A winning hallway idea is the first thing that greets you and your guests when walking through the door, yet they tend to be towards the bottom of our decorating priorities – how sad. But change ahoy – as your hallway is in fact, the best place to inject your personality and create a statement through decorating.

Set the tone for the rest of your home with hallway decor ideas that make the most out of what can be quite a neglected space. The latest modern hallways will have you eager to get on with updating your space as soon as possible, whether you need long and narrow hallway ideas, small and stuffy, or larger than life (lucky for some, hey.) 

From gorgeous but speedy fixes to complete revamps, you have options, options, options... 

BY HOLLY PHILLIPS, CHRISTINA CHRYSOSTOMOU. CONTRIBUTIONS FROM ANNA MORLEY 

Want the look of real wood for less? Try using vinyl for a savvy flooring solution. Opting for a gorgeous herringbone hallway flooring design such as this Luna Marilyn flooring is also an absolute classic so it will not only stand the test of footfall in this high-traffic area but also be a style that you can love long time.

Keeping essentials such as coats, shoes, and bags neat and tidy is the key to a winning hallway design. Investing in a modern storage system like an open wardrobe or clothes rail with shelves that can handle all manner of important bits and bobs while still looking good, will provide form and functionality plus extra style credentials to your space too. 

Hallways can often feel narrow and dark. Justyna Korczynska, color expert, Crown, gives her top tips on how to brighten up the hallway, especially useful in small hallways:

Bring in areas of a pale color that will reflect the available light – this could be in stripes or a series of checks or squares.

Try using metallic paint as a paint effect over a matt emulsion to add shine and reflection and bring a space to life.

Tones of white will obviously be a suitable color for a bright hallway and can look super stylish – especially if you think about painting woodwork something like a pale gray to give definition.

If you fancy donning the dungarees and getting your paint splatter on, learn how to paint a wall for streak-free, professional results.

Use the living room decor rules and install multiple light sources at varying heights in your hallway. An overhead pendant or chandelier not only makes a striking design statement but is practical for creating a welcoming space for meets and greets (or finding that hidden shoe). 

Lower level, ideally dimmable table lighting is ideal for a more ambient glow, perfect for when evening rolls around and the entranceway becomes background.  

Don’t just think about the walls - putting a new coat of paint on woodwork including staircases really helps to freshen and brighten a hallway. We love this striking staircase paint idea that features a blue ombre effect. 

Always keep dark tones at the bottom, and work through a palette of tonal shades, leading to the lightest at the top, to enhance the feeling of space, height, and light.  

A hallway should always feel warm and inviting so choosing the proper hallway lighting is key. Whether you’re opting for a number of lighting sources, you should always consider a statement ceiling light.

Julian Page, head of design at BHS Lighting, says: ‘Hallways are the first impression when entering a home. They should not only be welcoming but should also be the starting point for conversation. A statement light in an entranceway creates a focal point and for those with smaller spaces, it helps to lead the eyes up making the room feel larger.’ 

‘Pendant lights create a sense of coziness, especially when hung low, but also act as a statement piece. Wall lights are also another great lighting option. Not only do they light up larger areas such as hallways or staircases but can highlight interesting features in the space such as art or family photographs. If you decide to choose more of a sculptural wall light, this too can act as a piece of art in the home.’ 

Make a statement in your hallway with eye-catching designs that will withstand heavy footfall, whilst adding instant impact and interest to your space. Whether you opt for a staircase runner or a runner in the corridor, it will instantly create the illusion of an elongated space. 

Mike Richardson, general manager, Kersaint Cobb, says: ‘Runners made from 100% Sisal are practical flooring solutions as they are hard wearing and stain-resistant; making them perfectly suited to entranceways and stairs. Runners can be fitted on the stairs either as a standard carpet, attached with stair rods, or used as stand-alone hall runners.'

'A playful runner can provide an attractive focal point in the home and is an ideal way to experiment with patterns on a smaller scale without dominating the area. The hallway is often the first thing seen when entering a home, so it is important that your choice of flooring reflects your personal style and taste.’ 

