Have you at times felt as if your hallway is only a thin corridor serving no purpose or making no statement? Seeing as how you asked, I’ll tell you that there exist solutions for hallways that are both useful and attractive. This article explains how you can use the right furniture, clever decor and clever design to turn tight corridors into attractive and useful spaces. No matter if you have a need for extra storage, brighter lighting or a striking look, I am here to help you make any narrow area look beautiful and neat.
Transforming Small Hallways Into Design Statements
When dealing with limited square footage, it’s tempting to ignore the hallway entirely. I think it has great potential for progress. Even a tiny hallway can be turned into a fine transition zone that shows your personal style. Even when space is tight, paying attention to design can make a narrow area look stunning in the home.
Working with even lines and selected pieces of jewelry is what I recommend the most. A runner rug with an accent pattern keeps the space looking attractive but neat. A warm ambiance is created by sconces and recessed lighting and adding some small pieces of art will give character to the room. Copying the ceiling color or using neutral wallpapers with minor texture will make the space appear longer.
In my eyes, when clients start thinking of hallways as spaces where people interact, the creativity grows by leaps and bounds. Architectural Digest explains that the decor style in hallways can strongly affect the entire home. This idea is especially clear for me in apartments and townhouses, since the hallway is often the first view guests get.
More methods to enhance this section could be described, for example, by suggesting fabric wall panels or acoustic paint which are important especially when space is limited.
Elegant Console Tables That Maximize Narrow Spaces
With limited space available, a small hallway is best served by items that do multiple tasks. A slim console table is what I usually pick. People notice this surface for its looks but can still walk around comfortably and use it to keep keys, mail or decorative things on top.
A table shouldn’t be deeper than 10 to 12 inches and the bottom should be open to maintain some openness. Glass, metal or lacquered wood materials let in light and make a room look more elegant. Adding a shallow bowl, a stack of objects or a lamp with a vertical base makes it both look nice and serve a purpose.
In my own design ideas, console tables are essential in entryways. Often, the site Apartment Therapy explains how adding a mirror or piece of art can finish off the look. I selected and worked on a marble-topped console to give a small 3-foot hallway a luxury and useful feel.
Another thing to consider is installing built-in consoles or wall-mounted drawers that you can hide, so every space will be used.
Stylish Wall-Mounted Shelves for Modern Storage
Small hallways benefit a lot from wall-mounted shelves. Often, I use them to keep items vertically instead of taking up a lot of floor space. For an open look, put the pieces at eye level and remember not to clutter them too much.
Thanks to their style and practicality, wood, matte black metal and high-gloss lacquer floating shelves are a favorite. Things like books, small plants, sculpture or favorite objects can be displayed here. Having no depth in a hallway calls for corner shelves or displays on one side to look good and still be practical.
I much prefer wall-mounted design for those with narrow entryways in their houses. They function as storage and as gallery displays too. Emily Henderson and others have suggested to put floating shelves in the middle of rooms to display decorative items.
It would be helpful to add examples of lighting put underneath the shelves to make passages brighter and cozier.
Statement Lighting Fixtures for Compact Hallways
The c0ll rght lighting makes the smallest hallway look refined. For me, light is the strongest design option for any hallway, especially those that are narrow. Choose lights that are nice to look at and harmful to your home.
I prefer pendants or slim chandeliers that are sculptural or have a linear style and I like finishes like brass or matte black. Ceiling wall mounted lights or sconces, can make a room look larger and track lighting allows you to set the mood and highlight specific features such as artwork on the walls. If the ceiling is not very high, flush mounts with frosted glass or LEDs already built in fit nicely.
It’s my observation that clients are surprised at the difference good lighting makes in hallways. Memories include adding brass globe sconces in a 4-foot-wide hallway which made everything seem much better. Using several light sources at once is a top choice for styling small rooms, Elle Decor points out.
Adding motion sensor features or smart bulbs to this area can make things simpler, more energy-efficient and up-to-date.
Slimline Benches That Combine Comfort and Style
Slimline benches bring great value to a hallway by providing seating, storage and extra space. To make use of space when benches are needed, I use these as chairs, boot–changing spots and also sometimes as small pieces of furniture.
