How to Design Hallways

Hallways link the rooms of your home.

People tend to overlook hallways when they are decorating their homes, but hallways serve an important function. They link living spaces together and sometimes are a visitor's first look inside your home. A well-designed hallway sets the tone for the rest of the house. Because hallways tend to be narrow, you should keep furnishings simple. Dress the space with inviting colors and textures that reflect design choices in the rest of the home.

Things You'll Need

• Paint or wallpaper
• Floor runner
• Artwork and photographs
• Console table
• Umbrella stand
• Coat rack
• Chair
• Plant
• Scented candle
• Bowl

Instructions

1. Paint the walls a light, bright color. Hallways rarely have windows, so dark walls make an already small, dark space seem even smaller. If you prefer, cover walls with an interesting wallpaper in a light color instead of paint.

2. Decorate the walls of your hall with artwork that ties the room to adjoining rooms. If your living room showcases traditional furniture and antique heirlooms, for instance, the hall leading to the living room should display traditional landscapes or still life paintings. Another option is to create a collage of framed family photographs. Such a display personalizes the area and provides a focal point for visitors to enjoy.

3. Place a carpet runner on the hall floor. A rug adds texture and warmth to a hallway. Even if your hall has wall-to-wall carpet, a runner placed on top of existing carpet guides visitors' eyes down the hall to other rooms.

4. Place a few well-chosen pieces of furniture. A console table is ideal along one wall. If your hall is at the front entrance to your home, add an umbrella stand and coat rack. A single chair placed next to the table offers a spot to remove dirty shoes before entering the main living areas.

5. Add accessories to dress up the space. A large green plant brings a touch of nature indoors. A subtle scented candle welcomes visitors with your favorite scent. An interesting bowl provides a handy spot for holding keys and tip money for pizza deliveries.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid heavily perfumed candles. Not everyone likes the smell of roses, for instance. Choose cinnamon in fall or a light floral in the spring and summer to appeal to most visitors.

References

• Design Your Interiors: Hallway Design
• HomePros: Hallway Design Ideas
• Interior Mantra: Decorating Your Hallways

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• My Design Chic: Beautiful Hallways