From their narrow shape to their typical lack of natural light, hallways pose quite a few challenges when it comes to creating beautiful designs. However, your hallways are incredibly important components of your home design. Not only do they receive a lot of foot traffic, but they function as transitional spaces, so they are an opportunity to create stylish fluidity from one room to the next.
Despite their challenges, it is every bit possible to create a gorgeous hallway design that elevates the overall look and feel of your home; you only need to know a few simple tips and tricks to make it happen. The following ideas are a breeze to integrate, and they will have your hallways looking beautiful and polished in no time.
Integrate a Gallery Wall
Gallery walls are wonderful for providing visual intrigue as they showcase the dweller’s personality, and there are numerous ways to create one. You can go the structured route, using same-sized frames for a neat and clean design, or you can mix and match your frames for a more eclectic style. Whichever path you take, though, consider only adding a gallery wall to one side of the hallway; two-sided gallery walls can make this narrow area feel even smaller.
Incorporate Wallpaper
Another stellar way to define your hallway is through the use of patterned wallpaper. Papering one or both walls will instantly add more style, texture, and personality to this area. If you are worried that wallpaper has become an outdated asset in interior design, think again. These days, there are endless wallpaper options that look every bit fresh and contemporary. Plus, you can opt for removable wallpaper that looks exactly like its permanent counterpart but without the commitment.
Add a Pop of Color
Due to their small size and transitional nature, hallways are a great way to play with colors that might overwhelm an entire room. Additionally, vibrant hues help to define uncertain hallway designs, making them look intentional.
Opting for a colorful runner in your hallway will draw the eye in the direction you want people to go while providing visual warmth. Moreover, if your hallway is lacking in the window department, adding bright hues will lighten up its overall look and make it more inviting.
Make a Statement
Hallways certainly do not have a reputation for being particularly compelling on the style front, but that does not mean yours cannot be. Integrating a large piece of statement art in this space will add a playful and stylish definition in an instant.
Just as you can play with more vibrant colors in this space than other areas, you can do the same with your art. In other words, if you have a piece of artwork that you love but it does not quite fit in other rooms, your hallway is a great place to showcase it without worrying about overwhelming a room that is already cohesively designed.
Add a Console
Hallway consoles serve two general purposes: they provide a place to showcase decor and a style you love, and they function as a focal point around which you can build the rest of your design. However, it is important that your console is properly scaled to the rest of the hallway. If it is too big, your space will look crowded and chaotic and could be potentially dangerous. If it is too small, it will make the hallway look hollow and bare.
Install Beautiful Lighting
As mentioned, lighting is a common hallway problem in that there usually is not enough of it. Fortunately, this problem is relatively easy to fix. In addition to making your hallway lighter and brighter, adding lighting is also a great way to create ambiance. There are endless lighting options at your disposal, so the right choice depends on your particular space. You may install lighting on the walls via beautiful sconces, integrate stylish pendant lights, or illuminate shelving displays. Regardless of what you choose, your space will undoubtedly feel complete.
Integrate Shelving
Speaking of shelving displays, adding shelves to your hallway is a great way to add style and intrigue without sacrificing square footage. But the true art of perfect shelving is in the arrangement. One ledge shelf to lean photos on will create a clean, linear feel. Shelving at different heights will add movement and texture to your look. Or, you can opt for a wall full of shelves to display books, which will give visitors plenty to look at as they pass.