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Small narrow hallway ideas


Narrow hallway ideas – 19 ways to improve a tight space

Narrow hallway ideas can go a long way in making a restrictive entryway feel more open and airy. Whether you live in a Victorian property blessed with a dark, skinny hall or a flat that has a less-than-generous hallway, a few practical design tips and tricks will open things up in a way you didn't think possible. 

From ceiling lights to flooring, paint to wallpaper, a few new hallway ideas will distract from the dimensions of your space and make your narrow entrance feel brand new.

Narrow hallway ideas to open up small entryways

Amy Wilson, interior designer from 247 Curtains and Interior Design Masters on BBC One says, 'When working with a more narrow space, it may be tempting to steer away from larger items. However, one of my favourite tips for giving the illusion of a larger hallway is to add in an oversized light. 

'Not only will this help create a feel of grandeur but also makes the space feel larger as opposed to making the room feel restricted by opting for smaller accessories. ' The designer also says simply switching up the paint can help make your hallway appear larger. Her top tip is to paint halfway up the walls, either to the dado or to create the illusion of there being one. 'This popular painting style helps to draw your eye lengthways, taking you down into the rest of the house,' she says.

1. Choose a Scandi-chic aesthetic

(Image credit: Future PLC / Joanna Henderson)

Opt for crisp white on walls, woodwork and doors for the 'envelope' of your hallway, and then layer in in natural materials to create a minimalist and Scandi-inspired scheme. Taking inspiration from Nordic interiors will help to create a calming entryway even if space is tight, while warm wood tones, a woven jute rug and dried flowers will bring texture and cosy vibes.

You can keep things pared-back while still displaying a selection of your favourite vases and prints on ledges or on top of slimline hallway shoe storage ideas. A concealed shoe rack like this one is perfect – space-saving but provides practical storage so your hall isn't littered with trainers, boots and school shoes.

2. Distract with patterned wallpaper

(Image credit: Future PLC)

Create a great first impression with a show-stopping wallpaper that's so striking that the width of the hallway becomes irrelevant. Patterned hallway wallpaper ideas are great for creating a sense of depth, visually enlarging the space. Keep the lower part of the walls in a clean white shade of paint and then take a bold wallpaper all the way up the stairs for a small hallway idea that packs a punch.

3. Bring personality with a gallery wall

(Image credit: Future PLC)

There's simply no better place for family photos than the hallway – it's good for feng shui and instantly makes the space feel more personal and homely. Hang framed pictures all the way along the walls to keep the eye-line focused up, visually drawing the floor away from the ceiling. Elevate the ceiling height through clever tricks like this and you'll make a narrow hallway look wider. 

Use this gallery wall idea along the full length of the narrow corridor space to help to elongate the wall and invite guests to have a nosey. Make the artwork of choice treasured family photos to make the space feel welcoming and cosy, rather than restrictive and soulless.

4. Keep things organised with hooks and catchalls

(Image credit: Future PLC / Simon Whitmore)

When it comes to narrow hallway ideas, the more you can use your walls the better, as it'll keep your floor space free and prevent the feeling of walking in through the door and tripping over clutter. Wall storage organisers, like the HULTARP rails and hooks from IKEA with little baskets and buckets, will give you lots of places to put keys, travel cards, post and other bits and bobs.

'Storage that is chic but also space-saving will help you utilise the space in your hall without getting in the way,' agrees Simon from A Place For Everything.

5. Use a blackboard

(Image credit: Future PLC / Joanna Henderson)

If you're a Virgo who loves a list, why not dedicate a space in your narrow hallway to reminders and to-do lists? Keep your hallway light and bright and hang a blackboard above a white console table to keep everything together. Here, a retro telephone adds character and the plants bring natural shape and texture.

6. Add a bench with built-in storage

(Image credit: Future PLC / Dominic Blackmore)

If tying your laces leaves you inordinately flustered when rushing out the door (just us?) consider adding a bench so you can take a seat and do it in a more orderly fashion. Incorporate plenty of built-in storage to house shoes, tote bags, and dog leads and keep everything ship-shape. 

