How To Style Your Hallway Like An Interior Designer

By Amy Kilvington

Content Writer at Blinds Direct

Tue 23 Jan 2018

Last updated Wed 10 Jul 2019

The first impression counts, which is why it’s so worthwhile to treat your hallway to stylish decor.

The hallway is all too often neglected: a thoroughfare, dumping ground, last-on-the-list type of room. But this space is also the first thing guests will see when they enter your home, so why do we neglect it? We all know that first impressions are lasting, so your hallway certainly deserves a little TLC and interior design expertise.

Your hallway provides an opportunity to set the tone for your home, welcoming in your visitors with warmth as well as putting you in a much better mood when you back from work. Nobody wants to walk in to a pile of trainers, a wonky rug and a sorry-looking light shade, after all.

Our interior designers have pulled together their top tips for decorating the hallway, whether your desired look is light, bright and minimal, or quirky, cosy and colourful (either way, it should be welcoming!) With our expert advice you can discover the perfect colour scheme, make a narrow hallway look wider, or simply inject some personality into the space. Read on to find out more…

“First and foremost, your hallway needs to be practical.”

Practical Pieces

This space experiences heavy footfall, plenty of muddy shoes and dirty paws. It’s wise to consider hardwearing flooring solutions like tiles or wood. If you want to inject a little more colour or excitement on the floor, try a runner or mat.

Other functional pieces include shoe storage, coat hooks and a mirror. You could also involve storage for post and keys, whether that’s a simple bowl or a letter sorter and key rack. If space and budget allow, we also recommend a bench or chair for putting on your shoes, a side table with a lamp and a few design accents, as well as place to pop umbrellas.

Some hallways benefit from windows, and it’s important to style them accordingly to make the most of natural light whilst maintaining privacy. A Roman blind is a perfect addition to this space as it channels luxury and warmth. Curtains may be overbearing for the space, while wooden blinds could come across as cluttered. Instead, choose a stylish Roman blind that can be gathered neatly when fully open. You could also consider coordinating cushions and throws if you have capacity for a window seat or an armchair.

Light & Shine

In terms of lighting, consider stylish pendant lights which are guaranteed to great first impression. Statement shades will also help to give your hallway personality. If your hall lacks in natural light, consider installing a series of uplighters on the wall.

Another method for brightening up this space is with mirrors. A large ornate mirror will make a statement as well as bouncing plenty of light around. If you’re seriously limited on space, a smaller mirror will give the illusion of larger dimensions. It will also prove practical for checking your appearance as you leave and enter the house.

“Mirrored surfaces will help to brighten up a space that’s inherently limited.”

Palette & Prints

In terms of paint colour, both bright statement shades and soothing tones work wonderfully. A neutral palette is a safe bet and will maintain a light and airy feeling, but there’s no reason why you can’t inject a pop of colour. Mural wallpapers will bring plenty of interest, while geometric prints can create an illusion of depth or height. This is particularly effective in hallways, which are inherently narrow.

If you’d prefer to keep your walls simple, add colour with artwork. And if space allows, consider a statement armchair. Not only will this look effective, but it’s a great spot for putting on and taking off shoes (as well as waiting patiently for a family member so you can finally get out of the door!)  While the rest of your hallway may be simple and neutral, a funky design piece will inject some style and allow you to experiment with different prints and colour combinations.

Up The Stairs

Your hallway doesn’t simply finish when the stairs begin. Bring flow to your interiors by continuing design accents up the stairs.

While replacing or decorating the banister may not be practical, you can amp up your staircase by giving it a clean and then adding an eye-catching runner. If the stairs are wooden, you could also try painting the step risers in a bold colour. This will help to draw the eye upstairs to the landing. On the wall, consider adding mirrors or a gallery of small frames.

Shelves also work well in this area of the home, perfect for potted plants and stacks of books. Be mindful of where they are installed (you don’t want to risk bashing your head!)

“The staircase is the perfect place to continue your hallway style.”

Natural Touches

Finally, think about the different ways you can incorporate Mother Nature into this space. The hallway is the entrance to the home, and therefore the perfect place to create a flow from the outside world. Introduce plenty of plants and organic textures, bringing a sense of the outdoors inside. Display your plants in artisanal-inspired vessels, like glass jars, clay pots and up-cycled boxes. Mix and match different species for plenty of interest. And of course, if you’ve got a surface available, make sure you have fresh flowers displayed – it’s the perfect welcome into your home.

Are you tempted to style up your hallway? If you’re lucky enough to enjoy a window in this area of the home, be sure to explore our full collection of blinds, curtains and curtain poles. You can also take advantage of our FREE Interior Design Service by contacting our Interior Design Specialists directly: [email protected] or 01924 848739 (8:30-4:30 MON-FRI)