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Hallway ideas to welcome you home
By Ellie Reeves | 8th July 2024 | 6 min read
Guilty of hallway neglect? We all are sometimes. Between morning dashes and evening shoe-kicking, scuffed paint and unopened post can easily blend into the background. But hey, your hallway is the first impression for guests (and a warm welcome back for you). Let's banish the bland with these stylish hallway décor ideas. We’ll help you transform your hallway from forgettable to fabulous!
1. Get creative with paint
Do you want a hallway that stands out from the rest? Then get ready to experiment with different colours and patterns. The wonderful thing about paint is that it doesn’t have to be a permanent decision. Have some fun with it! Try out different colours and see what works for you and your space. We’ve got a wealth of paint colours to choose from. Whether you prefer a toned-down grey hallway or want to impress guests with a green hallway – we’ll help you find the perfect shade.
2. Go above and beyond: wallpaper your ceiling
Create a stunning impact in your hallway by putting the focus on the ceiling, aka the fifth wall. You could try wallpapering it in an eye-catching design or painting it in a bold shade. If you have particularly high ceilings, this will help to make it appear lower, giving your home a cosy feel. Go for an on-trend geometric or busy all-over print to add instant wow factor in this small area.
3. Paint half the wall
By bringing colour halfway up the wall and keeping it to one section, it helps create an illusion of space and light. Play around with different combinations and see which you prefer best. Remember, you’re not limited to paint. You could try wallpapering the top half of the wall and painting the bottom half to create a stylish statement. If you’ve got little ones – you can use our GoodHome durable paint on the bottom half of the wall, so mucky fingerprints can be easily wiped away.
4. Draw the eye inwards
Here’s another cool trick that will make your hallway appear bigger and more spacious. Paint the side walls in one colour, and then wallpaper the end of your hallway. This will draw the eye inwards, in turn making your hallway a more inviting and appealing part of the home. Not only will it make your hallway look gorgeous, but it will also make it appear longer than it is. Take your pick from over 500 wallpaper styles for your hallway, from elegant floral prints to striking vertical stripes.
5. Bring the outdoors in
We're all looking for more ways to let nature into our homes, from houseplants and organic materials to beautiful wallpaper. Why not transform your entryway into an enchanted forest with our selection of nature-inspired wallpaper? Or perhaps a steamy jungle adventure awaits, with luscious green leaves and Amazonian animals peeking out from our jungle-inspired wallpaper. The great outdoors are just a peel-and-stick away!
6. Don’t forget your woodwork
Painting stairs, door frames, and skirting boards can help refresh any space. We see our homes day in and day out. So, it’s no surprise that peeling paint and scruffy woodwork becomes virtually invisible to us. To new houseguests, however, it will stick out like a sore thumb. You can revive your woodwork in moments with some sandpaper and interior wood paint. If you’ve become tired of the classic choice of white or cream, why not switch things up? Go for grey woodwork or choose a shade which matches your wallpaper. And if you don’t like it, you can always try something different. Go on, give it a go!
7. Go bold with colours
Don't be shy with paint in your hallway. Craving a bold statement piece? This is your chance! Unlike a sprawling living room, hallways are smaller canvases, making them perfect for a pop of colour without feeling overwhelming. Remember, paint is temporary – if you have a change of heart, a fresh coat is all it takes. For a narrow space, try adding color to the bottom half or third of the wall. If you've got a large, wide hallway - flip the script and paint the top!
8. Bring the light
Hallways are often low on natural light, but that's your cue to get creative! Play with layers of artificial lighting. LED step lights will guide your way safely, while opulent ceiling fixtures or strategically placed wall lights can highlight artwork or architectural details. Strategically placed candles add a touch of flickering magic and a welcoming scent for arriving guests. Now that's an entrance!
9. Use large floor tiles for a spacious feel
For small hallways, avoid small tiles and instead go for large polished tiling in a neutral shade. You’ll create the illusion of more space by allowing any natural light to reflect upon it. As it’s a high traffic area, the flooring you choose will need to be hard wearing, and easy to clean too. How about a bold porcelain tile or a beautiful natural, warm wood?
10. Keep it organised
First things first, banish clutter. Pack away out-of-season coats and shoes. Add decorative hooks for your everyday essentials and stylish baskets for frequently used footwear. Consider overhead storage to keep bulkier items tucked out of the way. When space is at a premium, use every inch as cleverly as you can. Check out our small hallway ideas for more tips on making the most of a compact entryway.
11. Make use of the space under your stairs
That unused space beneath your stairs is calling out for a creative transformation! Imagine a fold-away desk that pops out for a mini workspace, complete with hidden storage for supplies. it could become a cosy hideaway for the little ones. Or create a tranquil reading nook with a plush armchair and built-in shelves for your favourite books. With a little imagination, this unused space can become a haven for work, play, or relaxation. Read our under stairs ideas for more inspiration.
12. Get creative
This is your space, so get creative – think hanging plants, a photo gallery, a storage cube with seating area, stair baskets, a striking flower arrangement, floating shelves. If you’re a cyclist, hanging your bike on the wall can be a great space-saving idea and look pretty cool too! Go on, unleash your creativity and treat your hallway to a refresh. Feel the difference it makes!
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