Metal-legged benches, those with upholstered seating and those that have drawers are very helpful. Boucle, velvet and leather give different fabrics depth and a rich feel. Sometimes I put a small lumbar pillow or a folded throw behind the artwork to add more softness to the arrangement. A bottom shelf with a tray stores those small items out of view.
Adding a walnut bench with a cushion from leather greatly helped my apartment. Not only did the runner fix the hallway décor, but it was where most people liked to stop and put on their shoes. According to House Beautiful, having furniture that can be used in several ways is very important for small living areas.
A design change that could be helpful is to conceal storage areas in the bench or use overhead hooks for bags and coats.
Vertical Storage Ideas With Sophisticated Flair
I always design my hallways to have vertical storage, trying to make it look attractive. I prefer to go up and use every part of wall space, instead of filling the floor with stuff.
Larger shelves, slender storage cabinets and lockers that stand up are suitable for kitchens and can be built and finished differently such as in matte black, ash wood or lacquer white. When it comes to design, I like to mix having things open with others closed for a good blend of function and peace. Location a few woven baskets or small metal containers to bring some extra beauty and purposefulness.
In many of the hallways I have changed, vertical solutions have been a huge help. I am especially drawn to IKEA’s tall cabinet series, because they can be fitted into the wall for a clean look. According to Better Homes & Gardens, putting up decorative ladders or pegboards is appealing, elegant and highly practical.
Extra cabinets that have a mirror on each side would serve as storage and reflect light to widen the room’s feel.
Creating Illusion of Space With Large Wall Mirrors
Using mirrors goes back a long way as one of the main tricks of interior designers for small rooms. When it is in the right place such a mirror can create more space than there actually is. It gives a richer look and adds light to this narrow, dark passageway.
I often choose mirrors that are big and do not have frames or that are very narrow with a gold or black metal edge. Placing them opposite a light source or window (if available) boosts their effect. Using an arched mirror will make the area softer and adding geometric shapes gives it a modern appeal.
Mirrors have saved many of my projects when other approaches failed. One interesting example happened when a mirror wall helped brighten up a boring hallway. Real Simple says that reflective objects in narrow hallways help make the space look wider.
A little extra touch would be to place accessories or mirrored console tables near here to make the room even brighter.
Using Monochrome Palettes for a Sleek Hallway Look
Using only black, white and gray is one of the easiest and best ways I approach designing a small hallway. It gives everything a unified and clean look that feels carefully planned and simple. Having a limited color scheme brings all the parts of the space together which is less distracting and helps highlight the beautiful architecture.
I usually go for white, light gray, charcoal or muted taupe for the walls which I also pair with corresponding colors on the floor and in my furniture. Both shiny or glossy and matte textures can give walls a more elegant touch. A subtly patterned area runner or a cushion with texture helps give the room a special touch, all while keeping the palette the same.
My experience tells me that experiencing too many design possibilities causes some clients to look at monochrome as a decent alternative. It is simple and looks nice in every kind of home. Many interior designers, recognized in Domino magazine, think that monochrome is great for making spaces look calm and trendy. By picking different shades of slate gray, I breathed new life into a small hallway and it looked both classy and open.
To end with, I’d pick one piece with a contrasting accent such as a metal wall sconce or a bright piece of art, to create interest and still preserve the modern atmosphere.
Sculptural Wall Art That Elevates Small Spaces
Choosing sculptural art for a hall way helps create personality without making the hall seem cramped. This system makes the wall walls higher by encouraging people to look up at the lighting fixture.
Metal artworks, large-format textured pieces or delicate ceramic sculptures for walls are my usual choices. Using forms that have height or shadows avoids the need for backlight or a specific framing style. A row or cluster of the objects gives the hallway an architectural flow.
Once, I set up a job at a townhome and the homeowner made ceramics. A row of small clay sculptures in the hallway turned the narrow area into something eye-catching. Architectural Digest likes to suggest interesting wall sculptures for narrow spaces because they are stylish and still fit well and I complete agree.
Adding molded niche displays or changing gallery lights lets you display artwork clearly and with neat surroundings.
Floating Cabinets With a Contemporary Edge
A simple, clutter-free way to add storage to a hallway is with floating cabinets. Space under raised heels can hold shoes, keys or items you don’t need every day. Because they are clean in appearance and attached as accents, they look like decorative elements more than they do furniture pieces.
