Small Hallway Design: 7 mistakes, 4 rules and 73 real photos

Repair is the basis of transformation

Before renovation, you should evaluate all possibilities for expanding the space, for example, dismantling the partition between the hallway and the hall or the hallway and the living room. For visual zoning of the space after dismantling, plasterboard partitions are used.

A good option would be to install arched (oval or rectangular) openings between the hallway and the hall, which allow you to visually enlarge the space, filling it with natural light.

The presence of a niche is always a “plus” in favor of arranging a hallway. Firstly, you can equip it with a built-in wardrobe in which seasonal clothes and shoes will be stored, and secondly, you can make a storage place for household appliances for the home and even a narrow washing machine with vertical or front loading.

Advantages of a white palette

1. Visual expansion of space in the apartment. In a white outfit, your hallway will seem larger and more welcoming.
2. Light shades help hide architectural inaccuracies and flaws.
3. White color perfectly balances symmetry.
4. Wide scope for design imagination. Even a small 3 by 3 hallway, the design of which will require some creativity, can be interestingly dressed up in any wall or floor decor, because white is the ideal background. Absolutely everything goes with it!
5. Light shades soothe, pacify, and are associated with freshness and purity.

Particular attention is paid to the dismantling of old finishing

All repair work must begin with the dismantling of the old finish, careful sealing of cracks, chips, removal of the exfoliated layer of plaster, puttying and cleaning of surfaces.

At the initial stage of repair, lighting is thought through - cavities are cut for routing electrical wiring.

Selection of materials

Before carrying out renovation work, you should select the materials that are necessary to create an environment of a certain style and are suitable for a specific room. First of all, you should refuse to use coatings that can visually reduce space and take up some area during installation (embossed stone, panels installed on a special frame).

The design should blend harmoniously into the interior of the apartment

Plan your design in advance!

Before renovation, it is important to think through the entire interior of the hallway, color schemes, finishing materials used, as well as furniture options.

Even the choice of lighting fixtures must be made in advance: not all wall and ceiling lamps are suitable for installation in small hallways.

How to arrange a small hallway

To begin with, you should familiarize yourself with many photos of small hallways based on successful options created by professionals. This will help you realize the variety of available techniques for using minimal space to maximum benefit.

But it's not just about the small size, because the layout is also important. If the hallway is narrow this becomes an additional problem. It's easier to improve the perception and functionality of a square room. Therefore, first you need to think about how to smooth out unfavorable proportions.

Designers rely on several strategies to expand the space of a narrow hallway. The choice depends on the availability of time and finances to implement the project.

Let's consider the options:

1. Use of appropriate finishing materials based on contrasting colors or shades.
2. Adding mirrors, curtains, decorative trim. This method is relevant for major renovations immediately after moving to a new apartment.
3. It is allowed to replace the set and other furniture with something suitable for the type of hallway.
4. You can use accents. For example, on a marble floor.
5. The guest will definitely pay attention and not notice the poor proportions of the hallway.

But we will rely on creating a stylish and practical room with an emphasis on functionality.

Choice of colors

Designers rightly believe that for small hallways it is better to choose a light palette as the main color scheme, which can visually smooth out the boundaries of the room and expand it.

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Light colors are especially relevant for hallways that do not receive daylight, and all lighting is reduced to almost artificial lighting sources.

Typically, designers try to choose one main and two additional, accent colors.

Unusual ideas

Explore original hallway ideas in attractive styles. First impressions matter a lot!

Timeless classic

The mood of the place is defined by two classic pieces of furniture: a wooden chair in the style of the 50s and a coffee table that doubles as a cabinet, in black. An old typewriter makes the hallway look nostalgic. A large mirror in a gilded frame visually enlarges the room and makes the interior brighter. The potted flower and butterfly paintings are a reference to nature and the world.

Nature and romanticism

White, soft pink and gray greet you from the door and make sure that peace and harmony prevail in this home. Natural materials - bleached wood and wicker chairs attract attention. Wood flooring goes well with white sheepskin.

Game of contrasts

The hallway in black and white colors gives the interior a retro style. It is impossible not to notice that the most important thing here is functionality: a letter basket hanging on the door, numerous coat hangers, shelves for accessories and a practical chest of drawers make the room easier to use. An ideal solution for lovers of functional solutions!

