Inspiration Station - Style and Storage

First impressions count and this extends to your home. Hallways set the scene, offering a chance to showcase your style and personality to guests as soon as they step over the threshold.

While often considered just a place to pass through, you can boost your hallway to create a practical and stylish space that works for your home. Hallways can massively vary in size but generally, most homes have front doors that lead into narrow corridors, which can be tricky to decorate.

If you want to know how to make your narrow hallway appear wider, read on to discover expert advice that will help you transform this under-styled space into the most welcoming of entrances.

Paint your walls in neutral colours

Brompton sideboard | Brompton console table

We recommend starting your hallway design by thinking about the wall colour. A neutral colour scheme will be best, with white providing a beautifully light backdrop. As hallways are high-traffic areas of the home, choose washable paints so you can easily clean marks from the walls.

If you have a lovely window, make use of it. Ensure it allows lots of natural light to stream in and, if you have a windowsill, use it for a couple of houseplants or some framed photos to add personality.

Elongate with vertical stripes

With dirty shoes, buggies, bikes and more a key feature of hallways, adding a runner is a good way to protect your flooring, whether you have carpet, wood or tiles. Especially during the rainy months! This practical addition can also serve to help with elongating this often narrow inlet, especially if you go for vertical stripes that have a naturally lengthening effect.

Another trick is to opt for diagonal patterned tiles that make your floor look wider. You can also try using long, bold runners to elongate your hallway. Or simply add a bold pattern that draws the eyes in as you come through the door.

Cocoon with earthy colours

Brockewell storage unit

Go for the opposite end of the spectrum to white and opt for moody, cosy colours to create a dramatic entrance hall. Earthy tones, such as green and greige, are a lovely way to extend the outside in, while darker blues can create an instant cocooning effect.

Give your front door a lick of paint

A simple update is to give your front door a fresh coat of paint. Choose a shade that makes you happy, whether it’s a zesty bright or a calming neutral, and don’t forget to think about changing the colour of the inside of your door.

While many of us just opt for white paint for the inside of our doors, think outside the box and paint it in a cheerful shade that adds brightness and design detail to your hallway.

Use mirrors to create the illusion of space

It’s no secret that mirrors are amazing for creating the illusion of space when it is lacking. It’s also great for bouncing light around a room. In a narrow hallway, they can be a beautiful feature and are also useful for a final check before you head out the door.

Pick a light ceiling colour

As with walls and floors, light colours on your ceiling are the way to go to prevent a cave-like feeling in your hallway. To create a stunning focal point that also emits lots of light, choose a statement pendant fixture that is both practical and beautiful.

Choosing hallway furniture

Parquet console table

You won’t have room for many pieces so make sure they serve dual purposes. It’s time to clear clutter and invest in practical storage solutions. Our slim console tables are the perfect pairing for hallways, offering extra surface space that’s ideal for placing a bowl for keys or stashing your post.

Alternatively, opt for our tallboys, with their narrow silhouette offering handy space-saving vertical storage. If you want to have somewhere to sit in your hallway, our benches are ideal for narrow spaces. Add baskets underneath to use the space to keep shoes tidy. Plus, when required, they can be easily transported to your dining room to make extra seats at your table.

You could use our blanket boxes as a flexible storage option. Store chunky coats in warmer months, or use them to keep things like balls and rackets that you’ll need as you leave your home. Place some comfy cushions on top of it and it can double up as a seat.

If you’re after maximum organisation, our hallway stands are a great choice. They offer shoe racks and hooks with enough room for all the family’s coats and jackets as well as space above for even more storage.

Hopefully, you now have plenty of ideas to help you furnish and decorate your hallway! Don’t forget to tag us at #OakFurnitureland on Instagram.