You might like drawer cabinets with push-release doors and cabinet finishes in matt white, light wood, soft grey or similar choices. LED lighting built into the table adds a warm glow that also works as both lighting and something to look at. For surfaces, I place a narrow vase, a catchall tray or a seasonal arrangement so everything looks neat but cozy.
A redesign I particularly liked made use of a walnut-colored floating unit and placed a matte black mirror on the top. The final result looked luxuriously pulled together. House & Home says that in urban apartments, floating storage stands out as a main small-space trend.
Also, you could add coordinates overhead cabinets or vertical boards to make the walls feel like one unit, offering better organization and extra storage space.
Designer Hooks and Rails for Elegant Utility
Wall hooks and rails might seem small, but in a narrow hallway, they really matter for both use and good looks. I see them as design statements, picking parts that mix design with use.
I usually use brushed brass rails, matte black pegs and arrange wooden hooks in a geometric way. In many cases, I put in staggered rows that are at the heights of both grown-ups and children. There are hooks on the market that include shelves or trays which save space and allow you to store more things.
Many clients wondered if any door accessories could make a difference until they saw how nicely the space was finished. A recent renovation needed a cosmetic update and black iron hooks on a stained wall turned a dull area into a farmhouse-modern one. Publications like Elle Decor have emphasized that hardware is the “jewelry” of interiors, and that rings especially true in hallways.
It would be great to use backplates of a different material or equip them with hooks attached to a painted wooden panel, to improve the way they stand out.
Architectural Molding and Paneling for Hallway Depth
Making walls attractive is yet another way I make a small hallway more appealing. The texture and classiness that molding and paneling give to a room make it seem custom fit for its users. They help to make walls seem more tall or structured with extra details.
If someone doesn’t want anything fancy, I like to suggest half-wall wainscoting, square grid paneling or simple vertical battens all painted to match the wall. Because everything is the same color, it doesn’t cause the space to look small. In homes that are very different from each other, I’ve often mixed the style of the furniture with the style of the molding for a fun effect.
Many clients have told me they didn’t see how the minor changes could matter—but after we put them in, the whole hallway looked more architectural. Better Homes & Gardens often shows ideas for adding molding to narrow rooms and explains that they contribute to making long hallways feel even.
To make this area even better, I’d consider lighting either above or near the paneling such as using linear LEDs or sconces which would give attention to the textures and shadows the paneling creates.
Built-In Niches and Alcoves With Decorative Impact
Building in small niches is one of the best and most attractive ways I use in narrow hallways. They give you locations to show art, store belongings and separate one stretch of wall from another.
I am drawn to niches with a shape like an arch or a rectangle and I add marble, wood or painted MDF shelves to these. Having a light above the space gives a dramatic feel, particularly if there’s a sculpture, artwork or flowers in the niche. Placing these touches in corridors creates the atmosphere of visiting a museum which makes everything look smarter.
On a narrow hallway in a New York apartment, I decided to include three niches which each showcased a gorgeous, minimalist vase. Even if the effect seemed simple, clients really appreciated the layered style it introduced. Many people do not take advantage of niches, but Veranda magazine has often noted their usefulness and how attractive they look in tiny rooms.
This could now be enriched by making sure a hidden storage nook fits below the space, so you don’t need to sacrifice style for practicality.
Layered Lighting Techniques for a Luxurious Feel
Small hallways often get more depth and a warmer atmosphere because I layer light throughout them. Use ambient, task and accent lighting along with each other to add meaning and openness to the area.
General brightness is provided by flush ceiling lights and sconces give the walls a touch of cozy light. To make architectural designs stand out, use led strips in niches or put in under-cabinet lighting for floating consoles. A console or shelf by the hallway can display small lamps that can brighten the space in an aesthetic way all day long.
One completed project last year chose dimmable ceiling lights with gold-lined sconces which made the narrow hallway seem more welcoming and upscale. Dwell has often studied how adding different layers of light to small areas can both affect what you see and provide practical benefits.
This part should be finished with smart lighting that lets homeowners manage the brightness and warmth of the lights according to the time of day or their desires.
