Farrow & Ball doesn’t only make some of the best paint for your walls, but it’s also a popular go-to for front door paint colours. And if you’re thinking of giving your front door a makeover and make it stand out from the rest on your street, then why not take inspiration from the most popular Farrow & Ball front door colours of 2026?

This is the perfect time of year to give some thought to new front door colour ideas and seriously elevate the look of your home’s entrance. Giving your front door a fresh lick of paint in a sophisticated shade is one of the best and easiest ways to make your front door look expensive. Just make sure to stick to either the exterior eggshell or full gloss finish when shopping for front door paint at Farrow & Ball.

I’ve asked Michael Rolland, managing director and paint expert at The Paint Shed, one of Farrow & Ball stockists, for the most popular front door colours from the famous paint brand – and these are the 3 he shared with me.

1. Bold reds

Even though the very classic primary red is a front door colour going out of style this year, alternative shades of red are thriving. Farrow & Ball reds included.

‘Red is warm, energetic and attention-grabbing – it’s also the colour of love,’ Michael at The Paint Shed says. ‘For that reason, it is great for giving the impression that “this is more than a house, it’s a home”. Farrow & Ball's Romesco is a popular colour at the moment, which suggests these kinds of homeowners have a fashionable, passionate and perhaps even a slightly fiery side.’

2. Deep blues

Blues of all shades are generally one of the biggest colour trends of 2026. And when it comes to front door ideas specifically, deep, dark blues are the ones that people are favouring, whether that’s navy or royal blue.

‘A royal blue front door exudes elegance and a touch of regality. Shades like Farrow & Ball's Blue Maize nod to iconic doors, such as that from the Notting Hill film. These blues are timeless, bold and a great colour choice, complementing period properties by combining the classic with a modern punch. These colour doors are usually found on Victorian homes in the UK,’ Michael explains.

3. Earthy greens

Green has been one of the most popular colour choices for front doors for a few years now. And it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. Earthier shades of green are currently the go-tos, whether that’s sage green, olive or a dark, smoky shade like Farrow & Ball’s Green Smoke.

‘A sage green like Farrow & Ball's Ball Green suggests owners value a slower, more relaxed pace of life. Its soft, cottage-like vibe brings a sense of calm, as green’s natural associations suggest freshness and balance. This colour gently lifts your mood and enhances happiness,’ Michael says.

What colour are you going to be painting your front door this year?

Console tables are the unsung heroes of the furniture world. These slim-line tables are incredibly versatile and can be used in every room of the house, whether that's as a hallway table, a dressing table or behind a sofa.

My favourite way to use a console table is as a hallway storage idea; they work wonders in a narrow hallway to break up the long stretch of wall. They can be styled with table lamps, vases, coffee table books and a few practical storage boxes for your keys and letters. Most console tables nowadays also include a drawer or a ledge underneath to also perch baskets, which is handy for even more storage

My top tip when choosing the best console table for any narrow hallway ideas or any small room is to opt for a super slimline glass console table, which allows light to pass through it. This means it won't feel like it's encroaching on the space. But beyond that, when it comes to console tables, the world is your oyster; they are the ultimate versatile statement piece. Whether you are after an architectural look, which will instantly elevate a hallway or a mid-century inspired number with more storage space to double as a dressing table, I've rounded up my shortlist of the best console tables.

As a Room Decor Editor here at Ideal Home, I can’t bear the sight of furniture that’s ugly or even just meh. That includes more practical designs like storage. For some reason, many people have accepted the notion that storage solutions can be an eyesore because they’re a functional eyesore. Shoe storage is one of the worst offenders – but I refuse this notion and have found 20 pieces of stylish shoe storage as an antidote.

When I set out to search for aesthetically pleasing hallway storage ideas for my shoes, I thought it might be difficult to find the few good ones among the sea of bad. But it turns out that there’s plenty of chic shoe storage to make your home look more expensive, much like the Dunelm Rowan shoe storage cabinet approved by our Content Editor for House Manual, Lauren Bradbury, as the ideal stylish shoe storage for a tiny hallway – so there’s no excuse for having ugly shoe storage in your entrance now!

Whatever your style - I found everything from Art Deco-style pieces like the DUSK Marnie shoe storage to modern ones like the slatted bamboo shoe cabinet from John Lewis - and whatever budget you're working with, there’s something for everyone on this shortlist, with prices starting at £42.99 for the Warmiehomy shoe cabinet with doors from Amazon.

Whether it’s shoe storage or pretty but practical storage baskets, there’s no reason practical pieces and solutions for your home can’t also look good while delivering on functionality. So why settle for anything less?!

If you have a small hallway, you’ll already know that space can come at a premium. But luckily for you, I spotted a genius new space-saving rack with retractable hooks in IKEA's new PS Collection, and it’s perfect for tiny hallways.

Last month, I was lucky enough to preview IKEA’s latest PS Collection at IKEA HQ in Älmhult, Sweden. Amongst the high-ticket statement pieces, I was truly impressed by this simple yet effective storage solution.

Simply named Rack with 5 hooks, this rack will help whip your hallway ideas into shape in no time. Here’s why I think it is great for small spaces.

It’s no secret that the IKEA PS Collection has seriously impressed the Ideal Home team. From its viral flexible floor lamp to the Scandi-cool sofa bed,

The latest to impress is, without doubt, this clever hallway storage solution. I have a teeny tiny hallway, and space really does come at a premium. Honestly, there is nothing more rage-inducing and overstimulating than stumbling over coats, bags and shoes left by the front door. And while the John Lewis Fold Out 3 Tier Shoe Rack (£85) is perfect for keeping shoes stashed away, without taking up much horizontal space, this rack is equally ideal for hanging bags, coats and scarves.

The Rack with 5 hooks has five retractable hooks that you can click back into place when not in use. This means that it takes up very little space. It’s a modern twist on the classic Shaker peg rail, featuring bold blue pegs against the birch wood. The entire PS Collection has an emphasis on ‘playful functionality’, and I think these pegs nail the brief.

The cheery blue tone is great for adding a pop of colour to your hallway, while its space-saving feature makes it a practical choice for small homes.

‘When you live in a small space, you need easy ways to get things off the floor and up on the walls. IKEA PS 2026 rack with 5 hooks looks just as great whether in use or not – it offers more than a practical function,’ designer Ellen Hallström said of her design.

‘Since the hooks only stick out when you use them, the rack takes up very little space. Also, it’s a nice way of displaying things and works perfectly for hanging up the IKEA PS 2026 mirror.’

I’ve been so impressed with the retractable hooks, I’ve gone down a bit of a rabbit hole to find similar, clever storage ideas - here are a few I found.

If space comes at a premium in your home, this £12 solution is an excellent choice. What do you think?

Just like anything else in our homes, colours, too, go in and out of style. And this includes front door shades. Very often, the same colours that fall out of favour in the interior space are also the front door colours that go out of style. So what front door colours are going out of style in 2026?

Most of the front door colour ideas that are fading in popularity are shades that are either very cold or too stark as this year’s colour trends are all about more complex, deep and grown-up hues or earthy tones that feel comforting and warm.

‘Front door colours are responsible for setting the first impression of your home so choosing a shade that aligns with your style while enhancing your kerb appeal is key,’ advises Lucy Steele, senior brand manager and resident colour expert at Valspar. And this is something that’s certainly crucial to keep in mind when picking your front door ideas.

But whether you end up following this advice or not, it’s always good to be informed as choosing a certain colour can end up making your entrance look outdated rather than stylish.

1. Grey

Grey is a colour that’s been going out of style across home interiors and exteriors for the last couple of years. And even though it was a front door colour that was going out of style last year already, it seems that with each year, it’s disliked more and more.

‘Brits appear to be moving away from grey front doors, despite its popularity in recent years,’ says Jimmy Englezos, senior brand manager at Ronseal. ‘Grey has been a go-to choice over the past decade, but many homeowners now seem to be looking for colours with more warmth and character for their entrances.’

