How do I make my hall look nice?

Optimize Hall Lighting

Proper lighting can make a huge difference in how your hall looks and functions. Here are some lighting tips for an attractive, functional hall:

Use Overhead Lighting

Install overhead lighting to brightly and evenly illuminate the full length of the hall.
Opt for energy-efficient LED bulbs or fluorescent tubes. They last longer than incandescent bulbs.
Dimmer switches allow adjusting light levels. Dim for atmosphere, brighten when cleaning.

Layer with Accent Lighting

Accent lighting adds style and visibility to specific areas:
- Wall sconces framed art or architectural details
- Step lights illuminate staircases
- Night lights help navigate in the dark
Go for warm 2700-3000K color temperature bulbs in accent lights for a cozy feel.

Illuminate Dark Spots

Look for and eliminate any dark corners or spots in the hall where lights don’t reach.
Increase wattage of existing overhead lights.
Add recessed ceiling lights to target dark areas.
Install mirrors to reflect and distribute light.

Hang Artwork in the Hall

Decorating the walls makes a remarkable difference in the hall’s appearance and feel.

Framed Photos and Artwork

Hang framed photos, prints, or paintings down the length of the hall.
Group pieces thematically for impact. Mix different sizes and frame styles.
Place pieces at eye-level. Let your visual interest guide hanging height.
Lighting artwork boosts the visual appeal. Install picture lights or wall sconces.

Wall Accents

Arrange Collections: Display plates, masks, or other collected items together.
Add Mirrors: Bounces light and gives the illusion of expanded space.
Arrange Gallery Wall: Eclectic mix of frames and prints. Lean some pieces against the wall.

Wallpaper or Paneling

Add visual interest with wallpaper, shiplap, beadboard, or other architectural elements.
An accent wall is ideal to add character without overpowering.

Furniture Arrangement

Strategic furniture placement establishes a functional, visually appealing hall.

Focal Point

Anchor the hall with a eye-catching console table or distinctive piece of furniture.
Place the focal point on the longest stretch of empty wall space.

Console Table

A console table behind the focal point adds functional space for storage and display.
Keep scale proportional. Avoid overwhelmingly large pieces.
Try different positions to optimize flow and traffic pathways.

Mirrors

Mirrors make small spaces appear larger and reflect light.
Lean against the wall or hang horizontally to maximize reflective space.
Place across from windows or focal points to create depth.

Cohesive Style

Select hall furniture in the same general style for a cohesive look.
Mix metals and wood types within that style for visual interest.

Flooring Options

Flooring plays a large role in the overall look and functionality of the hall. Consider these factors when selecting hall flooring:

Durability

Hall floors endure heavy daily traffic. Opt for extremely durable materials:

Hardwoods like oak or maple
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP)
Porcelain or ceramic tile
Low-pile stain resistant carpeting

Noise Reduction

Hall floors can creak, clunk, or echo loudly when walked on. Choose options that dampen noise:

Carpet absorbs sound best
LVP and tile are better than hardwoods
Add area rugs over existing floors

Style

Match the flooring to your overall interior design style:

Hardwoods add warmth to traditional spaces
Tile suits modern, contemporary rooms
Patterns make small halls feel larger

Cost

Consider your renovation budget. Balance durability and style with affordability:

LVP is inexpensive yet mimics luxe looks of wood and tile
Quality carpet is budget-friendly and easy to install
Refinish existing floors to save money

Finishing Touches

Final details complete the hall’s transformation into an inviting space.

Storage Options

Built-in shelving or cubbies tidy shoes, hats, bags.
Baskets corral items neatly. Use lids to conceal.
Coat racks and hooks maximize efficiency.

Seating

Bench seating saves space yet offers a spot to sit when putting on shoes.
Small chair fits in a corner for brief rest. Add side table.

Accessories

Place a rug to define a zone and add visual interest.
Stylish umbrella stand adds function.
Include greenery with potted plant or fresh flowers.

Key Takeaways

Properly illuminate hallways with overhead, accent, and task lighting. Eliminate dark spots.
Hang visually appealing artwork, wall accents, mirrors, and wallpaper.
Strategically place functional furniture like console tables and mirrors.
Select durable, attractive, noise-reducing flooring that suits your style.
Add final touches like storage, seating, rugs, and accessories.

Conclusion

With thoughtful lighting, wall décor, furniture arrangement, flooring, and accessories, it’s easy to transform any hall into a stylish, inviting space. Proper planning creates a functional area your whole household can enjoy. A beautifully designed hall improves your home’s aesthetic and sets the tone for the rest of the interior. By following these tips, you can cultivate a hall with comfort, character, and style.

