The best ideas for hallway interior design
The entrance hall is not the main room in the apartment or house, but it is from it that the presentation of the dwelling begins. Often, the repair of the hallway is carried out "for delivery" from the costs that fell on the rest of the apartment. But even with a small investment, you can conceive an interesting, bright, tasteful design of the hallway.
Focus on size
Not all apartment owners can boast of a comfortable hallway layout. In typical Soviet apartments - in "panels" and "Khrushchevs" - the hallways are either narrow or square, but small. And the correct arrangement can save both the small size and not the most convenient form, the only question is what to mean by the word "correct".
Consider 10 secrets of competent arrangement of a small hallway.
- If in this part of the apartment the footage does not allow "roaming", the initial task will be to visually expand the space. Dark tones in wall decoration are undesirable, suspended ceilings are also undesirable, and large chandeliers are inappropriate. A safe bet is a floor made of natural high-strength materials (for example, porcelain stoneware) and light walls.
- Mirrors and mirrors as reflective objects are very appropriate in a small hallway - nothing copes better with the visual expansion of the space.
- Filling a small hallway with furniture, it is worth giving up all that is superfluous, from bulky and massive objects. Fur coats and down jackets that are not worn every day and every season should be kept in a common dressing room or large closet.
But there may not be a closet in a small hallway at all - unload everything that is possible.
- Shelves and dressers (even shoe ones) can be hanging. Such structures 10-30 cm do not reach the floor. It would seem a small difference, but furniture that does not touch the floor seems less bulky, which is important for a small hallway.
- If you do not use built-in furniture like wardrobes, then purchase narrow shoe racks. If there are low columns in the hallway, place closed boxes on their surface to store items that are not used every day.
- If the hallway is not high, then the vertical mirror will visually raise the ceiling.
- It is simply criminal to make a small hallway with trinkets, decor, and various souvenirs. If, for example, in this room you have a chest of drawers with some kind of decorative structure, try to build it accurately and beautifully. Do not add new elements every time: it is better to change the composition of 3-4 objects than to replenish one with new figurines or candles, causing chaos in it.
In order for the ensemble of accessories to look solid, they need to be arranged or hung so that the orientation falls on a triangular shape. Tall objects in the center, those that are lower - at the edges.
- Black is not a taboo for a small hallway. But not only in surface finishing, but in decor and accessories. On the contrary, it brings depth and contrast to the interior.
- Functional decor is ideal for a small hallway. For example, a picture of a housekeeper or an artistically designed umbrella hook system.
- Even a small hallway can be conditionally divided into two zones - the hallway itself and the hall. This is done so that the place for meeting guests does not shift towards the hall. Come in, take off your outerwear, sit down and take off your shoes, put your bag - all this should be in the hallway area.
Different laws apply in the large hallway. It makes sense to think about arranging a dressing room in this space. Moreover, it can be a wardrobe not only with outerwear.
If it seems to you that a large entrance hall looks disorganized, not very cozy, you can darken it by using appropriate finishes.
The medium-sized hallway also has several options for decorating the space. You can put a massive wardrobe, chest of drawers, benches in it, and it will not be empty at all. But if you want the entrance hall to be light, spacious, orderly, then here you can stop at the decoration in light colors and minimalism in the choice of furniture. It also happens that the apartment has a relatively large entrance hall, but not the most spacious rooms.
Then it makes sense to unload the hallway from furniture in order to somehow compensate for the lack of open space in the dwelling.
Color solutions
It would seem that everything is simple here - in a small hallway there can be only light colors in the decoration. In general, the dark design of this zone is rare. But alas, the owners often very narrow the possibilities of choosing the color scheme of this "room". But she presents the apartment, makes the first impression of her. And you can get away from restrained, unambitious decisions, taking for consideration something more daring, stylish, lively.
Here are some examples to prove this.
- Yellow in its psychology, invigorates, refreshes, includes activity. In this typical hallway, far from the widest, the yellow color also took on the mission of expanding the space. And it became not only visually wider, but also more dynamic, brighter, more interesting. Yellow walls revived the room, it became more comfortable, and it certainly cannot be called a "gloomy hallway".
- Dark blue the rich color of the walls, in partnership with the discreet flooring by the careful selection of furniture and decor, has created a beautiful, stylish, fashionable space.
Good lighting, narrow furniture, lack of unnecessary details - and a typical narrow hallway has become an object of imitation.
- Striped chic - this hallway reminds of summer, freshness, the sun is in the air. She overturns the idea that the hallway in most cases is a gloomy, not the most comfortable place in the house. The white color in the decoration does not allow the variegated walls to become an irritant, the restrained decor and the absence of unnecessary things in the design distract attention from the really small size of the room.
