Very much like my hall (almost identical except ours is 1922 and thus the detail is a tad more Edwardian in influence) ! I've added a wall light on the wall going up the stairs and matching pendants from Fritz Fryer and added a plain paper from Zoffany (called 'silk plain') . Thus the basic scheme is very plain and layered up with artefacts (tables, hall chair, paintings). I've added mirrors to throw light around the place..and am hunting for a distressed antique one to go right at the top of the stairs facing you. It looks as though your stairs go to left and right too... so adding the mirror will I think create more light and ambiance in that rather dark junction. I do agree that it would be lovely to have the stained glass replaced in the door. I added full door curtains with a upholstered pelmet over the door which makes it look much less stark (personally I don't think the little shelf at right adds anything and I'd remove it ;( ). . I chose an embroidered linen from Sanderson for the curtains and used the same fabric for the landing window and hooked that back with a French swan neck holdback and they were hung from a brass reeded Jim Lawrence curtain pole which goes very well with the Fritz Fryer lighting fitments. It's still work in progress as our beautiful carpet had to be removed due to allergy and we're still trying to get the best result on the oak floor in the hall. Be lovely to see what you do given your layout is so similar! :)

A slight daring suggestion I have would be to paint on the windows themselves with a very thin layer of watered down acrylic paint or liquid chalk that will dry and begin to make a stained glass window effect as the window is rather small to work with but can become a bit of a feature. It may even add a splash of colour.

Hi Manfred! We saw your post and thought that one of our latest articles - 7 Top Tips To Help You Decorate Your Hallway may provide some help for you, at the very least it will give you some ideas for your hallway!

Hi Lisa, I completely understand your dilemma, I'm moving house soon and have exactly the same type of window as you. My suggestion would be to have a Voile roller blind, as I know that you said you don't like Voile curtains. This would be a great way of keeping your privacy in the room, whilst still allowing plenty of light into your room. I'd then pair this with Dorma Window Curtain Poles (the would be to the side of the recess rather than within). I've attached images of both of my suggestions below. This may be one of the better options if you're looking at trying not to lose too much light from your room. I hope my suggestions help, let me know! Kerry Voile Blind Dorma Curtain rods