Geometric Wallpaper to Add Visual Interest
I always seek out design parts that stick out the moment you enter a small hallway when I begin freshening it. A plain, narrow room can really come alive with geometric-patterned wallpaper. It adds some variety, making sure things have a rhythm, pattern and structure. Having art on one side or covering every wall can make the room look bigger or point people in a specific direction.
I’ve used wallpapers with angular patterns or soft, repeated motifs depending on the home’s tone. Combining neutral flooring and simple patterns on the walls makes the style trendy. The design gives a strong effect when paired with mid-century or minimal hallway decor. Soft grays, taupes or navy help the room stay comfortable instead of looking overpowering.
It is rare for people to want patterned walls in tiny spaces, possibly because normal walls are just not stimulating. Geometric wallpaper is recommended by House Beautiful to give the appearance of greater width or depth in a hallway. Many clients’ spaces end up feeling twice as big after using a lovely wall pattern.
A way to make this better could be adding either a thin console table or a linear mirror to emphasize the forms and add more functionality to the space.
Luxe Flooring Solutions for Tight Hallway Spaces
Picking the best flooring for a small hallway means considering how it will improve the flow and feel inside. My advice is often to use engineered wood in a slim style, vinyl that looks like stone or huge porcelain tiles in neutral colors. These extras give the hallway a luxury look, but don’t make it look too busy.
Since people walk through hallways a lot, I pick surfaces that aren’t easily damaged and that help spread light evenly. A style like warm white oak, brushed gray or muted marble can visually connect the open space to the neighboring rooms. Keeping the plank design without frames draws your eyes across the whole room.
I find that avoiding diving thresholds makes a hallway look more connected. In the words of Elle Decor, having the same type of flooring from the entrance to the house gives the impression that the space is larger. I completely agree—it’s a subtle trick that creates architectural flow.
Here, placing a runner rug would make the area feel both softer and more flexible for seasonal changes. Underfloor heating could be brought up as a great new option for compact entryways.
Mirror-Fronted Closets for Seamless Storage
Small hallways are often handled by using closets with mirrored frames. They let you bring in more natural light, add an illusion of space and hide everyday items. Using long modern mirrors along the entire ceiling-to-floor wall blends well and gives a sharp look.
Every closet I design is fitted with pull-out shelves, vertical compartments and quiet soft-close doors. The mirror shows the light from both overhead and natural sources which gives the impression that the hallway is twice as wide. Recessed handles allow the surface to stay smooth and simple, since there are no obvious handles sticking out.
I have found that this approach usually comes as a surprise to clients. Architectural Digest appreciates that mirror closets brighten and add symmetry to smaller interiors. Definitely, to me, it works best when the baseboards are clean and the flooring is light.
If you want to make this look even better, try adding a spotlight over the car from above which helps the mirror finish reflect more light.
Curated Vignettes to Personalize Narrow Entries
You can still bring life into a small passageway. I often advise having a curated vignette on a console, a shelf or frames on the wall to highlight the room’s style. A stack of books, a quote framed nicely or a ceramic vase may do the trick and reflect the homeowner’s liking.
My go-to method for designing these vignettes is rule-of-three, so that height, volume and different materials are considered equally. Over a wooden floating shelf, a small, brass-bordered mirror can be a focal point and a warm-colored lamp or sconce will finish the look. The artwork or feature in the vignette needs to match the scale of the hallway—big decor pieces don’t do well here.
For me, a small vignette daily can make me smile. According to Veranda Magazine, placing personal touches in entryways helps a space look warmer and more genuine. A client set up a travel-themed display which became the thing that got people chatting the most.
Adding one more thing such as a hidden hook for keys or slot for letters, will make it just as functional as it is lovely.
Tall Decorative Plants in Minimalist Planters
When a hall is small, choosing vertical designs helps, especially by including tall plants in modern minimal planters. Setting these up make the space look fresher and give an organic feel, all for very little floor space. It is a nice method to tone down sharp lines and include plants inside your home.
I prefer thin plants, for example snake plants, ficus or bamboo palms, in ceramic or concrete pots. The height of their ceiling makes sure furniture and closed doors are not lower than them. I arrange the planters so that they have the same neutrals or soft black colors found in the hallway.