Mark Williams and Niki Papadopoulos of Mark Williams Design, say: 'Hallways need to provide good flow, but they are also important visual destinations, especially in homes with more open plans. Where possible anchor the termination of a hallway with a substantial piece of art, wall decor, or furniture. 

This technique provides added depth and interest to explore what lies beyond. To create greater design continuity, consider adding ceiling-mounted lighting that complements or mirrors a larger light fixture in an adjoining room.’

Bring in hallway mirror to bounce the light around a narrow hallway and open up the space. Korczynska advises: 'You could buy lots of different shapes and sizes old and new then paint the frames the same color as the wall and group them together.'

Susan Currie, Susan Currie Design, says: 'I love adding mirrors to make hallways feel more expansive. It works especially well when you can install the mirrors on closet doors.  We also love seeing the reflection of adjoining rooms and they brighten the hall by bouncing light from chandeliers and any natural light flooding into the space.'

The organization is key in a hallway to keep it tidy and welcoming. Depending on the size and shape of your entryway will very much determine what you put in there. Utilize clever hallway storage to max out your space. 

Courtney Dickey, TS Adams Studio, says: 'A large hallway is a practical place for adding storage and shoe storage. Perhaps add a small desk for use as a remote workstation, or an antique bench and a shelf for towel and beach bag storage. To keep it playful, we use colorful artwork and accessories.’

Amy Stansfield, interiors writer, Wallsauce.com, says: ‘If you have a narrow entryway, choose a slim storage unit with tilting drawers so you can store all of your shoes inside! Alternatively, choose a slim bench with storage inside. These are handy to store shoes and winter coats in the summer. As well as this, they are great spots for sitting and putting your shoes on before heading out of the door. For those of you who have a large entryway, why not have a coat rack to hang your clothes, hats, and scarves?’

‘When it comes to key storage, there is a wide range of key hooks that you can easily grab before going out. Not only this, but they are great if you often lose your keys! Having somewhere to have a “key station” means you will always be able to find your keys in a rush.’

Take inspiration from stately homes of yesteryear, and use a blank hallway wall as an opportunity to display the family tree in all of its ancestral glory with an easy photo wall. And ta-dah - you’ll have a super personalized focal point that’s constantly evolving. Depending on preference, you can either match the frames to the wall color or paint them in color-pop contrast shades for a contemporary twist. 

Allison Babcock, Allison Babcock Design, says: ‘I’ve found that when designing client homes, displaying family photos can sometimes be a bit of a challenge because of the amount of them there are and the space they take up on the wall or on a console. That’s why in this particular project I utilized the upstairs hallway to create a chic gallery wall.'

'By using the same black frame in varied sizes and black-and-white photography, it looks extremely clean and intentional and fills up the space perfectly. It also allows for room to grow. You can start with a handful of frames and as your family grows or ages, add more. It really makes the hallway come alive and a talking point.’

In traditional hallways, where unique layouts rule, turn an unloved cubby or nook in connecting space, into a charming DIY bookshelf or seating moment. 

Babcock says: ‘I’ve worked with a lot of clients who live in older homes and anyone familiar with historic homes knows that often the original architecture and the overall flow of the space is not always practical.'

'Because of that, I have to get creative in my designs to reduce the pockets of impractical or unusable space. In this project, the upper staircase landing and hallway were extremely wide.'

'Rather than just throwing some art on the wall and leaving it, we decided to retrofit a window seat with a printed cushion and storage cubbies below. Now not only is it a cute seating area, but it also offers the client's children another place to stash their books.’

Get creative with dynamic hallway flooring for an impactful look, bursting with personality. 

Michel Cocke, CEO, 253 Houses, says: ‘Paint a striking harlequin design on a wooden floor and let the statement diamonds guide you towards the most fascinating pieces of your home. Solid shapes of variety utilized on entryways will add character without overpowering a space.’

If you’re feeling brave with painted floors, think outside of the mono box, and experiment with an energizing color like sunshine yellow.

