Could your hallway use a spruce up? Hallways in a house are usually not as comfortable and cozy as living rooms, kitchens, or bedrooms. When decorating a home, people often overlook the hallway They tend to be sparse and simple, but there’s no reason they must stay that way. Below are a few ideas on how you can make the most out of this space.
Add a mirror to make the hallway seem bigger.
Adding a mirror to your hallway will make the passageway seem bigger. Mirrors reflect light and they are also a good decorative element in themselves. You can choose any shape or size of mirror that appeals to you, just make sure it is well made and has a nice frame. If you place the mirror at the end of a long hall, it will give the illusion that the space is twice as large as it is. Mirrors are also functional and anyone in your family can use them to check their appearance before heading out the door!
Find a nice print or photos for the wall.
When looking for a nice print for the wall, look for one that has character to it. It should be large enough to fill the wall and not look too busy. If prints aren’t your thing, make a sneak gallery of family photos by using thin, simple frames and adding black-and-white or color photos. Candid photos of your pets or new baby if you want to go more casual. Blend several different styles together in one color palette, like this collection of images in black and white. It’s an easy way to give your space some character without the hassle of framing–plus it allows you to keep your most treasured photos at hand with ease.
Add decorative chairs.
Add decorative chairs to the hallway. Hallways can be inviting and comfortable when you add a few chairs for guests to sit in while they wait for you. Chairs in hallways also help break up a long passageway and make it more interesting. If you have a wide hallway, add two or three chairs at the end of the hallway to create a sitting area. This can be turned into a reading nook by adding a small table or an ottoman between the chairs or by placing the chairs on either side of a console table. Chairs should be functional, comfortable, and match the style of your home décor, so they fit naturally into your design scheme.
Hang a light fixture for mood-lighting.
If you are using a hall light as your main source of lighting, use a dimmer switch to control the amount of light. You can also hang a light fixture for mood-lighting. Make sure it is easy for you to change the bulb in case it goes out. Use this type of lighting to create a very cozy atmosphere for someone walking through your hallway.
Another option is to hang lighting fixtures to create mood lighting in your hallway. And if you have high ceilings, adding sconces along both sides of the hall will give it style while illuminating the area at night (or during those dark winter days!).
Add interesting artwork.
Nothing livens up a hallway like some interesting artwork. Consider antique mirrors, weathered iron gates or vintage maps. All of these can add interest to your hallway without much effort on your part.
The walls aren’t the only place for art in a hallway. The best thing about decorating hallways is how easy it is to get creative with where you display things. Get a little adventurous and try hanging artwork at different levels instead of one large piece on one wall–this will keep it from feeling too cramped or cluttered in long hallways (not to mention, an eclectic grouping can draw the eye down a longer corridor).
A bench is a good place to sit and take off your shoes.
A wide, padded bench is ideal for sitting down and taking off one’s shoes. It shouldn’t be too high or too low; the seat should just touch the back of your knee when you sit down. Place a mirror near the bench, so you can check your appearance as you leave and enter the house.
Hang open shelving.
Hanging open shelving is a great way to organize things you need to store in your hallway. Shelves can be made from wood, metal, or plastic, and you can paint or stain them to match your decor. Shelving hung along the length of a wall will make the space seem narrower. However, if you hang shelves across a short wall, it will make it seem shorter still. Therefore, it’s best to keep all shelving hanging parallel to the wall that runs along the length of the hallway. Make sure that shelving is hung at just the right height so it won’t interfere with walking through the space.
The Bottom Line
Hallways often get overlooked when decorating a home but that doesn’t mean it should happen to you. With a few simple adjustments and a little imagination, your hallway can take on new life!