How to make your hallway look bigger
When I moved into my Victorian property, it was the promise of a roomy entrance hall that first drew me in. Don't get me wrong, the rest of my home is certainly hungry for more space, but the hallway really does feel much bigger than it really is.
That said, it's taken some careful DIY choices and clever furnishings to boast the full size of the space (the previous homeowners had a gargantuan wardrobe which took up far too much room) and we've been crafty with lighting and storage. But the finished result is a pleasing one.
It made me think: you really can make more space out of what you have. Here's how to do it...
Summer Garden gallery wall
Use pictures to show off ceiling height
A gallery wall brimming with prints and homemade crafts will instantly inject your space with personality. Frames climbing the walls will also highlight the ceiling height, showing off how much vertical space there is.
Carefully position mirrors
Position a large mirror on a wall where it will reflect light from the window. This bounces light around the room and also gives the illusion of more space.
Essentials Arched Overmantel Wall Mirror
Experiment with colour and texture
Give the walls a lick of vibrant paint if you want your frames to stand out more and use wall lights to highlight your pieces.
If your hallway is dark you might be tempted to paint it white to brighten it up, but white tones can feel too grey and cold.
A warmer, darker tone instead will add cosiness (try Dulux’s True Joy or Annie Sloan’s Chalk Paint in Paprika Red). Don’t forget about flooring, too. We've used jute runner over wooden flooring to add layers texture and interest, while also showing off how long the space is.
Jute Runner
Choose storage wisely
What do you do as soon as you're getting ready to leave your home? It’s likely putting on shoes and layers sits atop your to-do list. Having a bench or an armchair to sit on will play the functional role while also creating this neglected space into more of a room in its own right.
You might like seated storage to stow away shoes, while bulky coats can be hidden away in a narrow closet or armoire – a beautiful furnishing that can happily take centre stage while serving a purpose.
Velvet-Finish Blanket Box
Short on floor space? A narrow wooden bench with legs will show off the what space there is, giving the illusion of more room.
But who says storage must be at ground level? If you have plenty of ceiling space to work with, why not put shelves above the door frame for hats and accessories you don’t use every day, keeping them away from eye level and out of the way?
It's all about using every nook and cranny there is.
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