2. Black

Even though black is quite a timeless and you could say ‘save’ shade to paint your front, it’s not as popular as it once was.

‘For a long time, many homeowners have favoured stark black tones, particularly as modern monochromatic schemes became increasingly popular but we’re now seeing a shift away from these tones. We’re moving away from harsh, industrial looking finishes in favour of colour that feels softer and adds personality,’ Lucy at Valspar explains.

3. Bright red

‘While classic red doors will always have a certain nostalgic charm, we are starting to see a shift away from those cleaner, more primary shades towards colours that feel softer, earthier and more emotionally comforting,’ says Marianne Shillingford, creative director and colour expert at Dulux.

As Marianne points out, red front doors are a classic go-to in this country. But if you’re not after a particularly traditional look and prefer a contemporary colour scheme, bold reds are not as appealing as some of its more sophisticated counterparts like the very on-trend burgundy.

‘Bright high gloss reds and primary colours are also becoming less popular as they can feel quite overpowering against today’s more timeless and natural exterior schemes,’ Lucy at Valspar explains. ‘As homeowners become more confident with colour, there’s a growing preference for shades that connect to the surrounding materials and landscape, rather than colours that demand attention.’

What’s replacing them

1. Berry tones

As already mentioned, burgundy is replacing the formerly favoured bright red as one of the popular front door colours. But other deep and dark shades of red and purple are right up there with it, too.

‘Homeowners are opting for burgundy tones as these help to highlight key features of the front door while maintaining a subtle, classical aesthetic,’ Jimmy at Ronseal says.

Top pick

2. Green

Green front doors are not necessarily anything new. But the level of their popularity has definitely skyrocketed as it’s replacing the likes of grey, white and black as the go-to front door colour. And while pretty much any shade of green goes, olive greens and sage greens are particularly popular right now.

‘A love of green in all its shades shows no sign of waning,’ says Sara D’Souza, content strategist and creator at Frenchic Paint. ‘Perhaps it’s our desire to reconnect with nature and create a deeply relaxing feel at home. Opt for timeless elegance of Wise Old Sage. For period properties, the jewel-like shade of Constance Moss can look particularly striking. The British racing green of Victory Lane is also proving to be a winner.’

Top pick

3. Deep blues

If you prefer a front door in a very deep and dark shade then the perfect alternative to black and dark greys that’s currently very popular is navy blue, as well as any other shades of deep, dark blues.

‘What’s really rising in popularity are colours with complexity and depth to them. Think smoky blue-greys such as Stonewashed Blue,’ Marianne at Dulux says.

Top pick

4. Terracotta

Terracotta shades are not only one of the biggest colour trends of the moment, it’s also become one of the new neutrals replacing beige in 2026. And this warm, earthy colour is now making it onto many a front door, too.

‘Earthy terracottas such as Tuscan Terracotta feel grounding, elegant and effortlessly livable. These colours still create impact, but in a much gentler and more sophisticated way, almost acting like contemporary neutrals with personality,’ Marianne at Dulux explains.

Top pick

‘There’s been a real move away from anything that feels too harsh or high contrast and towards colours that create a sense of calm, character and connection to nature. People still want their front door to feel welcoming and expressive but increasingly want it to complement the overall mood of the home rather than shout for attention the moment you arrive,’ Marianne concludes.

Your entrance - from the front gate to the hallway - is the first impression of your home that your guests get and it’s the first thing you see when you come home. So naturally, you’d want it to feel inviting and warm. But there are things that make an entrance feel unwelcoming and you might not even realise it – I’ve asked 4 interior experts what those are and they all agreed that it tends to be a combination of the 6 factors below.

If your entrance is ‘guilty’ of one of these hallway mistakes, don’t worry – the pros have also shared how to fix them and decorate your hallway like an interior designer. ‘An entrance is the first sensory conversation a space has with you,’ explains Franky Rousell, founder and CEO at Jolie, a sensory-led interior design practice. ‘Before you've consciously registered anything, your nervous system has already taken a reading of the light, the temperature, the smell, the sound, and the feel underfoot. The most unwelcoming entrances are sensory-flat.’

But apart from avoiding sensory-flat hallway ideas, Franky also always advises her clients to ‘design the entrance for the moment they arrive home, not for the moment they leave’ – and by adopting that viewpoint you’ll achieve that welcoming look and feel in your entrance.

‘Avoiding an unwelcoming entrance is really about creating a clear, calm arrival moment that feels intentional from the outside in,’ advises Holly Lamont, founder and creative director of interior design studio Holla Design. ‘It’s about keeping things practical but relaxed. Ultimately, it’s about ease. A hallway should feel like a natural continuation of the home, not a space you have to “fix” when you walk in.’

1. Avoid a messy and cluttered entrance

Visible mess and clutter is not only unpleasant to look at from an aesthetic perspective (and it's the opposite of calming), but it’s also the most unwelcoming of looks for an entrance.

‘I find clutter and general mess in a hallway can make it look and feel unwelcoming and can instantly make your guests feel uncomfortable,’ says Francesca Leat, owner, director and head designer at Francesca Leat Interiors. ‘Shoes scattered on the floor with shopping bags to trip over are all a classic example as well as mountains of letters and paperwork dumped in a pile.’

The best way to avoid a messy entrance is by decluttering and investing in the type of storage that people with tidy hallways always have. ‘Look to hide mess and clutter away when you are entertaining. Storage is key when possible! Bench seats with integrated storage for shoes work well, as do console tables with baskets underneath or sideboards with drawers for keys and letters,’ Francesca recommends.

2. Fix an unclear and unkept path and front door

As already mentioned, your entrance already starts outside with the pathway to your front door and your porch. So make sure that these areas also look put together to properly welcome you and your guests in.

‘From the outside, it often starts with a lack of clarity. If the front door is not clearly defined, the lighting is poor or the approach feels neglected, it can create a sense of hesitation before anyone even steps inside,’ Holly at Holla Design explains.

She continues by sharing her top picks that combat that, ‘It comes down to simple upkeep and definition. A well-maintained path, a front door that feels like a focal point and warm, well-placed lighting all help set a more welcoming tone straight away. Even small updates like a fresh coat of paint or considered hardware can make the entrance feel more cared for and immediate.’

3. Swap out harsh lighting

I often talk about lighting having the ability to make or break a room as it’s responsible for creating ambiance – but the wrong lighting can completely strip a space of any ambiance whatsoever. This applies to your entrance, too – both on the outside and when it comes to hallway lighting ideas. But lighting is about balance – you don’t want harsh overhead lighting making your space feel clinical but an entrance that’s too dimly lit that you and your guests can’t properly see where you’re going is not good either.

‘Make use of any natural light through windows, and create a layered lighting scheme, supplementing any ceiling lights with floor and table lamps,’ says Helen Ashmore, design director at Laura Ashley. ‘This will allow you to have a cosy and welcoming glow on those darker evenings.’

4. Jazz up a bland hallway

As much as a cluttered entrance feels unwelcoming, the other extreme which is an overly tidy, clinical and bland hallway has the same effect. So you want to strike the balance and inject some personality, create a relaxed ambiance without cluttering the space.

‘Introducing an element of surprise such as an unexpected double-height ceiling, a bold material change, dramatic lighting, or a framed view, can make the arrival experience memorable, turning a functional threshold into a moment of delight that draws people further into the home,’ Holly at Holla Design suggests.

Helen at Laura Ashley continues, ‘Hallways that haven’t been given much attention, such as those with bare walls, no focal points, or nowhere to pause, can come across as impersonal and disconnected from the rest of the home’s design. First impressions are formed quickly, so giving a little thought to these details can really help create a warmer, more welcoming feel for anyone entering the space, including yourself.’