Surfer's hallway

Surfboard as decoration? Yes! Thanks to her, the hallway looks intriguing. In addition to color, joy and freshness reign here. The holiday set includes straw hats hanging on the wall and a simple wicker chair. On a shelf on wheels are vases related to surfboard colors. Such a corridor will delight not only water sports enthusiasts.

Rustic styling in fashion

How to arrange a small corridor under the stairs? The recipe is simple: a large wooden sofa with matching cushions, a shelf above it on which to place pictures and a mirror, and a chest of drawers that defines the hallway area. Landscaping with plants contrasts perfectly with the roughness and severity of the stone.

White wall color is back in fashion

Over the last decade, both designers and apartment owners have given all the leadership laurels to the color white, which is ideal for decorating the hallway in a small apartment in a classic, minimalist, Scandinavian style.

By decorating vertical and horizontal surfaces with a white palette, it is possible to completely “blur” planar boundaries, creating a single space.

It is the white color that visually expands the space. The opinion that white is the color of a hospital is completely wrong; with proper placement of accents, by adding additional two or three color shades, it is possible to move away from the “sterility” characteristic of white.

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Bright “spots” in a snow-white hallway can be rugs, original finishing of the floor surface, furniture (the currently fashionable color “Sonoma” goes well with white), wall decor in the form of paintings and decorative elements.

The beginning of change

Before starting renovations in a small space, it is worth considering all the chances for further spatial expansion. For this, the following idea may be useful: connecting the entrance hall with the living room by deforming the door opening and partially changing the wall.

Additionally, it is recommended to purchase and install plasterboard partitions; their presence will help contain the flow of cold air and dirt particles coming from the street.

The living room will be protected from undesirable phenomena. Arched vaults placed in the places of doors between rooms are also practical. After abandoning massive doors, the space will become much freer and brighter.

Modern small hallways are often designed at the planning stage for further mounting of niches. Most often this occurs in houses built by Khrushchev.

Prepared recesses on the plane of the walls can be optimized for built-in wardrobes designed for storing clothing, shoes, accessories, and technical devices. In some cases, this place can be used to place a washing machine there.

The first action when starting renovation work is, of course, the dismantling of existing finishing materials. Next comes the process of leveling the surfaces and thoroughly cleaning them. It is also better to think about the lighting scenario in advance, because preparation of the areas for the location of sockets and lamps will be required even before the moment at which finishing work is carried out.

A preliminary plan will help to carefully hide all sections of the electrical cable. In addition, it should define the following points: design style, color scheme for filling, decorative elements, furniture for a small hallway.

A convenient option is to create a visual image: the plan can be drawn on a piece of paper, then at each step it will be clear whether the owner is deviating from his idea or sticking to it. This will protect you from unexpected repair problems.

According to designers, color solutions for a miniature hallway are best taken in a palette of light shades, because they can visually expand the boundaries of space, adding space. In addition, there are usually no windows in the hallway, which means there is not enough light.

It is recommended to choose one main color and several secondary colors; this will allow you to subsequently make contrasting combinations and accents in the necessary places.

Modern owners quite often choose white, which resonates with many styles. For example, classics, minimalism, Scandinavian style.

The uniform white covering of the walls and ceiling helps blur spatial boundaries. Because of this, all planes seem to move away from each other, the room visually changes and expands.

Some fear the similarity of the design of a small hallway with the feeling in hospital wards, with their whiteness and sterility. We must not forget that the bright space will be filled with bright accents: flooring, wooden furniture, poufs, mirrors in massive frames, paintings or photographs, carpets.

To achieve a softer, cozy effect, you can use a beige color. It is also versatile for any style. The color goes well with brown, but also often pairs with various light pastel shades.

Gray color is also extremely popular because of its restraint, conciseness and neutrality. Perfect for decorating a room in a restrained style. For variety, you can use lighting of different levels and mirrors.

The photo of the small hallway uses pastel colors. When working with them, you need to remember that it is better not to combine tones of different types, but to choose one color and a couple of its shades. This will help avoid an overly contrasting appearance.

Pastel palette for sophisticated interiors

To achieve a light (but not snow-white) environment, you can use shades of beige, which looks great in any stylistic design.

