Are you on a quest for great design ideas to upgrade your entry space? How do you impress guests the first time they walk in the door? This article will answer those questions and more, guiding you through practical, elegant, and innovative ideas to create a hallway that reflects your style and enhances your home’s functionality. We’ll talk about how switching your furniture and decor can really change any bathroom space, big or small.
Every idea you’ll see here uses modern design and smart layouts to make the most out of any space, but still keeps a sense of beauty. You might consider seating in a booth-style corridor, using geometric design in the hallway or choosing transitional hallways for a harmonious effect between rooms. Let’s discover how you can make your hallway stand out with simple, reliable tips.
Bold Accent Walls That Define the Hallway
A bold accent wall in the hallway is more than just a splash of color—it’s a statement of intent. It is common for me to encourage using contrasting colors or wallpaper with texture to quickly highlight and define the purpose of a transition area. It’s a quick way to bring color to your hallway without crowding the small space. Adding a bold wall can give any hallway a sense of modernity, respect and purpose.
The matte navy blue paint I’ve used is combined with picture frame molding or geometric wallpaper that has warm ochre coloring. They define your style, so you don’t have to worry about filling up every part of your space. You should use neutral furniture like an in-between console or a bench to draw attention to the wall. Include a thin mirror with a metal border or a vertical piece of art to use the wall beginning above your bed.
I’ve found clients regularly say the mailbox stand is the most complimented part of the mailbox. Architectural Digest states that using two rich colors like hunter green and charcoal gray, along with straight lines and little detail, will make smaller areas seem more luxurious. The purpose is to have just one element that handles most of the animation.
You can add interest to this section by using brick, fluted panels or even textured 3D tiles. Added texture makes a space special and more interesting, especially with gentle lights to highlight them.
Statement Lighting Fixtures to Illuminate Your Path
Adding lighting can story change the mood of the hallway. I see it as something special in interior design—useful, of course, but it should stand out as attractive and stylish as well. Lighting above a surface draws attention upward and gives an everyday room more detail. In every hallway, big or small, choosing the best light fixture can bring all your decorations together.
In big halls, I use pendant lights, while a chandelier matches well over square entryways. Globe lights that feature a gold or matt black finish are a modern choice. Using recessed lighting along the baseboards or wall sconces with interesting arms also gives you many layers of lighting without anything looking out of place. These models achieve a perfect balance between design and utility.
At one point, I installed groups of mini-pendants at varying heights along a client’s corridor. This lighting created a pleasant and stylish atmosphere by scattering light. Recently, Elle Decor showed that having varied lighting can make a room feel bigger, together with surfaces that reflect light such as mirrors or polished floors.
It’s also possible to control the brightness easily by adding dimmers to the fixtures. You should always feel comfortable passing through a hallway and that’s easy to create with the right lighting.
Mirrored Magic: Expanding Small Hallways Visually
Mirrors are a designer’s secret weapon—especially in cramped or narrow hallways. They let light through, open the room and seem to give the room depth. If your hallway is tight, I’d suggest using a large vertical mirror or covering one wall with mirrors. As soon as you include them, entries become open and appear more modern.
Type of frame matters as well. Opt for a metal frame in gold or bronze to add a little style that doesn’t overwhelm the room. If you prefer a simple style, think about using frames that aren’t attached. You can enhance the look of your space by placing a mirror in the door of a cabinet or setting it above a low countertop. Typically, I place a mirror next to a slimline bench and an umbrella stand so the entry is both useful and chic.
I’ve noticed that installing a wall mirror from floor to ceiling can make all the difference in city apartments. A strategically placed mirror helps distribute light and also doubles the style of the room it is in. Better Homes & Gardens explains that using oversized mirrors in hallways is now very common because of this.
If you find you need something else here, I would include some small reflective details like matching trays or lights that fit the theme.
Gallery Wall Ideas to Showcase Personality
Installing artwork on a gallery wall in a hallway sets a certain statement. You can use your walls to share a glimpse of you—through family photos, art, memory prints and more. Many times, I recommend mounting these artworks midway up a lit corridor so they direct guests around the space. Correctly chosen artwork can turn any hallway into a beautifully styled space.
