you prefer more modern design trends, then it is better to pay attention to stylish wardrobes. For a small room, models with mirrored doors are perfect, they allow you to visually expand the space, and will not weigh down the interior as much as their counterparts with solid doors. nine0003
A small room should not be cluttered with a large number of pieces of furniture. Such an "abundant" environment will overwhelm, distract, and simply interfere with free movement around the room. If you don’t have a lot of things, then you definitely shouldn’t put a massive closet in the living room, limit yourself to a light and elegant rack. If you want to create a truly light and stylish design, pay special attention to the modern style living room furniture, the photo of which can be seen below.
If you do not plan to receive guests often, it makes no sense to purchase a grand dining table in the hall. In order to drink coffee or have a snack in front of the TV, an elegant coffee table will be quite enough.
To save space, you can choose a functional transforming table, which will serve as both a stand and a storage for books and magazines, and, if necessary, can be expanded into a fairly full-fledged springboard for home meals. nine0003
Fireplace in the living room interior
If you want your living room to breathe genuine comfort and hospitality, consider purchasing a fireplace. Naturally, it is almost impossible to establish a real hearth in a city apartment. But today there are a lot of magnificent imitations on sale that will emphasize the elegance of the interior, create an atmosphere of comfort in the room and even be able to heat it.
An electric fireplace is perfect for an apartment. Do not think that this is a more beautiful analogue of the heater. In fact, modern manufacturers produce incredibly realistic models that amazingly imitate real flames. There are even models with sound and aroma accompaniment. That is, in front of you there will be not only the illusion of an open fire, but also real crackles, as well as the smells of burning logs.
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Fireplaces are produced in a wide variety of styles: exquisite classic, ultra-modern laconic high-tech models, mysterious gothic, luxuriously decorated with gilding and marble in the rococo style, cozy stoves in the spirit of the country. In addition, fireplaces in the living room can vary in location: wall, corner, island.
Such a variety of models will allow you to choose exactly the option for your living room that fits perfectly into the layout and style of decoration. nine0003
Photo
See our gallery for 212 more amazing living room design ideas.
Design of the hall in the apartment - 80 photos of interiors, ideas for renovation
Competently designing the interior of a hall in an apartment is not an easy task. Many trust this process to experienced designers, whose services are, frankly, not cheap. Knowing some principles of shaping the situation and choosing the most suitable style in spirit, it is quite possible to come up with a design on your own and bring your idea to life.
In our article, we will consider what a modern design of a hall in an apartment can be and what you need to consider when designing. nine0003
General rules for the design of the hall
When planning the design of the hall, it is necessary to take into account the wishes of all family members and organize the space in such a way that everyone can find their own cozy corner here. Also an important point is the choice of style, which should match the design of other rooms. Agree, a classic-style living room adjacent to a minimalist kitchen or hallway will look ridiculous. In the design of the halls, despite their size and shape, there are some general design rules that you should follow so as not to end up with an uncomfortable quirky little room. nine0003
Zoning
The division of space into separate functional areas is the main rule for the competent design of a room. There are a lot of ways to carry out zoning - you can separate territories using different finishes for walls, ceilings, and floors.
Sometimes this role is played by furniture, for example, a sofa can separate the seating area from the dining room, or the rack will cover the sleeping bed. In the role of limiters are steps-podiums, bar counters, non-bulky partitions. Lighting devices can also play an important role in emphasizing a particular zone. When dividing the territory of the hall into small sections, it must be taken into account that between all the elements there must be some kind of relationship that brings all the zones together. nine0003
Finishing materials
The choice of ways to finish interior surfaces is quite large - this applies to the materials themselves, and color schemes. For walls, the most popular type of cladding today is wallpaper, as they have a huge variety of textures and colors. They can be paper, non-woven, washable, liquid; also often found fabric canvases, wallpaper with photo printing and 3D effect. Wallpaper for painting makes it possible to easily eliminate defects that have appeared over time, as well as completely change the color palette of the room.
Decorative plaster is also in great demand, which can be smooth or have an interesting texture. A good modern solution is a combination of materials, when different wallpaper canvases, plaster with painting, wallpaper with plaster or wall panels and other options are combined within the living room. nine0003
The design of the ceiling surface depends to a greater extent on the dimensions of the room. For rooms with low ceilings, it is better to opt for classic whitewashing or painting or stretch structures. If the hall has high walls, you can use the surface design with drywall, stretch fabrics, creating levels. Figured ceilings often play an important role in highlighting certain areas.
Colors
In contrast to the monochromatic decorations inherent in the interiors of the last century, modern halls can have the most daring color combinations. However, in this matter it is worth considering the location of the room relative to the cardinal points. If the living room windows face south, there will be enough natural bright light, so you can use rich, cold or dark colors - the choice of palette depends on the preferences of the owners and the overall design concept.