5. Don’t forget home fragrance

As soon as I enter my flat, I’m always greeted by a lovely scent – a blend of my best reed diffuser and the scented candles that I happen to have on display at that given time which emit a fragrance even when they’re not lit. It makes me feel relaxed and welcome in my own home and even the experts agree that the absence of a nice scent can make an entrance feel less welcoming.

‘The absence of scent is another factor in an unwelcoming entrance. Fragrance is a tool to be leveraged in residential design, and a signature fragrance in an entrance space will create an emotional anchor – you’ll smell it, and instantly feel at home,’ Franky at Jolie says.

6. Dress up the floor

Last but not least, don’t forget about your hallway flooring ideas. Putting something soft on the floor like a hallway runner can really make a world of difference.

‘For the floor, a runner rug is transformative – not just aesthetically, but acoustically and texturally. The softness underfoot slows you down and helps regulate the nervous system as soon as you arrive through the door,’ Franky at Jolie says.

My top picks for a welcoming entrance

Helen at Laura Ashley concludes, ‘Ultimately, you want to create a space that reflects your personality and personal style, is functional, practical and creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere.’

I often discuss the hallway as the most neglected room in most homes when it comes to decorating. But what’s forgotten even more frequently than the hallway is the exterior of the home, including the front door – even though it’s the first impression of your home people get. Hence, a certain level of care and consideration should go into it – luckily, a few experts have shared their top tips on how to make a front door look expensive, and they’re easy to replicate in your home.

By incorporating one of these front door ideas, you’ll elevate the overall look of your home and make a great first impression on your guests. Not to mention the fact that your front door is the first and last thing you see when entering and leaving your home, so why not make it an aesthetically appealing sight?

‘Your front door is more than just a way into your home – it’s the first thing people see, and the last thing they remember,’ says Marianne Shillingford, creative director and colour expert at Dulux. ‘We often focus our attention on interiors and forget that the front door plays such a powerful role in the overall character of our home. Think of all those cherished moments it frames – from first days of school to waving off visitors, it quietly becomes part of the family story.’

Are you ready to increase your home’s kerb appeal?

1. Coordinate your hardware

Dubbed the door ‘furniture’, many often forget about the hardware of the front door. But leaving it mismatched or worse, painted over in white, will cheapen the look of your entrance.

‘Door “furniture” is something that often goes under the radar, but having a consistent look across the handles, knocker and door number helps tie the look together,’ says Jimmy Englezos, Ronseal’s senior brand manager. ‘Using materials such as brass or stainless steel will also bring a premium feel to the entrance of your home.’

Aurelien Farjon and Laurie Davidson, interior stylists at Style Makers, add, ‘White painted metal hardware are the ones you do not want to have on show if you are after an expensive look. Instead, add a brass door knocker. It really elevates the look of the door as it’s such a smart finishing touch. You can then use it to attach Christmas and Easter wreaths and really draw attention to it.’

To add a fun flourish, consider a playful shape like the popular bumble bee door knocker, which you can pick up for under £30 at B&Q.

2. Illuminate your entrance

Just like in the interior of your home, the right lighting can also make a world of the difference when it comes to the exterior. And adding stylish, warm light is one of the best ways to make your porch look expensive.

‘Lighting is another great way to enhance the luxury feel of your home. If you have steps leading up to your front door, recessed LED lights can make a big difference, while lantern-style exterior lights can make an entranceway feel cosy and luxurious, especially in the evening,’ Jimmy at Ronseal says.

3. Go for a sophisticated colour

A fresh coat of paint in the right front door colour idea is another easy DIY project you can take on. And this colourful makeover will likely make your front door look like a brand new entrance. Just beware of some of the front door colours going out of style this year.

‘Going for a rich dark tone will always look more elevated,’ Aurelien and Laurie at Style Makers start.

Jimmy at Ronseal continues, ‘Updating the colour of your front door is a great way to create a high-end feel without breaking the bank on a new door. Deep blues and greens are classic colours that work well across a wide range of materials, from brick to stone and give an elegant feel. However, if you want something more traditional, opting for a deep red shade is reminiscent of colours used in Georgian and Victorian homes, adding to the property’s character and creating a luxury feel.’

4. Opt for a glossy finish

As for the best paint finish for your front door, it’s often recommended to opt for a glossier type of paint, much like you would use on your skirting boards, rather than going for matt.

‘Using a glossier paint is a great way to enhance the look of your front door, as a shiny finish helps reflect light and creates a sharper appearance than a matt paint,’ Jimmy at Ronseal explains.

Farrow and Ball offers a Full Gloss paint that is perfect for front doors, it has a mirror-like shine and is scuff, stain and weather resistant.

5. Don’t forget the door frame

It’s not all about the front door itself, but also about its surroundings – which is why it’s key to also pay attention to the look of any trim and the door frame.

‘Painting the frame and trim around the door is another way to elevate the overall look. You can choose to paint it the same colour as the door to make it appear bigger and grander, while a complementary colour can help the door stand out,’ Jimmy at Ronseal says.

6. Create a cohesive look

Whether you’re decorating the interior or exterior of your home, it’s always important to think about the bigger picture as it will make everything look more considered and by extension more expensive, your front door included.

‘It’s important to ensure your front door works with the rest of your home, as a mismatch can make the entranceway look awkward. Coordinate your paint colour with the rest of the exterior of the house to create a cohesive look. For example, dark greens and reds work well with red brick, while neutral tones tend to suit stone homes,’ Jimmy at Ronseal says.

Get the look

Are you feeling inspired to give your front door an expensive-looking makeover?

Welcoming, relaxed and sometimes rustic, country style can be emulated no matter what type of property you live in, and it's a perfect match for any size hallway idea.

However, when it comes to the hallway, it’s a space that’s often forgotten – which is bizarre when you think that it’s the first impression people will have of your home. It can set the scene for the rest of the interior. With that in mind, there are a few essential ingredients you’ll want to consider to give your hall a good dose of country style.

From patterned fabrics to wall cladding, think big, and you’ll turn what can often be a small space into a laidback room that oozes country charm.

1. Be practical with flooring

You may not have a cottage nestled deep in the countryside, but you can still achieve the look. Hallway flooring ideas, for example, are usually practical in a rural home, especially as you're likely to have muddy boots tracking along the hallway daily. Opt for patterned tiles – not only are they hard-wearing, but they'll help to disguise day-to-day marks, too.

2. Choose smart storage

Country cottages aren’t known for spacious hallways, but if yours allows, go for a cupboard to hide away all those winter coats, hats, scarves and wellies. Whether you choose a freestanding design, like this, or opt for something bespoke, make sure your hallway storage ideas deliver country charm with a timeless painted finish and smart handles.

3. Ward of draughts

Hallways are often the spot where you can lose any warmth, so it helps to have a curtain that you can pull across at night to keep heat in. Hang it in front of your door (but not so close that it will continually get caught when opening and closing it), and choose a material and curtain rail that work with your country-style décor.

4. Pay attention to walls

Unless they're made of beautiful stone, you may want to invest in tongue-and-groove-style panelling to give your walls a warm, relaxed feel that’s practical, too. Panels make the ideal base for hanging hooks plus a shelf on which to display vintage pieces and baskets for storage.

5. Light it up

Make your hallway feel welcoming with your hallway lighting ideas in a typical British country style. Ceramic-based lamps that are as decorative as they are functional are ideal for popping on a console table, and you can take your pick from minimalist, scalloped or pleated shades, and hand-painted bases with sweet floral patterns.

6. Factor in seating

Having a spot to sit and take shoes on and off can be extremely handy, especially if you go for a bench-style seat that offers extra storage. Choose a design with pull-out wicker baskets for a rustic feel, or if there’s a cushioned seat, cover it in a flora and fauna-based fabric.

Whether you're looking for narrow hallway ideas or have only a small boxy entranceway in a city centre home, these tips will help transform the space into something worthy of a country house.

