13 stunning hallway ideas that will make leaving home a little harder and arriving home even nicer

Hallways can be the forgotten hero of your home. Despite the fact they are only a point of transition, rather than a room where you spend time, a hallway is the first point of entrance for you and your guests, and the last space you see before leaving.

Get your hallway ideas right and your whole perspective on both your home and your day can change for the better. Get them wrong and you could find yourself feeling entirely different.

But, as well as making sure they feel warm and welcoming, their practical purpose also makes them worthy of time and consideration when it comes to storage, flooring and lighting. Taking the time to explore plenty of hallway ideas will be hugely beneficial whether you're building from scratch or updating an existing space.

Don't be afraid to be bold with your hallway ideas

As you spend less time in the space than you do in other rooms, it's also the perfect opportunity to be braver when it comes to your hallway design say interior design experts.

"The hallway is the first space someone comes into your home sees, so making sure it's beautiful, stylish and full of personality is key – after all, it should really set the tone for the rest of your home," says Emma Deterding, founder and creative director of Kelling Designs.

"As they are transitional spaces, they offer the perfect canvas to experiment with, allowing you to be a bit braver as they tend to be smaller areas than larger living spaces."

Emma Deterding

Emma Deterding is a leading interior designer who has been named among the top 100 in the world. With over twenty-five years of experience, Emma has honed her ability to offer well thought-out and beautifully designed schemes.

Hallway ideas

1. Re-purpose a cupboard into a bespoke boot unit

Even small hallway ideas can turn into practical spaces with some clever thinking. If you've got an existing cupboard, why not remove the door and turn it into something more bespoke with the addition of a light, mirror, drawers and boot pegs.

As well as adding an eye-catching feature to your hallway, it's also extremely practical. Removing the door creates more useable floor space, and also ensures the natural light from the window is never blocked.

For a hard-wearing finish, clad it in tongue and groove wall panelling painted in a bold and bright shade, then add more panelling to the other wall to create a mini boot room seating area, including cubby shelves and plenty of essential coat hooks.

Practical and durable but definitely stylish, it's guaranteed to make hectic mornings that little bit easier to manage.

Try these coat hooks for your hallway ideas

2. Change your flooring pattern in a large open hallway

Although your hallway flooring ideas need to be practical, this doesn't mean they need to be boring.

"Don't play it safe with your hallway, and instead, use it as an opportunity to incorporate an interesting pattern via your flooring, says Andrew Scott, global product & innovation director at Havwoods.

"From on-trend herringbone and chevron designs, which suit both contemporary and traditional properties, to a classic wide plank or eye-catching parquet pattern, choosing an engaging design will make all the difference to the space," he says. "Alternatively, have total design freedom and include bespoke wood flooring to truly suit your interior design style.”

We also love the internal window idea in this spacious hallway which not only adds a nostalgic touch to this updated entrance way, but creates another practical light source.

3. Add glass walls to your understairs home office

If working from home means you're seeking home office ideas that make the most out of the unused space under the stairs, why not consider this ingenious idea that uses glass walls instead of stud walls.

Adding solid walls would have potentially made the space feel narrow and restricted. Instead, the addition of glass allows light into the office, but still provides an element of sound proofing and privacy to an otherwise exposed space.

When it comes to flooring that complements the scheme, while this design features wooden flooring, with so much foot traffic a hallway needs to feature hardwearing types of flooring that can stand the test of time. Engineered wood, flagstones, tiles or LVT flooring are all practical solutions that will add style and practicality to your hallway ideas.

4. Keep it simple but stylish with contrasting colours

If you lean towards a darker colour palette, don't be afraid to carry this through into your modern hallway ideas, says Bailey Oates, colour expert at Earthborn.

“Darker shades can work really well in functional hallways in your home, as it can sometimes give the illusion of a larger space," she says. "An enveloping shade of green, such as Earthborn’s Secret Room, for example, is perfect for an earthy and dramatic entrance, or for an even bolder statement, opt for a shade such as the pinky red Can-Can in this scheme.

"If this is too bold for your taste, consider painting the lower half of the wall in a dark shade and pair this with a lighter shade on the upper half – this can also heighten the look of your ceiling making it appear more spacious.”

Match with simple artwork for your hallway decor ideas, a rug and a sleek wooden bench and it's a perfect simple, but stylish start to your home.

5. Defy gravity with a cantilevered staircase

In a cottage style interior, where beamed ceilings can sometimes make a hallway feel smaller, there are a number of ways you can open up the space - and this delightful hallway idea features two.