To ensure a complimentary display, use frames that are black, white or natural wood in the beginning. For a symmetrical layout, use a template or else enjoy the variety with an uneven style that resembles a salon. It’s nice to mix and match different art sizes, making sure they all relate, either by being black and white or all about flowers and plants. Position a narrow bench or console under the display to give balance to your wall setup.
I put together vintage frames from flea markets with contemporary pieces when creating a hallway for my creative client. I found the difference between the two entertaining and meaningful to me. Many HGTV experts discuss how gallery walls can encourage dialog and create a better atmosphere in any space.
A great way to improve this idea would be to put lighting above the frames. Using spotlights in your home will help highlight your artwork, just as spotlights do in art museums.
Sleek Console Tables for Functional Style
One excellent way to make a hallway stylish and useful is by putting in a console table. If you’re looking for a console for a wide or medium-sized space, get a buffet—this way, you can easily keep keys, decor or mail without it seeming bulky. Streamlined furniture with drawers or a bottom shelf make storage practical and simple.
When the hallway is narrow, I choose clear acrylic which I prefer to matte black metal with a wooden top when the hall is longer. I commonly add a small sculpture plus a stack of books in a tall vase as décor. Using a round mirror or picture above your bed completes the overall look.
I’ve included this touch in lots of homes and it always makes the entryway better. Real Simple mentions that rounded edges or open shelving on a console can help lighten the look in a small space.
A good way to improve this section is by choosing a small upholstered stool or basket to place under the console for extra style and convenience.
Hallway Runners That Add Warmth and Texture
Textiles help give life to a hallway and a great runner does that especially well. I’d always suggest getting a hallway runner to soften the floor, reduce noise and show where you can walk. They can be very helpful in long, narrow places, where you want to direct both eyes and feet easily.
Among my selection, you’ll find natural wool rugs in neutral looks or patterns like herringbone, straight lines and Moroccan patterns. When designing spaces for many people, go for synthetic blends that handle stains and are easy to clean. There should be at least 4–6 inches between each wall and the edge of your runner in most of your hallway. Surround the runner with elements nearby, for example, floor lighting or a bench, to connect the area more.
Because pets or children can bring dirt, I typically suggest wise clients opt for designs that easily cover up stains. In 2025, House Beautiful advises using rugs both above and next to wood floors as a top way to bring extra comfort and color to these spots.
To take this idea even further, buy rug pads to increase your safety and comfort. Not only does a runner make the room look good, but it should feel wonderful to walk in and resist slips.
Creative Ceiling Designs That Add Drama
We are sometimes too focused on the walls when designing and forget to think about the ceiling which can add real impact in a hallway. Whether it’s paint, paneling, or molding, a dramatic ceiling draws the eye upward and creates architectural interest. I enjoy drawing attention to this frequently ignored surface by putting up coffered ceilings, bright colors or wallpaper.
Most recently, I’ve designed with matte black ceilings and golden light fixtures to achieve a moody style or utilized tongue-and-groove wood panels stained in warm oak for more of a rustic setting. If you add LED strip lighting to the parts of the ceiling that stand out, it can make your room appear more expensive. Do not add bright colors to the sides so that the attention can go to the ceiling.
I’ve noticed clients being impressed that their guests notice the ceiling first which was something they never predicted. According to Dwell Magazine, embracing strong contrasts or soft metallics on the ceiling makes a big impression in modern hallway design.
As a result, you could add crown molding or ceiling medallions for high-quality touches to your room. They look classic and blend the ceiling and wall together.
Built-In Storage to Maximize Narrow Hallways
Many homes do not use their hallways for storage as much as they could. I’ve often turned to built-in storage when it’s too tight for larger or bulky furniture. Wall cabinets or shelves that recess into the wall are a simple way to get organized and keep the area looking uncluttered. This method is perfect for housing where there isn’t enough space in the closet.