Make the ultimate best first impression and ensure visitors ooh and ahh with admiration, with a pattern-packing, color-popping hallway wallpaper. Hallways really are the ultimate place to get creative and be brave with design choices!

Oshri Adri & Jillian Dahlman of Adri + Dahlman Interiors, say: ‘People often feel intimidated when decorating hallways as they often consist of various long walls. One way to easily decorate a hallway is to wallpaper the walls and extend the stair carpeting on the floors. After installing wallpaper, the walls don't feel empty any longer and the wallpaper itself becomes the interest needed to fill in large wall spaces in hallways.’ 

Stansfield says: ‘To open up a small hallway or to add style to this well-used room, opt for a wallpaper mural. After all, a hallway is the first thing guests see when they walk into your home. Let them know straight away that you have amazing interior design taste.’ 

And fear not, once you know how to hang wallpaper, you'll be able to freshen up every room in the house. The easiest way to DIY is to use the paste-the-wall method, according to experts.

Add a luxe look to your hallway with a sparkling statement chandelier. 

We love everything about this scheme from Carpetright. The textured ceiling works wonders when coupled with the luxury chandelier. However, this is contrasted with unstuffy informal details, such as the wooden flooring and jute doormat. 

Whether you've just moved into a new home, or fancy a weekend of redecorating, it can be frustrating to settle on just one shade. So if you're down to two swatches, it can be possible to include both.

This gorgeous idea by Crown Paints uses cornflower blue and a crisp white shade to create a dipped design that creates interest and cohesion. Be sure to equip yourself with masking tape and a spirit level for great results when painting doors yourself. 

Lilac is naturally relaxing and it can create a calming color scheme perfect for smaller hallway spaces. Add rustic furniture, and a mix of ceramic and glass vases for a cute country look.

If you have a home with history, the chances are you'd want a home that reflects its heritage. Why not impress guests with a taste of period decor near the front door?

Not everything needs to be new, so scan online marketplaces for secondhand cabinets and consoles. Don't worry about scuffs, scratches, and burrs ⁠— they all add lots of character to your interior scheme.

If you love this rich burgundy paint shade, shop Benjamin Moore New London Burgundy HC 61 and search antique or charity stores for lots of gold or brassy frames.

If you ask your kids (and guests) to remove their shoes before they walk into your home, using carpet is one of many hallway ideas that can keep your home clean and cozy. That, or using one of the best indoor doormats.

Bursting with light, the pastel pink door, and sandy carpet color will make your hallway feel bigger. Of course, the real design trick here is the hallway mirror which makes the most of the smallest room in the home by creating an illusion of a wider space.

Notice how the pink and beige theme comes together with the vase accessories in similar shades.

Is your Victorian home in need of a revamp? Then carry on reading as we've got ways to modernized this architectural style.

First and foremost – let's talk about that dreamy door. Yes, pink is not for everybody, but where the walls and banister is kept relatively neutral, it's a welcome addition to an otherwise traditional space.

To keep in line with these modern additions, the owner has introduced a round, wooden shelving.

Once you've prioritized other rooms, it can seem that your hallway ideas are an afterthought. So if you haven't got a budget for expensive details ⁠— don't fret. Luxury vinyl floor tiles are ideally suited for this high footfall area.

Using the same design in different colors, this idea zones the home and gives it direction. Using white on the back wall of the dining area draws the eye to the end of the room and gives the illusion of a lengthy corridor. It's also parallel to a similarly-colored stairway which also helps trick the eye.

If you want to make a regal entrance for your family ⁠— choose a royal blue scheme. Smart and sophisticated, this jewel-like, sapphire shade can even make small hallway ideas look expensive. 

Forget the red carpet, it's all about the blue carpet. And don't forget to crown your banister with this beautiful color too. It's the perfect suitor for your staircase.

Marvelously modern, herringbone or broken twill weave tiles are a fail-safe way to introduce patterns into your home if it's not usually your thing.

While it's a modern-looking motif, it can suit older properties too. Here, it's been paired with berry-colored wall paneling design and an elegant table in the entryway.