7. Hang a mirror to open up the space

(Image credit: Future PLC / Robert Sanderson)

Hanging a generous mirror in a hall is a smart aesthetic solution to make more of a narrow hallway space. A mirror works by reflecting light, which opens up the space. It also fakes a sense of depth by extending the wall because it mirrors the view.

There is a range of hall mirror ideas to choose from depending on your hallway size and decor. But it's always a very handy addition in any hallway space, so you can carry out a last-minute appearance check before you dash out the door!

‘If your front door has a glass panel, position a mirror so that it can capture the natural light and reflect this into the hallway,' comments Peter Legg, Lead Designer at där lighting . 'If you don’t have a natural light source, try a mirror with a lit frame to create an inviting aesthetic.’

8. Elevate the ceiling height with clever painting

(Image credit: Future PLC/Rachael Smith)

Try a clever paint trick to make your narrow hallway colour scheme feel more characterful. Choose a colour you love and paint along the length of the hallway but only to your waist level.

The theory behind painting to waist height in a narrow hallway space is to break up a solid corridor of wall, creating a Trompe-l'œil style optical illusion of interest that can give a different perspective. This smart use of colour frames the space, giving it extra depth and interest.

9. Keep clutter at bay

(Image credit: IKEA)

'Two-in-one furniture, like the a bench with shoe storage really comes in handy when you want to optimise a small hallway,' suggests Clotilde Passalacqua, Interior Design Manager at IKEA UK and Ireland.

'Whilst wall-mounted hooks will help you take advantage of the full height of your ceiling. The PINNIG rack (above) with hooks means you can easily make good use of awkward spaces, like the wall surface over your radiator. And a bonus is that your wet clothes dry faster!'

Buy now: Pinnig Coat Rack, £75, IKEA

10. Let the sunshine in

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Lizzie Orme)

Maximise the natural light that can come through windows and your front door, and add a mirror, too. Keep things light and bright by painting a narrow hallway in an all-white colour palette to offer a blank canvas.

Choose the best white paint to suit the light quality. Is it south-facing and bathed in warm natural light or north-facing and cold? The right undertones of white will enhance the warmth, in turn making the space feel brighter and airy.

11. Adopt an immersive colour scheme

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

If you're not looking to decorate with white, the best way to overcome a problem narrow hallway is to make it feel like part of a wider layout.

Incorporate the colour scheme from an adjoining downstairs room that leads off the hallway to create a continuity to the flow – in essence preventing the narrow hall from feeling small in comparison to the linking spaces.

A dark wall colour is a great way to create a cocooning ambient feel for a welcoming entranceway.

12. Add a decorative rug to dress the floor

(Image credit: IKEA)

Don't feel like the decor has to be limited just because the space is. A long thin runner can actually help to make the space feel better dressed, making a hallway feel more considered.

This alternative hallway flooring idea helps to make the narrow corridor-like space feel more generous, because you're highlighting the space rather than glazing over it.

A decorative runner or rug helps to lift the decor and give the space more of a homely vibe, essential for a welcoming entrance to any home.

13. Go for large patterned flooring

(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)

Whether you're using tiles, peel and stick tiles or paint, try a supersized checkerboard pattern on your flooring for a classic yet contemporary look. Larger squares, as pictured above, will work much better in a narrow space than lots of tiny squares that are likely to feel too busy. A diamond pattern generally emphasises the width of a space.

14. Stack vertical storage

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Lizzie Orme)

The key to successful hallway storage ideas is to capitalise on vertical wall space. If you really want to maximise your hallway, a tailor-made unit with built-in shelves and drawers will fill the available space intelligently and look great too.

Like this slim but multifunctional storage unit that scales the wall from floor to ceiling, to ensure the storage doesn't impact on valuable floorspace. Having such plentiful storage also in turn helps to open up a narrow hallway space, alleviating the area from being overrun with shoes strewn on the floor and stray bits and bobs left with nowhere to go.

15. Illuminate a central point of focus

(Image credit: IKEA)

If you have a long narrow hallway, use clever hallway lighting ideas well to elongate the space. Centrally placed overhead lights, such as these pendant lights used by IKEA, will cast pools of light one after the other to  naturally invite guests into the rest of the home.

