Smart Ideas for Maximising a Small Hallway
Compact hallways needn’t be bland. Jazz up your space with everything from colour to lighting. After all, first impressions count…
Jennifer Louise Ebert
17 June 2014
Houzz contributor and UK-based freelance journalist with more than 5 years experience of writing for interiors and lifestyle publications.
Houzz contributor and UK-based freelance journalist with more than 5 years experience... More
Have you forgotten all about your hallway? Do you drop your coat and brolly and rush on by? Then pause a while. This room could be airy, welcoming – heck, even a nice place in which to linger. Think colour to enhance, lighting and mirrors to brighten and displays for a visual feast. Wander through these teeny but tremendous little halls to get your design juices flowing…
Paint it neon
Small hallways can sometimes look too clinical when they’re painted all white. So why not opt for a vibrant colour that will add pizzazz but still help to bounce light around? This zesty lime brings a blast of energy to the space.
Discover the best ways to work with bright colours
Small hallways can sometimes look too clinical when they’re painted all white. So why not opt for a vibrant colour that will add pizzazz but still help to bounce light around? This zesty lime brings a blast of energy to the space.
Discover the best ways to work with bright colours
Use complementary colours
Introduce one bold colour and pair with white for a look that’s strong yet serene at the same time. White and grey is a classic combo, and this dark shade perfectly highlights the white-framed photographs for an inviting display.
Introduce one bold colour and pair with white for a look that’s strong yet serene at the same time. White and grey is a classic combo, and this dark shade perfectly highlights the white-framed photographs for an inviting display.
Light up your staircase
If your hallway is on the dark side, be inventive in the way you introduce light. This strip running up the stairs washes the wall with light, opening out the space, while defining the steps to avoid any slips.
If your hallway is on the dark side, be inventive in the way you introduce light. This strip running up the stairs washes the wall with light, opening out the space, while defining the steps to avoid any slips.
Don’t let that space go to waste
To maximise your hallway’s usefulness, consider built-in storage. There’s no reason it has to be a bland bank of units, though. This cupboard and drawers have been fashioned to create a modern dresser, even including a display space, turning useful extra storage into an attractive feature.
To maximise your hallway’s usefulness, consider built-in storage. There’s no reason it has to be a bland bank of units, though. This cupboard and drawers have been fashioned to create a modern dresser, even including a display space, turning useful extra storage into an attractive feature.
Max the glass
The best way to open up a small space is to pull in as much natural light as possible. Could you add more glazing to your hallway, either in the front door or by creating side panels? This space has been left free of any furniture for a clear view to the outdoors.
The best way to open up a small space is to pull in as much natural light as possible. Could you add more glazing to your hallway, either in the front door or by creating side panels? This space has been left free of any furniture for a clear view to the outdoors.
Shorten a long space
In a long, narrow space, try painting the side walls in a light colour to open them out, then use a darker shade on the floor, door and even the ceiling to prevent a corridor effect. These patterned monochrome tiles add interest to the space and lighten the dark band.
In a long, narrow space, try painting the side walls in a light colour to open them out, then use a darker shade on the floor, door and even the ceiling to prevent a corridor effect. These patterned monochrome tiles add interest to the space and lighten the dark band.
Plan a mirror into your scheme
Strategically placed mirrors are a great choice for small rooms, as they create the optical illusion of a bigger space, as well as boosting light. This mirror reflects a busy bookcase, visually widening the hallway.
Browse 10 ways to work magic with mirrors
Strategically placed mirrors are a great choice for small rooms, as they create the optical illusion of a bigger space, as well as boosting light. This mirror reflects a busy bookcase, visually widening the hallway.
Browse 10 ways to work magic with mirrors
Provide seating
Adding a bench to your hallway invites people to linger and enjoy the room rather than just passing through. This slim settle offers seating for a few while having a narrow footprint, and faces photographs for an enjoyable view.
Adding a bench to your hallway invites people to linger and enjoy the room rather than just passing through. This slim settle offers seating for a few while having a narrow footprint, and faces photographs for an enjoyable view.
Add interest with artwork
Treat your hallway as you would any other room by adding furniture, artworks, lamps and displays. This hall incorporates storage for shoes and coats, as well as plenty to catch the eye. There’s no way this space would be ignored!
Treat your hallway as you would any other room by adding furniture, artworks, lamps and displays. This hall incorporates storage for shoes and coats, as well as plenty to catch the eye. There’s no way this space would be ignored!
Define with dark woodwork
White walls will open up the space, but painting the skirting boards in a dark colour, such as this chocolate brown, will add definition and lead the eye through the space.
TELL US...
How do you make the most out of a small hallway? Share your tips in the Comments below.
White walls will open up the space, but painting the skirting boards in a dark colour, such as this chocolate brown, will add definition and lead the eye through the space.
TELL US...
How do you make the most out of a small hallway? Share your tips in the Comments below.
Related Stories
Lofts
Lofts: Aim High and Fall in Love With Your Attic
By Lara Sargent
We could all use an extra room, so why not look to your loft and transform the space in your roof into something fabulous?
Full Story
Utility Rooms
How to Stylishly Integrate a Laundry Space
By Jo Simmons
With their practical role, utility rooms are often designed with function rather than form in mind, but it doesn’t have to be that way...
Full Story
Utility Rooms
The 5 Most Popular Laundry Rooms on Houzz Right Now
Get decorating ideas for your laundry or utility room from these most-saved photos on Houzz
Full Story
Living Rooms
8 Mistakes to Avoid in Your Small Living Room
Swerve these common design errors to make a big impact in your compact sitting room
Full Story
Dining Rooms
The 5 Most Popular Dining Rooms on Houzz Right Now
By Kate Burt
Vintage furniture, great lighting and top tables – feast your eyes on dining room ideas collated from your own clicks
Full Story
Storage & Organisation
7 Ideas for Children’s Bookshelves
Need bookshelf or book storage ideas for your kid’s bedroom? Browse these stylish rooms for inspiration
Full Story
Utility Rooms
15 Richly Coloured Utility Rooms
The trend for strong, earthy tones has reached the utility room, with hues from plum to ochre to deep green adding depth
Full Story
Colour
8 Ways to Work a Rust Red and Blue Palette in the Bedroom
By Kate Burt
We’re seeing variations of this combination all over Houzz right now. Check out these tips for trying it yourself
Full Story
Lofts
How Do I Begin a Loft Conversion?
Wondering where to start when converting your loft? Ask yourself these questions to ensure you plan well
Full Story
Living Rooms
Where Designers Would Spend and Save in a Living Room
By Cheryl F
It’s your main relaxation space, so what should you splurge or scrimp on in the living room?
Full Story
I would hang bright or interesting things from the ceiling to draw the eye up and away from the narrowness.
mirrors down one side and beautiful lighting to enchance
Agreed! Hallways are an important part of any house as they are the first impression people get. Small hallways can be problematic as well so it's important to make sure you pick the right furniture for your small hallway but to make sure it makes a great impact too. You can find a variety of slim-line and compact hallway furniture on our website https://www.mysmallspace.co.uk/hallway/console-tables/