Small Hallway Hacks: Maximise Your Entryway's Style & Storage
• Will Norcross
Hallways are the first impression of your home, and a welcoming space for you or your guests can make a difference as soon as you step inside.
A hallway that's styled and furnished to maximise its potential can make a big impression. And even if your hallway feels on the smaller side, with a few clever tricks and the right furniture, we'll help you turn your small hallway into a stylish and functional space that sets the tone for your entire home.
Key Takeaways
- Combine individual pieces to create stylish storage areas
- Use multi-functional furniture
- Slim down with shoe cabinets
- Use radiator covers to add style and storage in one
- Save floor space with coat hooks
- Use wall-mounted shelves
- Light colours in light hallways or dark colours in shadowy hallways
- Add slim console tables
- Use vertical stripes to draw the eye upwards
1. Combine individual pieces to create stylish storage areas
Maximise both style and storage by thoughtfully combining furniture pieces. For instance, pairing a storage bench with a coat rack that includes shelves is a fantastic way to use vertical space and provide multiple storage solutions in one zone. The bench offers seating and hidden storage for shoes or bags, while the coat rack holds outerwear. The shelves above can display decor or hold smaller essentials like keys and post. This integrated approach helps declutter and streamline your entryway, making it both practical and visually appealing, even in the smallest of hallways.
2. Use multi-functional furniture
For truly compact spaces, multi-functional furniture can be a game-changer. Pieces that combine several purposes into one unit, like a hallway shoe and coat rack, are incredibly efficient.
These innovative designs allow you to store shoes, hang coats, and even provide a small surface or seating all within a minimal footprint. They are excellent for maximising limited entryway space and creating a highly streamlined entry point without making the area feel cramped.
Shop Oakmere Hallway Coat Rack
3. Slim down with shoe cabinets
Shoe cabinets are a must-have for any hallway, especially smaller ones. Their narrow profile allows them to fit snugly against a wall, keeping unsightly shoe clutter hidden and maintaining a tidy entrance. Look for slim, wall-mounted options or designs with multiple compartments to maximise storage without sacrificing precious floor space. This dedicated storage ensures your entryway remains tidy and welcoming.
4. Use radiator covers to add style and storage in one
Radiators can often be an eyesore, but a radiator cover can transform them into a functional and attractive feature. Not only do they conceal the radiator, but their flat top provides an additional surface for displaying decor, holding keys, or even placing a small plant. Radiator covers help maximise the limited surface area in small spaces, turning an overlooked element into a design asset.
5. Save floor space with coat hooks
When floor space is limited, wall-mounted coat hooks are your best friend for outerwear. They're excellent for hanging coats, bags, scarves, and even dog leads, keeping them off the floor and out of the way. You can choose from single decorative hooks for a minimalist look or multi-hook racks for more storage capacity, ensuring your items are organised and easily accessible.
6. Use wall-mounted shelves
Floating or wall-mounted shelves are brilliant for small hallways because they offer storage and display space without taking up floor space. Use them to hold keys, post, small decorative items, or even a small basket for accessories like gloves and scarves. They provide an opportunity to add personality and visual interest, drawing the eye upwards and making the space feel less cluttered at eye level.
7. Light colours in light hallways or dark colours in shadowy hallways
Choosing the right colour scheme can make a dramatic difference in how spacious and welcoming your hallway feels.
Light colours for bright hallways
For hallways with natural light, sticking to light, neutral colours on the walls will reflect light and make the space feel larger and more airy. Whites, light greys, and soft pastels are excellent choices for expanding the perception of space.
Deep colours for shadowy hallways
Counter-intuitively, in very dark or shadowy hallways with little natural light, a bold, rich, or deep colour can actually work well. Instead of trying to make it feel light (which can highlight shadows), embrace the cosiness. A deep blue, charcoal grey, or even a rich green can make the space feel intentional, sophisticated, and surprisingly inviting. Just ensure you have good artificial lighting to prevent it from feeling too oppressive.
8. Add slim console tables
A slim console table, even a very narrow one, can make a big difference in a small hallway. Console tables provide a dedicated spot for keys, mail, and other essentials, helping to keep surfaces clear and create a functional entry point. They're also perfect for displaying a small plant, a decorative bowl, or a lamp to add warmth and personality. Many come with drawers, offering hidden storage for clutter.
9. Use vertical elements to draw the eye upwards
Create the illusion of height and grandeur in your small hallway by employing vertical elements.
Vertical Stripes
While often seen as a bold choice, vertical stripes on wallpaper or paint can effectively draw the eye upwards, making ceilings appear taller and the hallway feel grander. This simple visual trick can dramatically alter the perception of space.
Tall, Narrow Decor
Complement vertical stripes by choosing tall, slender pieces of art or decorative items, or even a tall, narrow mirror, to enhance this upward visual trick. Tall decor helps counteract the narrowness of the space, giving a sense of openness.
FAQs
How to make a small hallway nice?
Focus on decluttering, using multi-functional furniture, optimising vertical space with shelves and hooks, incorporating mirrors, and choosing a suitable colour palette to create a streamlined, organised, and aesthetically pleasing entry.
What colour is good for a small hallway?
Light, neutral colours like whites, light greys, and soft pastels are generally excellent for reflecting light and making a small hallway feel larger and airier. However, in very shadowy hallways, a deep, rich colour can create a cosy and sophisticated atmosphere if paired with good lighting.
How to accessorise a small hallway?
Choose purposeful accessories. Think about a decorative tray for keys on a console table, a small plant, a stylish wall clock, or a curated selection of wall art. Mirrors are also key accessories that add both function and a sense of space. Remember, less is often more in a small area.
Shop hallway furniture from Big Furniture Warehouse
At Big Furniture Warehouse, we are committed to providing quality, reliable pieces of furniture for every room of the home at prices that won't break the bank.
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