Plants in an entryway are especially favored by clients. Better Homes & Gardens explains that plants in a tight space relax the mind and make people feel happier. I make it a point that the plant gets enough light for its growth, whether from a skylight or a wall sconce.
A good idea would be to have self-watering systems or hidden trays inside the planters, to help in homes where there is not much time for maintenance.
Frameless Glass Doors to Extend Visual Space
Putting in frameless glass doors instead of regular doors can greatly improve the look of a narrow hallway. They give the impression that the space goes on, linking it with adjacent areas. The final look is a neat, modern hallway that matches the style of the surrounding architecture.
I prefer tempered glass that is lightly tinted or frosted and I like to hide the hinges and the handles. This makes your windows safe, private and it still allows soft light to stay inside your home. Many times, I put soft LED strip lighting next to these doors to highlight their glow in the evening.
I have found that it makes a big difference in homes with kitchens or utility spaces that are part of the hallway. A focus on frameless doors is given in Dwell magazine because they provide a smooth, gallery-like look in modern homes. Yes, it improves the look and the workings at the same time.
One more improvement could be including a floor track system that makes it quieter and gives a smoother ride.
Recessed Lighting for Clean Architectural Lines
Having good lighting is important in small hallways and recessed lighting provides a neat, polished look. I pick this solution when I want to keep things simple visually yet want the light to be easy on the eyes. It creates the sensation that the ceiling is taller and the hall is neater.
I go with warm, dimmable LED downlights spread out evenly along the corridor. I could also mount wall-washing lights that give the textured wallpaper or paintings a special glow. Trimless fixtures complement a modern style in architecture.
The role of lighting often surprises clients only after the renovations are done. Interior Design Magazine comments that modern renovations often include recessed lights, especially in spaces that need both good lighting and a discreet design. Well-designed lighting in hallways can brighten them to the point that they look inviting.
It may also be smart to put in motion sensors to control the lights, helping to save energy and making the house feel smarter.
Custom Carpentry That Enhances Modern Hallways
Small spaces often have me go for custom carpentry so that no area goes to waste. Having storage solutions made for your hallway ensures everything is easy to put away and looks contemporary. Both recessed and tall storage units can look the same and be useful, thanks to custom design.
One wall of the kitchen usually has slim cabinets that are the same color as the wall and the doors open with a light push. At times, I add display spaces with LED behind them to add more dimension to the walls and feature decor. Woody or matte finishes go nicely with modern rooms.
I find that custom solutions really work best when you face challenges with narrow entrances or close corridors. HGTV suggests that custom carpentry is very effective for organizing small spaces to keep them looking great. Adding things like hidden shoe drawers and places for umbrellas has helped boost interior appeal a lot.
One extra useful feature could be pull-out charging docks or a spot to organize your mail built inside the custom storage units.
Metallic Accents to Add Sophistication
Inserting metals as touches increases the designer feel in any small hallway. I sometimes go with brass, brushed nickel or matte gold on hardware, mirrors or trim on custom-made cabinets. They can make small spaces look refined and bright.
As an example, giving a black console table in a narrow passage the finishing touch of gold trimmed handles and a bronze wall sconce makes the space look more elegant. Only a minimal amount of shimmer—in something like a tray or a lamp stand—is sometimes needed to attract attention. Keeping the classroom tidy means everything should look matched and even throughout the room.
I usually find that metallics improve neutral spaces the most. Incorporating minimalist decor and a touch of metal is a common way Elle Decor shows how a hallway can highlight luxury gently. From my experience, matte accents are a gentle way to bring excitement to the limited room I have.
Personality and class can be achieved by putting up one interesting work—such as a sculptural metallic wall piece.
Narrow Gallery Walls With Artistic Precision
If there’s one technique that consistently brings charm to narrow hallways, it’s the gallery wall. In small spaces, carefully placed artwork or photos help create mood and rhythm. The main things to consider are how big, how far apart and how well the designs go together.
I make sure the frames are not too deep and the pieces of art are medium sized for hallway gallery walls. When setting them up on the page, I use 2 inch margins to help the document look understandable. A monochromatic color scheme or a series with a unifying theme (like black-and-white photography or abstract ink art) helps it feel curated rather than cluttered.