- Cozy gray and refreshing white. The hallway is not made in bright colors, but nevertheless it does not look austere and restrained. An excellent solution for a small square hallway. There are no massive wardrobes, but there are plenty of hooks for outerwear, and the spacious lower cupboards will hide everything you need.
- Floral print, which makes the space light and airy. If you really like white hallways, but you are afraid to decide on a radical "lightening", such fashionable partner wallpaper will be a worthy compromise. When looking at such options, it seems that this room is non-standard, a different layout. But no - this is one of the typical hallways, just not in a typical design.
The above examples demonstrate how you can relate to the design of a space, which is usually decorated in beige and brown tones. You will always have time to consider popular options, but it is still worth considering that color is a powerful tool. Visually, it changes the layout, geometry, footage, the mood of the room, it is able to make a comfortable room. And most importantly, it is modern, comfortable and fresh.
What style is right?
It is desirable that the design of the hallway matches the style of the apartment. Nevertheless, this requirement cannot be called strict. However, a loft hallway is unlikely to blend in with a neoclassical living room. That's why, If you are not sure that you can master such complex design experiments, consider a less risky project.
There can be many style ideas for the hallway.
- Country. Cozy, calm, warm style. Its individual features differ depending on which region it can be attributed to. There are French, English, Italian, Russian, Scandinavian country. But all of them are united by a choice of natural materials for decoration, wooden floors and furniture, as well as the presence of wooden beams and forged elements.
The design includes floral, checkered and striped motifs.
- Minimalism. There is almost no decor in it, except perhaps a small functional design accessory. The rectangle is the main geometric shape of the style. This is the maximum laconicism of the interior, which does not accept colorful prints, patterns, multicolor, brightness and streamlined forms.
- Modern. Lack of clutter in favor of an organized space in which colors and beautiful lines are clearly thought out. Furniture with interesting smooth surfaces.
It is possible to use stainless steel, nickel and aluminum, as well as quality plastic.
- Scandinavian. Simple, functional, highly aesthetic style. The philosophy of eco style is inherent in it, but moderate, without "excesses". A plastic flowerpot is possible, but surface finishing requires natural materials. Natural light in this style should be stimulated by any means, the main of which are light walls and ceilings, open space, attention to the lighting system.
Candles are actively used, which give softness to the design due to the warmth of the flickering flame.
- English style... It has that unique charm that makes a space decorated in this style cozy, aristocratic, and a little nostalgic. It actively combines the old and the new.
- Classical. Calm, orderly and predictable design. There may be floral motives in such a hallway, simple colors, muted and discreet. In classical design, innovations in furniture and technology are not actually cited (but neoclassicism cites them actively).
- Nautical. He never goes out of fashion, out of the actual and in demand. Of course, it cannot be called mainstream, but if this topic is close to you personally, consider the very idea of decorating the living room so brightly and non-trivially. Beach textiles, nautical colors, sailing accessories.
- Art Deco. Exotic materials are combined with simple finishes. All lines are perfect and precise, there is little fuss and romance in this interior, but there is plenty of sophistication and elegance.
- Chalet. Natural materials and deliberately rude finishes reign here. Everything is brutal, somewhat ascetic, but due to the delicate and fragmentary decor it will be a real chic of a suburban "den".
If beauty, comfort, and recognizable aesthetics are your requirements for an interior, try turning to American style. The decor uses traditional materials, ceramics and carved wood.
Furniture is usually covered with leather or soft fabric.
Another option for those looking for a twist is the Japanese style.... Genkan assumes strict, but at the same time cozy forms - cabinets for shoes, as well as the decor that decorates them - ceramics, paintings, flowers.
Finishing options
To say that there are many of them is to say nothing. From the simplest and most popular ideas to unexpected colors, textures, combinations, unconventional design of interior doors and much more.
Walls
It should be noted that walls are a vulnerable spot in the hallway, because moisture, dirt, and dust brought from the street get on them. Sleds and bicycles touch the walls, and pets often deform their surface.
There are many options for wall decoration in this room.
- Dye. An economical, simple, practical way. You can use latex, silicone, silicate, acrylic paints. With due diligence, even someone who has never done this before can cope with the painting of the walls. And also this finish is considered durable and maintainable.
- Decorative plaster. The wall covering can be original, since the compositions and fillers suggest such possibilities. The finished coating will be monolithic, breathable and environmentally friendly. And it also boasts strength, durability, anti-static properties. And if you have to seriously prepare for painting the wall, then before applying decorative plaster, you should only fill in small pits and hide minor defects.
- Microcement. In fact, this is the same decorative plaster, but still it is classified in a separate category, since its performance is very high. Microcement can be applied to virtually any substrate. On wood, metal or concrete, the finish will be equally well anchored.