A lot of the time, I include closed cabinets below and open shelving on the top when creating built-ins. Inside the closets system, you will find things like shoes, cleaners and seasonal items. The open areas are where you display your books or decor items. Applying the same color to both wall and units makes the place appear cohesive. Choose push-to-open doors or remove much of the hardware to achieve a modern style.
A client told me the hallway area which had been simply a wasted area, became a new everyday useful space. The Spruce suggests that installing cabinets from floor to ceiling is best when your hallway has high ceilings, to avoid making the room look narrow.
When you’re ready to go further, you could add a charging dock, motion-sensor lights or a hidden drawer. Saving space is important, but it’s also about living in a smart way.
Decorative Wall Molding for Architectural Flair
Simply adding molding to your walls can make a plain hallway appear more upscale and interesting. When clients mention architectural detail without major work, I suggest this solution to them. Whether it’s classic wainscoting, picture frame molding, or minimalist vertical slats, molding can visually elongate walls and define zones in your corridor.
The half-wall panel with a ledge is my preferred choice for hang art or throw some decor on it. To add interest without taking over the space, I use paneling that covers the whole wall in MDF or natural wood. Choosing sage, warm white or powder blue for your walls adds a classic look that is also modern.
It seems to me that wall molding gives a space an instant touch of class. Designers are starting to use traditional wall treatments again, as they find they add charm and improve how the space is used, according to Veranda Magazine.
If this section were made wider, I’d suggest giving the molding integrated lighting and using a bit of metallic paint to make the shadows more noticeable.
Layered Lighting for Mood and Depth
Lighting is used for function and can also add emotion to your room. I believe it is important to have layered lighting throughout hallways to add both rhythm and depth to the space. It becomes most helpful in areas like dark or long corridors, as just one light can cast darkness into certain areas or flatten the room.
When I design, I use ambient lighting above along with wall sconces or recessed strip lights below shelving or steps. Warm LED lights highlighting the top of my wall paneling or artwork are always pleasing to me. By doing this, the harsh shadows disappear and the finished product stands out as carefully planned.
There was a series of ceiling lights recessed in the ceiling and paired with sconces in one hallway I designed. The place turned out gentle yet workable and the homeowners discovered they liked to use the hallway more due to its improved lighting. Many times, Interior Design Magazine notices that using several lighting sources makes a room look larger and accents any architectural features.
Take your lighting up a notch by letting smart controls change the brightness or color tone of your lights throughout the day.
Arched Doorways for a Soft, Elegant Transition
There’s a special charm to curved doorways. Often, I suggest using this architectural element to smooth out the strict lines of hallways and move from one room to the next in a seamless way. An archway makes a room feel sophisticated and personal.
I usually build arches using plaster and I give them a trim similar in style to the other elements in the house. Having a broad plaster arch painted the exact same shade as the wall creates a bold and sophisticated feel in today’s homes. If the design calls for it, I use elaborate molding to define the flowing line of the piece. A curved bench or half-moon console in the area matches the shape of the table perfectly.
Most clients say that arched doorways make their rooms appear more impressive. Many homeowners are requesting archways, Domino Magazine claims, because they make harsh corners softer and add a sophisticated touch that doesn’t look outdated.
To make a room more noticeable, you could add double arches, use lighting or add stained wood pieces that stick out against pale or white backgrounds.
Modern Hallway Color Palettes That Inspire
Getting the colors right in your hall makes a significant difference in setting its atmosphere. In my opinion, color can have the biggest impact—so in a connecting space, you should pick your colors carefully. With the right color, you can stretch the look of a hallway, let in light from outside or fill your space with a comforting ambiance.
Using muted olive, greige, dusty rose and deep charcoal really stands out when I do interiors. A room with darker colors will be cozy and artistic and one with lighter colors will be open and tidy. A lot of the time, I use a mix of vibrant colors and either light floors or reflective decorations to create balance. Using contrasting colors on the edges of windows or doors will keep the room from feeling overpowered.
I have personally noticed that painting a hallway can make the room look totally different. In the Benjamin Moore 2025 color outlook, soft earth tones and neutral chalky colors are popular since they offer peace and ease with decorating.
