17 inspirational hall décor ideas to create the perfect entrance to your home
The first few seconds after we enter a home are the ones in which we make our first impressions and decide whether we feel comfortable and relaxed or stiff and on-edge. That's why it's worth paying extra attention the your hallway and entrance decoration and design. With some clever planning and stylish features, they can easily become both functional and beautiful...
DECORATION
When choosing paint colours for a hall, the look here needs to work with all the rooms that lead off it, so pick a scheme that will flow easily from one to another. Bear in mind that paler or neutral shades will increase the feeling of space and light. Alternatively, you could opt for a wallpaper with a subtle or small-scale pattern to create a similar effect. As it's a transitional space that you only ever pass through, bolder or more intense colours – or busier wallpaper designs – can also work well: a rich shade, such as a warm grey, olive green or petrol blue, will bring a cosy feel to a darker hallway and make the adjacent rooms appear bright, calm and more spacious.
Halls and stairs are areas that experience more footfall than others, so have to withstand a lot of wear. Knocks and scrapes are inevitable, so consider panelling the walls to dado height and finishing this in gloss or an oil-based, wipeable eggshell and papering above. Painting wooden stairs with floorpaint (even more hardwearing when combined with a central runner), or banisters and handrails in an interesting colour, or even in contrasting shades, is both practical and decorative.
Wall lights, sconces or directional ceiling spots are a good choice, as they keep limited floor space clear. Pendant lights are ideal, too – you could make a statement with a large industrial shade, elegant chandelier or eye-catching lantern, or a group of smaller pendants, running the length of a hall.
FURNITURE
A hallway can be a good place for certain types of furniture if space permits. You could use a piece that has a decorative rather than functional role – perhaps an antique chair that is no longer robust enough for regular use, or an heirloom piece that doesn't quite sit with other possessions. In a larger hall, try to accommodate a thin item, such as some narrow cupboards, a pigeonhole unit or lockers that can conceal clutter. A bench or settle works well as a focal point and a place to sit and take off muddy boots, and can be especially useful if it incorporates storage space beneath. A slim console or half-moon table will help make this area welcoming, providing a surface for decorative displays and accessories.
FLOORING
Hard-wearing materials underfoot are essential for halls and stairs. Choose flooring that can withstand scrapes, scuffs and dirt or, alternatively, a carpet that is tightly woven, robust and in a mid tone. A good-quality wool carpet or runner up the stairs will help with the acoustics, as it absorbs sound, and can add colour and pattern. If opting for a wooden floor, make sure boards are well-sealed so they can be cleaned easily, and think about which direction they will run in when laying a new one. Using them lengthways down a hall or stairs, which will lead the eye and lengthen the space, is generally best. If you are considering natural floor coverings, choose a hard-wearing material such as sisal for stairs but avoid seagrass, as it can be slippery. Stone, terracotta and ceramic tiles are all ideal and their hard surfaces can be warmed with rugs and runners. Encaustic patterned tiles are practical and have a semi-matt finish for a softer appearance.
STORAGE
Most halls and stairs are narrow, so go for wall-mounted storage or furnishings – cupboards, hooks and shelves that will keep the floor clear. A wooden game rack (new or vintage), with its long wooden shelf and row of hooks below, is ideal for coats, hats and keys. Look out for benches that incorporate storage, especially those with easily accessible drawers or baskets beneath. Trunks can also serve as useful places to conceal clutter while providing a surface for post and a welcoming vase of flowers.
A bespoke bench with a shelf above can help to optimise available space, while slimline peg rails running the width of a wall at different heights are great for holding clothing and accessories for every family member.
This feature is from Country Living magazine. Subscribe here.
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