In addition to beige, it is recommended to take 2-3 additional shades, for example, brown, white, all shades of pastel.

To create an unobtrusive atmosphere in a modern small hallway, all shades of pastel colors are suitable, for example, light green, soft pink, blue, peach, etc.

To avoid a feeling of confusion, you should choose one pastel shade and, as an accent, choose a more saturated tone of the same spectrum.

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For example, a wall is painted with a light shade, and stripes on it are created with the same shade, only two or three shades darker.

Finishing options: wallpaper, decorative stone, etc.

The hallway is one of the most important places in the house. To give the entrance room a beautiful appearance, you should take care of the original and functional decoration, which will suit the entire house or apartment and serve for a long time.

Wallpaper in the hallway

Effective design of the corridor can be properly selected with wallpaper, both traditional and wall paintings or 3D prints on one of the walls. The surfaces in this room are exposed to dirt and scratches, so it is better to choose a durable material that can be washed, such as vinyl wallpaper, rather than paper.

Natural wooden walls

Wood is resistant to mechanical damage, especially when you choose more complex types of natural material, such as deciduous or exotic trees. For finishing, use varnish or wax to enhance the beauty of the material and at the same time protect the surface. Wood is very popular, especially in white. But the choice of colors depends, of course, on the personal tastes of the customer.

Painted corridor

The choice of wall paint colors is seemingly endless. When deciding on a specific color, you need to consider the size of the interior. For a small room, you should choose bright colors and create a monochrome composition. In a larger room, walls painted in different colors create an interesting effect. You can also paint pictures and decorate the surface with an interesting print.

Additional protection for white walls in the hallway

Do you want white walls in your living room, but are you concerned about their cleanliness? They can be protected with a clear varnish, which will give the coating a subtle shine. Such a wall will not get dirty quickly, and when this happens, it can be easily cleaned with water.

Power of stone

People have long appreciated the beauty and functionality of stone or brick cladding. Manufacturers offer tiles made from natural materials and their imitations, most often made from gypsum or concrete. The choice of patterns and colors is usually limited to those found in nature, but cladding can be created using ordinary plaster.

Gray color at the peak of popularity

Gray color is popular today in decoration and interior design. It is laconic (suitable for most styles), neutral (can act as a basis for subsequent decoration), moderately bright and restrained, creating some monochrome.

To enliven a gray space, it is recommended to use additional shades: white, black, blue, beige. Multi-level lighting and mirrored decor look great in a gray hallway.

Do-it-yourself standard hallway: instructions, diagrams and drawings

To make such a simple hallway, you will need the following materials :

• loops - 12 pcs.
• furniture panels - 7 pcs (dimensions 1600x400x18 mm),
• piece of plywood 6 mm,
• tongue and groove boards - 2 pcs (dimensions 2000x240x18 mm),
• furniture handles - 6 pcs.,
• three-dimensional rail - 1 piece (dimensions 3000x40x12).

We recommend that you start with a pencil case . Its dimensions are 2000x400x400 mm. The corresponding strips are cut out from the furniture sheet, as well as the top cover in an “overlapping” manner. also need two shelves . Assembly is quite simple.

The slats are arranged parallel and fastened into the lid using self-tapping screws; shelves are also installed. For strength in the corners, the frame is fixed with corners cut from plywood.

Since two doors located one below the other are much lighter than one, this option is preferable. From the shield you need to cut two identical doors and several internal shelves (optional). Secure the doors on their hinges.

You can get by with two for each door, but for reliability and proper weight distribution, we recommend using three.

The dimensions of one cabinet are 400x400x820, and the other - 820x400x490 mm. You can refuse any of them without damaging the design as a whole.

To assemble the first cabinet you will need 2 identical sidewalls and an internal shelf that will hold the structure together from below. The upper part of the future cabinet narrows greatly, so the lid should be noticeably smaller than the main part. All elements are fastened with self-tapping screws.

If desired, you can use furniture dowels. Don't forget to pre-drill the holes and use glue.

A door for the bedside table is cut out of the shield; it needs to be secured on two hinges. But for the drawer you need runners. We recommend that you purchase the necessary items from a specialized store.

You can make them yourself from plywood, but in this case the box will be pulled out rather than rolled out, which will make it much more difficult to use.