You could go even further by using several variations of a color on the ceiling, walls and after the craft to add a touch of depth.
Wood Paneling for a Classic or Rustic Touch
Instant warmth, interesting texture and a high level of craftsmanship are all noticeable with wood paneling in a hallway. I often use vertical slats, shiplap or wainscoting panels to give a welcoming or classic effect to long hallways. Wood looks rustic if finished with knots and cracks, coastally if neatly spaced and white and smooth and modern if unstained and carefully built.
I usually advise using white oak or walnut natural finishes with white or cream walls. Using gray or navy paint on paneling can make a room stand out more. In a hall or corridor that’s tall but narrow, let your wainscotting be vertical; horizontal pieces will widen a small space. A few metal accents and warm lamps will bring the room together.
Many people tell us that having this area adds a sense of completeness to their home. The interior design magazine Country Living states that wood paneling is making a comeback, mainly appearing where homes need warmth, after all, in entryways and entrances.
Another idea is to add hooks, picture rails or floating shelves into the paneling for a trendy way to use your space.
Oversized Artwork to Make a Bold Statement
One quick tip to brighten a hallway is with large pieces of art. In every home, I urge clients to include a large or bold piece to draw the eye and tie the whole room together. Long and narrow hallways make them great places to put art that stands out with its height or width.
What I typically buy are abstract prints, photos in black and white or vividly colored oil or acrylic paintings. The frame should either be thin and sleek or made of metal to let Dodie’s words stand out. Go for simple walls to allow your artwork to stand out alone. Most of the time, I put a picture light or spotlight above the painting to focus on it and create soft shadows.
It’s something I’ve noticed: homeowners usually find that having an impressive art piece in a hallway really brings out its gallery-like essence. The magazine Architectural Digest reports that trendy designers are putting big art pieces in less traditional locations, like entrances and halls, transforming them into spots worth visiting.
Try rotating your wall art during different months or hang a big piece of fabric to provide more texture.
Functional Seating with Built-In Benches
For me, the idea of useful hallways includes built-in benches. They’re ideal for hallways where you want to add storage and a seating space. You’ll commonly find that these benches come with drawers under the seats which help the hallway stay tidy and look stylish at the same time. They give the space an anchored look and make the area seem permanent, when loose furniture does not.
My favorite benches are those with underneath storage and a back either with coat hooks or a shelf. The clean look of this design is highlighted by adding vertical wood paneling or a gallery wall just above it. If the hallway furniture comes from a modern design, I prefer to pick items with clean lines and concealed push-to-open gliders. You can add warmth and style to a traditional home with a wooden bench and some large wicker baskets.
As someone with children, I find this kind of flooring perfect for homes with lots of people entering and exiting. It makes things much faster when you’re trying to get out of the house or dealing with guests. Shea McGee commoniously suggests adding built-ins like these in transitional areas because they give order and help save on space. You are so right—all they do is work.
Another way to finish this is by having overhead storage and sconces above the bench for a focal point. In this way, shape and purpose are supported and the focus is easy to see.
Plants and Greenery for a Natural Accent
Plants and green space can be the simplest thing to bring fun and life to your hallway. In hallways that are either narrow or dark, plants round off sharp angles and connect the room to the outdoors. I prefer to use a range of plants, including those on shelves or in pots or tall fiddle leaf figs placed in vacant corners around my room.
Because they thrive with little attention and look nice going up the wall, I tend to put snake plants or pothos in my hallways. When combined with ceramic or rattan pots, these pieces give texture and some soft colors to your space. For larger areas, I prefer to use a slender console filled with trailing ivy or a few small succulents to achieve a multi-textured appearance without making things overwhelming.
I always enjoy adding plants because they make any room visually soothing and cleaner. Joanna Gaines emphasizes that plants help to both transition between rooms and soften hard surfaces found in hallways. For me, adding several heights and leaf textures results in a better space.
I’d also suggest using LED grow lights in the ceiling spots alongside hallways that receive minimal sunlight. As a result, your greenery enjoys good health all year, without changing the décor you love.
