Many of us don’t do much with our hallways because let’s face it, they are often quite small and narrow, and it doesn’t seem like there is much that can be done with them on the design front. This is such a shame because your hallways is usually the first part of your home guests will see, so if it’s lacking character, they aren’t exactly going to be blown away by your home on first impressions.

If you’ve decided it’s time to do something more with your hallway, here are some tips that could help you to transform the space.

1. UTILISE AS MUCH OF THE SPACE AS POSSIBLE

Hallways may be smaller than most spaces in the home, but that makes it even more essential to use as much of the space as possible because hallways are also the place where people take off their coats or put on their shoes, which means it needs to be a functional space as well as a beautiful one. With that in mind, buy some pretty hooks and form a row of them on the wall so that your guests have somewhere to hang their coats. If you have the space, invest in a shoe storage seat where you can sit to take your shoes on and off, and store them when you come into and out of the home, ensure that your hallway doesn’t end up getting cluttered or messy.

2. MAKE A STATEMENT

Most of us paint our hallways, and usually, we keep them quite neutral. There is nothing wrong with this, but it isn’t exactly the most exciting use of your entrance space, so why not make a statement with bold wallpaper instead? Covering the length of just one wall in the hallways with bold floral or geometric patterns, for example, will really give it the wow factor with very little effort at all.

3. CREATE A GALLERY WALL

Alternatively, you may want to think about transforming your hallways into your very own gallery space. This is as easy as buying a bunch of picture frames in different sizes, and even styles and colours, and go really bold, by hanging them up all along the wall space. Fill them with pictures of friends and family, abstract watercolours, your favourite art prints, or whatever you like really, for an impressive hallway that will make you, and all of your guests smile.

4. CREATE A PICTURE LEDGE

If a whole gallery wall isn’t quite your thing, you can create a similar, yet slightly more minimalist effect by creating your own picture ledge. Simply fix a floating shelf to one of the longest walls in your hallways and fill that with picture frames or any other knick knacks you fancy having on display for a cute design touch that isn’t right in your face.

5. HANG MIRRORS

Mirrors add beauty in any room, but in the hallways, they really come into their own, not only for their more practical uses that enable you to check how you’re looking before you leave the house, but more importantly because they will make the space appear bigger and brighter, which is exactly what you want. For a designer touch, try to choose mirrors in unusual abstract shapes or with interesting frames.

6. ADD A RUNNER RUG

If you have a long, narrow hallway, one thing that can really brighten it up and transform the way the space looks, even if it is otherwise pretty plain, is to add a rug that runs the whole length of the hall space. This will add a touch of decadence, and if you choose a pattern it will add colour and design too. Persian-style tugs are great if you want to create a sophisticated look, but if you want to have some fun, cow print or a bold primary coloured rug, for example, will do the job equally as well.

7. GET A WOODEN BENCH

Wooden benches aren’t just for the garden. If you want to create a rustic look, placing an antique wooden bench in your hallways is a great way to do it, along with a wicker storage basket or two and some wooden coat hooks. It’ll give you a great place to sit down and take your shoes off or have a rest when you get home, and guests will love it too.

8. FIND SOME FANCY LIGHT FIXTURES

Your hallway is the entrance to your home, so it should be as light, bright and impressive as possible. That is why you should take your time to find the perfect light fittings. If you have a large hallway space, for example, a big decadent chandelier can make the perfect impression. Or if you have a small hallway, a couple of uplighters on the wall combined with fairy lights running the length of the space will add a nice touch. Whatever you do, make sure that your hallways is as light and inviting as possible at any time of the day or night.