There is no better feeling than a tidy space that’s totally free from clutter. But when day-to-day life is in full swing, it can be hard to keep on top of things within the home. In a bid to make clean living feel effortless for 2026, I’ve just invested in this handy IKEA BISSA shoe cabinet, and it’s working a treat.

I moved in with my partner at the start of this year, and now that the days of unpacking are through, we are learning to live with each other's home habits. When it comes to shoe storage, I was more than happy to hide a shoe rack away in our utility room at the back of the house. However, he prefers to have his shoes easily accessible next to the front door.

This sounds handy, but it meant that evidence of our busy lives was quickly building up as shoes were kicked off and left in a pile by the door. Our hallway is narrow, so it didn’t take much before the shoe clutter began to feel overwhelming, and finding a storage solution for this small space shot to the top of my to-do list.

Our hallway space isn’t suited for bulky storage boxes, and I didn’t want our shoes to be on show in a rack. So, I couldn’t believe my luck when I came across this multi-compartment shoe storage cabinet from IKEA.

Concealed within the white cabinet are three boxes that open outwards for shoe storage. With two tiers per-box, there is room for 12 big shoes (like trainers or boots), or around 18 smaller pairs of sandals. It’s perfect for those who like to have their shoes within reach, but prefer not to have them on show.

Granted, this storage solution doesn't have space to squeeze in every pair of shoes that you own (our excess shoes are housed under our ottoman bed in a handy storage box, like this £14.99 one from Amazon). But it certainly makes life easier when you’re in a rush to get out of the house.

The best thing about this IKEA unit, though, is how it perfectly fits in my snug hallway. With a fuseboard box on one wall, and only a slim space of free wall on the other, I was hard pushed to find something that would fit seamlessly into our narrow hallway. But with space-saving measurements of 49x28x135cm, and a handy cut-out base to sit over the skirting board, this has done the trick.

What’s more – it’s given us an extra surface to decorate! Everyone knows that dreaming up home decor ideas is the best part about moving into a new space, so we’ve used the top of this unit to add some life to our hallway. With a print, side lamp and trinket bowl on top, our hallway has been transformed from messy and cluttered, to a warm welcome home.

Shop more hallway storage

Your hallway sets the tone of your home, so it’s important to keep it clear of unnecessary clutter. To do this, there’s an array of things that people with a tidy hallway always have. Add them to your basket to effortlessly organise your space.

Nothing will brighten up a bleak hallway in January quite like a runner rug. Whether you opt for a neutral jute design or a vibrant patterned runner, hallway runner ideas not only add personality to an entranceway but also provide an extra layer of warmth in winter. And the best part is you can find some gorgeous ones for under £100.

Right now, my hallway is just a long stretch of bare wooden floorboards, which is both cold and uncomfortable underfoot, so a hallway runner is top of my home shopping list this month. Currently, I'm leaning towards something vibrant like this H&M checked runner rug, which is just £56; however, I have also been impressed by this Maestro Cream Runner at Very Home, which is currently on sale for £19!

January is by far the longest month (financially) speaking, so if you're looking to liven up your hallway ideas on a budget, below I've shared all the best budget-friendly high-street hallway runners I've hunted down that deliver serious style for under £100.

Whether it's for the hallway leading from the front door or a first floor hall, a runner will add an instant splash of colour, character and warmth. Plus, with some costing just £19 in the sales right now it's one of the cheapest ways to make a big impact.

However, if you do invest in one of the light-weight cotton runners invest in some rug gripper pads, like these from Amazon to stop it sliding around.

Can you believe that Christmas is next week already?! I’m still in denial to be honest. And while I would like to think we all have all of our Christmas decor sorted, I know that’s not the case.

So if you don’t, there’s no need to feel bad as you’re not alone. And if you still have yet to inject some festive cheer into your entrance area, I know just the thing – a gingerbread house Christmas doormat which I’m seeing everywhere at the moment, and most of which can still be with you in time for the big day.

Last Christmas, gingerbread house doormats were a popular DIY Christmas decor idea that was all over Instagram and TikTok, with tutorials on how to turn plain doormats into a gingerbread house design (like the one below from @bekmarsden). But this festive season, you don’t have to do that as many brands jumped on the trend and now sell gingerbread doormats ready-made for as little as £4 from Lakeland (among others).

I think gingerbread-themed designs are one of the biggest (and certainly the most delicious-looking) Christmas decor trends of this year that’s largely flown under the radar – nobody’s really been talking about it. Yet Next’s gingerbread Christmas tree skirt sold out almost instantly after dropping online and the likes of Pottery Barn’s Christmas collection are filled with gingerbread-looking tableware.

So if you still need to get your doormat for this festive season or you don’t like the look of the one you currently have and want to replace it - as in the case of one member of the Ideal Home team - this is your chance, probably the last one if you want to make it for Christmas.

My top gingerbread house doormat picks

Needless to say, it’s down to the wire. So if you see a doormat you like, don’t delay placing your order. As it might be too little too late if you do.

A wreath on the front door has always been my favourite part of Christmas; however, working out how to hang one up is one of my least favourite parts. This year, after trying two different 'no nails' hacks, I found myself resorting to the 'invisible' nail method I've used for years.

I tried to avoid using a nail and work out how to hang a wreath on my front door without using one this year. However, a stick-on command hook wasn't strong enough to hold up my luxurious (a.k.a heavy) Bloom & Wild wreath and fell off the door in under 24 hours. I also tried out an over-the-door wreath hook; however, I couldn't get the sizing right for it to sit over my front door.

In the end, I resorted to the humble nail and some clear thread.

Now, the reason I've dubbed it an 'invisible' hack is that I didn't just bash the nail into the front door for all to see; instead, I hammered the nail into the top of the door in the middle. The trick lies in hammering it until it sits almost flush with the door, but there is still enough of a lip to loop thread or ribbon around. When not in use, the nail is invisible, waiting hidden to be used again next year.

I then took this 'invisibility' a step further by skipping the ribbon and hanging the wreath using clear nylon thread from Amazon (£8). The effect is a wreath floating perfectly on the front door, the thread almost invisible unless you look closely.

The nail trick is one my family used for years in our old house, which had a wooden front door. Every year, I'd run my hand over the top of the door, looking for the nail to loop the wreath ribbon over. However, the clear thread upgrade is a trick I stumbled upon last year when I tried clear beading elastic to hang dried orange slices on my Christmas tree.

I was so impressed with the result, I stocked up on more clear thread for hanging window decorations. Then, when my command hook failed, I thought, Why not see if it would work just as well with a wreath?

I did have to double up the thread a couple of times to take the weight of my wreath, but it has done the trick and looks great. You can also try using a fish line, which is a little cheaper at £4 on Amazon.

Does this hack work on other types of doors?

I must stress that the nail part of this hack is only suitable for wooden doors. However, if you have something on the inside of the door you can hook things onto, you can still use the clear thread hanging part of the hack and run it up and over the door to the other side.

If you have a composite door or glass door, you might have better luck with a command hook than I did. My mum uses a white command hook from Amazon to hang up her wreath on a composite door every year. The colour blends into the door, and once the wreath is on, you'd never know it was there. But I'll caveat that she opts for a much lighter faux wreath.

If you are still looking for an alternative to nails, here are a couple of the solutions I have researched with great reviews, but have yet to try myself.

An organised hallway is the dream for so many of us, especially during the winter months when they become a depository for boots, coats and bags. The hallway sets the tone for the rest of the home so must make a good first impression. However, in such a high traffic area this can sometimes be hard.

There are some people who always seem to have an organised hallway, are never scrambling for their keys before rushing out the door and don't have a panic when the doorbell rings.

To help figure out the secrets of how to organise a hallway, I've asked the experts for their tips on what people with a neat and tidy entranceway always do – so we can bring a little of this into our own homes.

1. Have a home for everything – regardless of the season

The time of year significantly influences the way that a hallway or boot room needs to function – in autumn and winter, it’s a repository for muddy boots, wet coats and bulky wellies, while in summer, there are hats, sandals, sports equipment and beach or picnic paraphernalia to consider.