Minimalist Hallways with Clean, Open Lines
The hall in such a house values empty space and being clearly organized. My main goal is to declutter, make things less complicated and include only clean and practical designs. Here, this design fits well in apartments and homes that are short on space, so the flow from one room to another is relaxed.
I like my space to have smooth white or light-grey walls, little or no trim and lighting that goes up on the walls rather than standing on the floor. A big abstract work or a modern mirror with just a border can provide a main focus in the room. I often pick polished concrete or wooden planks with a light finish to add more openness to the room.
What I appreciate most is how calm and elegant this method is. A hallway doesn’t have to be dramatic—it simply needs to direct people. For one hallway design, I decided to use floor lighting, matt black hardware and a floating sideboard. The story had a clear finish but didn’t become cold.
Creating a microcement or plaster texture on a wall can make the room look richer and more creative without changing the simplicity of the layout.
Wallpaper That Adds Texture and Character
If your hallway seems dull, you can quickly make it more lively by adding wallpaper. I frequently recommend using gentle, geometric-patterned or botanical wallpaper or perhaps damask with a vintage look, depending how the rest of the home is designed. With this trick, any hallway can feel more impressive right away.
Usually, I go with peel-and-stick materials to update my walls, but wallpaper with real texture such as grasscloth, can really add thickness and warmth. I really like the look of wallpaper above a chair rail and painted wood paneling below. Using this style in entryways or longer corridors produces balance and an elegant design.
For me, I’m always attracted to wallpaper that shares a story. I once chose a dark floral mural wallpaper for a client’s narrow hallway and it was both romantic and quite unexpected. Elle Decor recommends such statement walls to turn transitional zones into visual moments, and I couldn’t agree more.
To make the room more unified, I’d put in a runner rug that coordinated with the wallpaper and hung sconces with the same colors.
Lighting Tricks for Long, Dark Hallways
I often notice that poor lighting is a large design issue in many hallways. I handle this by using a few lighting techniques that help transform the dark passage into a cheery area. The combination of ceiling lights, wall lights and floor lights is my first choice, so that shadows are reduced and the space looks longer.
It’s best to use flush-mount or recessed LED lights in narrow hallways. For a longer route, I provide an even distribution of sconces along the walls which flows easily and emphasizes any outstanding features or architectural elements. Mirrors across from windows or light points will help brighten the room more naturally.
I set up LED strips that detect movement by motion on the baseboards in a client’s hallway. It would give me gentle tips at night and was really attractive. Architectural Digest’s lighting experts also focus on using soft, ambient light in the middle areas of a home to relieve eye strain and increase comfort.
Instead of leaving this section as bare bones, including some dimmers or smart lighting options will allow homeowners to set the perfect mood depending on what they are doing.
Floating Shelves for Decorative Displays
Floating shelves are a great solution for adding both convenience and a new vibe to a room. I find myself using them along narrow hallways for beautiful displays of art, pottery or small books. Floating shelves are wonderful because you can rearrange what you have on them as time goes on.
I find that using just 2 to 3 small, narrow wooden shelves arranged at different heights looks more interesting. The minimalist look is achieved by using brushed metal brackets or mounts you can’t see. I usually put framed mini prints together with these shelves or I like to light them up from below with some LED strips.
Using these shelves is one of my favorite methods to fill empty wall space. I created a hallway with shelves on the wall and strips of wooden panels nearby—it looks great and is very textured. Built-in or standing features often make a difference in transitional spaces, as HGTV often points out and I’ve noticed many times.
Adding one or two hanging planters or a live edge wood shelf, would give the arrangement more style.
Industrial Details That Add Modern Edge
People who want to make their hallways more exciting should consider industrial designs. To give a modern and urban style, I use exposed brick, blackened steel and distressed wood in my interior design. It is ideal for lofts or recently renewed city houses.
Usually, I’ll add matte black light fixtures, metal-edged mirrors and steel hardware above the baseboards in such rooms. A brushed cement finish on concrete brings out the modern look you want. An unexpected accent is often found in my displays with an old factory clock or a vintage wall sign.
