As the popular saying goes, there’s ‘a place for everything and everything in its place,‘ and it’s certainly true that most of us feel better when we are organized. ‘It helps us think clearly,’ says Mark Adam, MD of Vitsœ. And when it comes to the hallway, proper storage is your finest weapon in the battle to control clutter.
Hallway storage ideas
It’s easy to overlook an entrance hall, but a space like this provides more than just a transition to larger living areas. It sets the tone for the rest of your home. Combine a welcoming atmosphere with practical hallway ideas to make first impressions count.
1. Create a focal point with a bookcase
A landing or hall can be dead space, so make use of this transitional zone by transforming it into a mini library with fitted bookshelves and a built-in alcove, or even an occasional chair if there’s space. Introducing a strong color makes this hard-working fitting into a focal point.
2. Access all areas with full-height storage
When in search of extra storage space, make the most of ceiling heights available. Built-in joinery or off-the-shelf solutions can provide the perfect amount of extra room to house items only used for special occasions or rarely read books. Do you have a small hallway? A clever trick to avoid overcrowding in a narrow space is to use a mix of closed and open storage – too many cabinets can make a room appear too functional. Introduce a slimline console – and a place to perch – to add interest.
3. Keep within the same color scheme
Don’t let you hallway storage become a distraction, or become purely functional. If you don’t wish to highlight a multifunctional piece of furniture, try investing in a console or cabinet that will blend in beautifully with the rest of the scheme. This barely-there console serves its purpose without intruding on the space. The one-tone canvas serves to highlight and complement the original features in this narrow hallway.
4. Go for fitted furniture in a small hall
While freestanding furniture has its uses for both storage and display, there is nothing more efficient than well-designed, fitted furniture that allows you to squeeze every inch of use out of even the most unpromising corner, and in a most streamlined way. Whether it’s space under the stairs, room for wall-to-wall cabinets or bespoke shelving built into an alcove – taking a bespoke route will not only ensure a perfect fit, it will deliver furniture that’s in proportion to the space and indeed the whole room and delivers something to suit your style. ‘Furniture designed specifically for a hallway will look as if it has always been there,’ says furniture designer and maker Claire Darwent (opens in new tab). ‘It’s good to live with, and an asset when you come to sell your home.’
4. Keep storage smart and simple
For narrow or small hallways, look for storage that is unobtrusive yet practical. Be mindful not to clutter your space with unnecessary obstacles. Before planning your hallway storage, ask yourself what you actually need to store in this space. It might be a lot less than you think. Most hallways only need a simple console – perfect for a bouquet of fragrant flowers.
5. Opt for a symmetrical design
Symmetry is an interior design trick used to create smart-looking hallways – and it’s perfect for small spaces. Consoles and foyer tables are the best furniture to create symmetry with for most people, symmetry is what makes a space beautiful – all we need is balance. In this vignette, a bold piece of artwork called for the other items to be in perfect symmetry.
7. Create a flexible design with freestanding furniture
There has been a rise in incorporating freestanding furniture into modern designs. While fitted furniture is unlikely to ever go out of style, there has been a gradual move towards more relaxed-looking space. Freestanding furniture ranges from fully unfitted spaces to single pieces, such as a standalone console to a trolley on wheels so they can move as your needs change, and even move homes with you. Not only is freestanding furniture generally more affordable than a traditionally fitted one, it’s an easy way to update an existing one.
8. Invest in antique finds
Instead of playing safe with an off-the-rack furniture, why not invest in an array of vintage and flea market find for a truly unique aesthetic? The effect can be far more visually arresting. Stick to this single focus and keep the rest of the scheme simple.
9. Choose a slimline console in a narrow hallway
Don’t assume that a gloomy space needs be decorated with light, bright finishes. Instead, go for drama by choosing moody hues. Blue-black feels elegant, particularly when teamed with raw woodwork. Here, a slimline console acts as a focal point while also doubling up as simple storage for keys, letters and magazines.
10. Add casual storage to encourage neatness
It’s inevitable that children in particular will kick off their shoes in an entryway and leave them there. Brenna Morgan, Designer at Brenna Morgan Interiors (opens in new tab) has a simple solution: baskets and boxes. ‘An entry space is great for catching items as you come home. Here, we added two large baskets that could easily be home to shoes or kids’ toys. The small boxes on the table might hold keys, masks or sunglasses for easy access on the way out the door,’ she says. The mirror heightens and brightens this entryway too – note its proximity to the lamps and table, creating a tight arrangement that’s an attractive display in itself.
How do you build storage in a hallway?
Storage in a hallway is key. In compact spaces, hard-working furniture is a must. Fortunately, there are plenty of options that combine practicality with aesthetic appeal, from concealed under stair storage to streamlined shelving. Don’t shy away from making a big statement in a small hallway. Striking furniture will make an impact and hard-working pieces that conceal storage or double up on function will maximize your home’s efficiency. Natalia Miyar, Design Director at Helen Green Design (opens in new tab), suggests a bold approach. ‘Proportion is so important; I like to use large-scale furniture as it makes a space seem bigger and more luxurious,’ she says. ‘The key is to choose carefully. Invest in a few large, impactful pieces rather than cluttering a space with lots of small items.’
