Hallway ideas and trends

The hallway or entrance is a decorative and practical transition zone that needs an optimal layout. Styling this part of the house to make it both welcoming and functional requires:

• Furniture and space for storage and tidying.

• Decorative, welcoming elements.

Begin by taking a good look at your hallway and taking measurements. Select a stylish colour combination, choose your furniture and accessories, and lastly, add personal touches to really make the space your own.

This area tends to be narrow, so the items you put here need to be space-saving, to allow people to get past easily. In general, the items of furniture or solutions are as follows:

• Cupboard: for coats, jackets or clothes used only when you go outside.

• Shoe rack: to organise your boots, shoes, and slippers that will be left at the front door.

• Stands or hooks to hang up scarves, hats, bags, etc.

• Coat rack for clothes and shoes.

• Console table: chic and practical.

• Trays and trinket dishes for keys, your wallet or loose change.

• Baskets and boxes for a range of items.

• Seat: chair, stool or bench, where you and the kids can sit to put your shoes on.

• Mirror: to give yourself a final check before going out.

• Umbrella stand or hooks.

• Good lighting, either natural or artificial.

When it comes to décor, customise your hallway by picking accessories that reflect your style and personal taste. Interior designers recommend you use light colours: white, off-white, ivory, pastels, light grey, cream used with natural light or lamps, giving a sense of space. Like in the image, these neutral backgrounds go well with a pop of colour such as the blue rug, or the painting.

Creating a small photo wall or picture display if you have space, or simply adding a couple of framed photos, vases or pictures to a console table, as well as adding in a designer lamp, mixing and matching wallpaper and paint - these are just a few basic ideas to give the space a personalised, decorative ambiance.

Deciding on which style to choose for your unique hallway will depend on both your personal taste and the available space. Whether it's just a small entry, or a large foyer, you're sure to find something suitable that can be customised. Let's look at a few ideas.

Broadly speaking, current décor trends lean towards simplicity and a laid-back look. Materials and colours are natural: ecru, beige, pale and warm hues combined with taupe, blues and greens. Sustainability is also ever-more important. Hallway furniture made from natural wood or lacquered in white gives the feeling of more space. Pieces inspired by nature and natural fibres are ideal, with linen as the star fabric.

Bohemian hallway

This style blends old and new, and calls for the upcycling of vintage furniture. Paint them yourself in red, green, blue or yellow tones, giving them a new lease of life. Meanwhile, linen and cotton fabrics and wool rugs will add texture to the area.

Classic hallway

This never goes out of fashion. A timeless look perfect for those looking to create a home with discreet elegance. Clean lines, symmetry and simplicity are provided with wooden furniture with pleasing designs and warm colours, such as chestnut, mahogany or oak. Some tones, such as a grey background wall or hardwood flooring, add visual interest to your décor and create a sophisticated hallway.

Scandi hallway

This is a very popular trend known for its simplicity and warmth. White, light beige and grey are excellent options to create a serene, relaxing atmosphere. A few well-picked items of functional furniture will complete the look.

Japandi style

This interior design trend is a fusion of Japanese and Nordic style, which is minimalist, functional and cosy. Detailing such as vertical slats help you separate certain areas and create a specific zone between the hallway and the next room.

Minimalist hallway

When less is more, a modern bench, a couple of framed pictures and suitable lighting will bring sophistication and simplicity to this part of the house, with industrial touches on the stairway.

Industrial hallway

Popularised in the 1920s with the upsurge in factories, this style recently came into its own again as a home décor trend. It is also known as factory chic or shabby chic. With a focus on wooden and metallic industrial elements, it's perfect if you want an avant-garde style.

Rustic hallway

If you love bright colours, fabrics, and natural, hand-crafted fibres, then rustic is the style for you. Combine greens or blues with whites, either with wall paint or in decorative items such as some colourful drawers. Hand-woven baskets and rugs - also with a splash of colour - will polish off the look.

A console table is a must-have for any hallway. Leaning against a wall, they are the ideal place to leave keys, wallets or the post.

In the image, black metal legs and a wooden table top along with a round mirror liven up the hallway, giving it a contemporary feel. A lower shelf to hold baskets is ideal.

In the image, the industrial-style black metal mirror, paired with white furniture, adds depth to the hallway and makes it brighter, more spacious and, of course, it let's you check yourself over before heading outdoors.