I designed one of my most successful industrial hallways using raw wood paneling and shelving made from industrial pipes—the result felt both tough and even. I like to follow Dwell’s advice to mix hard industrial textures with soft materials on every project to maintain a homey feeling.
A great way to improve this section would be to add either a sliding barn door or some frosted glass partitions to keep the industrial design in every space.
Curved Hallway Features for a Fluid Look
Adding curved sections is an excellent way to make a transitional space more comfortable and beautiful. I tend to use light curves or inswings in the ceiling to make the design look modern but endure through the ages. They help make the hallways look less uniform, since straight lines take over in most areas. By using mural art, you can improve how your house looks from both sides and quickly improve the whole aesthetic.
To match the archways, I usually choose rounded ceiling trim and opt for a form of curved wall art instead of something square. Occasionally, I use herringbone floors or shaped runner rugs to highlight the natural curves in the home. Lighting along the line can match the movement as well; sconces arched or an LED path winding along makes the wall more interesting.
These curves catch the eye and help things look graceful in my opinion. An arc or arch adds purpose to the hallway instead of making it simply a passage. Architect Bobby McAlpine often points out that curves can make spaces more welcoming and alluring and I use that idea here, too—it serves the same purpose.
To improve this area more, I would bring in a concave bench or console to keep the architectural lines alive in both the physical space and how the area functions.
Vintage Decor Accents with Timeless Appeal
I always turn to vintage items whenever I want a hallway to feel friendly and unique. They make a space look organized and interesting while also resembling pieces that are part of a story. An old mirror, clock or painting gives your décor character and elegance without making it too busy.
I tend to blend vintage decorations with newer pieces in my home. For example, I’ll hang a gilt mirror above a contemporary console and set a vintage painting against a matte black wall. Old brass umbrella stands and coat racks made from reclaimed wood help to bring both usefulness and life to the hallway. Everything comes down to how contrasting and symmetrical the scene is.
A hallway that always caught my eye used vintage antique frames to present botanical drawings from the 1920s. I had the sense of walking around a little museum. Many designers emphasize that blending old and new items lets a room display emotions and this is shown well in hallway spaces.
I could end by adding something like a bench from recycled wood or a Persian-style rug to stay in line with the era without causing a visual problem with the rest of the home.
Under-Stair Hallway Nooks for Extra Function
In many homes, the hall at the bottom of the stairs doesn’t get enough use. I feel this would be a great spot for a productive and cosy area. Depending on the household’s needs, it can become a reading bench, storage area, pet zone, or even a mini mudroom. The key is to tailor it to the rhythm of the home’s daily use.
I usually start by fitting a custom cabinet to the stair slope and then place open shelves or drawers near the top to hold the needed items. Should the room be a reading nook, I will put in a bench with cushions, add sconce lighting and make space for a nearby bookshelf. When the space needs to be more useful, like for shoes and bags, I put up cubbies with baskets and hooks.
It’s something I’ve tried a few times and they’re a big success, especially in places where saving space is key. Architect Sarah Susanka champions finding useful ways to utilize the parts of a house that are easily missed. I completely agree—there is a lot of potential here.
If you want to take it a step further, using patterned wallpaper on the back wall or painting it with chalkboard paint for the children’s use would be a real nice touch.
Monochrome Hallway Themes That Pop
Picking a hall with only one or two main colors might look easy, but when done well, it looks amazing. I like to experiment with different tones of a hue to make a painting more harmonious. A black-and-white hallway always looks elegant, while a hallway in one color (blue or green, for example) can help set a calm or lively atmosphere.
My focus in these designs is putting texture on top of texture, rather than the colors. Matte walls standing against glossy tiles or worn-smooth trim provide contrast in the room without breaking the color scheme. Whatever the theme, the furniture and art are chosen to coordinate—for a grayscale example, you could display black metal, charcoal runners and white stone sculptures.