If you renovate your hallway in the summer, it can be easy to forget about all those bulky coats and boots that return as soon as the temperature drops. But neglecting to include them in your hallway storage ideas is just going to fast-track your hallway into a big mess when the seasons change.

‘Prioritise ease of rotation. Open cubbies with baskets – like these from Amazon – allow items to be swapped around depending on the time of year,' explains Marie Dymond, co-founder of StudioME. 'For example, summer items can be stored in the highest baskets when hats and scarves are needed, without the need to spend an afternoon rearranging the cupboards.’

The addition of hooks – like these from Amazon – will prevent coats from piling up on surfaces or being hung on bannisters.

2. Maximise the space under the stairs

Awkward but versatile, the space under the stairs has a host of storage potential, from simple cupboards to more complex set-ups.

‘Bespoke joinery works especially well to create under-stairs storage, allowing you to tailor cupboards and drawers to your specific needs,’ says Charlotte Pidgeon, director at Frome Interiors. ‘In small hallways, storage concealed behind panelled doors helps maintain a clean, uncluttered style that’s sympathetic to your home’s character. In larger spaces, this area can be transformed to include built-in seating, a small desk or even a cosy nook for a family pet – adding charm and functionality to what is often an underused part of the home.’

However, bespoke storage needn't cost a fortune – especially with IKEA hacks. For example, this couple were quoted £1000 for under-stair storage but built their own – for just £175!

3. Have a one-in, one-out system

Coats and boots don't just need to be permanently stored in the hallway.

'Many homes store every coat they own in the hallway at once. That’s why it feels overcrowded. Instead, keep just one or two per person in the entryway. When a new coat comes in, put another away. It’s a small habit that makes a huge difference – especially in compact spaces,' says Max Wilson, leading home expert and co-founder of Pocket Storage.

If space is limited and clutter feels overwhelming. Take a look at the back of your coat hooks and cupboards. 'Not everything needs to live by the door. Store off-season gear - like summer hats or spare raincoats – in vacuum bags, like these from Amazon, or stackable boxes on high shelves, under benches or even in the loft. This rotation system keeps the everyday area clutter-free. The less you see, the more you’ll actually use what’s there.'

4. Adopt a daily reset

Small habits can make huge changes.

'Spend just two minutes each evening doing a quick reset can help you keep a clutter-free home – hang up coats, put shoes on the rack, and sort through any mail or bags left by the door. It sounds basic, but consistency is what stops the chaos from creeping back in,' advises Liz Aitken, Wellness Ambassador and in-house decluttering expert at HOLD Self Storage.

If you find your hallway is still overflowing despite these fixes, it might be time to try some decluttering or relocating items to a new home that won't clog up the precious space in the entranceway.

A hallway is easily neglected as a walk-through space, but it is one of the main arteries of the house, which, when it's clear and tidy, will help your whole home work more efficiently and smoothly.

Hallways are often an overlooked space in many homes when it comes to decorating. But your entryway is the first impression your guests get of your home, so it deserves some TLC. Interior designers know this better than anyone – that’s why I’ve asked 6 of them what every hallway needs according to interior designers.

There are 4 hallway ideas and features that kept coming up – some might be more surprising than others. But all of them will elevate your hallway and make it into a memorable space, rather than a purely transitional one that takes you from the front door to the rest of the house or flat.

‘Hallways are transitional spaces, and too often they’re treated like an afterthought,’ says interior designer Bilal Rehman. ‘But you can turn them into a design statement that surprises people and makes the journey through your home just as impactful as the destination rooms themselves.’

1. Repetition

Let’s be honest, few people are lucky enough to have a big entryway. Instead, they tend to be tiny or narrow rooms which makes them all the more difficult to decorate. But whether you’re in need of small hallway ideas or narrow hallway ideas, utilising repetition in whatever you’re incorporating in your entryway will make the space look less cluttered and put together.

‘Repetition is one of the strongest design tools you can use in a hallway, yet it’s often overlooked. Think about lighting: multiple wall sconces or a series of flush mounts leading you down the space not only illuminate the hall but also create a rhythm that naturally draws the eye forward. Art works the same way: a gallery wall with identical frames, or a series of pieces that flow together, gives the hallway structure and intention,’ Bilal says.

He adds, ‘The key here is restraint. Mixing too many styles or elements creates visual clutter in what’s already a narrow space. By keeping the design elements consistent, whether it’s in finish, scale, or style, you establish a cohesive flow that makes the hallway feel considered rather than forgotten.’

2. Colour and pattern

Because hallways tend to be on the smaller side, most people steer clear of adding colour and pattern so as not to overwhelm the space and instead stick to neutrals. But given that you spend such short periods of time in the hallway, this is the space where you can go bold and make a statement.

‘Forget the safe neutrals – a hallway deserves to sing, not whisper,’ says John Cooper, interior designer and winner of Interior Design Masters season 6. ‘Wrap it in punchy colour-blocking and look up too – ceilings are a brilliant canvas for drama. Think patterned stencilling, gilded gold leaf, or wallpaper that drenches the space with character. First impressions really do set the tone for the whole home.’

He adds that hallway flooring ideas should also not be forgotten, ‘Floors deserve as much personality as the walls. Celebrate original Victorian tiles if you have them, or paint timber in stripes, checkerboards, or bold zig-zags. Or bring a narrow Victorian hall to life with a bold patterned runner that elongates and energises the space. It’s another canvas, not just something underfoot.’

3. Art

Hanging art on your hallway walls is another easy way to elevate the space – and it’s a trick interior designers use time and time again.

‘A hallway is a great opportunity to be dramatic and make a statement with your artwork to draw the eye as you move through the home,’ says Jenna Forsdyke, interior designer at Pfeiffer Design. ‘Large-scale works can anchor a room and become a striking focal point.’

She continues, ‘In more intimate spaces, consider clusters of mixed mediums and scales of smaller works such as gallery hangings of photographs, prints or drawings to create depth and character. Ensure you choose pieces that you love and are personal to you. There are no strict rules to pairing artwork together - the key is balance: make sure the materials, textures and tones of the artwork sit comfortably alongside the architecture and furnishings of the hallway.’

4. Mirror

Hallway mirror ideas are not only a practical addition to your entryway – mirrors can make a world of difference in this tiny space.

‘Mirrors do a huge amount of heavy lifting in hallway decor, and are the perfect hero piece to make your entryway feel “finished”,’ says Jo Lane, founder of See Your Place. ‘A mirror will not only reflect light and instantly make your hallway feel double the size, but it’s very useful for a last-minute outfit check before you leave the house. Hang one above a console, dado or mantel, and go big if you can, this is the place to make a statement with your mirror.’

Sarah and Liz Hellmers, co-directors of interior design studio Lathams, agree, ‘Mirrors are invaluable, they amplify light, enhance the sense of scale, and add an element of grandeur. People are often surprised by how powerful a mirror can be in a hallway: placed opposite a light source, it brightens and expands the space instantly.’

Hallway top picks

Jo at See Your Place concludes, ‘In general, I would suggest to think about the hallway as a visitor’s first introduction to the home. It sets the tone, introduces your style and personality, and should feel as welcoming as possible. Too often hallways are an afterthought, but I think they benefit from accessorising just as much as any other room in a home, so that they feel like a cohesive part of it.’

Dado rails are a traditional wall feature that entails installing moulding horizontally along a wall or the whole room usually at chair height which is why they also go by ‘chair rails’ sometimes. Historically, they’ve been largely used in entryways – and in the past year or so, there’s been a major rise in the popularity of the hallway dado rail trend.

‘Dado rails’ are currently attracting over 5000% more Google searches compared to just a month ago and Google searches for ‘dado rail’ amount to at least 23,000 per month. And while dado rails work pretty much in any style of entryway, they make for a particularly great narrow hallway idea.

