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10 Ways to Make a Stylish Entrance
Set a smart tone from the off with these easy ways to create a hallway that works hard and looks great
Poor old hallways. They’re so often overlooked because they’re not ‘real’ rooms, but these much-used areas deserve some love. After all, first impressions count and the hallway is the first thing you see when you enter a home. But beyond looking great, they need to work hard, too, as places to prepare for the outside world, and shed shoes, hats and coats on returning from a long day. So how do you work all this in? Here are 10 essential ingredients for making an entrance.
Build in useful storage
Unless you live in a country pile with a separate boot room, you’re going to need some storage in your hallway. If you don’t want tired trainers on show, opt for concealed storage. Here, built-in cupboards look elegant and discreet, their doors painted to blend in with the wallpaper.
Explore 10 ways to clear the clutter in your hallway
Unless you live in a country pile with a separate boot room, you’re going to need some storage in your hallway. If you don’t want tired trainers on show, opt for concealed storage. Here, built-in cupboards look elegant and discreet, their doors painted to blend in with the wallpaper.
Explore 10 ways to clear the clutter in your hallway
Pick clever pieces
Hallways can be cramped and narrow, so choose multitasking pieces that really earn their place. These fun ‘racket’ mirrors have hooks attached and there’s one for each member of the family.
Hallways can be cramped and narrow, so choose multitasking pieces that really earn their place. These fun ‘racket’ mirrors have hooks attached and there’s one for each member of the family.
Use your hooks for show
Pegs are a hallway’s best friend, but overburden them with every coat, shopping bag and backpack you own and the space will feel cluttered. Instead, think fresh and funky and hang up only hats and scarves, tucking bulky coats and boots behind closed doors.
Pegs are a hallway’s best friend, but overburden them with every coat, shopping bag and backpack you own and the space will feel cluttered. Instead, think fresh and funky and hang up only hats and scarves, tucking bulky coats and boots behind closed doors.
Add a mirror for last looks
A hallway mirror is a must, so you can check for wardrobe and make-up malfunctions before zooming out the door. This beauty creates a decorative focal point in the simple space.
A hallway mirror is a must, so you can check for wardrobe and make-up malfunctions before zooming out the door. This beauty creates a decorative focal point in the simple space.
Don’t forget seating
Benches are a boon in hallways – somewhere to perch while you tie shoelaces or zip-up kids’ coats. This freestanding design has a flip-up lid and storage inside – a welcome bonus in a small space.
Benches are a boon in hallways – somewhere to perch while you tie shoelaces or zip-up kids’ coats. This freestanding design has a flip-up lid and storage inside – a welcome bonus in a small space.
Hang an eye-catching pendant light
Statement lighting works in a hallway and a big, bold pendant sets a stylish tone from the minute you open the front door.
Browse a selection of pendant lights
Statement lighting works in a hallway and a big, bold pendant sets a stylish tone from the minute you open the front door.
Browse a selection of pendant lights
Decorate with abandon
We don’t tend to hang out in our hallways, only pass through, but this means you can afford to have fun with the décor. Pick a bold paint colour or dramatic wallpaper for an entrance with attitude.
We don’t tend to hang out in our hallways, only pass through, but this means you can afford to have fun with the décor. Pick a bold paint colour or dramatic wallpaper for an entrance with attitude.
Slot in hard-working furniture
Console tables are hallway classics, their slim lines making them a perfect fit in an often narrow space. But don’t let them get away with just looking pretty – find one that doubles as storage. This white table has three shelves for shoes.
Console tables are hallway classics, their slim lines making them a perfect fit in an often narrow space. But don’t let them get away with just looking pretty – find one that doubles as storage. This white table has three shelves for shoes.
Go bespoke for maximum effect
Building in furniture is a brilliant way to make the most of every inch of space. Here, a neat bespoke unit incorporates storage, hooks and a bench in one elegant piece.
Share your favourite tips for keeping your hallway stylish in the Comments.
Building in furniture is a brilliant way to make the most of every inch of space. Here, a neat bespoke unit incorporates storage, hooks and a bench in one elegant piece.
Share your favourite tips for keeping your hallway stylish in the Comments.
Choose flooring that can handle heavy traffic and grubby footwear. Stone, slate, porcelain and wood work brilliantly; carpet does not!