My experience tells me that a black-and-white hallway can be exciting as well as peaceful. A powder-blue hallway with velvet along the walls, a navy carpeted runner and pale blue doors gave the room a dreamy atmosphere. According to Amy Wax, the painting of hallways should consider the emotional effect color has and a combined color scheme helps change the mood smoothly and quietly as you walk.
To perfect this look, I’d recommend incorporating metallics (brushed brass or matte silver) sparingly to keep the space from feeling flat.
Smart Home Features in a Stylish Hallway
Instead of being only places to get from one place to another, today’s hallways have the potential to become intelligent and interconnected areas. I value adding technology to my home that both makes it more comfortable and uses energy more efficiently. New devices like motion detectors and touchscreen panels fit well into the right kind of hallway.
Many times, I suggest using sensor lights that follow natural light or how many people are in them, mainly in long or dark corridors. You can set up tablets or voice-assist panels to control thermostats, play music or manage security systems quietly. For additional cleverness, I’ve placed speakers in the walls and put charging areas in the hall cabinetry.
Clients always value these features—they reflect our advancements but fit perfectly. Smart editors for CNET say that adding smart technology to busy areas of your home boosts how much you can manage it. In my opinion, when these things are inserted in a gentle way, they add to the lifestyle without taking over the style of the room.
Following this, you can add a hidden drawer for keys and phones, controlled by a smart lock system or feed from a video doorbell—a great way to have all your command center options easy to use from the main hallway.
Hallway Dividers That Maintain Openness
In floor plans that merge space, trying to define a hallway often makes it feel shut off from the rest. That’s why using hallway dividers can be helpful. I add simple items like part walls, vertical slats or glass partitions to mark boundaries while still allowing light and movement through the space.
I prefer putting in slats made from wood or metal vertically between the hallway and the adjacent living areas. It keeps the corridor free to view and easily defined. If you need privacy but don’t like heavy walls, frosted or fluted glass is an excellent choice.
A design I did before had black-framed glass screens between the entry hall and dining room which gave us privacy and style in one simple move. Architectural Digest likes to highlight this design style when presenting new ideas in modern homes.
I’d like to add shelving in the divider to create a space that is both split up and good for displaying items.
Art Niches and Recessed Wall Displays
If you’re looking to turn your hallway into a gallery space, niches and wall displays for art are the right choice. The added features give your space a richer feel and open the opportunity to highlight your favorite items and artworks in an organized way. They use the empty vertical space found in screen designs.
I place these niches into the walls and light them using a recessed system. For a modern style, I pick out rectangular patterns that are lined with neutral shades. Each wall is just the right width to hold art, whether sculpture, pottery or framed art. For symmetry in a hallway, I make sure all niches are arranged evenly down one or both sides.
They have made the hallways in my home feel more custom and more luxurious. If you recess a niche and add some warm LED lights, any simple item can be a center of attention. Interior experts recommend that built-ins like this style both personalize your space and make the areas between rooms more engaging.
I’d go one step further by rotating the decorations; this helps the corridor feel new and creative no matter the season or your mood.
Booth-Style Hallway Seating With Storage
If your entry is long or narrow, I think it’s a great idea to use seating designed to provide comfort as well as storage space. This system works really well in today’s homes that need to be space-conscious. Adding benches to a wall in the room makes a cute spot to sit and also provides extra storage space. For me, it’s most useful in family homes when things start piling up by the door. The upholstery on these booths can blend with your hallway designs, adding both texture and softness where none was before.
I believe it’s best to add a seat that has lift-up lids or drawers for every booth. Having more space is nice for storing your shoes, umbrellas and any winter accessories. I often hook up hooks, add shelving or use cubbies above the seating to keep things such as keys, bags and mail in place. With warm oak, matte black handles and beige linen or faux leather upholstery, the seating can fit any style of home decor. Even in narrow hallways, more elegant seating can be very useful to make the space welcoming and planned out.
Based on what I’ve experienced, this system has made life so much easier at home. Visitors are asked to sit and put on shoes which stops dirty buildup on the floor. According to Nate Berkus, another top interior designer, using furniture with two uses helps to keep entryways tidy, colorful and pleasing. His comments prove that simplicity can still show a high level of design.