The structure of the material is such that any color will look natural, because due to the composition of the material, it is slightly muffled.
- Wallpaper. So far, it has not been possible to make something other more popular than wallpaper. But only paper options in the hallway should be considered with great suspicion, but glass wallpaper, liquid, vinyl washable, non-woven and quartz are quite suitable.
- Plastic panels. There is little environmental friendliness in such a finish, but it is nevertheless a rather popular option. Low in price, varied in design, easy to install, suitable for wet cleaning - that's why they love plastic panels. But at the same time, the material burns out under the sun's rays, it is not the most durable.
- MDF panels. They will cost much more than plastic ones, but they are stronger and, of course, more environmentally friendly. And such panels look more solid. This is a modern competitor to wooden lining, at the heart of its MDF-plate, it is transformed to imitate a certain type of wood, stone or leather.
- Fake diamond. It is made on a gypsum basis, so the material is environmentally friendly and safe. Thanks to modern technologies, it is possible to achieve almost exact copies of onyx, marble, granite.
The main properties of artificial stone are not much inferior to the properties of natural ones.
- Flexible stone. It will not be possible to call it very popular yet, but the material is definitely worth considering. This is an environmentally friendly, completely harmless finish, resistant to fire and moisture, easy to clean, and durable. But the price of a flexible stone is actually equal to the price of a natural one.
- Ceramic tile. A rare option, but still encountered. Practical, strong and durable, and the design possibilities provide many interesting options.
- Laminate. This is not a mistake, laminate flooring is actively used today in wall decoration. But all the walls are completely decorated with laminate - a dubious idea, but highlighting the central wall or a fragment is quite an interesting project.
Finally, no one bothers to combine materials, creating bright, stylish combinations.
Floor
Certain requirements are imposed on the floor in the hallway: it must be durable, easy to clean, moisture-resistant, shock-resistant.
Various options are available.
- Linoleum... Most buyers use a synthetic version of this product, but there is also natural linoleum (marmoleum). It is made from wood chips, chalk, resin, linseed oil. Of course, this material is more durable than synthetics, it can be called fire-fighting and antibacterial, but the price corresponds to these qualities. And natural linoleum is not so easy to install.
- Ceramic tile. Leader in hallway flooring. It meets virtually all the requirements for this coating. Tiles on the floor look interesting, which imitate other materials.
A relative disadvantage is the temperature characteristics of the tiles - but it cannot be said that the cold floor in the hallway is a clear disadvantage.
- Porcelain stoneware. Stronger than a tile, in comparison with it, it can be called a conditionally fragile material. Long-lasting, safe, as easy to clean as possible. But the price will also be high.
- Laminate. It is considered a budget option for parquet, or rather, a compromise alternative to it. It is easy to maintain and install, it is quite durable, it is characterized by not the worst wear resistance and an affordable price.
But still, more often in the hallway, the laminate is combined with tiles, and this, by the way, is a good division of space into the hallway itself and the hall.
- Parquet board. This is a three-layer material, in which the lower two layers are inexpensive wood, while the upper layer is represented by valuable species. It is a natural and sustainable flooring with many styling options. But its price is expectedly high.
- Self-leveling floor. A coating that does not have to be changed after 3-5 years. It is made for decades, which explains its price.
Carpets in the hallway are rarely used, but carpet in the design of this room is not such a rarity. Artificial carpet does not wrinkle, it is easy to clean, it makes the space cozy, soft and warm.
Ceiling
Painting is the simplest and, in fact, the most worthy option for the combination of requirements for the design of the ceiling. The paint is easy to apply, you can choose any shade with nuances. The paint is inexpensive, but it will last for a long time.
The only drawback is that the ceiling must be perfectly flat, otherwise you just can't do with painting.
Whitewashing is an outdated method, but it is still used. Expanded polystyrene plates are also used, it is difficult to call such a repair only environmentally friendly and modern. Do not give up the option of wallpapering the ceiling, you can achieve an interesting design using thick textured wallpaper.
And also the ceiling can be made of mirror plates, but it is not so easy to care for it. Modular suspended ceilings can be used and is a practical option. The plasterboard ceiling is not bad, but this design is not suitable for a small and low hallway. The most popular option is stretch ceilings. But there are claims to them, in particular, non-environmental friendliness.
How to equip?
A functional entrance hall assumes a calculation: what is superfluous, what you can do without, what makes the space cozy, what is the main design, what is the best in terms of practicality.
Try to achieve the following in the hallway:
- unity of style;
- the compatibility of furniture (but it does not have to be from the same set);
- color rolls;
- moderate and eye-catching decor;
- logistics of furniture placement (the bench should not be in the hall area, and the mirror should not be far from the light source).