The first comes in the form of a cantilevered staircase design with thin, black full length balustrades and a simple black handrail on the adjacent wall. While it would have been easy to conform to convention by choosing a traditional wooden staircase, the benefit of this modern design is that it not only provides a stunning focal point, but also opens up the space in a more dramatic fashion. Light travels through the balustrades and there's a ready-made seating space below.

The second clever trick is the choice of flooring and colour.

"Light-coloured wood flooring makes spaces appear brighter and more open, which is especially beneficial in rooms with limited natural light," says Ian Tomlinson, MD of Chaunceys Timber Flooring. "Consider a light oil finish on oak or ash, or whitewashed Douglas fir flooring, to add a subtle tint that reflects more light whilst enhancing the wood’s natural grain.

"You can also use the same wood flooring on stairs to create a cohesive look throughout your hallway," he adds. "Engineered wood planks are ideal for cladding staircases due to their durability and stability. This ensures a seamless transition from floor to staircase, whether you prefer a traditional or contemporary design."

6. Keep your hallway thermally efficient

Front doors are one of the most common ways for warm air to escape a house, so as well as upgrading your exterior door with one that is efficient, as well as beautiful, why not consider adding a curtain for extra thermal efficiency.

It's a stylish and efficient way to reduce heat loss in a house, and not only stops heat from escaping but adds a more relaxed look to your hallway when closed at night.

Not sure which door to choose? Aluminium front doors are ideal for contemporary home styles while composite doors can provide a more traditional look.

7. Use paint to create the illusion of a boot room storage unit

While most of us would love a dedicated boot room to house coats, shoes and bags, the reality is that there's not always space to turn your Pinterest board full of boot room ideas into the real thing.

And while a bootility room may be an option, if, like me, you don't have the space for either, why not get creative with your paint brush when painting a hallway instead. In a clever trick of the eye, using a darker green colour against the lighter green on this timber panelled entrance, and painting the handy shelf and hooks in the same shade, creates the illusion of depth.

On first glance, it feels like it's a bespoke boot room storage unit, but on closer inspection, it becomes clearer it's just paint. Pair with a simple wooden bench and warm up your floor tiles with a softly textured rug.

These benches are perfect for hallway seating

8. Bring a sense of luxury to large hallway ideas

If your hallway is larger and you want to create a sense of luxury without it feeling overpowering, take care when selecting your finishes, says Claire Garner, director of Claire Garner Interiors.

"Choose high-quality materials such as wood, marble, or brass to instantly elevate the space, as well as a sophisticated colour palette to add elegance," says Claire. "Incorporating a statement piece, such as an oversized mirror or a stylish light fixture, can also draw attention and serve as a focal point," she notes.

"Layering textures with a sisal runner or decorative wall treatments can add further depth and interest, while incorporating mirrors will enhance natural light and create an illusion of more space, making the hallway feel even larger and more inviting."

Claire Garner

Claire has over 15 years’ experience in the interior design industry, and over a decade running her own interior design studio. Her ability to design is well known as is her skill in creating beautiful designs through layered simplicity.

9. Mix and match styles for a fun but inviting hallway idea

"Using bold colour and pattern in an entryway is a powerful way to create an immediate impression on guests," says Emma Deterding, "and can really allow your personality and personal style to shine through so it's important to choose colours and patterns you love."

We love how this hallway scheme combines wood with pops of colour to create an entrance that's impactful from the moment you step inside. Diagonal blue and white floor tiles are stylish but hardwearing, the large oak contemporary front door is both a statement piece and secure, while the retro style sideboard is perfect for your hallway storage ideas.

Not so keen on the blue and white tiles? Abbas Youssefi, founder of Porcelain Superstore suggests some other options:

• Soft grey is a sophisticated, versatile shade that creates an airy and elegant atmosphere. Grey works well with almost any décor and helps to make the hallway feel more spacious without being too stark
• Sage green is a soft, natural shade that brings a calming, organic feel to the hallway. It connects the space to nature and feels refreshing without being too bold
• White is a classic choice, but choose a warm white. It has slight yellow or peach undertones, which makes it more inviting than a stark, cold white. It keeps the space feeling fresh and open
• Dusty pink is a subtle way to add colour without overwhelming the space, giving your hallway ideas a modern, stylish feel while keeping them warm and welcoming

Abbas Youseffi

Abbas Youssefi is the director of independent tile retailer Porcelain Superstore, which he founded in 2014 alongside his brothers Ben and Sam. Tiles are in his blood - his parents owned a tile shop. Abbas and his brothers now use their industry knowledge to scout the tile factories of Europe and beyond to handpick the best tiles for their customers.