Adding a runner rug in an appropriate shade, some wall sconces for calm lighting and a mirror or artwork above the bench could make the section feel even better. Including such features would give it an attractive appearance, more balance and a practical family vibe.
Geometric Patterns for Modern Movement
I usually add some geometric patterns to a hallway to make it more active and unique. In homes with modern styles, these patterns can really make an exciting statement. No matter if walls are covered with wallpaper, tiled floors or painted, geometry provides structure and attracts our gaze through the room. I am especially drawn to this scheme when a hallway is especially long and doesn’t have anything of interest near the end.
An easy choice for many is black-and-white hexagonal floor tiles which are both stylish and help hide both scuff marks and dirt. A chevron or striped wall design gives energy and depth to any modern room. I prefer setting them against things like thin console tables or mirrors so the prints stand out while keeping the room comfortable. Even the shade colors are important; grey, navy and deep greens are best paired with white or cream.
Once I renovated a loft hallway for a client with an unusual layout, we put in a geometric feature wall on navy paint, with golden lines added softly. People began to share their views on this subject right away. Elle Décor once highlighted a similar approach, calling geometry “a classic way to frame a modern space with intention and art.” Because of their contribution, I now see that patterns add stability to the design.
For a more interesting look, I recommend putting in recessed lighting that will show the patterns softly or installing an abstract art work of your choice above the wall with the patterns. The idea is to turn your hallway into a gallery that feels clean, strong and placed with care.
Transitional Hallways That Connect With Style
These areas help you merge different design styles and link one space to another. I often design this space so that it connects opposite styles by using matching elements throughout. Rather than having harsh contrast, the style makes sure that color, shape and texture are balanced among adjacent rooms.
I tend to choose soft gray or taupe for wall paint to keep the room looking harmonious. I often use transitional furniture by matching a traditional console table with something contemporary, for example, a modern sculpture or adding a vintage runner rug to some modern lighting. You should try to repet the visual ideas seen in nearby rooms. If black iron appears in one room and you have light wood in the next, try adding a hallway bench or mirror that joins the two styles.
I have found that this method really helps to ease the movement from one design section to another. Standing out in one design was a white shiplap hallway joining a modern kitchen with a living room inspired by the sea. We utilized old brass sconces on the walls and surrounded them with art in wooden frames to join elements between the rooms. Joanna Saltz, design director of House Beautiful, once pointed out that hallways fit into the layout of any home and I share her opinion.
If you wish to make the hallway even more special, match the ceiling moldings to those in each room or build a continuous gallery wall with an easy-to-follow theme. Such little touches unite and uplift the look.
Luxury Touches for a High-End Entrance Look
If your goal is for your hall to instantly look luxurious, use chosen materials and polished designs. I tend to use this style in upmarket homes or for people who aim for a powerful first impression. We’re talking about marble floors, gold-outlined mirrors, velvet seating and crystal chandeliers. They all combine to make the experience feel like staying at a hotel.
I apply a marble or polished porcelain floor grout and color in neutral hues to make the space look clean. Then, I add a velvet bench or chair in either emerald or navy for even more depth. A console table with a stone or glass top on it stands out and also acts as a work surface. I like using large, beautiful mirrors that have gold outlines, as well as blending modern ceiling pendants with cozy sconce lights.
Everyone who sees it is always speechless. For a New York townhouse, our design team featured alabaster wall sconces and a custom onyx backlit mirror and their beauty was recognized in a Luxe Interiors + Design article. They point out that luxury comes from lighting and materials, more so than from the amount of space. I’ve seen this firsthand in my own projects.
Next time, you could consider adding a shoe cabinet built just for you plus a stand designed for your art. They improve the living space’s luxury, yet the design is still easy to use and unique.
When you use good looks, good use and clever ideas, your hallway can stand out dramatically. Whether you’re drawn to bold patterns, transitional elegance, or luxury finishes, there’s inspiration here for every home. Got a great hallway idea or wish to share how you’ve transformed your hallway? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
