Hallway decorating ideas - 3 smart updates

Create a hallway that's as welcoming as it is practical. We've been hunting for ways to smarten up you scheme and make a fantastic first impression.

Check out our three hallway decorating updates for inspiration

Go for statement flooring There's no reason why a practical family hallway can't also have a strong design edge. A traditional palette can be brought up to date with hardwearing carpet tiles laid diagonally, wrought-iron light fittings and a focal-point mirror. HOW TO MAKE IT WORK

Choose practical flooring and think about unusual ways to lay it in order to create a strong design element. Carpet tiles are ideal in high-traffic areas as they can be easily moved or replaced when worn.

A radiator cabinet can be designed to be deeper than necessary to create a handy console table-style surface.

Update doors with a new set of smart handles and add decorative film to windows.

A chest creates a perch for putting on shoes as well as storage for scarves and gloves. TO GET THE LOOK TRY:

OKA

FLOR by Heuga

Marston & Langinger

Hang a dramatic wallpaper Using a dramatic pictorial wallpaper will create a striking first impression. Consolidate the look with furniture that picks out an accent colour and add accessories that enhance the theme. Keep the space uncluttered but inviting, finished with hardwearing flooring in eye-catching colours. HOW TO MAKE IT WORK • Start with a favourite theme. For this scheme we chose birds, and selected artwork and accessories to enhance it. • Choose pieces that are suited to a limited space, such as the chaise, the mirror and the sleek storage cabinet, which has space-saving sliding doors. • Binding a stair runner in an accent colour taken from the wallpaper ties the look together and provides a neat finishing touch. • A wallpaper with a shimmering finish helps lighten darker spaces.

TO GET THE LOOK TRY:

Louise Bradley

Roche Bobois

Osborne & Little

Create a focal point with lighting A low-hung chandelier positioned over a central pedestal table will provide an eye-catching focal point by day and inviting ambience by night. A textured rug, sculptural accessories and thoughtfully chosen artwork all add polish to this sophisticated look. HOW TO MAKE IT WORK • When using wallpaper with a large-scale pattern, it's a good idea to keep the colour palette subtle, allowing the shapes of the furniture and accessories to provide extra interest. • A door curtain adds drama to the look and is interlined to help keep the large, uncarpeted space warm. It also acts as a sound buffer to noise from outside. • Co-ordinate the woodwork with the colour or finish of elements in your scheme. Here, the dark table and ceramic pieces match the handrail, while the paintwork links with the pale background of the wallpaper . • Keep the space clutter-free, adding striking flower arrangements as a focus.

TO GET THE LOOK TRY:

Mufti

James Hare

Designers Guild

Porta Romana

hallway decorating ideas Make a stylish entrance with the decorating ideas hallway decorating ideas Liven up your floors with a striking patterned carpet Patterned hallway Create walls with wow with an eye-catching wallpaper design Hallway decorating ideas | VIDEO Illuminate your hallway with a striking chandelier