Otherwise, when the windows face north, it is better to give preference to light and warm shades that compensate for the lack of light and give the atmosphere a cozy atmosphere. nine0003
The combination of cold tones of decoration with warm colors of upholstered furniture looks great. One of the modern design techniques involves the so-called "drawing on a white canvas", when wall and ceiling surfaces are decorated with banal white plaster or paint, against which furniture of different colors is arranged.
To create a spectacular design, furniture can be chosen in bright colors, and for an elegant, light interior, soft pastel colors are preferred. The choice of one or another option depends on the lifestyle of all family members, their predisposition to noisy parties or calm, quiet evenings. nine0003
Furniture and lighting
The territory of the hall should not be heavily cluttered with furniture in order to leave enough free space. A standard set of furniture includes a sofa, armchairs, a coffee table, shelving or modular headset designs.
Professional designers avoid arranging furniture in the living room along the walls, considering it a relic of the past. It is better to choose one central element (a seating area with a sofa and a TV or a fireplace), from which all subsequent furnishings will be repelled. nine0003
Often a hall in an apartment, especially if it does not have a large usable area, contains not one, but several functional areas. There may be a desktop, a bar counter, a children's corner or a bedroom, etc. In this case, it is possible to use non-bulky plasterboard or glass partitions.
The choice and placement of lighting fixtures also plays an important role. In addition to the classic chandeliers that decorated almost all the halls of the past decades, today's market offers a much larger selection of stylish, comfortable lamps. In the living room, it is better to arrange multi-level lighting, adding, in addition to ceiling fixtures, wall sconces, floor lamps, which will locally illuminate certain areas.
For a small room, built-in ceiling lights are the best option, and high ceilings can be equipped with pendant lights, depending on the style decision. nine0003
Design of a small and walk-through hall
Having considered the general rules for the design of halls, it is worth highlighting some of the features characteristic of rooms with peculiar layouts and sizes.
Small living room
If the area of the room is very tiny, which is often found in Khrushchev, you can try to combine it with a kitchen, corridor, balcony or loggia. In this case, there will be additional space. But it must be taken into account that such a redevelopment will require obtaining the relevant documents, as well as considerable financial investments. It is better to refuse to place bulky cabinets in a small room - they can find a place in the niches of the corridor or other rooms. Here, the most appropriate would be a minimalist design with the presence of transforming furniture and light colors of decoration.
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Passage Hall
The most difficult to design are walk-through rooms. In this case, you should pay attention to the floor covering, which will be subject to constant trampling, so you can give preference to resistant laminate, ceramic tiles or self-leveling structures, and place carpets only in places of rest. Furniture also should not be in the passage zone - most often it is she who acts as a delimiter for zonal division. Since there will be two or three doors, you need to choose identical models, preferring sliding structures that save a significant amount of space. nine0003
Interior styles
Over the past decades, it has become fashionable to design interiors in compliance with any style. When choosing one of the directions, which are quite a lot in modern design, one should take into account the size of the premises, personal preferences for color solutions, and, importantly, financial opportunities, since some styles require considerable material investments.
Design of the hall in the style of minimalism
The hall in the minimalist style is distinguished by restraint of decoration and furnishing. Excessive decor is inappropriate here - it gives way to conciseness and functionality. This direction is perfect for halls of any size, assuming a monochrome color scheme (white, beige, ash, etc.), good lighting, a minimum of furniture and the maximum expansion of space both visually and practically by eliminating interior partitions. Liquid wallpaper or paintable, decorative plaster and wall panels made of plastic and wood act as finishing materials for the walls. It is advisable to choose furniture with a glossy surface, glass and mirror elements are relevant. nine0003
Loft style hall design
Loft-style living room is a large spacious room with high ceilings and panoramic windows. It is most often combined with neighboring rooms and can only be separated from them by glass partitions. There are such areas as a dining room, a recreation area with a large sofa, a bar counter, an entrance hall (there is no separate entrance vestibule in loft apartments), a dressing room, a work area, etc.
, so the issue of space zoning is very important. nine0003
The color palette varies within gray, white, brown colors and their shades, and bright decor items such as multi-colored sofa cushions, abstract paintings, bright magazine covers, etc. will dilute the monotony. Natural concrete walls or with brickwork are welcome in the decoration, as well as materials imitating them (wall panels, wallpaper, decorative plaster). Communications are not hidden, but deliberately flaunted, emphasizing the style of an abandoned factory slum. The furniture has impressive forms, and the central element is a sofa with a TV or a fireplace. nine0003
Provence style hall design
Universal light Provence is suitable for any room, turning it into a cozy quiet corner. The design of the hall in this direction will require the presence of wooden furniture (preferably artificially aged), a fireplace, natural finishing materials (stone, brick, wood), large window openings through which sunlight will flow.
