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Make an entrance

Interiors stylist, Helena Hill’s 9 top tips for making the most of your hallway.
Hints & Tips

When guests arrive at your home, does your hallway have that all important ‘wow’ factor? If your honest answer is no, you’re certainly not alone. From piles of shoes to tired paintwork and general clutter, many of us have hallways we are less than proud off. Luckily, help is at hand. Our in-house stylist, Helena Hill, has 9 top tips to help you transform your hallway into a warm, light and stylish space that will make friends and family feel welcome from the moment you open the door.

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Shades of pale

Depending on the style of the home, it’s best to opt for paler colours to add a feeling of light and space, as most hallways tend to be quite dark areas. Paint the skirting in the same shade as the wall (or a tone different) to enhance the feeling of space. For the more adventurous, a feature wallpaper adds interest.

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Space enhancing mirrors

A mirror is a popular trick for a hallway, as it creates the illusion of spaciousness and makes a narrow space feel twice as wide. If you have a small hallway area, choose a round mirror with a chrome frame to enhance the space. The Oriel Mirror is a stylish choice for the urban contemporary home or you could go for a modern glamorous look with Mondello Mirror.

If you have a large hallway a full length mirror can create the wow factor. An entrance with a Carved Louis Leanner mirror or the Bronze Corner Detail Mirror will definitely impress any guests.

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Clever consoles

Console tables were invented for hallways - they create a great visual focal point. Even the smallest hallway looks good with either a small console table or a low bench to add interest. The new Jagger console table is slim enough to fit neatly into an entrance way, with space underneath to store baskets for shoes / scarves / bags etc. For the modern country look, opt for the wooden Keating Console Table, with its useful storage drawers for those bits and pieces.

Useful storage

Hallways are your launch pad for leaving the house, so if you have space then storage is always a good idea, much better than leaving that work briefcase lying on the floor to get tripped over. An Ercol sideboard is a beautifully designed option – I love the Bosco sideboard. Another contemporary choice is the Duplex sideboard. This versatile piece also works well as an extra cupboard in an open plan kitchen and dining area.

Bring the outside in

Add some potted plants or hanging basket plants to your hallway if you have the space. Real plants and an abundance of them are very on trend, and are a great way of bringing empty corners to life. If you prefer, a beautiful vase of fresh flowers is a lovely touch. Choose from the great range of vases online, such as the Melusina Oval Vase or the Amphitrite Vase in Onyx Shimmer.

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Statement lighting

A stylish table lamp adds extra light and ambience. The new Finn Task Lamp is a space saving option, or stay on trend with the larger classic anglepoise version in teal.

Placing a eye catching pendant light in the entrance way works as an attractive focal point and is practical too, especially in the dark winter months.

Choose from the large range of contemporary new pendants including the Trista 3 Light Pendant for a very chic contemporary look or the enamel Seymour Pendant which fits in perfectly to the modern country home. The grand Halo Shaftesbury pendant makes a glamorous statement.

Cosy rugs

A rug or sisal runner helps to create a cosy welcome. Choose one of the smaller rugs available or opt for a runner in a long hallway.

Practical hints

Keep essential items, such as keys or travel passes in a small baskets for convenience. Baskets or bowls are ideal for storing everyday items that we need access to. Whatever your style, there are affordable storage options for every look. A handy coat stand is a practical idea if space allows. Alternatively, fix up a peg rail but keep coats and bags to a minimum. Rotate winter and summer coats to keep the area clutter free.

Bring your walls to life

Frame any prints or family photographs that you love and create a gallery wall in your entrance way. For the best effect, choose a mix of frames and sizes. If you prefer a piece of wall art, the huge range of contemporary new wall art available is sure to inspire you. From abstract canvases to photographic pieces, there’s plenty to choose from. A large clock is another way to make an impact in a hallway space. The large range available at Furniture Village suits all styles of décor, or you can visit in store to see them on display.

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We hope you’ve enjoyed Helena’s style tips. With a fresh coat of paint, some clever storage and inspiring accessories you invite guests into a beautiful, welcoming hallway you can feel truly proud of.

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