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Handling Hallway Decor

By: Robyn Burnett

When it comes to decorating your home, your front hall doesn’t usually take precedence. For most of us, the hallway is awkwardly shaped, often dark and usually a dumping ground for various items. Start thinking of it instead as a welcoming entrance to your haven. To get a sense of the impression it leaves, walk into your home with a critical eye. Consider your first impressions when you step inside and ask yourself if it’s time to revisit this neglected space.

Creating the Illusion of Space
One of the key issues with hallways is the lack of space. There are many techniques that can help to create the illusion of a larger area. A basic solution to this is to get creative with mirrors. Try to keep the mirrors a reasonable size with a frame that doesn’t protrude too far off of the wall. Another more creative solution is to consider the art of “trompe d’oeil”. This creative mural painting is designed to turn a flat space into a three-dimensional image which automatically gives the feeling of depth. While hiring a professional painter can be expensive, consider exploring your local art colleges for eager students to help. You can also “widen” your hall by deliberately painting the longer walls a lighter shade than the narrower ends.

Play with Paint
Creative painting can turn a bland hallway into a decorative space and it is something you can explore yourself. Create a faux-marble floor, or use one of many techniques such as feathering, sponging and more to make the walls more playful. Add your own art stencils or decals. Regardless of the decorative technique, keep in mind that you want to keep your colors light and bright to open up the space. Neutral tones work well to help blend into other areas of your home. Add a connected feeling by using a tone that is the same (or a shade lighter) as one of your main connecting rooms. This alone will make a difference.

Bring Out the Photos
We all have a collection of them. The hallway is a perfect place to start your own display and it’s a nice, easy way to add some personality to the hall. Stick to smaller photos that don’t require the onlooker to step back too far to enjoy them. Work with a series of smaller frames to start, but be careful not to clutter the wall so as to make it too busy. Avoid big, bulky frames as they will overwhelm the space. Fun, artistic wall displays can be a great way to show off your family photos!

Small Displays
Miniature shelves that display smaller items such as decorative vases, or any other keepsake make for nice hallway additions. Tables near the front of the hallway are a nice touch, but be careful they don’t become a storage spot for small items.

Let There be Light
Brighter lighting can have a huge effect on a hallway, taking it from dark and dank to lively. In fact, many hallway decor problems can be solved simply by adding more light. Accent lighting that works with photo displays enhances both the hallway and the visuals and can create a great mood. Having mirrors also helps disperse the light and makes the space brighter. For mood lighting for evening events, consider a couple of decorative candle holders on the wall as well.

Think Placement
Where you place certain items in your hallway can add to its visual appeal. If you have a shelving unit, a coat stand, plant, or anything of decorative interest at the end of your hall, the eyes will be naturally drawn to it, thus creating the illusion of more space. If your hall has high ceilings, consider a chandelier, or even hanging other items such as a wind-chime. This will not only add a decorative flare, but it also saves you from using up valuable floor space. If you have more space, consider a rustic bench your guests can use when they arrive. As well, a long, narrow hallway can be punched up with a nice long rug. All of these things give the hallway the feeling of being a “room” rather than a transitory space.

Keep Storage as Storage
If your hallway tends to become an automatic dumping ground for anything and everything, make sure to explore unique storage solutions. Keep shoes in wicker baskets under a bench. Make sure your closet is easy to work with, encouraging people to store their items inside. Have a small letter tray, or a key box by the door so that side tables don’t become cluttered.
The key to creating hallway ambiance is to treat it as you would any room in your house. Keep it simple, elegant and functional and you’ll have created a wonderful, welcoming room.

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