Poor hallway lighting is one of the common hallway decorating mistakes to avoid, so make sure all bulbs are working and light it fully with overhead lights and perhaps a table lamp on a timer to welcome you home. A central strip of light helps to create a central focus of illumination that highlights and celebrates the narrow space, rather than making it feel limited.

16. Hide an unattractive radiator

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Lizzie Orme)

Don't let an unsightly radiator becomes the main focus of a small narrow hallway. An elegant radiator cover hides a multitude of sins and helps to add a polished finish to a space that could easily be overlooked in the style stakes. Plus it provides a handy shelf ledge to keep keys and display photos and flowers – adding a more homely touch to the decor.

17. Aim high for shelving

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Lizzie Orme)

Placing floating shelves and wall-mounted storage units high will naturally free up the space below, to make it feel more open. A high shelf rack is a useful spot for coats and scarves and ensures precious floor space is kept clear.

'Wall or overhead storage solutions – whether that’s floating bookshelves or wall mounted coat racks – will help make your space go further,' agrees Simon.

18. Welcome a slim console table

(Image credit: Future PLC/Jo Henderson)

Console tables are a great place to allow family belongings to accumulate, with drawers to hide away all those delivery menus and loose change.

Opt for a slim design, especially in narrow, corridor-style spaces to preserve a sense of openness. Wicker baskets placed at the side or underneath are a useful place for hiding away other knick-knacks.

19. Make storage multipurpose

(Image credit: A Place For Everything)

Adding a mirror and handy storage at the same time is a win-win, as shown in this white hallway. 'Multifunctional storage is also a clever way to store items without sacrificing the decor of the room,' says  Simon Glanville, managing director of A Place for Everything.

'A mirror can add a lovely touch to a narrow hallway and can double up as a box for shoes or bags.

Buy now: Hallway Storage Mirror, £85, A Place For Everything

How do you get the most out of a narrow hallway?

A slim hallway has more potential than you might think, and you can totally make it into one of you favourite parts of your home. Just because you can't fit furniture into a narrow hallway doesn't mean it has to lack display surfaces, as Ideal Home Style Editor Nicky Phillips points out. 'Using picture ledges means you can create a gallery of prints and photos but you can also add small vases, candle sticks or trinkets along its length. 

'Cup hooks can be added on the underside for hanging keys, dog leads and even scarfs. If you have enough room for narrow furniture, try wall-hung shoe cabinets to keep storage super shallow and again use the surfaces for a small lamp and pretty accessories to add character and charm,' Nicky suggests. Making the most of a narrow hallway means balancing the practical with the pretty details.

How can I improve my narrow hallway?

The easiest way to improve a narrow hallway is to clear the clutter – remove surplus shoes, coats and outerwear that can comfortably live elsewhere. Look for savvy storage solutions that are slimline to avoid taking up valuable spaces. Also look for multipurpose storage solutions that work harder to make the space more practical. 

'We all live busy lives, so adding clever storage to your hallway makes it easier for everyone to make that stress-free dash out of the house,' says Clotilde Passalacqua, Interior Design Manager at IKEA UK and Ireland. 'As well as creating an inviting entrance to come home to'.

'Wide striped wallpaper in a neutral colour makes the space seem larger,' comments Joanna Wood . 'A statement lamp or piece of eye-catching art will also draw attention away from the size of the space and you can maximise 'the beyond' either with a colour or a strong pattern. '

What colour should I paint my narrow hallway?

A failsafe colour to paint a narrow hallway will always be white. This light neutral creates a sense of space by bouncing light around the small space. Lighter wall colours reflect more light, a great quality when in small or light-deprived spaces such as hallways. 

Interior designer Caroline Cobbald agrees that choosing light paint colours for the walls will usually be your best bet in a narrow hallway. 'Don't pick out the woodwork – ceiling, skirting, doors, architraves for example,' she says. By painting doorframes, doors and skirting boards the same colour, you'll prevent the space from looking busy and cramped.

Having said that if the space already feels small and enclosed it can sometimes benefit from a dark colour. On all walls and woodwork bold colour cocoons the space – leaning into the fact it's small and cosy. A brooding dark charcoal grey hallway or even navy can actually be very sophisticated and create a stylish entrance. The key to decorating with dark colours is to be sure everything matches. Ensure storage units are in the same colour palette to prevent them leaping out and jarring – overwhelming the limited space.

