Your hallways are so much more than just a way to get from one room to another. They’re often the first thing guests will experience when they step into your home, and you pass through them every day without fail, even if you don’t think much about them while doing so.
Even though hallways are not a room, per se, they’re a space unto themselves. Don’t let them slip through the cracks! Utilize every square inch of your home to showcase your personality through design. After all, life is about the journey, not the destination, so make those transitional spaces count!
The Small But Mighty Hallway
If you have a tiny hallway, you might not know quite how to go about decorating it. Just because it’s small, it doesn’t have to be humble. When you’re working with limited space, it’s easy for your hallway to get cluttered and disorganized. There are piles of shoes, coats, stacks of unopened mail – we get it. With minimal square footage, you’ve got to make every inch count.
Just because functionality is the top priority doesn’t mean you have to compromise style. Try a narrow console table by the door, so you always have a spot to drop your keys when you come home. A ladder shelf leaning against the wall is also a great option for tighter spaces.
For optimal organization, we recommend a flip-top storage bench to keep things hidden away. If your space doesn’t allow for a bench, or if you prefer a minimal look, try stacks of open shelving units. Combine this with a bunch of hooks, baskets, and wooden boxes to help organize your stuff into various compartments. Make sure you have designated storage for different purposes, so you always know where to find what you’re looking for.
Memory Lane
Are your bare hallway walls crying out for a bit of decoration? One of the best ways to do this is by creating a home gallery. Framed family photos, artwork, and little keepsakes on floating shelves or shadow boxes will liven things up. Plus, it tells a story to all who enter and makes your space feel warm and lived-in. To keep things looking stylish and extra cohesive, try coordinating frames in one color, and don’t go too crazy with the knick-knacks. The key is to evoke your family’s history, not display every single piece of it.
Let There Be Light
A hallway that doesn’t get a lot of natural light doesn’t have to look gloomy. To add light where it’s lacking, try matching wall sconces. If your hallway is long enough, you may even be able to install a few sets of sconces along the entire length of it to illuminate the space. For halls with high ceilings, a small chandelier or drop pendant fixture might be the perfect way to shed some light on the situation.
Mirror, Mirror
Another awesome illumination tip? Mirrors! Reflective surfaces grab any light and bounce it around, making your hallway seem deceptively bright. Whether the light is natural or artificial, mirrors are the perfect solution for lightening the mood. For a unique look, try a cluster of smaller mirrors – more surfaces equal more reflection!
We’ve Got a Runner
A simple way to dress up any space is with an area rug. A runner is especially great for long, narrow hallways, as it draws the eye down the length of the space and gives you a pop of visual interest. Plus, area rugs come in hundreds of shades, patterns, fabrics, and textures, which means they’ll complement any style.
Go Big and Bold
Don’t be afraid to make your hallway stand out. A unique wallpaper or accent wall always makes an impact, especially if it’s right by the front door. Nothing announces your home’s personality quite like a large-print wallpaper or bold color blocking. But you don’t have to let your walls do all the talking. Choose a focal point to emphasize in your hallway, like a statement light fixture, a prized piece of art, a standalone item of furniture, or an amazing patterned tile. The choice is yours, so be bold!
No matter your style or budget, there are many ways to spruce up the humble hallway. At McDermott Remodeling, we’ve seen firsthand what good design can do for a hallway, and we bring that expertise to every project we take on. Connect with us today, and let us show you what we can do for your home.
