As the first thing you see when you walk through the door, your hallway should make a strong first impression. However, combining functionality with style – the two key ingredients of a well-designed entrance – in a compact space is no easy task.
While small hallway ideas can be challenging to get right, there are plenty of tricks interior designers use to make these spaces feel bigger and brighter, from clever mirror placement to nailing the lighting design.
Below, we explain how to create the illusion of more space and light in a small hallway, using first-hand advice from the experts themselves.
1. Opt for built-in storage solutions
Built-in storage is always a good idea, particularly if you're working with a smaller space. Not only does it make the most of every inch available thanks to its custom-built design, but it can also double as multifunctional furniture, such as a built-in seating nook.
"Fitted storage can use the full height and width available, including awkward corners or shallow sections of wall that might otherwise be overlooked," says Gail Bignell, Head of Design at Sharps.
"By keeping more behind closed doors, clearing the floor and reducing the number of things interrupting the eyeline, the hallway feels wider, less enclosed and much easier to move through
With a deep understanding of how people really live, Gail helps shape Sharps’ design direction across bedrooms, home offices and living spaces. Her work focuses on creating fitted furniture that makes better use of space, while feeling natural to the home and the people who live there.
2. Use mirrors to create the illusion of space
It's amazing what a carefully placed mirror can do for a small hallway, helping to make a compact space look bigger and brighter by reflecting available light. Try placing a mirror opposite a window, glazed door or at the end of the hallway and you'll be blown away by the results.
“When it comes to choosing the best mirror for your hallway space, think about what might complement the other items in the area. If your fixtures and furniture mainly feature straight lines and minimal design, you could soften and balance the hard angles by using a round or oval mirror," says Melissa Denham, interior design expert at Hammonds Furniture.
“If you’re looking to create more of a statement or just want to fill more wall space, a large square or rectangle mirror will do that and reflect a lot of light on the opposite wall and ceiling.”
Shop these space-enhancing mirrors
Available with silver, gold, or black trim, this handmade mirror will add a touch of Scandi style to your hallway.
Steal the look above by adding this modern round mirror to your entranceway.
With over two decades of experience designing and delivering interior projects, Melissa creates stunning interiors for residential projects as well as events, workspaces and showroom staging. She aids clients in creating their vision of a dream space through her interior design expertise and creative eye.
3. Get your hallway lighting right
The darker your hallway is, the more confined it will feel, Melissa Denham explains. With that in mind, implementing well-strategised hallway lighting ideas should be at the top of your priority list when it comes to brightening a dingy-feeling entrance.
“If your hallway has a low ceiling, stay away from pendant lighting. They can bring the ceiling down and make your space feel cramped. The same goes for a spotlight. Having one light in the centre of your hallway creates a single pool of light that’s ineffective for lighting your whole space," Melissa says.
“Instead, try spotlights that are scattered across your ceiling or specifically in the corners. By lighting the corners of your room, you’ll spread the focus and make it appear bigger."
Illuminate your hallway with these beautiful satin brass spotlights, pre-fitted with dimmable, fire-rated LEDs.
4. Use understairs storage to your advantage
Hallways can quickly become a dumping ground for shoes, bags, and coats, making a small space feel even more cramped and claustrophobic. That's where understairs storage comes in handy – it's the perfect hidden spot to conceal everyday clutter.
"Hallway storage ideas for small spaces come into their own when you consider what other hidden or unused space is available. For example, if your staircase has a void underneath, this could be a location to install built-in storage cupboards to help free up valuable hallway space," says Melissa Denham.
"You can tailor the fixtures and fittings to house all the things you need within reach of your entrance. The tall part of your understairs is perfect for a coat rail, while the lower sections could be a good spot for things like paperwork, stationery or a printer."
5. Choose your flooring carefully to enhance space
As one of the most-used areas in the home, hardwearing hallway flooring – such as LVT or porcelain tiles – is non-negotiable. Practicality aside, Melissa Denham recommends choosing a light-coloured design to help the space feel larger.
“If you opt for a hardwood floor, choosing wider planks over narrow strips is your best choice. The theory behind this is that bigger components will mean fewer joins in the floor, making it look less busy," she says. The same theory applies to tiles, too.
“Adding a narrow floor runner down the centre of a thin corridor is an interior hack that can also give the illusion of a longer, wider space. It’s even better if you extend the runner up the stairs for continuation and to further extend the hallway length.”
Hallway flooring picks
Crafted from durable porcelain, these patterned tiles will add brightness and visual interest to any small hallway.
This handwoven rug can be used as either a stair runner or a hallway carpet and can be custom-made to size.
By trying these space-enhancing design tricks, you'll soon discover that you don't need loads of room to create a practical and stylish hallway.
For more entrance ideas, have a browse through these hallway decor ideas or learn how to perfect your hallway design.