‘Generally speaking, dado rails are a great feature for most hallways but they work particularly well in long or narrow spaces as they can help to create proportion, by visually breaking the wall into sections and balancing the space,’ says Summa Costandi, co-founder at Panels by Sofia. ‘They also add a sense of dimension, for example making a long hallway appear wider.’

What’s the purpose of a hallway dado rail?

A dado rail has been a widely popular hallway idea because it has both a practical and an aesthetic purpose, making it double useful.

‘Traditionally, it was designed to protect walls from damage caused by furniture being moved along narrow passageways, as well as scuffs from everyday traffic,’ says Violeta Stoyanova, Fantastic Handyman's renovation specialist.

‘Besides function, it also adds architectural interest by breaking up large stretches of wall, creating proportion and balance in what can otherwise feel like long, plain corridors. In modern use, dado rails are often styled to frame paint contrasts or panelling below, turning a practical feature into an intentional design element,’ she explains.

Why are hallway dado rails popular right now?

As already mentioned, dado rails are more of a traditional feature that in the past several years declined in popularity, often reserved mostly for period properties. But in the last year or so, dado rails have been becoming a major home decor trend, especially when it comes to hallways. Partly, this is down to hallway panelling ideas - which pair beautifully with dado rails - becoming more in demand.

‘Hallway dado rails have definitely seen a rise in popularity this year,’ says Adam McGrory, managing director of MR Mouldings. ‘Homeowners are increasingly turning to traditional interior details like dado rails to bring character and charm back into their homes. Social media trends around panelling and heritage-inspired interiors have also contributed to this, with dado rails providing a cost-effective way to add a timeless design element. In recent years, we’ve seen the wider panelling trend grow, and in particular, dado rails.’

It’s also because the often overlooked hallways are finally getting the attention they deserve. ‘We’re seeing dado rails become increasingly popular again, particularly as homeowners look for subtle ways to add interest to transitional spaces or rooms needing an injection of character,’ says Charlie Farrar, creative product manager at Naturewall. ‘Hallways are often overlooked, and a dado rail is a simple but effective way to bring depth, character, and a sense of finish without overwhelming the space.’

How high should a hallway dado rail be?

Dado rails are all about getting the placement right – otherwise, there’s nothing that can really go wrong. That’s why it’s an easy yet a transformative way to update your hallway. But as long as you follow this expert-approved formula to how high a dado rail should be, you’ll be just fine.

‘A dado rail in a hallway is generally best placed at about one third of the wall height, which typically works out around 85 to 100 centimetres from the floor. This proportion stems from classical design principles, where dividing walls into balanced sections creates harmony and avoids a heavy or top-heavy look,' Violeta at Fantastic Handyman says.

'In practical terms, setting the rail at this height also ensures it sits at the right level to protect against scuffs from chairs, bags or everyday movement in a narrow space. If your ceilings are higher than average, you can afford to raise the rail slightly to maintain the one-third proportion, while in lower-ceilinged hallways it’s best to keep it closer to 85 centimetres,’ Violeta adds.

Adam at MR Mouldings adds, ‘The aim is to create balance; too low, and it can look out of place; too high, and it risks overwhelming the wall.’

Even though dado rails work particularly well in narrow hallways, they will look great in pretty much any entryway. Just be careful when it comes to very small hallway ideas, ‘The only time I’d be cautious is in very small or low-ceilinged hallways, where a dado rail could make the space feel more enclosed if it's not placed carefully. In those cases, the choice of height, colour and finish becomes crucial to maintaining balance,’ Violeta concludes.

Typically, hallway doors are either painted white or treated with a wood stain. While this is functional and works with most interiors, it doesn't add much to your interior design.

To help inspire you to have the confidence to go bold with your hallway ideas, we asked three interior experts for their favourite hacks to make your doors look more expensive without breaking the bank.

Budgets vary depending on the materials used; however, all three of these looks can be achieved on a single door for less than £20 and are all easy DIY projects that would take less than a day to complete.

1. Bobbin framed doors

Layering textures is a way to elevate an interior, but this doesn’t just mean adding a rug or some cushions, as interior designer Lucinda Sanford proves in this small hallway idea.

‘The previous space was quite uninspiring, and we didn’t want simply to use traditional four-panel doors. However, we didn’t have a vast budget for bespoke fire doors. The solution was to take some simple blank designs and personalise them with oversized bobbin moulding from Decowood,' says Lucinda.

The finished design creates an instant statement and is easily replicated using bobbin or other styles of moulding and a grab adhesive. Painting the doors and moulding as one for a seamless look.

If your doors are standard size, you would typically need around 5 metres of trim for the edges, or less if you just want to add detailing to the door .

2. Add a border around the door trim

Last popular in the 1980s and 1990s, wallpaper borders are seeing a resurgence as a way to elevate door trims, particularly in narrow hallways.

For an on-trend look, consider geometric patterns in bold colourways, or choose floral and botanical designs to channel vintage charm. Set against painted walls for an eye-catching introduction of pattern or layer on top of wallpaper for a more maximalist look.

‘One of the reasons I love wallpaper borders is that they’re a great way to add detail and colour without the hefty price tag of wallpaper,’ says Susie Atkinson, founder of Studio Atkinson. To ensure a seamless finish, cut the corners of the borders at a 45-degree angle and match the patterns so the print can flow.

If you choose a peel-and-stick wallpaper, like those from Made of Sundays, this is a great way to make a rental hallway look expensive.

3. Paint the frames and edges in a contrasting hue

A small tin of paint can work wonders to revitalise a space.

‘Habitually painted white, door frames are a fantastic spot to inject colour with more decorative paint ideas. Take the concept further by adding the same colour along the edge of the door; this will add a surprising detail, revealing itself only when the door is opened,’ says Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene.

‘This is a brilliant way to bring bolder hues or highlight colours into a space without it feeling overwhelming. Yellow works as a contrast to blue or grey walls; it adds a splash of pure joy. Alternatively, a hot pink or bright red will have a similar effect in a green or brown-hued room.’

Each of these techniques will quickly and affordably level up your hallways. Let us know if you have any other tips for adding extra flair to a hallway door in the comments below.

Hallways are often the most overlooked and neglected spaces in our homes, often decorated as an afterthought. But I urge you not to make that mistake as your hallway is like the preview trailer for your home – something I read recently and thought was extremely fitting. So if you are thinking of painting your entryway, why not do it with one of the best Farrow & Ball paint colours for hallways?

Farrow & Ball is probably the most popular paint brand on the market and the one that everybody looks up to. The brand’s curated range of exactly 132 beautiful paint shades is filled with potential hallway paint ideas, but the 3 below are the ones the experts recommend the most.

‘Hallways are more than just a passage to other rooms in the home; they are your home’s first impression,’ says Michael Rolland, paint expert and managing director at The Paint Shed, a Farrow & Ball stockist. ‘The right shade not only sets the tone for the house but also creates a sense of cohesion, tying the space together.’

1. Inchyra Blue

There are some of the most popular Farrow & Ball paint shades that I keep hearing about on a regular basis as interior experts and homeowners alike love them. Inchyra Blue, a dark blue grey colour, was never one of them – and yet, in the space of the last couple of weeks, it's all of a sudden popping up everywhere. First, it played a major role on the set of the Netflix film Thursday Murder Club, as seen on the walls of Elizabeth’s flat.

And now, Patrick O’Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball, names this shade as one of the best hallway colour schemes. ‘When used in two different finishes, you will get textural changes and light that will respond wonderfully. Inchyra Blue in full gloss on the lower half of the wall (chair rail height will do the trick) and modern emulsion to ceiling height will create a statement that is utterly stylish and practical (as fully washable).’

Alternatively, Michael at The Paint Shed says a similar blue grey shade called De Nimes has been among the most popular Farrow & Ball hallway colours as of late.

2. Studio Green

‘For 2025, blue and green tones continue to hold their place as timeless favourites for hallways,’ Michael at The Paint Shed says.