10 essential design rules for making a long space seem wider |

(Image credit: Paul Raeside / Future)

If you have ever had to look for narrow hallway ideas, then you’ll be more than aware of the tricky task of making it a long hallway look wider than it actually is, while desperately searching for interior designer tricks to make your entryway appear warm and welcoming. 

You’ve probably spent hours trying out different hallway ideas, rearranging furniture, choosing paint colors and deliberating on rug styles in a frenzied attempt to make your small hallway look more spacious, light and airy.

Do not panic – with some clever tricks of the trade, there are in fact multiple small hallway ideas that wall help turn that awkward hall layout into something stylish and sophisticated, so don’t give up just yet.

Narrow hallway ideas 

Give your narrow hallway a much-need update with our curated selection of interior design-approved layouts, hallway paint ideas, lighting inspiration and more.

1. Be fussy with furniture in a narrow hallway

(Image credit: Paul Raeside / Future)

Hallway storage ideas and furniture can be a cumbersome business, especially in a narrow room, so it pays to invest in the best possible solutions. 

One great way to make the most of a smaller hallway is by using multi-functional furniture, like a bench that can be used as a storage unit, console tables with drawers and folding chairs that can be tucked away when you don’t need them. 

Another important pointer is to place large pieces of furniture against walls so the open space in the middle is not broken up. Scale the furniture to fit the size of the room and don’t block walking pathways.

2. Light up a small space

(Image credit: Davide Lovatti / Future)

Light will help to brighten up a narrow hallway instantly, so first and foremost allow any natural light to stream indoors by taking down heavy, dark window treatments.  

If natural light is non-existent in your corridor, instead look to hallway lighting ideas and have an electrician install statement chandeliers, wall sconces and table lamps for a dose of illumination.

Dark corners can make a hall appear small and cramped, so position a floor or table lamp in a bare corner to visually expand the area, while recessed ceiling lights can illuminate an entire room without eating into the space.

3. Stick to a monochromatic color palette

(Image credit: Davide Lovatti / Future)

Striking, cool and confident, gray and white is always a winning combination when it comes to narrow hallway ideas. Create a perfect balance of the two neutrals, by using equal amounts of each. It will give a bright and fresh look for day, together with a dramatic and tailored look for night. 

Introduce pattern and character with gallery wall ideas, such as these sophisticated framed photographs, and keep the rest of your furniture and accessories plain and understated for a contemporary aesthetic.

4. Hang up a mirror in a small entrance

(Image credit: Mark Bolton / Future)

Not surprisingly, mirrors can make a hall or foyer appear more spacious. Hang a large mirror on a wall opposite a window or very near one to reflect the outdoors, broadening the feel of your room. 

Mirrors reflect both natural and artificial light to make a room brighter during the day – and at night they bounce light deep into the room, making it appear larger. 

5. Use paint to visually enlarge a narrow hallway

(Image credit: Future)

You can visually widen a long, narrow room by painting a wall at the end a darker color than the other opposite and adjacent walls. The gradation of shade and color of paint on opposing walls can either lengthen distance by using a lighter shade, or shorten a distance with a darker shade. 

Light colors such as creamy white or light gray help to brighten a room, making it appear larger and wider. Plus, you can also paint horizontal stripes on a wall to make a room feel wider, or vertical stripes to make the space feel taller.

6. Play to proportions in a long hallway

(Image credit: Paul Raeside / Future)

Long hallways rarely feel homely, but there are tricks you can use to zone the space to make it feel far cozier. 

A rug can visually draw together the furniture in a space, giving a room focus and adding comfort. While a focal point that contrasts with the rest of the scheme can be visually interesting, disguising the awkward layout – something like a statement piece of art, console or striking pendant.

7. Display oversized wall art

(Image credit: Polly Eltes / Future)

Wall decor ideas that feature too many pictures and other wall hangings tend to make a room feel closed in, so simply hang one large piece of artwork on your wall to make the room feel wider. 

Avoid hanging art too high on the longer wall as it will just highlight the imbalance in the proportions. Instead, choose art that can sit wide but low over the console for example, to bring the eye level down and help make the room seem wider.

