Where Designers Would Spend and Save in a Hallway
Wondering whether to splash out on hallway flooring, storage, rugs or mirrors? Read on to find out
You might not spend much time hanging out in your hallway, but it’s certainly a hard-working area of the home. Its numerous roles include welcoming people in, containing our numerous items of outdoor gear, and withstanding the trampling of wet and muddy footwear.
With all of this in mind, it’s a good idea to plan which of the numerous essential hallway features you should invest more in and where you can save your pennies. Take a look at these expert tips from professionals on Houzz to find out how to budget for your hallway renovation.
Professional advice from: Anna Auzins of Anna Auzins Interiors; Liana Mkrtchyan of LMK Studio; Eric Munro of Munro; Emilie Fournet of Emilie Fournet Interiors; Claudia Dorsch of Claudia Dorsch Interior Design
More in this series: Where Designers Would Spend and Save in a Kitchen I Where Designers Would Spend and Save in a Bedroom l Where Designers Would Spend and Save in a Living Room l Where Designers Would Spend and Save in a Garden l Where Designers Would Spend and Save in a Utility Room
With all of this in mind, it’s a good idea to plan which of the numerous essential hallway features you should invest more in and where you can save your pennies. Take a look at these expert tips from professionals on Houzz to find out how to budget for your hallway renovation.
Professional advice from: Anna Auzins of Anna Auzins Interiors; Liana Mkrtchyan of LMK Studio; Eric Munro of Munro; Emilie Fournet of Emilie Fournet Interiors; Claudia Dorsch of Claudia Dorsch Interior Design
More in this series: Where Designers Would Spend and Save in a Kitchen I Where Designers Would Spend and Save in a Bedroom l Where Designers Would Spend and Save in a Living Room l Where Designers Would Spend and Save in a Garden l Where Designers Would Spend and Save in a Utility Room
Save on: Wall finishes
Our experts recommend going for a cost-friendly, functional wall finish in the hallway rather than a more expensive product.
“For high-traffic areas in particular, such as beneath a dado rail, I would avoid expensive specialist finishes such as textured paint or wallpaper that are difficult to clean and repair,” Liana Mkrtchyan says.
“Hallways may need to be repainted [more frequently] than other areas of the house and, as such, using less-expensive paint could make a difference,” Eric Munro says. “What matters more is [choosing] a colour you love to see when returning home.
“Don’t leave the walls bare, but don’t over-design them, either,” he continues. “A contrasting picture rail, for instance, is an economical way to dress hallway walls. Ceilings fall into the same category – simplicity is key. Experiment with contrasting paint colours on the ceiling for an inexpensive impact.”
Our experts recommend going for a cost-friendly, functional wall finish in the hallway rather than a more expensive product.
“For high-traffic areas in particular, such as beneath a dado rail, I would avoid expensive specialist finishes such as textured paint or wallpaper that are difficult to clean and repair,” Liana Mkrtchyan says.
“Hallways may need to be repainted [more frequently] than other areas of the house and, as such, using less-expensive paint could make a difference,” Eric Munro says. “What matters more is [choosing] a colour you love to see when returning home.
“Don’t leave the walls bare, but don’t over-design them, either,” he continues. “A contrasting picture rail, for instance, is an economical way to dress hallway walls. Ceilings fall into the same category – simplicity is key. Experiment with contrasting paint colours on the ceiling for an inexpensive impact.”
Spend on: Flooring
The hallway generally has to withstand more footfall than other areas of the house, so it makes sense to invest in quality flooring.
“Flooring that can stand up to constant traffic and cleaning is important, and worth spending some money on, as it will have to withstand shoes, dirt, scratching, and the associated cleaning pretty much all the time,” Anna says. “Tiles are always a good choice, and wood flooring can also stand up to a lot. Carpet may not last as long and will be harder to clean.”
To elevate a simple timber-floored hallway, Eric recommends incorporating a small brass or antique bronze metal trim border.
