Hallways can be tricky when it comes to interior styling. When I work with clients, I consider several factors with their hallway. These factors include length, width, natural light and artificial light, floor surface finish, and wall surface finish. Another thing I factor into when styling a hallway is its location and purpose. So here are my top 5 tips for your hallway you need to know before you buy a console table.
1) Width of your hallway
Most people either want to put something on the walls for example wood paneling or wainscoting or art. I think what you do to the walls of your hallway depends on the width.
If your hallway is narrow, then art on the walls make your hallway feel even more narrow. Also, I think art is best viewed from a distance rather than walking past it.
So, for a hallway, I would consider a different finish for the walls. You choose a feature colour or wallpaper as a treatment.
What you choose to do to your hallway walls depends on your interior design style goal. It also depends on your colour scheme, which ideally you should decide on first.
2) Interior style goal and colour scheme
Having an interior design strategy is one of the first things I develop and confirm with my clients. This is knowing your interior style goal and colour scheme from the beginning.
Your interior design strategy will help you decide what to do with your hallway. It will also guide you on how to treat its two key surfaces: the floor and wall.
For example, it means the difference between a taupe paint colour if your interior style goal is Boho. Alternatively, it means wainscoting if your interior style goal is Hamptonis.
3) Length of your hallway
The length of your hallway is another factor to consider. Most hallways will have a hard floor surface like floorboards or tiles. So, you want to a runner for warmth and sound absorption.
If you have a long hallway, then you want two runners. This will depend on the width of your hallway. If you have a wide hallway, it work better to have a standard sized rug.
In a long hallway you also want decent light. Low light suffices depending on purpose. For example, if your hallway is just used to wall through rather than used as a dump zone.
For a short hallway, you not want to do anything to the walls. You’re not spending enough time in this space. It’s not big enough to treat the walls per se.
4) Function of your hallway
Is your hallway a walk through and or a dump zone? If located near the entrance then you use it to dump some stuff like keys, bags and jackets. If so, then make sure the pieces you buy for your dump zone are fit for purpose.
The pieces be a console table or a key and or coat rack. This totally depends on your specific functional requirements.
You want something aesthetic if there are no specific functional requirements. Consider a console table with a nice vase and foliage. As mentioned above, consider the width of your hallway. Don’t overcrowd it with a deep console table.
5) Light in your hallway
The last thing to factor into your hallway styling is the light. You have some natural light but most likely you will need some kind of artificial light. There is an opportunity to do something interesting with lighting.
Rather than standard down lights in the ceiling you do sensored LED strip lighting along the skirting. You also do suitable wall sconces as well.
The lighting you choose will factor in all the above like width, length, and function of your hallway. Consider these 5 tips for your hallway. They will ensure you can bring some wow factor to the hallway in your home.
Photo by Point3D Commercial Imaging Ltd. on Unsplash