8. Use paint to create a focal point

(Image credit: Davide Lovatti / Future)

When decorating a small hallway, create a focal point with hallway paint – one area that will draw the eye, so there’s less emphasis on the room’s narrow layout. 

As long as your ceiling is painted in a paler color than your walls, no matter what the color, your ceilings will feel higher, helping a narrow room feel more spacious

9. Pay attention to scale  

(Image credit: Paul Raeside / Future)

Select furniture pieces that are in proportion to the size of your entrance. Oversized consoles, chairs and entry table decor ideas can make a small hallway feel narrow, while furniture that is the same color as your walls tends to blend into the wall, making it look wider.

Another clever trick is to arrange your furniture at an angle to create a sense of depth to the room – otherwise if you place all furniture against the walls you might end up with a 'bowling alley' look.

10. Keep a narrow space free from clutter

(Image credit: Davide Lovatti / Future)

If there’s one thing that’s going to create the illusion of more space in a narrow hallway, it’s decluttering.  Make sure you keep your room organized by removing unnecessary items, and your space will instantly feel bigger – and more welcoming.

Try and keep the floor as clear as possible, too, as it’s one of the easiest ways to maintain a sense of spaciousness. Remove any oversized rugs and plants, and factor in hallway shoe storage to ensure footwear doesn't accumulate.

How do you decorate a narrow hallway?

When decorating a narrow hallway, often a less-is-more approach pays dividends, so do start by highlighting the strengths of this small space. 

Many narrow hallways are lacking in light. Try to turn yours into something more than a transitional space – significant changes such as replacing a solid wall with striking Crittall windows will allow light to be borrowed from adjoining rooms, while updating a front door with larger glass panels will illuminate the area.  

Additional tweaks such as a well-planned lighting scheme can be just as impactful. Choose a layered approach, adding subtle dimmable recessed lights and pendants combined with the subtle glow of table lamps. 

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.

Small hallway design - 65 photos, interior ideas

The entrance hall is the part of the apartment that first opens up to the eyes of the household and guests, so it is very important to make it practical and beautiful. It would seem that on an area of ​​​​1.5-2 sq.m. It's hard to implement any design ideas, but it's not! To visually increase and save space, there are many tricks, which we will discuss below. If you approach the design of a small hallway wisely, there is a place to store all the necessary things in it, and the interior will delight you with home comfort for many years.

Interior style for a small hallway

In order for decoration, furniture and household trifles to look together as a single ensemble, it is very important to choose the style in which the interior will be designed. A small hallway will be decorated with discreet trends: modern, classic, Scandinavian, Provence or loft. All of them are united by minimalism, accuracy and harmony. Thanks to these features, even a small room will become comfortable and pleasant.

Contemporary foyer

Elegant functionality - that's the motto of modern style in design. It is characterized by clear lines, contrasting colors (often achromatic or close to them) and smooth surfaces. High-tech materials are used throughout.

In the modern interior of a small hallway, there are almost no decorations, drawings or protruding elements. In general, it gives the impression of impeccable taste and refinement.

Entrance hall in classic style

Classic at first sight conquers with its exquisite nobility. The soft glow of gold on a snow-white or beige background, perfect symmetry, luxurious textures, as well as magnificent decor - all this creates an atmosphere of well-being and makes the interior of the hallway elite.

Entrance hall in Provence style

French romance of Provence - pastel colors, vintage light furniture, floral ornaments and openwork inserts. In such an environment there is always a lot of light and air. A small hallway, decorated in Provence style, with its gentle simplicity, resembles a dollhouse or a summer vacation in the village with a grandmother.

Loft style entrance hall

Unplastered brick walls, an abundance of metal and roughly processed wood, exposed ceiling beams and communications - all this makes the loft quite brutal, but in a small hallway this design can be very appropriate.

This style does not tolerate pretentiousness - instead of a banal set on the wall, there can be only a few hooks and one or two shelves, and an old chest of drawers can be adapted to store shoes.

A bicycle, a backpack, roller skates, a skateboard and other attributes of an active lifestyle will organically fit into a loft, so travelers and creative people will surely like this concept.