Many clients see the hallway as a place that is simply not being used until I offer this idea. Architectural Digest says that using walls to display art can change a narrow space into a gallery-like area. It works best when there are directional spotlights set up to emphasize the artwork.
You could try using materials like strips of fabric or thin metal within the frame collection, to make the shapes more textured and interesting.
Designer Rugs to Define Compact Hallways
Having a designer rug in a hall makes it unique, helps define the area and brings in extra personality and texture. When you choose the right type, a runner or slim rugunifies the space and shows that the hallway is not just something you go through—it becomes a styled area.
I prefer pieces with no or nearly no pile so that tripping is less likely. Geometric prints, traditional Persian styles or contemporary stripes are suitable for different spaces. The most important point is to pick a length that is not too much wider than the hallway. Light colors make a room seem longer, but bolder colors can bring excitement.
I often add a rug at the end in my projects to bring all the elements in the entry into harmony. Domino Magazine suggests that adding rugs or runners to small spaces can offer a welcoming and cosy feel. I completely agree, especially when the surrounding hallway has a more light and simple look.
For a more elevated section, attempt to match the rug with hooks or baskets that go well with its style.
Floor-to-Ceiling Storage Walls With Designer Finishes
An efficient and elegant way to use a small hallway is to put in storage walls that extend from the floor to the ceiling and have designer looks. Many times, I have tried this method in urban apartments with little area near the entryway. It changes a simple, plain wall into a sophisticated and useful design.
For a professional-looking design, I use flat-front cabinet panels coated with wood veneer, lacquer or glass. Shoe racks, areas for seasonal things and drawers built into the storage can be part of the interior compartments. The expectation is that the exterior parts are modest, while the main tasks are done by the internal ones.
In my view, this is a very clever purchase for someone buying a compact car. House & Garden UK has featured hallway ideas that are also attractive art walls, thanks to their neat look. Adding lights in the cabinets or above them frequently gives a sophisticated feel to a kitchen.
An improvement might include doors that shut quietly and parts that can be adjusted as needed.
Architectural Arches for a Refined Transition
An architectural arch is my favorite design element for small hallways. An arch can turn a usual doorframe into a majestic and impressive gateway. Floating shelves can give traditional beauty or a soft Mediterranean touch to a regular or modern room.
Arches are usually built and then finished with drywall which matches the surrounding walls to create a sense of unity. Rounds corners on the walls gently lead your view past the hallway to a focal point ahead. For a modern style, I often build slim plaster arches, instead of adding molding, making them both refined and minimalist.
Many clients are happy to see that a little change like a curve can make a big difference in a small room. According to Luxe Interiors + Design, architectural arches give a sense of calm and refined luxury to transitional areas. A great way to use them is to highlight the contour is with indirect lighting.
To take this even further, I’d put in an archway and have LED lights behind it or use some contrasting trim around the whole thing.
Smart Technology Integration in Entryway Designs
In today’s world, smart technology has a place even in the most modest of entryways. I often suggest adding technology gradually such as with motion-sensing lights, smart door locks and touch panels on the wall. Because of these, the area looks good and serves its purpose.
In the last few hallway projects I’ve worked on, I’ve included touchscreens that operate the lighting and HVAC system, put smart keyless locks on the handles and added hidden motion lights inside closets. Well-implemented accessibility features are hidden most of the time. The tech does not change the appearance while making the home more functional.
In my opinion such changes greatly enhance the feeling of entering a home. Advocates at SmartHome America encourage homeowners to incorporate technology, pointing out that it will make their place more appealing to buyers and modernize the user’s style. It’s true, especially when combined with simple and clean design.
Another idea is to include a discreetly hidden power station or a mirror on the wall that becomes interactive when it detects you—that way, this zone works as a command center with no visual distractions.
Modern Color Blocking for Spatial Drama
Fashion has used color blocking for years, but using it in hallways means it makes a strong statement. If I section walls into different colors, I can achieve a look of depth or height for the room. This way of decorating creates visual variety and also marks out separate areas without using walls or other dividers. I have found it suitable for displaying artwork in hallways because wall space can be very limited.
