From Ho-Hum to Handsome: 5 Tips to Smarten Up Your Hallways

Hallways are probably home's most awkward spaces. They always get the brunt--since they are not actual rooms, they are forced to be used as anything your imagination takes you. Hallways become storage rooms, indoor gardens or maybe even an extension of the washroom. But that is not to be.

Your hallway should have an identity, just as any other part in your home. This is important. It connects one room to another, from the entry to the kitchens, to the living room and the rest of the bedrooms. You want to fill in the muted gaps as your family and guests walk into the narrow foyer. If you're looking for fresh ideas to dapper up these spaces, chug on to these inspirations below.

Light it up

Most hallways don't have windows, which is why they end up looking dark and unwelcoming. Brighten up the space by installing adequate lighting. Our suggestion? A handsome pendant light overhead, just to add a touch of style in the space. If your hallway is long and wide, adding a series of pendants can make a statement, especially in the entrance hall. For narrow hallways beside rooms, we're loving the idea of installing track lights. Natural lighting is best. During night time, this hallway gets illuminated by a row of handsome pendant lights.

Small apartments can make use of pendant lights, like this narrow, monochromatic interior. Here, a solitary bulb casts a nice light overhead, greeting the homeowner as they step in their apartment. 

For small inner hallways, track lights work best as they put the focus on your favourite things; for instance, this charming bookshelf carved at the portion of the hall. 

Rigging the rug:

One way to identify your hallway’s floor space is to place a rug. Long runners create a nice expanse over the hall, also adding a splash of colour on the otherwise muted tone. This charming Moroccan rug nicely blends in with the earthy tones of the interior. 

Long stairs? Turn the boring steps into brilliant with a colourful rug featuring a series of shapes and patterns. 

Furniture Favourites:

Hallways would look less empty once you feature a few of your favourite things. A noteworthy couch against a series of gallery already invites guests to stay for a while and admire the artistic space. For maximum comfort, why not throw in a few pillows? This added aesthetic gives more character to the seating. 

And if you’re all about décor, why not spice up the area with a glamorous looking chest to contain your essentials? Decorate it with a lamp and a flower vase for a sweet, feminine effect.

Dramatic doors:

Say goodbye to old, passé hallways by installing a remarkable door. Cop off from some of our favourites:

This black farmhouse entry exudes with a strong masculine flair.

The bright colours from this meticulous glass-stained mosaic is a sure stunner. 

Make it functional:

No, don’t just leave your hallways in the sidelines. Let people come to it with intent. Utilize the empty spaces for your mini-galleries, DIY bookshelves, hat-hangers, and more. The colours from these objects are enough to make the area appear livelier than before.

Hats off to this hallway, which was smartly equipped with hooks and hangers to put galleries and head covers and display. We also adore the charming bowl pendant light hanging overhead! 

The splash of metallic in this earthy interior puts a tinge of a royal touch in an otherwise bland palette.

Found your favourite hallway look? Let us know your thoughts by commenting below!

Images via Fat Shack Vintage Pinterest Board - Hallways Inspiration.