Scandinavian foyer

Inspired by northern nature, Scandinavian style brings freshness to the interior. It is based on the impeccable purity of the snow cover, icy rivers and darkening rocks, and they are complemented by warm notes inherent in Swedish and Norwegian houses.

Whitewashed wood, ethnic patchwork tiles and distinctive floor rugs break up the austere design of the hallway, creating a cozy, lived-in look.

Colors

The choice of shades for the hallway should be approached responsibly, showing artistic taste and moderation. In a small area, it is advisable to use no more than 2-3 colors: one main, the rest - for contrasts and small details.

Small entrance hall in white

White color is ideal for interior design of a small hallway, as it visually expands the space. A snow-white room will become a model of order and cleanliness, black and gray elements will beautifully complement the achromatic design, and colored inserts next to white will look calmer.

Small entrance hall in beige

Many people love milky-coffee tones for their practicality. Beige finishes and furniture look great in any style. This is a very light, but at the same time warm, homely color. The best neighborhood for him is dark brown, creamy, not bright green.

Small entrance hall in gray tones

Neutral and discreet gray color is the best solution for laconic design. Polished steel, mirrors and the right lighting will make a monochrome setting livelier, while splashes of white will remove the feeling of gloom.

Small entrance hall in pastel colors

Lavender, light blue, soft pink, mint and lemon colors create a sweet and unobtrusive atmosphere. They are indispensable in the Provence style, although individually they can be used in other directions.

Finishing and materials for the hallway

The entrance hall does not belong to problematic premises, therefore the requirements for moisture resistance in it are moderate, but it is there that the most dirt accumulates from the street. This means that it is better to choose materials with a smooth surface - those that are easy to wash and clean.

Floor

For practical reasons, the floor in a small hallway should be made durable. For this purpose, tiles, porcelain stoneware or linoleum are perfect. You can also arrange a self-leveling floor. Natural parquet and laminate in the mode of active use, most likely, will not last long.

Walls

For wall decoration in the hallway, artificial stone, ceramic tiles (imitating brick), ordinary and decorative plaster, plastic panels, and wallpaper are often used. A rather interesting option can also be cork, murals with a visual perspective, or painting with slate paint, on which you can draw with chalk.

In order not to make the room seem even smaller, it is better to refuse lurid patterns, contrasts and eye-catching stripes on the walls in favor of plain light colors.

Ceiling

You can visually raise the height of a small hallway by arranging a two-level ceiling of a white plasterboard frame around the perimeter and a mirror film in the center.

However, the usual painting of the ceiling in a light color, and the tension version, and mirror PVC panels are also suitable. The main thing is not to place voluminous or massive structures above your head that draw attention to yourself.

Furniture and its placement

Uncomfortable furniture is the main problem of small hallways. This means that the time has come to throw out the old bulky cabinets from the corridor and replace them with modern compact storage systems.

Small square hallway

The square entrance hall is convenient because it has a lot of space on the sides. Thus, linear furniture can be placed along one wall (for example, closer to the corner at the front door - an open hanger with hooks, a shoe stand under it, a chest of drawers and a mirror nearby), and along the other, if it fits, a shallow closet .

Another option is to place radius cupboards with rounded doors in the corners, and use the rest of the space for low shoe racks.

Narrow (rectangular) small hallway

In a narrow hallway, you should make the most of the space around and above the front door. Narrow storage systems should be placed on the sides, and a stylish mezzanine at the top.

Instead of a bulky mirror with a cabinet, it's better to just hang it on the wall, and buying a cabinet with a mirrored door, you can see yourself in full growth.

For shoes, it is advisable to purchase a special boot with folding shelves, in which each pair will be located not horizontally, but at an angle.

Small irregular foyer

In private houses and two-story apartments, to save space, hangers are often arranged under the stairs. Sometimes the non-standard form of the corridor is the result of redevelopment, or that was the original idea of ​​the architect.

In any case, for unusual rooms it is better to order furniture according to individual measurements and drawings - then each cabinet will fit perfectly into the niche provided for it.

Small hallway lighting

To prevent the hallway from appearing gloomy due to the lack of windows, good lighting should be provided in it. These can be spot LEDs or a neon strip around the perimeter and a small ceiling chandelier (or better, several) in the center; two to four sconces in the form of flashlights or other forms suitable in style; corner spotlights.