The hallway generally has to withstand more footfall than other areas of the house, so it makes sense to invest in quality flooring.
“Flooring that can stand up to constant traffic and cleaning is important, and worth spending some money on, as it will have to withstand shoes, dirt, scratching, and the associated cleaning pretty much all the time,” Anna says. “Tiles are always a good choice, and wood flooring can also stand up to a lot. Carpet may not last as long and will be harder to clean.”
To elevate a simple timber-floored hallway, Eric recommends incorporating a small brass or antique bronze metal trim border.
Save on: Rugs and runners
While it’s useful to add a mat, rug or runner, these shouldn’t involve a major investment, say the designers.
“Mud, dust, rain – your entrance rug is going to go through it all,” Emilie Fournet says. “There’s no point putting down an expensive silk rug that would get battered after a few weeks. Good quality, yes, but it mostly needs to be functional and something you don’t necessarily feel too emotional about if the stains won’t come off. Rugs and runners will need to be replaced from wear and tear after a few years.”
“I usually recommend affordable natural materials, such as jute or sisal, for their minimal environmental impact,” Liana says.
While it’s useful to add a mat, rug or runner, these shouldn’t involve a major investment, say the designers.
“Mud, dust, rain – your entrance rug is going to go through it all,” Emilie Fournet says. “There’s no point putting down an expensive silk rug that would get battered after a few weeks. Good quality, yes, but it mostly needs to be functional and something you don’t necessarily feel too emotional about if the stains won’t come off. Rugs and runners will need to be replaced from wear and tear after a few years.”
“I usually recommend affordable natural materials, such as jute or sisal, for their minimal environmental impact,” Liana says.
Spend on: Lighting
“A key element in a hallway design is lighting,” Liana says. “I would always recommend investing in a beautiful pendant that instantly elevates the space.”
“Deciding what needs to be lit when and planning accordingly pays dividends,” Anna agrees. “A good thing to consider is installing a small light that can be left on if someone’s coming home late without lights having to be turned on elsewhere. This can often be a lamp on a sideboard or console or a single wall light. If power is an issue, there are many rechargeable options on the market now that bypass that problem.”
Eric adds that artworks are often displayed in hallways and lighting for these is key. “Make sure angled spotlights or picture lights are positioned correctly to emphasise these special pieces,” he says.
Discover why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software.
“A key element in a hallway design is lighting,” Liana says. “I would always recommend investing in a beautiful pendant that instantly elevates the space.”
“Deciding what needs to be lit when and planning accordingly pays dividends,” Anna agrees. “A good thing to consider is installing a small light that can be left on if someone’s coming home late without lights having to be turned on elsewhere. This can often be a lamp on a sideboard or console or a single wall light. If power is an issue, there are many rechargeable options on the market now that bypass that problem.”
Eric adds that artworks are often displayed in hallways and lighting for these is key. “Make sure angled spotlights or picture lights are positioned correctly to emphasise these special pieces,” he says.
Discover why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software.
Save on: Decorative accessories
Our experts agree that it’s not worth overspending on smaller decorative items, such as mirrors, hooks and ornaments, for the hallway. There are still plenty of pieces out there that will look good.
“With so many people coming and going, accessories like these can get broken,” Emilie says. “It’s not worth spending too much on items that could get damaged, such as an heirloom mirror or expensive ceramics.”
Claudia Dorsch recommends focusing on curating a few intentional pieces that add warmth and personality without overwhelming the space. “A small vase of flowers, a family photo, or a piece of artwork can add charm,” she says.
A cost-friendly idea, according to Claudia, is a gallery wall. “You can choose various interesting frames for an eclectic feel or a uniform type of frame to create an organised look,” she says. “Keeping decor minimal yet meaningful allows the hallway to feel designed.”
