The hallway is one of the most important rooms in your home and is often narrow, with lots of doors leading off it and little wall space. In our guide, find out how to design your narrow hallway and turn it into a welcoming entrance.
These ideas will help:
1. Get the basics right
2. Furniture for your narrow hallway
3. Practical decor ideas for a narrow hallway
Designing a narrow hallway: get the basics right
Few narrow hallways have windows and direct daylight, but a well thought-out colour scheme can easily make up for it.
To make a narrow hallway look bigger, it's best to choose a light wall colour. White, light grey or pastel shades feel friendly and welcoming. Add light-coloured furniture to make the most of the effect. The hallway feels open and clear when contrasts are kept to a minimum and used deliberately as a design element.
If you're planning to include a pattern in your hallway design, choose a large-scale one. This makes the hallway feel more spacious.
How to find the right furniture for a narrow hallway
Choose shallow furniture
When designing a narrow hallway, focus on a few carefully chosen pieces of furniture.
Coat rack, shoe cabinet, chest of drawers or bench – make sure you choose shallow furniture. That way, walkways stay clear without sacrificing storage.
An attractive way to design a narrow hallway is to deliberately emphasise its length. Choose long, slim furniture that follows the shape of your hallway.
The right coat rack for a narrow hallway
Choose slim wall-mounted coat racks to make the best use of space. They often offer extra shelf space for hats or umbrellas, and when mounted high up, they don't block the way.
Coat hangers stick out a long way into the room, which takes up valuable depth in narrow hallways in particular. Hang your jackets on hooks along the wall instead to gain more space.
Multifunctional furniture saves valuable space
Clever design creates extra surfaces where you'd otherwise need more room. Many pieces combine two functions in one. The Nest wall hook by Northern, for example, works as a key tray and a place to hang jackets at the same time.
A bench, for example, isn't just a practical place to sit while putting on shoes or to put down bags. With an extra level, it also offers space for shoes and keeps the floor clear.
Practical decor ideas for a narrow hallway
Who says functional can't be beautiful? Choose decoration that contributes to your hallway both visually and practically. Runner rugs feel pleasant underfoot and emphasise the length of your hallway. Non-slip rug underlays help prevent trips.
Give your valuables a fixed place so they're always within reach. A key bowl, for example, is a lovely idea – an eye-catcher that saves time and nerves. Placed on a console table or wall shelf, it gives everyday items such as your keys, sunglasses or wallet a practical home.
Light – whether daylight or artificial – makes your entrance area look bigger. Alongside a ceiling light, choose a stylish wall or table lamp. This extra highlight combines the practical with the beautiful.
Mirrors reflect light and make a narrow hallway look wider. Large mirrors also let you check your outfit before you head out. If space is tight, hang a mirror above the shoe cabinet or chest of drawers.
Enjoy designing your hallway.