Usually, I pick matte greige or soft taupe for the bottom half of the wall and combine it with a vibrant color such as navy blue, terracotta or muted emerald above. The eye is led upward, helping the building seem taller. I tend to use narrow console tables and wall-mounted lamps in finishes that match the colors being used, making sure the space looks calm and attractive.
By color blocking, walls are transformed and can start to look like sculptures, standing out as beautiful art pieces. Both Emily Henderson and the experts at Architectural Digest think that painted geometry is popular in tiny areas because it serves both as a form of art and as a solution for arranging spaces. Absolutely, this way, you can display art however you wish without disturbing the space.
Having either brass wall sconce or a geometric runner will help unite the living and dining areas. Choose a hallway rug that matches your wall colors to really unite the space. An art mirror with a frame in the same color can make any corner seem more open and interesting.
Multi-Functional Hallway Corners With High Style
When every little area is important, having a hallway corner that is useful and appealing can be helpful. I work on bringing smart and fashionable changes to places that are not popular. Usually, I put floating shelves or tiered plant stands in corners or other places where the walls come together. It offers design as well as function. Properly organized corners can give your room more storage without turning into a clutter zone.
I often like using a vertical cabinet together with a circular mirror. This unit includes a hidden compartment for gloves, keys or shoes and the mirror helps the space seem wider. Sometimes, to better light the corner, I use a plug-in wall sconce that moves. Decorative baskets used below the sofa soften the edge and provide extra space to keep things.
I have put little art galleries in my corner spaces by setting up ledge shelves that hold different pieces of art. Houzz experts say that adding only a few items and keeping the colors the same in a hallway keeps things neat and clear. This advice really helps me ensure my corners are purposeful and not seem awkward or large.
If your space permits, including a seat with storage space or a fold-down table can make everything better. This improves how easily people can use the area—you can see it as a smaller door inside the hallway.
Sculptural Seating That Adds Character
Finding room for chairs in narrow corridors is difficult, but if you can, sculptural benches or small stools will improve the way your space looks and works. Using benches with curved legs helps soften and animate straight lines in spaces. Their main use is as chairs, but they also act as interesting displays that change the appearance of a room.
I choose slim wooden benches with soft tops or I add an eye-catching accent chair with an interesting back design. I make sure the pet’s dish is located in an area that won’t cause someone to trip while walking around such as the end of a hallway or beside a window. I put a coat rack or a simple piece of wall art that matches the table’s style above it.
I had a client who installed a wavy stool in ash wood and this shape made their cold hallway feel like a high-end gallery entrance. Elle Decor designers explain how furniture that can be seen as sculpture is useful in small areas since it needs to prove its worth. I am totally with you on this; this is where functional art really excels.
This idea could be enhanced by looking at how lighting can set the mood. Focussing lights such as spotlights or LEDs on the sculptural chair help the space to look stylish and not overcrowded.
Signature Hallway Decor for a Grand First Impression
With the right pieces, even the smallest hallway can give a big first impression. I like to make bold choices using mirrors, trays, art in upright frames and just one type of lighting. They help determine how the eye flows and choose the main atmosphere of the rest of the house. Avoiding filling up the whole table, I usually have only one or two standout dishes.
Usually, I combine a large, frameless mirror with some modern art in primarily muted or single-colored hues. I put a narrow console together with a tray, a small bare-stem vase and a candle for some freshness. Having a chic-looking linear overhead fixture in matte black or brass is a good option to add light and style to your bathroom without taking up space.
I’ve noticed in small entry projects that making a great first impression is the key thing in transitional spaces. Real Simple Magazine noted that a hallway should be stylish, as well as practical and I believe the same thing. Using the same colors throughout and selecting one main decor piece can do this effectively.
If I’m feeling creative, I’d include a texture aspect like a woven wall hanging, grasscloth on the walls or a patterned runner in the space. They soften the look of the hallway and add depth to the way you experience your space when you come in.
You can give a small hallway a new look with careful choices in style, furnishings and accessories. No matter the size, these ideas let you use smart colors and sculptured seating to make your foyer pleasant and easy to use. Has anyone tried putting any of these handy ideas in their home hallways? Share your ideas or ask a question in the comments below—I’d love to hear what works for you!
