55+ Hallway Interior Design Ideas & Projects

There’s nothing more important than coming home to a space that feels calming, welcoming and, above all, yours. That’s why your hallway is so important. It’s often the first area you see when you open the front door, and how you style it can have a huge impact on how it functions as a high-traffic space, and on the feeling it gives you when you come home.

Well, we’re here to help. Our dream team of UK-based interior designers has put together some simple rules and guidelines to help create the perfect hallway layout that suits your needs and personal style.

The Golden Rules of Hallway Layouts

No matter how long, short, large or small your hallway is, there are some general rules to follow to ensure the space is both functional and stylish.

1. Think about function: No matter what room you’re designing, you must always start with what you want the space to do. Do you want to make a high impact when someone walks in? Do you want it hard-wearing to manage heavy footfall? Do you need storage for school shoes and bags? Don’t rush into any design without first listing out what the space needs to do.
2. Centre of attention: Many people understand that a living room or dining room often needs a focal point, but forget about the hallway. In fact, it’s arguably just as important to create that focal point that draws you into the space. If you have a narrow space, a warm runner can help lead you into the house. If it’s a large hallway, consider a striking piece of artwork on the walls. Plants can work very well, too – just make sure you’re picking the right plant for your lighting. If shaded, ferns are striking and pop with colour. If you have more sun, perhaps opt for a more tropical palm or yucca.
3. Keep the front door area clear: Having piles of shoes near the front door can instantly create a messy space, not to mention a trip hazard! Keep the area around the door functional. Perhaps consider specialised storage for your shoes or a coat rack. Remember, the more stuff you can store, the cleaner and more stress-free the space will feel.
4. Home comforts: Building on the point above, create dedicated space for items such as keys, to avoid any last-minute panics. Put a door mat down, both outside and inside, to help frame the space and encourage people to take shoes off. As per above, never hang coats on the banisters!
5. Protect your traffic flow: Make sure that whatever furniture you add doesn’t disrupt or create issues for the main function of the room. It may look good, but if it falls over every time someone walks past then you may want to move it!
6. Go for a long runner: A short runner will look isolated, so ensure it covers the majority of the walking path. If you have a window at the end of the hallway, perhaps looking out to a garden, make this a focal point. Consider pots outside so that as someone steps in, the garden draws them through the house. If you have a wall, artwork can create a similar effect.
7. Free-standing, smaller lights: Hallways often come with harsh lighting, so consider adding a lamp or two on a small table (if there’s room) to make the space feel warm in the evenings. Harsh lighting can make the space feel clinical and uninviting. If you’re short on space, opt for warm or dimmable LEDs.
8. Balance your storage: Slim shoe cabinets are ideal for most hallways, or dedicate a cupboard for coats and other items.
9. Mirror, mirror on the wall: A quick trick to double the size of the space is to hang a large mirror on the wall. Think of it like a tool to bounce light around; if it’s just reflecting another wall then it won’t have the desired effect. Instead, perhaps place it on one of the side walls so it picks up light from the room next door and brings some of that space into your hallway.

Advice From Our Founder

“The hallway is the first thing you see when you walk in, and the last thing you see when you leave. Get it right and it can set up the entire house beautifully. Get it wrong and it can create stress and feel cluttered and messy. Start with storage first – having this as an afterthought almost always ends up in disaster. Once you have that, assess what type of hallway you have. If thin and narrow, then a runner is a fantastic bet. If wider, consider mirrors and statement pieces to draw people in. Console tables work a treat with lamps and are far more interesting than harsh overhead lights.”

My Bespoke Room founder Laura Simpson.

Let Our Professionals Map Out Your Space

If you’re in need of help, then that’s exactly why we’re here. Our affordable, tailored design service takes the guesswork out of layout planning. We will provide you with colour schemes, space planning, 3D visuals, furniture and accessories recommendations, top tips, and access to exclusive savings across hundreds of trusted suppliers. Start your My Bespoke Room journey today by booking a free call with one of our expert designers.