10 Ways to make your hallway welcoming

Make a style statement from the outset by adding some wow-factor to your hallway floor.

Most people will kick off their shoes here, so pay attention to this part of the space as their eyes will naturally be drawn downwards.

Tiles are a practical and hardwearing choice for this heavy-traffic area of the house and are a great way to introduce colour and pattern to suit your preferred look and the type of property you live in.

Hallways, particularly in period homes, can be awkward narrow spaces so it’s important not to overwhelm this area with bulky furniture that will eat into the space.

If your hallway layout is long and narrow, keep furniture to a minimum and opt for slim designs if you want a console table or shoe rack, for example.

Add interest with wall art instead, to help stop the space feeling bare if it’s short on furniture.

For larger hallways, consider adding a seating area with a bench or small chair.

This little nook can be used to tuck away shoes and boots and will help make the hallway feel less like a wasted space and more like a room in its own right.

Opt for a wooden bench for a rustic, country look or a sleek white design for a more modern finish.

Choosing suitable lighting for this part of the house is key, as its main function is a practical one rather than decorative.

Spotlights or ceiling pendants are a good choice for casting light into the space, rather than relying solely on table lamps and make sure you have bright enough bulbs to light the area during the darker winter months.

Most hallways open out onto a staircase leading to the rest of the house, so make sure this is well presented as it will be one of the first features guests will see.

A stair runner will provide texture and pattern against a traditional wooden staircase, or you might want to consider painting or wallpapering the treads for a more bespoke look.

Coat storage is often required in a hallway and, if you don’t have room for a closed cupboard or nook under the staircase, you’ll need to think about how to work this into the space.

Wall hooks are the best option for narrow entrance halls as they don’t require any floor space and can often be tucked in behind the front door.

Wall hooks are the best option for narrow entrance halls as they don’t require any floor space and can often be tucked in behind the front door.

Not only is a mirror practical for a quick check before you leave the house, but it can also be used to help create the illusion of space in compact hallways.

Position a wall mirror so it reflects any light coming in from the front door or hang a collection of smaller mirrors in a cluster to bounce around different pockets of light and make an interesting piece of wall décor.

Draw attention to features in your hallway such as skirting boards, coving or door frames by painting them in a different colour to the walls.

Go for a contrasting shade for a statement look and stick to gloss or satinwood paint to give the woodwork protection against scuffs and scrapes.

As with any room in your home, don’t forgot to style up the space with accessories to make your hallway feel homely.

House plants, fresh or fake, or a vase of flowers can instantly lift the décor and make it feel less like a transitional space.

Pick out a pretty mail holder and key dish to display on a console table, as well as a scented reed diffuser to give off a welcoming fragrance when you come home.

Read more: 7 Ways to keep your hallway clutter free