Our experts agree that it’s not worth overspending on smaller decorative items, such as mirrors, hooks and ornaments, for the hallway. There are still plenty of pieces out there that will look good.
“With so many people coming and going, accessories like these can get broken,” Emilie says. “It’s not worth spending too much on items that could get damaged, such as an heirloom mirror or expensive ceramics.”
Claudia Dorsch recommends focusing on curating a few intentional pieces that add warmth and personality without overwhelming the space. “A small vase of flowers, a family photo, or a piece of artwork can add charm,” she says.
A cost-friendly idea, according to Claudia, is a gallery wall. “You can choose various interesting frames for an eclectic feel or a uniform type of frame to create an organised look,” she says. “Keeping decor minimal yet meaningful allows the hallway to feel designed.”
Spend on: Big storage
When it comes to hallway storage, bespoke solutions are the way to go, according to our experts.
“Hallways are often awkward sizes and shapes and it’s really hard to maximise storage space with off-the-shelf pieces,” Emilie says. “Getting exactly the kind of storage you need with bespoke solutions and the help of a designer and carpenter is worth the investment. It could save your sanity if you have a busy and messy family.”
“Even very shallow shelves work wonders, such as angled shelves to fit adult shoes in a narrow space,” Anna adds. “Well-designed and well-made joinery will make a huge difference.”
Find reviewed carpenters and joiners in your area on Houzz.
When it comes to hallway storage, bespoke solutions are the way to go, according to our experts.
“Hallways are often awkward sizes and shapes and it’s really hard to maximise storage space with off-the-shelf pieces,” Emilie says. “Getting exactly the kind of storage you need with bespoke solutions and the help of a designer and carpenter is worth the investment. It could save your sanity if you have a busy and messy family.”
“Even very shallow shelves work wonders, such as angled shelves to fit adult shoes in a narrow space,” Anna adds. “Well-designed and well-made joinery will make a huge difference.”
Find reviewed carpenters and joiners in your area on Houzz.
Save on: Small storage
Once you’ve settled on your large storage, the smaller storage items needn’t cost much at all, say the professionals we interviewed.
“The secret to keeping surfaces clear is to designate ‘landing zones’ for frequently used items,” Claudia says. She recommends a simple tray or decorative bowl on a console table to hold keys, sunglasses or loose change, making them easy to grab while keeping the area tidy.
“For post or paperwork, a letter holder or slim basket will prevent items being scattered across surface,” she adds.
Tell us…
Where would you splash out in your hallway and where would you save your pennies? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
Once you’ve settled on your large storage, the smaller storage items needn’t cost much at all, say the professionals we interviewed.
“The secret to keeping surfaces clear is to designate ‘landing zones’ for frequently used items,” Claudia says. She recommends a simple tray or decorative bowl on a console table to hold keys, sunglasses or loose change, making them easy to grab while keeping the area tidy.
“For post or paperwork, a letter holder or slim basket will prevent items being scattered across surface,” she adds.
Tell us…
Where would you splash out in your hallway and where would you save your pennies? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
Sponsored
Before you plan storage and decor for your hallway, it’s important to get the fundamentals in place. According to Anna Auzins, it’s worth spending money on a good plumber and electrician.
“Having power sockets in the right places is important,” she says. “Hallways may not seem like somewhere power is needed, but you often have to plug in the vacuum cleaner, decorative lights such as seasonal fairy lights, and possibly chargers. Making sure those are where you need them to be and on the correct side of the door is something to be addressed early in any renovation project. Outdoor lighting is often controlled from the hallway, too, and should be considered together with this.”
Anna also emphasises the importance of radiator placement to ensure it isn’t in the way. “In a narrow hallway, a shelf or cabinet over the radiator can provide a surface for depositing keys and post. Or tuck one away beneath coat hooks, where it can help to dry wet overclothes in colder weather,” she says.
Alternatively, think about investing in underfloor heating to free up space and ensure a cosy floor underfoot as people arrive.
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