Whether you're dashing out of the door in your Sunday best, or shyly accepting mail in your dressing gown, there's always a reason to celebrate your hallway with a traditional look.

And, we're heading to the roaring twenties for tile inspo. Using just two colors, this monochrome checkered floor looks classy by itself, but even better when combined with beautifully gothic stain-glassed door panels.

Investing in a rattan console stand can revive your space and give it an exotic vibe. To complete the look, add an Aztec print or globally-inspired accessories and use lots of houseplants or cacti to create a tropical atmosphere.

Green is the color of the season it seems. From sage green bathroom to cool, cucumber-colored kitchens, we can't get enough of this soothing shade.

So if you've had a stressful day at work, or need a color that screams Carpe diem, this hue works hard to put you in the right headspace at home.

This idea by Dulux requires a bit of masking tape to make it work. In this hallway idea, they've used Chiffon White 1, Highland Falls 2, and Highland Falls 4. But feel free to use an alternate combination of gradients to make this work in your home.

If the thought of floating or fixed shelving feels a bit 'messy' in a hallway, consider placing a cabinet in an alcove to display a curated edit of your best homewares.

While this hallway idea uses white and cream tones for the foundation, notice how the inserts have been given a pretty polka dot makeover. Using off-cuts or samples of a hallway wallpaper idea can provide cohesion without straying too far from your angelic aesthetic.

Hallways are such great spaces to be a bit bolder with your color choices. They are usually smaller spaces that we just pass through, so this means you can afford to be braver in the colors you go for ⁠— have fun with the space and use it to reflect your personal style. But you do have to think carefully when picking a scheme because not all shades are going to work if your space lacks natural light, as most entries do.

Our advice would be to avoid any dark, strong colors that are going to make the space feel gloomy. That's not to say you can't use darker colors in a hallway, just keep them softer with warmer undertones. 

Always order swatches and test out your potential colors in your space.

Just because hallways are often the smallest space in your home, that doesn't mean they can't squeeze in some functional furniture. These spaces are landing areas, they need a small console table to store your keys, lipsticks, dog leads, etc.

Or maybe a compact bench would be a better use of your space, somewhere to perch while you put on shoes (or impatiently open all of the deliveries). Benches can double up as places to dump, sorry we mean, neatly store bags.

Just because hallways are small spaces, that definitely doesn't mean that they have to be void of any personality. Prints take up zero of that precious floor space, and cute baskets can double up as storage, you might even be able to squeeze in a houseplant to bring a bit of life to the space. 

Adding hooks to your walls is a good way to accessories too. Go and steal some pieces from your closet to decorate with and add a bit of texture to those walls. Bags and straw hats are still all over Pinterest, plus it makes sense to have these near the door so it's not all about the aesthetic, there's some practicality here too. 

Now if you are totally redesigning a traditional hallway, rather than just redecorating, flooring is what you are going to be wanting to think about first.

We cover loads of different options here but do consider your flooring as a way to bring in some style and color to the space, as well as being a practical choice.

For us, that means tiles. They are easy to clean, can handle wear and tear, but look gorgeous too. And you can always soften them up by throwing down a runner. 

Creating the illusion of a bright, airy space is best achieved by opting for a neutral color scheme, especially if you are designing a small hallway.

Maximize natural light with white walls, a large mirror design, and furniture that (almost) blends into the rest of the scheme if you like the idea of a spacious, minimalist-inspired hallway design.

As much as we love a neutral scheme, you can't beat a darker, inkier hallway paint idea. And we can't get enough of this rich, dark green scheme.

Not only does this hallway idea fill the space with personality, but it also makes the space warm and inviting which is exactly the vibe you should be after in a hallway.

If green doesn't appeal, perhaps this gorgeous mauve shade will. Another of our favorite ideas for hallways, it's a color that promises to work in all seasons, especially when paired with a more neutral carpet.

Or even a carpet with a natural finish ⁠— something like seagrass would work really well. However, if you're picking a bold, deep shade for your walls, white woodwork to reflect as much light as possible is a must.