Find an opportunity to organize a seating in the hallway, find a place for a large mirror. And in general Consider non-boring as the main idea of room design - in a modern interior there is a place for color, humor, and contrasts.
How to decorate?
The original interior of the hallway is a frequent query in search engines. And decor is the most affordable tool for creating such a design.
How to decorate the hallway:
- modern paintings and posters;
- large glass vases with a series of candles inside;
- beautiful shade-loving plants;
- designer ceramics;
- handmade decor (wreaths, macrame, paintings on wood cuts and more);
- mirror compositions;
- photographic portraits of household members.
The decor is definitely important - but it shouldn't be too much. Especially try not to allow the accumulation of small things in the hallway.
Lighting options
There are several rules for organizing lighting in the hallway and corridor:
- Low light - taboo, it distorts the perception of things in space, as well as the perception of oneself in the mirror;
- diffused light can be considered ideal, it can be achieved due to matte shades and the direction of the rays upward;
- the most illuminated place can be the entrance area, a light accent can also stand near the doors to the living room;
- spots and downlights - it is modern, a chandelier in the hallway is an outdated option for small rooms;
- decorative lighting used as a tool for decorating space.
Particularly noteworthy is the mirror area - there should be plenty of light here (bulbs around the perimeter, two side sconces, a light panel, and so on).
Typical mistakes
Most owners want the entrance hall to be functional, comfortable, in harmony with the rest of the apartment space. Using the example of typical mistakes, you can consider the diagram of the organization of the hallway.
- Refusal of the shelf for shoes. Some people think that hiding shoes in a closet is the best solution, but it is almost always doomed to failure. Shoes will be randomly lying around, and a shoe shelf brings order to the hallway space.
- Impractical floor. Inexpensive laminate will quickly "show character" in the form of its reaction to moisture and clogged joints.
- Little light. And this is the most common mistake of the hallway - an already devoid of natural light, a space without excess light becomes gloomy.
- All out. A lot of things on display create the impression of being cluttered. This does not mean that the hallway needs to be deprived of decor, but it should be thoughtful.
The most recognizable mistakes will help you avoid them in the repair, which means that you will equip the hallway correctly.
Interesting ideas
Very often a very simple idea looks creative and fashionable if it is undeservedly forgotten. For example, a seating area in a hallway often looks sparse and uninteresting. But a beautiful soft pouf or a comfortable bench with soft and original upholstery, next to which there is a shade-loving plant in a large flowerpot, this always enlivens the hallway.
If you definitely need a design solution, it can be an unexpected accent wall, a bright panel, or an unusual organization of space in the hallway. Often, a home library is placed here, if space permits. And it looks great: interest in the owners is growing, because the cult of books in the house is always attractive, especially if it is real.
If you want to transform the hallway without radical renovation, pay attention to interior stickers. They create completely new visual compositions on plain walls.
Antique dressers, hanging structures, bookcases with flowers and books, original housekeepers and hangers - there are a lot of opportunities to make a boring room stylish and cozy.
Beautiful examples
The most indicative are photo examples, in which you can see how the owners or designers managed to transform the space.
And these are interesting, unusual and stylish options for transforming the hallway.
- Bright entrance hall with laminate on the wall and clear geometry. Not a bad option for a small room with poor lighting.
- An olive suite, white walls, a comfortable and ergonomic organization is what you need for a narrow living room. The decor is beautiful in its moderate brightness.
- Restrained, strict, but at the same time modern and fresh. Very pleasant color of the walls, laconic furniture and decor that does not create overload. Such repairs can be called budgetary.
- The American style can be seen in this design. It is a functional organization of a hallway filled with light. The interesting laying of the flooring gives dynamism to the room, everything looks natural and environmentally friendly.
- Bold and fresh. The space is divided into a hall and an entrance hall, the decorative finishing of the hall wall echoes the cabinet in the hallway. Not gloomy, not dull, free and airy in such a room.
- Excellent laconic and simple design solutions for the hallway. Nothing superfluous, a lot of light and cleanliness, which in this version will be easy to maintain.
- The retro solution will look very nice in an apartment where you feel some nostalgia for the past, where there are vintage or deliberately aged things.
- If you have a non-standard layout, and there is a dressing room right in the hallway, such a solution can become a landmark. A narrow chest of drawers and laconic design distract attention from the modest size of the room.
- And this is an option for decorating the space, if the hallway in the apartment is very conditional. And yet, even this convention must be emphasized.
- An option that looks stylish but doesn't cost much. Fairly standard furniture, brick-like wallpaper, competent decor and good lighting - that's the whole secret.
Unusual and striking options do not have to be made an example, in the embodiment of which you cannot deviate. Spy on, combine, look for analogues and compromises, but in no case give up the hallway of your dreams!