Now that we’ve covered blue, let’s move onto green. Time and time again, experts recommend shades of green for hallways as a nod to the outdoors – and with the entryway being a link between your home and the outside, it’s only fitting.

But instead of going for something safe like a sage green, Patrick at Farrow & Ball recommends leaning into darker, moodier tones like Studio Green – the brand's darkest green that can appear almost black, depending on the light.

‘Venture towards the darker end of the spectrum – you will be amazed how beautiful it will be (and surprisingly, not as enclosing as first might appear). Dark colours are a wonderful backdrop for pictures – something like Studio Green will make your forgotten masterpieces sing in a new light.’

3. Charlotte’s Locks

On the other hand, your hallway is also the perfect opportunity to create a fun space. As it is a room you don’t spend a lot of extended time in, you can go for something bold and vibrant that will wow your guests as soon as they walk through the door – something like Farrow & Ball’s Charlotte’s Locks. But you don't necessarily have to colour drench your whole entryway in this bold shade. Instead, you can just go for something like a door.

‘Rich, more saturated orange shades emerged as an exciting trend for 2025. Farrow & Ball’s Charlotte’s Locks (a bold, deep orange) is one of the most popular shades I am seeing among customers at present,' Michael at The Paint Shed says.

'For those looking to inject a pop of colour into their hallway designs, Charlotte’s Locks is a great option. A deep and dramatic orange, perfect to introduce for the autumn period, Charlotte’s Locks can bring that warm and welcoming atmosphere into the home. Charlotte’s Locks is ideal for rooms with limited natural light, where it adds brightness and creates a greater sense of openness.'

Patrick at Farrow & Ball concludes, ‘Most people panic over how to decorate their hallways, often due to the limitations of natural light. However, as these are essentially transient spaces to lead you to the primary rooms of the home, you can play with this.’

Adding a runner to your hallway has many benefits – from practical ones like protecting your floors to aesthetic ones like bringing colour, pattern and texture into your entryway. But getting the right runner size is crucial to creating a considered look – and there’s an easy pro-approved trick to figuring out how big your hallway runner should be.

This hallway runner idea is a well-known rule of thumb in the industry, a golden rule that most experts follow when choosing a hallway runner.

‘A hallway runner can completely transform the look and feel of your entrance, but size really is everything,’ says Nick Acaster, managing director at Rugs Direct. ‘Too small and it risks looking like a misplaced mat; too large and the runner can overwhelm the space, making it feel cluttered rather than inviting. The right proportions bring balance, flow, and cohesion.’

What’s the trick to getting the correct hallway runner size?

Similarly to the 18-inch rug rule which works best in living rooms, there is a similar rule for hallway runners. But instead of leaving 18 inches between the edge of the rug and the wall, it’s recommended to leave approximately 5 inches on each side of the runner instead.

‘There is a well-known rule of thumb in the industry for hallway runner sizing. To determine how big a hallway runner should be, start by measuring your space and following a few practical guidelines for placement and proportion,’ says Greg Foster, artistic director at Jaipur Rugs. ‘Centre your runner so there’s an even border of flooring on both sides, typically leaving 4 to 6 inches (or 10 to 15 centimetres) between the rug edge and the wall to achieve a balanced look. Line the runner up with the edges of furniture, if present, to create flow and avoid placing it flush against any wall.’

As for the ends of the runner, you can leave a little more floor space here. ‘Start by measuring the length of the hallway, then subtract about 6 to 12 inches from each end so the runner doesn’t sit flush against the walls,’ says Alan Russell, sales director at Louis De Poortere.

Nick at Rugs Direct adds, ‘For length, aim for the runner to cover at least three-quarters of your hallway, so it feels anchored without cutting the space short.’

The tool that experts recommend

If you’re more of a visual person, the one helpful tool that kept coming up in regards to getting the right hallway runner size is masking tape like the Frog tape, available at Amazon.

‘The easiest way to get your runner size right is to envision it in the space,’ says Lizzie Mosley, creative director at Hug Rug. ‘Note down the measurements of your runner, and mark in masking tape where you imagine this in your hallway. This gives you an idea of the runner's footprint and whether the size will complement your space – or if you need a larger or smaller size.’

My top hallway runner picks

Kirsty Barton, brand storytelling manager at Alternative Flooring, concludes, ‘It's important to get the measurements right, taking into consideration the desired length, the width and any door clearances to prevent obstructing doorways and causing any unnecessary wear and tear.’

When I moved into my 1960s semi-detached home, I knew I wanted to banish the bare, white walls forever. But when it came to decorating my hallway, it wasn’t as simple as just giving it a lick of paint.

My hallway is a north-facing space with a low ceiling, meaning it lacks light and warmth. It felt cold, dingy, and uninviting – the opposite of what an entryway should be. And although I’ve transformed other rooms in my house before, I just didn’t know how to decorate a north-facing room.

I wanted to lean into the rustic farmhouse trend, hoping this would help make the space feel cosy, not cramped. In need of some small hallway ideas, I did what any self-appointed interior designer would do – I consulted my Pinterest boards.

Immediately, tongue-in-groove panelling stuck out. I ordered some Custom Height V-Groove Panelling from CutMy, my go-to website for all kinds of panelling ideas, and adhered it to the wall.

I liked the idea of adding coat hooks for aesthetic storage, so I went with the WASYPLSFOI Gold Wall Hooks from Amazon, for a warm, luxurious vibe. Then added a Paintable MDF Floating Shelf from CutMy as a clever way to give me a space for home decor.

I toyed with the idea of getting a shoe bench with storage, but they were expensive and too bulky for my small space. Luckily, I had a cupboard where I could store my shoes, meaning I could get away without one. I chose the Splay Bench from Still & Bloom, which was perfect for that organic, farmhouse feel.

It was all going so well until it came to choosing the perfect paint colour. Eager to create a calm, countryside cottage vibe, I chose Farrow & Ball’s Cromarty, a muted, green-grey shade. Upon swatching, it looked perfect alongside my cream, marble tiles, and beautifully rustic with the wood bench I planned to pair with it.

However, once I’d painted the walls, I soon realised that the north-facing space meant the colour appeared darker and colder in places. My white ceiling only increased the contrast, making the space feel more unwelcoming than ever.

To balance out the cold hue, I realised I needed to warm the space with browns, beiges, and shockingly, pink.

I opted for matching gold lighting accessories, which made the space feel charming and relaxing. Then, for lamp shades, I chose the Leafy Arbour Morris & Co. Empire Scalloped Shade from Pooky, which has traditional cottage written all over it. To match these, I also bought a pink, floral cushion and a dark, green, ruffled cushion from Ellenvaleinteriors on Etsy for that soft finish.

But still, there was something off. I decided to live with it and see if I grew to like it. Needless to say, I did not, and almost considered repainting it a new colour.

Fast forward almost a year, and I had a lightbulb moment - the white ceiling was far too stark, and I needed a warm, off-white instead. I decided on Farrow & Ball’s Dimity, a warm, taupe-neutral, and after months of agonising over what felt like a failed hallway transformation, it was the best feeling to finally see my vision come together.

From the difficulty of painting a north-facing room to saving a paint colour mistake with accessories and complementary hues, I’ve learned so much when creating this space.

The wooden bench provides that rustic, raw charm. The panelling adds texture and interest, as well as offering an aesthetic storage solution for pesky coats and bags. Paired with the soft florals, it’s exactly what I wanted. A warm, welcoming, cosy cottage hallway fit for any Pinterest board.

Get the look

Stacey Dooley’s stylish home is an endless source of inspiration for me and the rest of the team here at Ideal Home. So when she recently shared a few new snaps of her abode on Instagram, my interest was piqued – and, of course, I’m now obsessed with Stacey Dooley’s hallway side table.

For one, the colourful, bold design champions the ‘eclectic home’ decor trend, but it just so happens to be a super smart small hallway idea too.