Frequently Asked Questions

What colour should I paint my hall?
Some popular hall colour schemes include neutral shades like soft greys, warm taupes, and cream tones. These provide a clean, bright backdrop for decor. Brighter accent colours also work well, especially on ceiling and trim.
How do I make my small hall look bigger?
In a small hall, use light colours, hang mirrors, and place small furnishings to avoid clutter. Floating shelves open up walls. Paint ceilings light colours. Add wall sconces for verticality. Use patterns sparingly.
What flooring is best for high traffic areas?
For high traffic spaces like halls, the most durable flooring options are hardwood, luxury vinyl plank (LVP), tile, and low-pile commercial-grade carpet. Each material has pros and cons for ease of cleaning, noise, comfort, and cost.
Should you put furniture in a hallway?
Strategically placed furniture like an anchor piece, console table, bench, or chair can make good use of hall space. Just be sure to leave adequate walking room. Floating shelves also maximize usable space on walls.
How do you dress up plain walls in a hallway?
To dress up plain hall walls, add artwork, wallpaper, mirrors, collections, or accent walls. Picture ledges add display space. Monochrome photos create an artistic look. Frame favorite fabric or wallpaper samples for inexpensive art.
What is a good hallway color scheme?
Good hall colour schemes include soft neutral walls with bright accent colours on trim, doors, or ceilings. Contrasting hues on upper and lower walls adds interest. Neutrals like greys, taupes, and warm whites keep the space feeling bright and airy.
How do you make a hall cozy?
For a cozy hall, use warm 2700-3000K lighting, natural elements like wood floors and rattan baskets, plush seating, and soft textured rugs. Add layered lighting like accent lamps and sconces. Floating shelves display meaningful accessories.
How do you decorate a long empty hallway?
To decorate a long empty hall, hang artwork or floating shelves along its full length at eye level. Place an anchor piece like a console table or bench two-thirds down. Add mirrors and lighting at varying heights for dimension.
What can I use instead of hallway cabinets?
Hallway cabinet alternatives include coat racks, wall hooks, freestanding shelves, canvas cubbies, bench seating with storage, shoe racks, and decorative ladder shelves. Baskets also provide discreet storage.
How do you arrange furniture in a long narrow hallway?
In a long narrow hall, float furniture against the walls, leaving ample walking space down the center. Place key pieces like consoles and benches off-center. Use low and lean furniture like wall shelves and narrow console tables.
What decor makes a house look more expensive?
Details that make a home look more high-end include crown molding, wainscoting, and chair rail in hallways. Vaulted ceilings, built-ins, updated light fixtures, and hardwood floors also add elevated style affordably.
What colors make a small hallway look bigger?
Light, bright, cool colors like soft greys, light blues and greens will make a small hall feel more spacious. Avoid dark colors. Painting ceilings white or the same wall color adds height. Add mirrors to reflect light.
How can I give my hallway personality?
Add personality to your hall with a bold color or print on an accent wall. Hang a large impactful piece of art. Display meaningful collections. Add touches like a place to sit and stylish storage. Paint or wallpaper the insides of doorways.
What can I put on my boring beige walls?
To spruce up boring beige walls, add framed photos, mirrors, wall shelves, collections, or small prints. Install shiplap or textured wallpaper. Paint an accent wall a contrasting color. Distressed wood frames add natural warmth.
How do you make a hallway modern?
Create a modern hall by minimizing clutter and decor. Use simple furnishings like floating shelves and an unadorned console. Add bold black and white prints in sleek frames. Paint or paper walls in solid contemporary hues or geometric patterns.
What decorative items look good in hallways?
Good decorative items for hallways include wall art, mirrors, shelves and hooks for storage, pendant or sconce lighting, fresh floral arrangements, area rugs, benches, and console tables for displaying decorations or storage.
What can I put on a blank wall in my hallway?
For a blank hallway wall, consider adding art, wallpaper, mirrors, floating shelves, wall hooks, panelling, wainscoting, or painting an accent wall in a contrasting color.
What is a good focal point for a hallway?
Good focal points for hallways include a piece of statement art, an eye-catching mirror, a tall plant, a distinctive lighting fixture, or a console table styled with décor and accessories.
How do you make a rented hallway look nice?
To make a rented hallway look nice, try removable wallpaper, stylish door numbers, framed prints with command strips, freestanding storage furniture, decorative rugs, and sleek lighting you can take with you.
Should hallways be neutral?
Hallways don’t have to be neutral. A bright, bold accent wall or colorful patterned rug in a complementary tone can liven up neutral walls. Just avoid overly busy patterns in small spaces.