6 items every hallway needs
By Amy Kilvington
First impressions matter, which is why it’s so important to make your hallway a warm and welcoming space that brims with personality.
The hallway should set the tone for the rest of your home, but it’s often neglected, used as a place to store coats, bags and shoes, to pile up unopened post, or to dump items that need removing from the house altogether.
As the first room that’s seen when entering your home, your hallway really deserves more care and attention. With the right styling and design, it will become a grand opening, setting a positive mood, greeting your guests, and bringing a smile to your face each time you come home.
So how can you create a space that ticks all the boxes? And which items do you need to transform your hallway into the entrance that your home deserves?
1. Curtains
A high quality curtain is an ideal way to bring a luxurious feeling to an entrance way. Consider a thermal lined curtain on the front door, keeping the heat inside whilst offering an extra level of privacy.
Fabrics like bold, jewel-toned velvets work well, or a natural weave with plenty of texture. Tartans, stripes and bright, fun designs may also work well, depending on what kind of look you’re going for. There’s also the option of an unlined, sheer, voile curtain, draped beautifully across the door, which will let in the light whilst also offering privacy.
If your hallway benefits from a window, a thermal lined curtain or Roman blind is an excellent choice for ensuring maximum warmth and privacy. You could also layer these window dressings up for extra texture, along with increased thermal benefits.
2. Mats, rugs and runners
A door mat, rug or runner will be a practical solution for the hallway. These items bring interest as well as offering functional benefits, like cleanliness, warmth and sound proofing.
A striped rug or runner will help to elongate a narrow hallway, while a geometric design will work well in a wider space. These modern designs will also complement a wooden or laminate floor.
If your hallway floor boasts patterned tiles, don’t draw attention away from them. Instead, choose a doormat or rug that’s simple and neutral, such as jute or a flat-weave. These also wear well and withstand heavy footfall. And if dirt and dust is a concern, go for a darker shade that will disguise muddy paws and footprints.
3. Storage
As we’ve mentioned, your hallway is often the place where coats, bags and shoes are stored. This makes perfect sense, as it’s easy to grab them before leaving the house. However, it’s important to store things sensibly to not encroach on any valuable space.
Consider a rack for footwear and bags. A bench may also work well, offering a place to sit while you take shoes on and off. A coat rail, fixed in an appropriate place, will also provide the perfect storage for coats and jackets. Choose a rail that offers enough hanging space for all the family. Try not to layer too many coats upon one another – stick to the ones that you wear more frequently, and keep the rest upstairs in the wardrobe. This will ensure that its easy to roam through the hallway.
These are all essentials for busy homes, helping to keep clutter contained and not takeaway from the look of your hallway.
4. Lights
Hallway lights, such as a statement pendant, a chandelier on a high ceiling or a luxurious lampshade, are the perfect way to create a welcome into the home. With these elements, you can let your imagination run wild and add more personality.
A statement pendant offers concentrated light, drawing the eye upwards whilst providing the perfect illumination for tasks. Meanwhile, a couple of table lamps on a console will provide soft ambience. If space and wiring allows, a number of wall lights help to brighten the full length of the hallway. You could even go for dimmers, which will work beautifully at all times of day. By getting the light right in your hallway, you will create the perfect flow int the rest of your home.
5. Tables
Although this feature will largely depend on the space available, a table really is the perfect addition to your hallway.
This could be a larger sideboard, providing a surface for letters, keys, a candle and a lampshade, as well as various drawers and cupboards for storing other items. Or consider a console, which offers space for your paraphernalia, as well as an area beneath for a storage basket.
If you’re really pushed for space, consider a shallow accent table that juts out no more than a few inches. Though small, this will still provide enough space for keys, a trinkets dish and perhaps a bunch of flowers.
6. Mirrors
And finally, a mirror will help to create a light and airy feeling in your entrance, as well as providing somewhere to check your appearance before leaving the house. This will also helot create the illusion of more space, which is often limited in this part of the home.
When it comes to mirrors, go large and place it above your table, or create a collection of mirrors in different sizes and styles. For narrower spaces, consider a smaller statement mirror with an attractive frame that coordinates with the rest of the space.
Complete your hallway with Blinds Direct. Shop our full range of made to measure blinds, curtains, cushions and lamp shades and complete this space in your home. Got a question? Get in touch with our team – we’re always happy to help.
