Decorating Guides
6 Ways to Add Oomph to Your Hallway
This transient, forlorn space has been neglected enough already! Here are ways to make the passages in your home shine
While it is expected that you do up the various areas of the house, the entrance or the connecting passages are usually ignored or given last preference when it comes to styling. We usually think of these spaces as void areas leading from one room to the other, almost unworthy of anybody’s attention. But these neglected nooks if styled correctly can fetch you awe-stricken admiration and can add serious oomph to your home. Find out how these mini-tunnels can be brightened up through these simple ways.
2. Allow vanity, add a mirror
Who doesn’t like to look at themselves? And what better way to welcome someone into your home than by giving them a chance to gather themselves? More importantly, mirrors are a great way to add depth and space to a small area.
I prefer vintage mirrors but go with the style that appeals to you the most. They can be as modern as starburst and porthole mirrors or as vintage as the one with scallop edges. The important thing is to position the mirror correctly so that it makes the most impact. Of course, you will have to keep in mind the dimensions of the hallway.
Tip: You can use a light fixture near the mirror so the effect is amped up.
8 Ways to a Makeover With Mirrors
Who doesn’t like to look at themselves? And what better way to welcome someone into your home than by giving them a chance to gather themselves? More importantly, mirrors are a great way to add depth and space to a small area.
I prefer vintage mirrors but go with the style that appeals to you the most. They can be as modern as starburst and porthole mirrors or as vintage as the one with scallop edges. The important thing is to position the mirror correctly so that it makes the most impact. Of course, you will have to keep in mind the dimensions of the hallway.
Tip: You can use a light fixture near the mirror so the effect is amped up.
8 Ways to a Makeover With Mirrors
3. Add a piece of furniture or a rug
We don’t think of keeping any furniture in the hallway because honestly, who would sit in a passage, right? Wrong.
If the space allows it and if done up thoughtfully, it could become a charming in-transit-like lounge area. An upholstered bench running on the one side could be lovely along with a long, horizontal mirror at the opposite end. You could use trunks or side tables to accompany the slim seating. For furnishings, a Bohemian or a Turkish rug can do wonders.
We don’t think of keeping any furniture in the hallway because honestly, who would sit in a passage, right? Wrong.
If the space allows it and if done up thoughtfully, it could become a charming in-transit-like lounge area. An upholstered bench running on the one side could be lovely along with a long, horizontal mirror at the opposite end. You could use trunks or side tables to accompany the slim seating. For furnishings, a Bohemian or a Turkish rug can do wonders.
4. Bring in light and sound
Don’t let your guests feel as if they are entering a dungeon when they enter your home. It is imperative that you light up the entrance passage well if it is a dark space. Even if it is a connecting passage, trust me, no one enjoys a dark, dimly lit corridor.
Use horizontal, flat lights that don’t eat too much height of the hallway – medium-sized chandeliers can be used too. If ceiling height doesn’t permit an overhead light, consider table or floor lamps. Now add sound to the mix; hang fengshui chimes in this area. They can be a wonderful source of soul soothing music, as if emanating from the deep recesses of a space.
5 Tips on Lighting Your House Right
Don’t let your guests feel as if they are entering a dungeon when they enter your home. It is imperative that you light up the entrance passage well if it is a dark space. Even if it is a connecting passage, trust me, no one enjoys a dark, dimly lit corridor.
Use horizontal, flat lights that don’t eat too much height of the hallway – medium-sized chandeliers can be used too. If ceiling height doesn’t permit an overhead light, consider table or floor lamps. Now add sound to the mix; hang fengshui chimes in this area. They can be a wonderful source of soul soothing music, as if emanating from the deep recesses of a space.
5 Tips on Lighting Your House Right
5. Design a walk-in library
Well, who would have thought of that! If you have some space width-wise then create shelves. And stack them up with books. Won’t it be great to walk through a gallery full of books every time you go from one room to another? Sigh, I want.
Well, who would have thought of that! If you have some space width-wise then create shelves. And stack them up with books. Won’t it be great to walk through a gallery full of books every time you go from one room to another? Sigh, I want.
6. Let the kids draw on it
We love to boast about our children’s artwork and their creativity. What would be better than to showcase it where everyone can see it? Use chalkboard paint, install a chalkboard or stick one of those big, blackboard stickers that can be easily ordered over the internet. Now let this be your little artist’s canvas. It’s a win-win. The kids get a whole wall to scribble and draw on and you get to be the proud parent who shows it off to the guests.
We love to boast about our children’s artwork and their creativity. What would be better than to showcase it where everyone can see it? Use chalkboard paint, install a chalkboard or stick one of those big, blackboard stickers that can be easily ordered over the internet. Now let this be your little artist’s canvas. It’s a win-win. The kids get a whole wall to scribble and draw on and you get to be the proud parent who shows it off to the guests.
These suggestions will go a long way in turning that neglected passageway into a talking point with visitors and family alike. Also, save up these thoughts and use them creatively in the other parts of the house as well. There are no rules when it comes to doing up your own home. Your home is a space that is only yours, and it should reflect your preferences.
Read more:
Smart Storage Solutions for All Spaces
8 Space Saving Solutions
Tell us:
Share photos of the passages in your home. Tell us what you did to style them up in the Comments section below.
Read more:
Smart Storage Solutions for All Spaces
8 Space Saving Solutions
Tell us:
Share photos of the passages in your home. Tell us what you did to style them up in the Comments section below.
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Because passages and entry hallways are usually small and narrow, we tend to give up quickly on styling alternatives for these tough spaces. One quick, and my favourite, way is to do up the space with photo frames. Memories are so important to us, and what’s better than framing those memories for posterity.
The frames don’t necessarily have to be similar or monochromatic. There is a lot of scope for mixing sizes with shapes and colours. But the key lies in deciding what needs to go up on the walls. Is it going to be family photographs, pop art, posters, print or a mix of all?Choices are endless…