Including The Hallways
Transform Your “In-between Spaces
Hallways are often an underutilized, forgotten part of your home. They can be hard to style, dark/underlit, cramped and an in-between space on your way from point A to B. Our attention is often directed toward decorating living rooms, bedrooms, and landing spots for your family and friends.
When we focus on these areas as well, we can create a beautiful, cohesive home. Having the right paint color (or wallpaper), adding accessories, possibly some furniture, and correcting the lighting can transform your hallways.
Our goal is to create an extension of the rest of your home through the hallways. If it is a wider hallway, there is also a possibility of adding another seating or storage area. Below, we will delve further into how to transform your “in-between spaces”.
Pick the Perfect Wallcovering
The first step to refreshing your hallways starts with your preferred wallcovering. Whether that is paint or wallpaper, keep it light and bright. This will be helpful if you don’t have windows or proper lighting in your hallway. The lighter the space is, the more open and inviting it will appear.
If you already have a lighter color throughout your home, continue it through the hallway to create a cohesive transition. If wallpaper is more up your alley, try something with a lighter pattern. You don’t want to put a crazy, bold pattern on your walls in a small space. Especially an elongated space, as this will create more of a funhouse look. Keep the background simple, white if possible. For the main pattern, keep it as simple as possible in terms of color and design style. Delicate patterns or textured wallpaper will work better in smaller spaces.
After the wallcovering is selected, the next step is to start decorating!
Working with narrow and wide hallways
To achieve a beautifully designed hallway, you must know how to work with the space you’ve been given. Not every style will look right in your home.
For smaller hallways, avoid bulky furniture, add more lighting, and hang large hallway décor. This will help keep the floor space open, but create an illusion of it being bigger than it is.
For wider hallways, use furniture to fill the space. add greenery, implement storage and attach hooks for hanging coats with easy access. It’s all about creating purposeful spaces.
Here are some more in-depth ways to maximize your current hallway space.
Hallway ideas for your space
Hallways come in varying shapes and sizes, meaning that you must work with the space that you have. You have the potential to completely transform your home’s passageways with just a few changes or decor additions. Here are some hallway decorating ideas to inspire you to transform you in-between spaces.
Mirror, Mirror On the Wall
It’s a known fact that mirrors can make a room appear larger, which is why placing one in your hallway is a great idea. The best placement for a mirror in your hallway is usually at the end. This way, whether you are headed out and need to quickly check to see how you look, or you are trying to make your space appear larger, it is in constant use and in an ideal location. When deciding which style of mirror to go with, stick to your go-to… We aim for cohesiveness in homes through multiple features.
Sitting Room
This one only works for wider hallways, but if you have the space to add a bench or stool, do it! Not only is this a wonderful spot to put on your shoes or sit and read, but it can make your home feel even more inviting. This design idea works great for the end of your hallway or along a more open section of the hall.
Gleaming Gallery Wall
Adding multiple pictures to a wall can help it feel bigger if done right. The pictures or prints should vary in size and position as they span across a section of the wall. This is an intentional focal point of the hallway, which means many eyes will be looking at it.
If you’ve always wanted to do a gallery wall, but are cautious to start, cut out different sizes of cardboard to act as the prints. Label each one indicating which print it will be, tape them to the wall and move them around until you find the combination and pattern you’ve been trying to achieve. This helps you use your creativity freely – without the worry of putting multiple, unnecessary holes in your wall.
Storage Solutions
Who says style can’t also be functional? If you’re in need of extra storage space, kill two birds with one stone by adding a cute credenza, cubby space or bookshelf in your hallway. Not only could this serve as a great storage and landing space, but it can be a focal point for the hallway and make the space more inviting.
Comfort Underfoot
If your home doesn’t have carpet in the hallways, a beautiful runner can provide your hallway with extra comfort. There are many rug choices available, but choose one that can add an appropriate pop of color and harmonize with the other furniture surrounding the hall. Some popular colors for passageway carpets include Maroon, Olive or Hunter Green and Deep Blue.
Hallway Mistakes to Miss
With the small amount of space your hallway has, it can quickly become a cluttered and unwelcoming mess. To avoid creating a cluttered space, use storage bins, wall hangers or a dresser to keep your items contained and out of the way. You also want to make sure your decorations are done tastefully. Too many style combinations can make the hallway feel hectic and it might give your guests a headache.
Pro tip: Lastly, make sure there is a proper amount of lighting. This is often overlooked in a design, when it is in fact, necessary to even see the design at its maximum potential.
Reach Out to Room Reimagined Design
Working with small spaces can be very difficult. If you’re struggling, getting some design assistance is a great solution. Our interior designers can help define & refresh your space.
If you are looking for assistance on your project, feel free to reach out to Room Reimagined Design at (651) 387-3861. We will gladly take on the bulk of your project and help create the beautiful living space you’ve imagined.