The floor can be illuminated with luminescent elements or LED lamps integrated under the safety glass - this will help you not to stumble in the dark.

Warm, yellowish lighting is best for creating a cozy atmosphere. With cold white, you can illuminate a mirror at face level from both sides - this will allow you to see makeup without shadows and distortions - the way it will look on the street.

Design of a small hallway in Khrushchev

It is often possible to expand the space of a small hallway and modernize the interior of a Khrushchev apartment with the help of redevelopment. Of course, this requires financial costs and legal formalities, but the result justifies itself. By combining the corridor with the living room, you will get a spacious hall, and one corner is enough for outerwear and shoes.

If this option is not possible, you should simply make more efficient use of free space, which is usually left without attention - the space above the front door, corners, and under the ceiling, a spacious mezzanine for storing seasonal items will not interfere.

Another interesting option is to make a niche in the wall and mount the storage system right there. The main thing is that it should not be a bearing support, but an internal partition, the destruction of which will not harm the house.

Interior design of a small hallway - photo

Especially for you, we have collected the best examples of the design of small hallways. In the photo you will find many unusual solutions, interesting ideas and secrets on how to organize the space comfortably and ergonomically. Get inspired!

Video: Small Hallway Design Ideas

7 mistakes, 4 rules, 8 ideas and 73 photos

Big problems with convenience and cleanliness are guaranteed if you approach the design of a small hallway without understanding the nuances and tricks.

But super cool info:

I collected and drew on real photos 7 gross mistakes and highlighted 4 design rules for a small hallway , which guarantee you both maximum practicality and a modern look.

  • Narrow hallway ideas

    • 8 Small hallway design mistakes

    1. Refusal of furniture

    No matter how small the apartment is, if there is at least some opportunity to place furniture, it must be used. At least narrow shoes. Design is always secondary .

    Here are real photos of extremely small hallways where the furniture really won’t fit:



    fit the furniture into the interior of a small hallway without compromising the design.

    2. Incorrect layout

    Flats in prefabricated houses usually do not have a closet or wardrobe. Therefore, our goal is to push it into the interior by all means:

    1. Height mirror
    2. Place for shoes
    3. Place to sit down and dress it
    4. Open hangers
    5. Closed hangers

    The absence of any of the points is a gross mistake. Be sure to read the layout of the hallway for a narrow corridor.

    When leaving, it is always convenient to take a quick look at yourself, so a mirror. It is more convenient to wear shoes while sitting, and under the seat to have an open place for storing them. It's important because it gets wet, and storing it in a shoebox isn't always a good idea. The same with open hangers for guests and wet clothes.

    In the photo below, the space is not optimally used, although the content is not bad.


    3. Overloaded design

    The most common visual error is the overloaded design of a small hallway .

    It doesn't matter if your renovation style is modern or classic - a small hallway should always be minimalist, and the color scheme should be super conservative.

    No wallpaper with patterns and drawings, no tile panels, bright colors and combinations of heaps of finishing materials. You will always have more clothes, shoes and other items, plus mirrors that will multiply it all by 2.


    In the photo below there are 6 colors and textures and 2 mirrors opposite each other. There are no chances with such a mess.

    All important people will pass through your apartment and appreciate your design ideas. And trying to impress couriers is a bad idea.

    Compare:

    But the photo of really stylish mini-adopters:













    It is impossible to get too boring design in a small arrow. Too complex collective farm - easy.

    4. Floor joint

    I have a detailed material about the floor in the hallway, but they still make a terrible mistake with it: they make a small area of ​​tiles near the front door and join it through the threshold with a laminate.

    This is the worst solution. Firstly, if the area is too small, dirt will constantly accumulate under the joint. significant area of ​​contamination. Secondly, the junction of laminate and tile always looks bad, and you should strive to make it on the narrowest section.






    5. Legs and gaps

    Dirt always gets into the entrance group, and the smaller it is, the more difficult it is to remove. To simplify the process and maintain order, get rid of furniture with legs.


    If it is a shoe cabinet or cabinet, then either hang it on the wall, leaving enough space below, or choose a model that fits completely on the floor.