Does your hallway always feel a bit cold? You can combat that by choosing warm and welcoming hues. We love this muted coral shade and how it's balanced with the crisp white floorboards.

The natural textures add some interest and give the space a lovely modern rustic vibe. Note the addition of the runner too, for subtle pattern, softness underfoot, and, of course, practicality.

If your hallway opens straight into your kitchen or living space or you have a really small home that's tight on space all around, blending the decor and furnishings from the hallway into the adjoining room is a must. Why? Because doing so will create a one-space feel that helps make it look and feel bigger. 

Use a few different tones of the same color to create a calming, cohesive hallway design. We love how a darker blue has been used on the woodwork in this hallway, but the walls have been kept a lighter color that really lengthens the space. The blue floor tiles bring the whole look together, and that pop of yellow? Perfection. 

We are totally sold on this slightly more unfitted, rustic hallway decorating idea – and it's easy to recreate with white walls and a set of green in/outdoor cabinets and shelving units. Of course, you could just pick a paint color you love and paint your hallway furniture to coordinate. 

We love how in the hallway idea, an old chest of drawers has been painted in a lovely bright blue which contrasts so well against the rest of the monochrome hallway. Before you buy a new piece for your hallway, shop your own home, you might find there is some furniture going unloved in another room that would make for a great bit of hallway storage, all it needs is a lick of paint.

If you like the idea of experimenting with bright colors but can't commit to an entire hallway, consider copying this fab hallway decorating idea and incorporating color into your space on the inside of your front door. A bright shade of yellow is pretty happiness-inducing, but we also like the idea of a light pink if you're after something slightly more subtle.

If subtle and neutral aren't your thing, consider choosing a bold wallpaper to add interest to your space. You can either opt for a (slightly more subtle) feature wall, as seen in the hallway idea above, or go all out with a bold print and dark scheme. 

Wall paneling is back in vogue and we're totally here for it, especially in the hallway. Not only does paneling add a slightly more sophisticated feel to a space, but it also offers a unique opportunity to add color without having to commit to using it from floor to ceiling. Go on - have a bash at a DIY board and batten wall and change up your space instantly with a textural dimension. 

Alternatively, if wall panels aren't an option, you could think about trying color blocking in your hallway. This requires that you use one color to paint up to paint from the floor up to a certain height, then choose another color for use up to the ceiling. 

Here white and a pretty millennial pink have been used, but you could choose whatever combination of colors you'd prefer.

We love this idea – these painted stairs have been given instant character with stickers. Simply peel and stick and you've got a whole new staircase.

If you've got plain wooden floorboards in your hallway, an easy way to add pattern to them is to simply throw down a rug... but if you want to go a step further, adding a tile pattern to the floorboards is a brilliant way to up the interest.

Use suitable floor paints and stick to a very muted scheme like this one for the best effect – you want the floor to add character, not be the focus. 

If natural light is limited, it's important that you invest in quality hallway lighting that illuminates your space and makes it easier to navigate on dark mornings ⁠— anything to make it easier to get up in the morning. 

Here a stunning pendant light has been used to enhance the pared-back, boho style of this space, adding height and texture with ease.

You can easily add interest to a white-painted hallway (presumably you've chosen that color because it's light-reflecting and easy to maintain) with a gallery wall, created with prints, wall art, and treasured mementos. 

You could go for a slightly more cohesive gallery wall if that's slightly more your style. We love the neutral tones of these prints and how they perfectly bring together the darker and lighter hues going on in this space. 

Sliding doors, or barn doors as they are also known, are a great option for small hallways as they take up much less space than a conventional door and blend seamlessly into a scheme if painted the same paint color. Plus, we think they look pretty stylish. This gorgeous idea is a great example of just how well sliding doors can work. You could even look into how to install pocket doors.

This makes great sense to do ⁠— it's a good way to add pattern, interest, and even a feeling of luxury to an otherwise unloved space, and it's brilliant for keeping out the cold. And you know what draughts bring with them? Dirt and noise, too. 

