Going for an Interior Redesign? Don’t Neglect the Hallways
Living
Hallways are notorious for being overlooked during an interior redesign. After all, these areas of your home are just pass-throughs – nobody spends any time in them, anyway.
Right?
Well, yes and no. Hallways are indeed just passages connecting your living spaces, but they also help create and define the flow of your home. Neglecting them can thus make your house feel disjointed, off-kilter, or disconnected.
Plus, your hallways are a great place to get playful with interior design ideas without the anxiety.
Hallway Décor Ideas for the Most Overlooked Part of Your Home
If you’re looking for the finishing touch to your home, it might just need a bit of flair and finesse with the help of these hallway décor ideas.
1. Hang a Gallery Wall or Series of Photos
Leaving the walls in your hallway blank is a big missed opportunity. That space is begging for a gallery wall or a series of pictures.
On your commute throughout your house, you’ll feel a little brighter if you get to glance at pictures you love. Guests will also enjoy looking at your walls on their way to the bathroom.
2. Add a Rug with Color and Pattern
A lifeless hallway gets some instant personality with a bright runner. Choose a rug that echoes the colors of the décor in the adjoining rooms to help with flow. Since high traffic is probably a factor, make sure to choose a durable material that can stand up to the tread of feet, day in and day out.
3. Install Illumination
Hallways can be dark and shadowy. Make them more welcoming by installing accent lighting. Don’t just go for plain overhead lighting or sconces, though – try to choose something with interest and uniqueness for a look that’s more fun.
4. Add Storage or Bookcases
If your hallway is wide, you could be utilizing that space in a better way than by leaving it blank and echoing.
Built-in storage turns your hallway into a smart, usable area instead of just a pass-through. If you have a lot of books, try a wall of bookcases. Built-in cabinetry can double as a new linen closet as well as a place to display some favorite artwork, photos, or knick-knacks.
5. Try Wainscoting for Your Interior Redesign
If your hallway gets a lot of traffic – think rowdy kids, people heading to the bathroom, or guests moving from indoors to outdoors – your walls may suffer from scuffs, scratches, fingerprints, and other indignities.
However, there’s a way to protect your walls and add design at the same time.
Wainscoting is a timeless interior design element that adds interest as well as a classic look to your hallways. It’s also a traditional trick to help protect walls, which is why you’ll often see it as an original detail in century-old homes.
When Renovating Your Home, Pay Attention to Details
The hallway may be the last space on your list for an interior redesign. However, paying attention to this area can make your home feel more welcoming and unified.
