Updating your home interiors is something we all love doing but it is just not possible to follow every trend or update every room
Updating your home interiors is something we all love doing but it is just not possible to follow every trend or update every room regularly; our budgets just won’t allow it unfortunately! Taking smaller projects makes more sense as it allows you to really focus on a specific space and absolutely make the most of it. Sometimes, we overlook the hallway area of our homes; they can inevitably become a dumping ground for items like shoes, coats, hats, letters, keys and can end up looking untidy. No matter what size hallway you have, you can enhance the space and make it something that will greet people while also being functional for your needs and something you adore also! We have put together three ideas to instantly update your hallway décor...
A small hallway doesn’t mean you can’t update it or make it more functional; there are many possibilities but you just have to be a little bit more aware of the surroundings you’re working with and adjust your goal to make the most of what you have:
Add a Mirror
A mirror or series of mirrors in a small hallway will amplify the space and create the illusion that there is more area than there actually is. It will also intensify the light that descends into the hallway creating a bright ambience, bouncing light around and will open previously darkened and closed off corners. Choose from more decorative round mirrors like the Adele mirror to more classically shaped rectangular mirrors such as the Windsor mirror to functional free-standing options like the Bordeaux.
Make a Feature of the Stairs
In some homes such as duplex apartments, once you enter the front door, you’re met with just the stairs so why not make the stairs a feature in itself by having them fitted with a runner carpet or paint them (or the bannisters where applicable) an eye catching colour. A carpet runner will elongate the stairs, drawing the eye up to the top of the landing. At base level, depending on the space you have, the addition of something such as this Victorian thin hall-stand, which at just 50cm in width is perfect for a small space. It’s a smart and elegant piece that works hard for its space. Alternatives could be a small console table or lamp table; add decoration such as a vase or some select picture frames.
Make a Statement
Even when you’re dealing with a small hallway, you can still make a statement with a piece of furniture. We love this Panama console table (also comes in grey); it is contemporary in style, narrow in depth but could still be functional. Accessorise the top with accent coloured items and set a tone of further sophistication with an easy to maintain potted plant - we suggest a decorated ivy but there are many to choose from.
Use Fabrics to Add Texture
Blanket boxes are highly functional - they can be used for storage but also as a seating option making this area a nice reading nook (with the addition of a cushion or two!). We love this solid pine Thomson blanket box and its beautiful antique finish. Another option is an accent chair like the luxurious turquoise Primrose chair; its 50cm width won’t take up too much floor space but will certainly increase the style appeal of the area. Add further texture to your blanket box or occasional chair with a throw; they will immediately draw the eye - taking away from the fact that the area is lacking in space.
The hallway is sometimes overlooked as a storage solution area; in a growing and bustling family, storage becomes more and more in demand but if “up-sizing” to a bigger home isn’t an option, that’s where functional furniture can come in!
Clever Storage
We love the industrial look and classy wood finish of the Calia shoe bench; it’s a great choice of furniture because not only does it look fantastic, it doubles up as storage for shoes or bags and it can also be used as a seat. By adding some hooks to the wall for coats and jackets, you end up with a really functional space!
Long Hallway
A long and narrow hallway doesn’t mean that you can’t add in some furniture but it just means you need to be clever with your choices! Our customers love the natural Indian Sheesham wood finish of the Batavia 4 hole cube; its 33cm depth means that it won’t be imposing in the hallway. A strong look would be to add a series of them and add your favourite books, ornaments and plants.
Wardrobes Aren’t Just for Bedrooms!
Adding a beautifully finished wardrobe like the stunning Chantilly will a unique take to a hallway. The French inspired fine detail of the Chantilly with its pretty door knobs combined with the abundance of storage space would be a great functional addition and also wow visitors. A smaller, narrow wardrobe such as the modernly finished Hampstead Grey is a good choice for an apartment hallway and it could also be used to store away out of season, bulky items.
If you’re lucky enough to have a spacious area in your hallway, then you have many options to make your space your own!
Create a Relaxing Space
Reading nooks are very much in vogue and currently, we’re swooning over the Icon fabric accent chair. Its soft grey and white palette, eye catching fabric design coupled with its undeniable comfort means you may have a new favourite seat in your home! Pairing this with the Montreaux console table creates a whole new scene and aspect to your hallway making it a hugely inviting space.
Adding Drama
Velvet is very much on trend at the moment and it’s easy to see why. It’s a sumptuous material and is actually quite durable - read our extensive velvet furniture buying guide to learn more. For a hallway, you could add much drama and lots of comfort with the wonderful Madeleine series of occasional chairs; they come in a few colours including stoned slate, cotton concrete and our favourite, cotton gold. Be bold with three different colours but hold onto a theme with the impactful shell like shape of these chairs. Add in some wall art and a coffee table such as the stunning Oslo oak complete with its cool retro and Scandinavian styling and you have a highly desirable area in your under utilised hallway!