Making a second cabinet is very simple . You only need two sides and 2 internal shelves that form the frame. The internal filling of this cabinet can be absolutely anything. All parts are attached with self-tapping screws or dowels.

After this, the hallway needs to be assembled. Fasten all the elements together, and then prepare the boards. They should be beautifully located from the edge of the pencil case to the edge of the cabinet, creating the basis for the hanger. Maintain the same spacing when attaching the boards to the underside of the nightstands.

To ensure that the upper part of the structure is also strong, fasten the boards with a lath. Place it at such a height that you can later attach coat hooks to the rail. If you wish, you can complement the design with a shelf for hats.

Don't forget to varnish the hallway and attach handles and hooks.

Floor in a small hallway

The hallway is the first room in the apartment where a person enters from the street. The first thing that experiences maximum contamination is the floor, so when choosing finishing materials it is best to give preference to wear-resistant options that can be constantly subjected to wet cleaning and will be easy to clean.

The best choice would be ceramic tiles with a smooth surface or porcelain stoneware. If you choose in favor of efficiency, then you should give preference to linoleum.

Today, the choice of textures of this finishing material, colors and interpretations is huge, which will allow you to decorate the interior in a given style.

Walls

The choice often stops at a combination of several finishing materials. After leveling, they are coated with an acrylic compound and plaster is applied; you can also use wallpaper, which can be washed if necessary.

An emphasis on one wall can be made with the help of photo wallpaper, selected to match the overall style. Some areas can be diversified with stones, such as openings or niches.

What wallpaper is best for a hallway?

Thanks to wall decoration, you can visually enlarge the space, add texture and, where required, volume.

Selected vertical lines on the wallpaper “raise” the height of the ceilings, while horizontal lines will expand the excessively narrow space between the walls in the hallway.

It is better to avoid large patterns and ornaments in small rooms; they will not benefit the limited area, and the design itself will not “play” as clearly as the design of the canvas requires.

A small hallway with wallpaper will look stylish if you give preference to canvases with small patterns.

Tips on what not to do

We figured out how to arrange a small hallway so that cramped space ceases to be a problem. Now let's talk about what not to do:

Leave the hallway unfurnished.

Even in the tiniest hallway you can place a laconic shoe rack, pouf, and hangers. A completely empty hallway is wrong. It looks uninhabited and you won’t want to return to it.

An umbrella cane stand is so cozy!

Clutter the space.

The opposite situation is when they try to install everything that is necessary and unnecessary, and as a result they have to move sideways in the hallway.

When the season ends, remove excess shoes and clothing immediately

Leave gaps.

There should be no gaps under or above the cabinets. Dirt accumulates below, and the empty space above looks unattractive. Floor-to-ceiling cabinets create a more stylish, upward-sloping space.

Everything is correct here - no spaces and elongated geometry

Ceiling decoration

In small hallways, a light ceiling with a flat surface is advantageous. As a finish, you can choose a suspended ceiling or plasterboard (in both cases, you can organize zonal spot lighting for the room).

The advantage of suspended systems is that there is no need to level the surface of the “native” ceiling or carry out any preparatory work.

How to choose a hanger

When choosing a clothes hanger, you should consider the following parameters:

• design features of the device;
• material of manufacture;
• presence/absence of additional functions.

Type of shelves by design

According to the type of design, wall hangers can be:

• vertical. It is compact, as it takes up a minimum amount of space in the hallway or other room, and has an unusual appearance, which allows you to achieve some design uniqueness. However, they are not suitable for storing a large number of things and items of clothing that are heavy (coats, fur coats, etc.). Therefore, the advantages of hangers made in a vertical design are used for storing hats, keys, purses and other small accessories;

Vertical wall hangers

• horizontal. These hangers are more common. They can withstand significant loads, which allows you to place a large number of different, including “heavy” clothes. A horizontal hanger can also be a separate piece of furniture.

Horizontal clothes hanger

Manufacturing materials and their advantages

Most often used for the manufacture of wall hangers:

Wooden hangers (chipboard, solid wood, etc.) are different:

• environmental friendliness;
• variety of design;
• ability to withstand heavy loads;
• durability;
• ease of maintenance;
• variety of price categories. You can buy a simple hanger in a budget version or an expensive one made from rare wood species (beech, hornbeam, and so on).