If you are going with this hallway idea to hang a curtain over the front door, here's what to know: first, the curtain either needs to be hung from a rail that's fixed to the back of the door ⁠— and this is what you'll have to do if the hallway is narrow like this one – or it will need to be on a rail that extends to the side of the door so that there's enough room to pull the curtain right back so that you can get the door open. 

Second? A lined door curtain is best because it brings better insulation, but if your door is glazed, bear in mind that the lining is what's on show from outside (so you'll want it to look good).

Interiors Instagrammer Marieke (follow her account  @whisperingbold for more gorgeous ideas) transformed her drab hallway tiles into something amazing using a very easy trick: tile stickers. 

Literally, vinyl tiles that you peel the back off and stick over your original tiles. It takes a day at most  (with coffee breaks, of course) to completely cover your old flooring. It looks totally stunning on this hallway floor but would work just as well in a kitchen or bathroom too.

We love how the monochrome works with the colors of the stained glass and the belly baskets add the perfect amount of interest and texture. The best part? You could do this makeover yourself for under £50 – check out places like Etsy, B&Q, and Wayfair for plenty of stylish options. If you are after the exact same tiles used by Marieke, they are from Moon Wall Stickers. You can also pick up baskets similar to these from Amazon really cheaply, pop in some house plants, and you're done!

Picking a hallway carpet is a tricky job: you might not love the pattern, but it's a real must-have in a space that will see so much traffic. Why? Well, for one, the hallway is going to gather everything from muddy footprints to leaves that blow through the front door, all of which will show up less obviously on the pattern; and wear and tear are also less evident on a patterned carpet.

Can't handle the graphics of this one? Look for a hallway carpet with a speckled design that is subtler but will do the job, or opt for a practical and stylish hallway rug.

The bonus of runners on hallway stairs: they add color and character to a space that's sometimes too narrow to furnish with much more than a mirror, a shelf, and artwork; they provide comfort underfoot, and they cut down on creaking stairs ⁠— all-important when you have a partner or teenager who likes to come to bed later than you...

If the priority for your space is maximizing functional hallway storage ideas, find options that are visually appealing as well as practical. 

We can all install a great big run of shallow cabinetry to make our hallway storage really vast. But doing so will just make our hallways feel smaller, narrower, and character-free. So, do what's been done above and make the storage into an opportunity to add seating.

Forget the weird coat tripod in the middle of this hallway – the real focus should be on those wall-hung solutions. 

There's everything there for coats, hats, bags... Then all those annoying pieces of clutter that get in the way or get lost (keys, paperwork, stuff) are all kept neatly on the pegboard. The clever touch? The mirror with the wall light directed at it - it reflects the light and keeps the space feeling roomy. 

Using vertical space in a hallway is a must, so install tall, shallow cabinets, shoe stores, or even shelving to make the most of a blank wall. Blend them into the space by keeping them neutral ⁠— or matching them to the wall behind. 

If you're blessed with a large hallway, you may be wondering how to make the most of the space and prevent it from feeling too sparse. Well, friends, it's time you met the console table.

A stylish addition to any modern hallway, a console table not only offers a space to store keys and other essentials, but it will also draw the eye and make your hallway look a little more interesting. Style with a mixture of vases, lamps, and baskets or something a little more unique like the gorgeous wooden door panels above.

Even modest-sized homes have decent under stair storage space that is usually massively under-exploited. Make the most of yours by putting in a central door to create a spacious cupboard for large items (or lots of small ones); a door beneath the bottom steps for seldom-used items; and use leftover space for a shelved-out niche. 

Hallways have a tendency to be dark spaces – we've all experienced rummaging around in the dark looking for keys ⁠— so we'd recommend considering how you can incorporate as much natural light as possible into your space while designing it.

This might mean installing a front door with windows instead of solid panels or restoring the original leaded lights of Victorian or Edwardian front doors. 

Just like a mirror, reflective wallpaper will help bring more light into a hallway and can enhance the size of your space is small. We get that metallic wallpaper has a bit of a bad rep, but check out a design like Cole & Son's Salvage, which has a very slight almost aged-looking shimmer.