How to make a large hallway more welcoming?

7 years ago

We have a large hallway, which is a great space, but it is very dark most of the day and I feel that it is not very welcoming. Very easily looks cluttered. (Photos taken from 3 different angles) Would love some inspiration please!

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PRO

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7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

I'd go for a purpose build large coat cupboard up by the front door on the left. It needs to look ( in my opinion ), old, to tie in with the rest of the decor. I made one on a smaller scale for our cottage not so long ago.

The one above goes across a corner, but you get the idea. ( click to expand )

I think i'd have it completely painted in the same colour as your walls. Then have another lower unit the same materials and colour as the larger one on the opposite wall between the doors where you have a tall dark unit.

The dark furniture and rug are not helping. I'd paint all of them to match including the mirrored sideboard

You could also go a couple of shades darker on the paint chart for the furniture if you wish, however, keeping it all the same colour as the walls is a great look, and makes everything look large and airy.

Lastly improve the lighting with maybe a larger 5 arm pedant in keeping with the age of the property.

Lose the rug it's not helping with space or light.

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Comments (15)

PRO
V.I.P Walls Interior Specialist
7 years ago
Hi

The Hallway is a great size.

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Bradley
V.I.P Walls Team
sarah2609 thanked V.I.P Walls Interior Specialist
June Hulton
7 years ago
What an amazing space and very lucky.. Firstly my opinion.. The dark wood , makes it feel darker in the areas, where the coats and shoes are.. Why not try to have something built in with seating. On the opposite walls from the Windows. What about large mirrors, different sizes To reflect more light in the areas. Maybe choosing different lighting in dark corners. Lots can be done with painting or even adding wallpaper. Feature wall as you walk in. Make small zones of the areas that flow into each other, good luck and photos please when You have finished.
sarah2609 thanked June Hulton
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If possible, I’d change the blind - a Roman blind with colour / pattern would be great. I’d look at installing a slimline shelf over the radiator which would help take the focus off the radiator. A mirror or artwork opposite the window would be good although you might need a door stopper so that the door doesn’t crash into it when it’s opened. Then I’d have a floor runner / rug by the door.
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June Hulton
7 years ago
What an amazing space and very lucky.. Firstly my opinion.. The dark wood , makes it feel darker in the areas, where the coats and shoes are.. Why not try to have something built in with seating. On the opposite walls from the Windows. What about large mirrors,.. To reflect more light in the areas. Maybe choosing different lighting in dark corners. Lots can be done with painting or even adding wallpaper. Feature wall as you walk in. Make small zones of the areas that flow into each other, good luck and photos please when You have finished..
kikiamack
7 years ago
Can you do anything about the tree that is outside the window? It looks like that is blocking a lot of light coming in. I also think that the tall slim dark wood unit is blocking light, so I would remove that. I would suggest a coat cupboard opposite that window and maybe a bench under the window. As other people have said, lighter decor / furniture will also help.
sarah2609 thanked kikiamack
PRO
HBD Systems
7 years ago
Hi!

I love how big the space is!! You could look into a fully glazed front door or door with side lights to allow more light, also a member of our team has mentioned lighter walls, flooring or furniture.

We hope you put an after image up so we can see what you decide to do!

Hannah x
sarah2609 thanked HBD Systems
PRO
AVINU - Home Technology
7 years ago
What a wonderful hallway/reception area! We would suggest considering how you light this area: thinking of the 3 layers of light to make a place practical & elegant. Maybe a chat with a lighting designer such as Lighting By Plum? We have seen their magic touch.
sarah2609 thanked AVINU - Home Technology
minnie101
7 years ago
Hi. It looks a lovely hall. I might look at warm yellow based neutral for the walls. I'd move the cabinet and mirror to where the coats are as I think it looks much more welcoming with your flowers etc ( I might potentially paint the cabinet as MATH said). I'd put a coat cupboard where the cabinet was. It may not be your style but I'd look at a pale painted French armoire with mirrored doors. I think a bench with cushions etc would look nice under the window and somewhere to perch. The rug looks great but agree with MATH it it sucking up the light whereas the wood floor is bouncing some. I also agree re the light as the shade is restricting light and perhaps look at the bulbs used. If in budget You could look at adding wall lights. I also agree with Kikiamack's comments.
sarah2609 thanked minnie101
sarah2609
Original Author
7 years ago
Thank you for all the comments. We're definitely going to put a built-in coat cupboard, and some storage seating under the window. And paint the furniture the same colour as the walls. The pendant light could be better too!

I'll try to post after pics when we've finished.
tezz4
6 years ago
Your complaint is that the space can easily look cluttered. You could do well with the right furnishing to contain all the clutter. A mudroom style storage unit to replace the tiny bench will take a lot away and some other streamline storage units along the perimeter walls like a storage bench or coffer beneath the window (and some nice flowering plants along the sill). These can look stylish and pretty punctuated with open shelves and woven baskets. Some nice art and unusual shaped mirrors will help. Your exsisting pieces look nice but may need some brightening up with more lighting and light coloured interesting items decorating them.
PRO
Bathroom + Kitchen Eleven
6 years ago
Hi

I would replace the dark furniture with lighter units to bounce light around the room. Also put in a large mirror to do the same.

Here are a few ideas.

Put a radiator cover over the ... yeo, radiator! Make it look elegant by dressing it. Adding a mirror.

You could 'personalise' the coat storage area for kids - so they are more inclined to keep their area tidy!

Where your big chest of drawers is you could repaint it a lighter colour and add photos to personalise the space. Adding a lamp to keep on during darker days will make it a welcoming entrance.

Having lamps dotted on several units will help balance out the light and gives a warmer feel rather than one ceiling light.

Would love to see the finished look.

Shannon
tezz4
6 years ago
I agree with Shannon. You could strip or chalk paint and distress (and wax) the exsisting pieces too.
PRO
Feature Radiators
6 years ago
Lovely new traditional style radiator?

Radiators for hallways - restricted depth · More Info

Radiators for hallways - restricted depth · More Info
PRO
Floor Monster
6 years ago
Hi there,

We have a few boards in stock that can create a warm and homely feel.

Wide Oak Geneva Board

Walnut Herringbone

Helsinki

150mm Engineered Brushed

Lucerne Whitewashed

If you have any queries or you would like a FREE sample of any board that are of interest, please do not hesitate to get in touch via email or call us on 0141 887 5698.

kind regards,

Floor monster
PRO
Woodpecker Flooring
6 years ago
Hi Sarah, a lighter floor could be a great way for you to bring a brighter and even more spacious feel to the hallway. Could make a nice contemporary contrast to the traditional feel of the room too. Here are some ideas: https://woodpeckerflooring.co.uk/blog/white-wood-flooring-style/