Wooden hanger with custom design

A metal hanger has a greater safety margin and is more expensive compared to wooden devices. The following metals can be used for manufacturing:

Hangers can be made using various methods:

• casting Such products are distinguished by their large weight, massiveness and adaptability to heavy loads;

Die-cast hanger

• forging. Forged hangers are relatively lightweight. A professional can make openwork and at the same time durable products of various shapes.

Forged hanger

Wood and metal hanger

Hangers are most rarely made of plastic, since such a thing is not strong and durable and can be used exclusively for small accessories, towels or light clothing.

Plastic hanger for light items and accessories

Additional shelf options

It is also recommended to select a product for the hallway, bathroom or kitchen depending on the size, number of hooks and additional accessories.

Hangers can be equipped with:

• shelves for storing gloves, knitted hats, scarves, bags and so on. Such interior items are characterized by large overall dimensions and capacity and can be made of wood or metal;

Choosing furniture

Furnishing limited spaces in small hallways is a major challenge.

Firstly, it is impossible to install any wardrobe in a small hallway; in most cases, individual production of the same wardrobe or design of built-in niches is required.

Secondly, you will have to go around more than one specialized store to find compact furniture options for the hallway that could meet the principles of functionality, ease of use and comfort.

Preference should be given to modular storage systems - fortunately, most manufacturers have provided such options and produce options that are very interesting from a design point of view.

You can look at a photo of a small hallway to see how beneficial minimal furniture is when creating an interior.

Hallway in modern style

To create a modern small hallway in a harmonious union of attractiveness and functionality, you need to rely on high-quality wall decoration. This is an important point, since this surface is comparatively larger than the ceiling and floor.

Guests mostly look at the walls or floor. Therefore, defects and unkempt surfaces are unacceptable. If you choose the wrong finishing material, you can create a negative atmosphere, which is bad primarily for the owners, since this is where the working day starts and ends.

In addition, poor finishing can lead to suppression of light or distortion of space due to the appearance of darkened corners, which will lead to discomfort. To avoid this, you can use the top ideas of 2022:

1. Decorative plaster. Helps to place high-quality accents to hide minor imperfections and add texture contrast. But don't use too bright colors. In the case of using plaster on the ceiling, it is necessary to rely on a different texture, pattern and color.
2. Imitation of natural masonry. To implement the idea, a specialized form is used, ready-made decorative elements are glued to the wall, and then painted. This strategy is usually justified for one wall. For the other, a different finishing method is used.
3. Liquid wallpaper. Conventional versions of wallpaper are gradually being replaced by various new products. The liquid version stands out for its style, variety, durability and simplified care. Thanks to its advanced characteristics, it allows not only washing, but also restoration and regular color changes.

Lighting

The problem of natural lighting in hallways is relevant for most apartments, so a lot of attention should be paid to the choice of artificial light sources. You can give preference to central lighting by choosing a ceiling lamp.

For zoning and creating softer and diffusing light, it is recommended to pay attention to spotlights, spotlights, and wall sconces.

The area near the mirror can also become an additional zone of light - in modern interiors, mirrors are installed in which spotlights or an LED strip are provided along the perimeter of the frame.

Styles to implement

• Classic. Cream and gray tones, white wooden furniture, mirror in a massive frame.
• Minimalism. Geometric shapes, corner accents, solid color panels and large mirrors.
• Scandinavian style. White, olive, gray shades, small bedside tables and poufs, vintage elements.
• Loft. Brick and concrete walls, minimalism, metal hangers and shelving.

Decor: necessary or not?

In small rooms, decor is given a minimum of space - not a single large-scale painting will look impressive in a small space.

Therefore, if you still want to decorate the walls and give the room originality, it is better to give preference to small paintings with unobtrusive images or frames with photographs from the family archive.

The hallway is the heart of the apartment

The hallway is the hallmark of the apartment and its integral part. Therefore, the design should harmoniously complement the interior of the apartment.

A small pouf with textile upholstery and a wool rug will add Scandinavian charm

The space must accommodate many things:

• outerwear;
• street and indoor shoes;
• storage systems for small items.

Photo of a small hallway