    The cabinet must also be made from floor to ceiling. If the ceilings are high and structurally such high doors cannot be made, then we lower the ceiling exactly in the cabinet area. From above, dust and trash should also not accumulate, plus it looks more aesthetically pleasing and is perceived as built-in monolithic furniture.





    6. Walk-through switch

    All switches located near the entrance door must be duplicated by walk-through switches elsewhere. Otherwise, you will constantly have to go to the door and again endure the dirt.

    There are usually many controls near the front door - think about the place in advance.


    No walk-through switch in the hallway - there are constant walking in the dirty area.

    7. Small rug

    It may seem like a small thing, but the devil is in the details. And the smaller the area, the more important it is to think over these details.

    If you do not have a vestibule and you take off your shoes in the apartment, the rug should be large and accommodate at least two people, no matter how small the hallway.




    And don't worry, it will look fine. Even if to fulfill this condition you have to put it from wall to wall.

    No small rugs.

    4 Rules for the design of a small hallway

    There are only 4 rules and, if you do not make mistakes from the previous paragraph, a stylish interior is guaranteed.

    1. In light colors

    White, beige and light gray are the best colors for a small hallway. This is tightly tied to the colors of the furniture (in the next paragraph).

    Compare with real photos. Dark colors:






    Light colors:






    Live the differences are even more significant. All wall decoration, except for wallpaper, is more practical in light colors. Paint, for example, is always applied on white primer. Therefore, small damages on light colors are not so noticeable, but on dark ones this white primer is exposed and the defect is striking.

    Light colors and modern styles are everything. Minimalism, Scandinavian style, loft - from the actual ones. Of the traditional only if Provence.

    See many more hallway design examples.

    2. Non-standard built-in furniture

    Furniture in narrow spaces is best made to order. Yes, it’s more expensive, but the benefits of built-in furniture just the right size are worth it.

    Here is a photo example of a small hallway with ordinary furniture. Estimate how much more efficiently it would be possible to use the area with the built-in one, and after all, square meters also have a price. Visually, the design would also be more modern.

    And do not be afraid to overload the design with small-sized hallway furniture - if you follow 2 points, it will look stylish and organic:

    1. Built-in furniture, from floor to ceiling and made exactly to the size of the hallway.
    2. The design of the furniture is minimalist and the color matches the color of the walls.

    Everything. This format of furniture will fit into the design of even a very small hallway, and at the same time has maximum functionality.

    3. Wall decoration

    If you have a place to put on shoes while sitting, everything is cool. If the width is very narrow and nothing, then it is important to understand that there will always be 1 wall, on which everyone leans, rubs, etc.

    Imagine what kind of wall it will be. It is better to finish it with the most resistant material: decorative plaster, decorative stone, slats. For the latter, a plinth or timber at the bottom is required, otherwise dirt will clog between them.

    4. 1 wall - 1 finish

    The wall must always be finished with strictly 1 type of material - no different wallpapers, decorative stone sections, imitations of partial decoration, etc. Such designs for small spaces are not acceptable.





    Do not try to make a small hallway beautiful - it is a recipe for failure. Neat, comfortable, functional, minimalist - yes.

    1 material, 1 color, no patterns or patterns.

    Narrow hallway ideas

    There are a few tricks that deceive our visual perception of width and distance, making a narrow hallway look cramped.

    A few ideas:

    1. If there is absolutely no room for a full-length mirror, you can make the inside of the entrance door a mirror.
    2. The direction of laying the floor in a narrow hallway affects the perception of width. Along - increases the length. Across - width, but wrong from the point of view of practicality. increases the wear of the laminate, overloads the floor with joints. Diagonal styling is something in between.
    3. If you can refuse doors, refuse.
    4. In Khrushchev houses, panel houses and not only, the entrance to the bathroom is often located right in the narrow hallway. Consider a sliding door - this can often win you extra space.
    5. A mirror or, even better, a cut of several small longitudinal mirrors on one wall - and you won't be able to estimate the width at all.
    6. Plain white matte smooth ceiling, preferably with concealed light sources. Details about the design of the ceiling in the hallway (carefully article-sarcasm).
    7. Glossy surfaces will create an expanding effect on a par with mirrors. And glossy furniture in light colors is also more practical than matte.

      Learn more