10. Store books, not just boots in a corridor hallway

While footwear often demands a place in your hallway ideas, if your hallway is long and narrow, you may find yourself storing your shoes, coats and bags elsewhere. If so, don't waste your wall space. Instead, build a bespoke bookcase to house books rather than boots.

Keep it restricted to smaller tomes to avoid taking up too much of the walkway, but run it floor to ceiling for maximum space. And while this scheme features a wooden bookcase, in a space such as this, with no natural light, painting it white like the walls to bounce more light around, would be another option too.

In narrow hallway ideas, it's also worth paying extra care and attention to your hallway lighting ideas. While installing lots of downlights could feel like the best way of adding in light, pendant lights can be an equally good solution.

“Pendant lights are a natural option when lighting a hallway," says Lee Lovett, co-founder & creative director of The Soho Lighting Company. They're perfect for hallways and stairwells due to the fact the cord can be shortened for the lower parts of the space and left longer where ceiling height becomes taller.

"Downward facing light is great at the lower levels in an entrance hall or landing areas, but In the stairwell you may require light that spreads light from all angles," she adds.

11. Embrace maximalism for a contemporary take on a period property

Renovating a period property doesn't always mean having to resort to tradition. Instead, be bold and brave with your choice of colours and take a maximalistic approach to your interior design. However, there's an art to creating maximalism which means being a little braver than just choosing a bright tone."

"An easy way to introduce colour to the hallway is to go bold with your walls," says Emma Deterding. "Whether you opt for a beautiful, bright paint colour, or choose a wallpaper in a vivid tone, you can really transform the space quickly and easily. The key is to choose a shade that you love and introduce it to all the walls.

"For a cohesive look, choose a colour that complements your existing furniture pieces, however, if you're feeling more daring, then going all out with clashing colours will bring in a maximalist feel."

Not so brave? "Introducing pops of colour and pattern with smaller accessories is great for livening up a neutral hallway," says Emma. "From colourful lamps and lampshades to textiles and rugs in gorgeous patterns, accessories are a cost-effective way of adding colour and pattern that can be changed up with ease when you get bored."

12. Invest in bespoke storage that flatters your hallway

"Choosing bespoke, built-in storage for your hallway ideas, offers both practical and aesthetic benefits, allowing you to make the best use of an often underutilised space, whilst also making a statement to wow anyone who walks through the door," says Nathan Kingsbury, creative director of Nathan Kingsbury Design.

By opting for built-ins, you can really use the space available to its best, making use of any awkward corners, angles or uneven walls whilst also ensuring that there is ample, suitable storage for all the items you want to keep there.

"It also provides a great opportunity to introduce interesting materials too," he adds. "For instance, something with mirrored fronts such as the storage we designed in this hallway, helps to enhance the natural light in the space and create a sense of openness.

"Bespoke storage will help to keep your entrance hall clean and clear of clutter, whilst helping you keep organised as you go in and out of the front door."

Nathan Kingsbury

Nathan has over 20 years experience in the design industry. For Nathan, his job is more than just a business; it’s a vocation and passion. He is a natural artist with an inventive, engineering mind, a trained craftsman with a precise eye for detail and a perfectionist with an honest and attentive nature

13. Make an impression with a dark and dramatic entrance

If you prefer your hallway to feel more nightime than daytime, opt for a colour-drenching approach and us a dark, charcoal grey from floor to ceiling. Use slat panelling on walls and staircases to add some texture and relief, such as this Naturewall Slatwall Waterpoof Panelling in Charcoal.

Creating a cocoon-like feel to your entrance, it's also the ideal surface for an area that often takes lots of knocks throughout the day. And, with it's waterproof finish, will even cope with wet coats and pets brushing against it on rainy days.

Of course, while dark hallways can be comforting, you may still prefer to add light to your hallway ideas, in which case Claire Garner recommends the following.

"Using mirrors is highly effective, as they reflect light and create a sense of depth, making any hallway feel more expansive. Opting for light, neutral colours on walls and flooring will of course brighten the area," she says, "while keeping the space clutter-free with streamlined storage solutions and simple decor helps maintain a clean and airy feel."

And last, but not least, "include ample lighting, whether through natural light or well-placed fixtures, to significantly impact the overall spaciousness of the hallway."

For more ideas on making the most out of your home's entrance, then don't forget to also check out some driveway lighting ideas and the best front door colours for your home renovation.