If you like Feng Shui, then the quest for balance and harmony in your home décor will be a top priority. The hallway is literally your reception area, so apart from recommending that it should be bright, it should also be obstacle-free, encouraging the flow of positive energy. So when positioning your mirror, don't place it facing the front door. But ultimately, of course, you decide!

These are vital to hang up and tidy away your bags, hats, coats and jackets so that they don't take up too much space. Racks and hooks come in a range of different sizes, shapes, designs and colours to match your personal style and the needs of the home.

One variant is a wall-mounted unit to easily store keys, post, sunglasses or other small items.

Opting for hallway furniture - space permitting - is a good idea. A cupboard is an excellent alternative to keep your hallway clear and tidy and make the most of this storage space. In the image, the white cupboard blends into the wall, and the closed doors keep everything looking neat.

If you have enough space to open the door or for a sliding door, great. If not, there are other options.

Customised hallway cabinet

Use the area under the stairs, or between two walls, or a corner.... it's all useful space! Design and organise your space with a made-to-measure interior cupboard organiser. Mix and match modular shelving, hooks, rails etc., and add some LED lights to make it a special spot, even more aesthetically appealing than many wardrobes.

Hallway storage unit

Very handy if you need to store bulky coats and don't want them to be seen. Upcycling an old wardrobe with white paint is a great option.

Hallway sets

Perfect for small spaces, in one single multi-functional piece of furniture you get a mirror, coat rail, hooks, shelves, storage for clothes or shoes, and somewhere to sit down. It ticks all the boxes and doesn't take up too much space. Choose from a wide range of styles and combinations.

Coat rack

This hallway furniture is freestanding and perfect for a rented flat where you don't want to drill holes into the wall for hooks. In the image, it adds an industrial feel to the hallway in black and wood.

Shoe storage cabinet

A shoe storage cabinet is a sleek and functional piece of furniture to keep your footwear organised and out of sight. A bench or stool can also be added.

A chair or bench, with or without built-in storage, adds style on a budget. Choose the type that best fits your available space. A bench with space for storage means you can slide baskets underneath, save space, and maximise tidiness. Pair it with some cushions, baskets and photos to complete the look.

Baskets made from natural materials such as rattan, seaweed, jute, water hyacinth, wicker and fabric, are multi-functional and multi-purpose. They can be moved around, hung on hooks and racks to store scarves, or put on the floor to hold shoes, and they add a natural decorative look to the hallway. They can even be used as plant pots!

Storage boxes

With the range of colours, materials and shapes available, there is guaranteed to be a storage box to suit your style. If you have high ceilings, boxes can sit on shelves, or even above the front door to make the most of the available space.

Add in numerous light sources with ceiling lights, wall lights, recessed spotlights or LEDs. Proper lighting lets you see clearly when you arrive home and is in itself a decorative element that can be mixed and matched with the other pieces to create a unique style.

A glass, terracotta or ceramic table lamp with a natural fibre shade will create a cosy, welcoming feel. If the entrance hall is spacious, a large hanging chandelier or groups of lights are an excellent way to fill the space and catch the eye.

If quirkiness is your personal style, you can create a unique look by mixing and matching wooden or parquet flooring with colourful and textured walls covered in wallpaper, wood panelling, cement-effect paint, etc.

If you're particularly short on space, paint the hallway in a single colour - the lighter and brighter, the better. The ideal option would be a neutral shade, which lets you play with the contrasting colour of accessories. Paint the ceiling in a lighter colour if it's low, as this will make the area seem more spacious.

Of course there are colours to suit every taste, so if you prefer, pick modern tones - it's sure to revitalise your hallway.

Front door

Updating the colour of your front door in the same shade as the walls, or in a completely contrasting colour, is a great way to freshen up the space in no time.

Rug

A truly decorative element. Adding a patterned rug made from cotton, jute or wool at the entrance will give a welcoming feel, define the area and also protect the floor from damage. Whether colourful or discreet, try to choose a long-lasting option that can withstand winter boots, high heels and trainers... covered in mud!

Photos, flowers, scents and candles all add to a positively-charged atmosphere. On the console table or on shelves, they will add a personal touch to cosy little spaces. The sustainable trend is to opt for second-hand and timeless objects.

Covering up the fuse box with a little cabinet will also add a nice touch to the entryway.

Key box

Whether sitting on the console table or mounted on the wall, a stylish key box will add a chic touch and come in handy.... so that you never lose your keys again!

Umbrella stand

An umbrella stand is a must if you live in an area with a wet climate.

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