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10 Chic Monochrome Hallway Decorating Ideas
Decorating a hallway is an expensive job, so you want the scheme to last as long as possible. It’s time to call on a fail-safe combination
Monochrome is quite simply the cleanest, coolest combination, but what you might not realise is how many ways there are to work the look: it can be contemporary, luxurious, traditional or industrial. It’s also a pairing that’s unlikely ever to date, which makes it ideal for our busiest and often most neglected room. So as Henry Ford (probably) said about hallways – they’re available in any colour, as long as it’s black and white…
Choose a standout rail
This all-white setting feels spacious and clean, but the curved metal handrail is a definite statement. In a modern home, simple touches like this are the contemporary equivalent of Victorian mouldings and cornices – small decorative elements that add impact.
This all-white setting feels spacious and clean, but the curved metal handrail is a definite statement. In a modern home, simple touches like this are the contemporary equivalent of Victorian mouldings and cornices – small decorative elements that add impact.
Big up the underside
I love how this staircase not only has black treads and risers, but has a coal-black coating on the underside of the stairs, too. This draws attention to them and makes them feel like an elegant, floating feature. The pared-back banisters and sash window frames coordinate in the same rich black.
I love how this staircase not only has black treads and risers, but has a coal-black coating on the underside of the stairs, too. This draws attention to them and makes them feel like an elegant, floating feature. The pared-back banisters and sash window frames coordinate in the same rich black.
Get the Gatsby look
Classic 1920s chequerboard tiling makes a grand entrance and the colour scheme continues all the way up the stairs in this hallway. The black handrail and treads are set off nicely by white spindles – and the door and picture frames keep the theme going, too.
Browse more glamorous Art Deco ideas
Classic 1920s chequerboard tiling makes a grand entrance and the colour scheme continues all the way up the stairs in this hallway. The black handrail and treads are set off nicely by white spindles – and the door and picture frames keep the theme going, too.
Browse more glamorous Art Deco ideas
Paint a glossy runner
For an easy-to-maintain and chic option, paint a glossy black runner down the middle of brilliant white stairs. It’s probably not ideal if you have a houseful of sporty kids who like thundering up and down the stairs, but it’s easy to keep clean and it looks fab. The black banister and floor are the perfect finishing touches.
For an easy-to-maintain and chic option, paint a glossy black runner down the middle of brilliant white stairs. It’s probably not ideal if you have a houseful of sporty kids who like thundering up and down the stairs, but it’s easy to keep clean and it looks fab. The black banister and floor are the perfect finishing touches.
Treat yourself to luxe texture
This tactile, silken carpet runner in an silvery shade has been given a wide black trim for an extra style statement. You still get the luxurious texture of carpet underfoot, but with a crisp monochrome feel that works with the flooring and furniture.
This tactile, silken carpet runner in an silvery shade has been given a wide black trim for an extra style statement. You still get the luxurious texture of carpet underfoot, but with a crisp monochrome feel that works with the flooring and furniture.
Draw clear outlines
This contemporary home displays glass balustrades and refined black metal handrails for its floating staircase. The entire construction makes a great central feature, emphasised by the black outlines and dark floor.
This contemporary home displays glass balustrades and refined black metal handrails for its floating staircase. The entire construction makes a great central feature, emphasised by the black outlines and dark floor.
Run with a runner
A monochrome striped runner cleverly integrates this top floor with the rest of the house. Glass balustrades keep the area light and airy, while the carpet is a stylish linking device. Stripes also, it has to be noted, are better at hiding the odd scuff or spill than a plain or pale runner.
A monochrome striped runner cleverly integrates this top floor with the rest of the house. Glass balustrades keep the area light and airy, while the carpet is a stylish linking device. Stripes also, it has to be noted, are better at hiding the odd scuff or spill than a plain or pale runner.
Add a flash of neon
OK, I know this is black, white and bright orange, but it’s a great example of how black and white set a timeless style that can then be adapted to different trends. Neon and orange are bang on trend right now, but repainting the stairs in a few years’ time is a cheaper and easier job than re-carpeting. And I bet the black and white runner will still look good.
OK, I know this is black, white and bright orange, but it’s a great example of how black and white set a timeless style that can then be adapted to different trends. Neon and orange are bang on trend right now, but repainting the stairs in a few years’ time is a cheaper and easier job than re-carpeting. And I bet the black and white runner will still look good.
Revive stair rods
In this traditional, panelled hallway, grey tones add gravitas and interest to the period details. Old-school stair rods are also a nice touch: in steely grey, they link with the larger monochrome scheme, but also offset the grey tone of the runner nicely, too.
TELL US…
Would you use black and white on your stairs? Please share your ideas and photos in the Comments below.
In this traditional, panelled hallway, grey tones add gravitas and interest to the period details. Old-school stair rods are also a nice touch: in steely grey, they link with the larger monochrome scheme, but also offset the grey tone of the runner nicely, too.
TELL US…
Would you use black and white on your stairs? Please share your ideas and photos in the Comments below.
Loft extensions or cute cottages can often come with a narrow, twisting stairwell. Don’t try to disguise it; instead, make a feature of the architectural turn with black treads and white risers. This home also benefits from a hit of vibrant colour from the wall of books.
Read expert advice on how to make the most of a loft extension