The eclectic home decor trend is having a moment, attracting over 24 times more searches on Pinterest this week. It is a look that Stacey Dooley has always nailed in her period property, and this side table is no different.

‘Eclectic interiors are all about mixing eras, textures and moods in a way that feels effortless but still curated,’ says Sienna Brooks, Flitch interior stylist. ‘This table is a bit of a show-stealer. It is sculptural, cheeky and full of personality, with its stacked, bulbous forms and glossy finish. It does not follow the rules of symmetry or restraint, which is exactly what makes it such a strong eclectic statement.’

I tracked down the playful side table seen in the second shot in Stacey’s Instagram post. It’s the &tradition Shuffle table, available at Holloways of Ludlow currently with 15% off for £412.25 (down from £485).

But if this designer find is a little out of your budget, I also came up with some more budget-friendly alternatives to go for instead to recreate the look in your home.

Does a side table belong in the hallway though?

The eclectic design of the totem side table - which is a trend in its own right - was the first thing that caught my eye. But its positioning in the hallway over a traditional console table gave me pause, I quickly realised what a smart solution for a small or narrow hallway idea it was – and I’m 100% on board.

‘A hallway side table is a clever way to inject a bit of drama into an often overlooked space. Stacey's choice adds a burst of form and fun without taking up too much room. In a Victorian home, especially, where the architecture can feel quite formal, something playful like this creates contrast and charm,’ Sienna at Flitch confirms.

While Stacey’s side table in her pink-painted hallway displays only a couple of scented candles, you can adorn yours with a bowl for the keys - like this small stoneware bowl from H&M in a chocolate brown shade - a vase of fresh flowers and a spot to put mail.

I’m not going to lie, I’m seriously tempted by the Shuffle side table from &tradition – what are your thoughts on it? Yay or nay?

Whether you’re thinking of giving your hallway a makeover or a new coat of paint, it’s important to know what paint finish to use to ensure your entryway looks stylish for as long as possible. All the paint experts I’ve asked agreed that eggshell paint is the best choice for a hallway.

While there isn’t necessarily anything special about your hallway walls compared to the rest of your home, the way that you use the space likely differs from how you use other rooms in the house. he reality is that hallway walls are prone to a lot of scuffing so the chosen hallway paint ideas should take that into account.

‘The hallway is a high traffic area – as well as hands up staircases and bannisters, bags and shoes will regularly knock against the walls and surfaces, so the paint used does need to be tough,’ says Sophie Smith of Zhoosh Paints.

‘It also needs to look good – this is the first part of the house anyone sees upon entering and you want the eyes to be drawn along it to the rooms ahead, while still appreciating it as a stylish and welcoming space. You therefore need to choose a paint that will work well from an aesthetic and practical point of view.’

Why is eggshell the best paint finish for hallways?

‘The best paint finish for a hallway is one that offers low shine, high durability, and a washable surface,’ says Michael Rolland, managing director at The Paint Shed. ‘An eggshell finish, which sits between satin and matte, can be an ideal choice.’

Generally speaking for the majority of the home, the best paint finish for walls and ceilings tends to be matt. So you might be wondering why that’s not the case for hallways, too.

‘Eggshell is more hardwearing and robust than matt, great for an area that needs regular cleaning where mucky feet have been knocked and greasy hands have been pressed. It also works if you are planning to colour drench - which means matching radiators and skirting boards to the wall colours - as tougher eggshell is ideal for all surfaces,’ Sophie Zhoosh Paints says.

What is the second best option?

But at the same time, if you’re a big fan of matt paint you can still use it in your hallway, as long as it’s a durable, hardwearing paint that’s also ideally a washable one to keep up with the knocks and scuffs often inflicted on hallway walls..

‘Hallways can be a challenging area to decorate as they are one of the busiest areas of a home and need to withstand the knocks and bumps of busy family life,’ says Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene. ‘Our Intelligent Matt Emulsion is designed to be robust, resisting the daily wear of modern life, so is perfect for hallways and high-traffic areas.'

Michael at The Paint Shed adds, ‘Durable matt emulsion paints are highly pigmented and excellent for high traffic areas; as their durable characteristics allow you to scrub or wipe the paint without compromising the colour or finish.’

What paint finish should you avoid in a hallway?

On the other hand, gloss paint finish should be avoided at all costs in a hallway as it shows imperfections way too easily. Also with the rise of matt paint’s popularity, gloss paints have been gradually decreasing in popularity in general and can look old-fashioned.

‘Avoid gloss finishes for hallways. Whilst gloss paints are perfect for areas such as cabinets, doors, and bannisters, they are not well suited to hallway walls,' Michael at The Paint Shed confirms.

'Gloss creates an overly shiny, reflective surface that highlights imperfections. In high-traffic areas like hallways, which are often filled with shoes, coats, and other everyday clutter, a finish such as matt or eggshell provides a more suitable, reliable and lower-maintenance option.'

Hallway paint top picks

Caroline Thornborough, design director of Thorndown, reiterates, ‘It’s essential that you use a high-performance durable paint that can withstand bangs and scrapes and having marks cleaned off, otherwise you’ll be forever repainting.’

EDITOR’S NOTE: An earlier version of this article included a quote from a purported expert whose credentials we have not been able to verify. The quote has been removed. We regret this lapse in our verification process and have updated our internal protocols to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Even though your front porch is a covered area, the fact that it’s exposed to the outside world more than the rest of your home means that there are certain things that have no business being here. If you’re wondering exactly what you shouldn’t keep on your porch, our experts have the answers.

Some of these front porch ideas - or should I say mistakes? - are based on security concerns, while others could cause damage or attract pests that would then likely cause damage. Meanwhile, some of the things are simply best stored elsewhere just to avoid making a bad first impression when guests come round.

‘A porch really shines when it is a smart, welcoming moment,’ says Alex Stubbs, Flitch interior stylist. ‘Since it is the first thing people see about your house, it is best to keep it straightforward, welcoming, and weatherproof.’

Iliyan Andreev, Fantastic Services' home maintenance expert, adds, ‘As a general rule of thumb, anything made for outdoor conditions that's UV-treated, rust-proof, and waterproof can stay on a porch. A porch is best suited for items and setups that are durable, weather-tolerant, low-theft-risk and that boost kerb appeal or outdoor living comfort.’

But the below items certainly don’t fit that criteria…

1. Valuables

Your front porch is the in-between area bordering the outside world and your home. But since it is exposed to the elements and to other people, it’s best not to keep anything too valuable here.

‘Electronics or valuable items, such as speakers, bikes, or tools are major theft magnets. Even a quiet neighbourhood isn't immune to opportunistic thieves. Plus, weather exposure, even under cover, can corrode electronics quickly. Electronics, bikes, tools should be kept inside your home, in a locked garage, or a secured shed. This will protect them from weather damage,’ Iliyan at Fantastic Services says.

2. Upholstered furniture

When picking out what furniture pieces to put on your porch, always make sure that it’s some of the best garden furniture, rather than a piece made for interiors. Otherwise, you risk that piece of furniture being damaged by the ruthless UK elements.

‘Our wet climate can severely damage soft furnishings and wooden furniture, causing them to warp and mould quickly,’ Alex at Flitch says.

Iliyan adds, ‘People should not keep upholstered furniture, such as indoor couches or fabric chairs, on their porch. Fabric absorbs moisture from humidity and rain, leading to mildew, mould and bad odours.

Even covered porches aren't 100% dry. Upholstered furniture should be kept indoors or in a sunroom that's fully enclosed and climate-controlled. If you want seating outside, invest in outdoor-rated furniture with weatherproof fabrics.’

3. Firewood

You might think that the front porch is the perfect spot for your firewood. But it equals an open invitation for termites to move into your entranceway.

‘Storing firewood on a porch invites termites, ants, spiders and rodents close to your home. Plus, damp wood encourages mould growth. Firewood should be stacked on a raised firewood rack at least 6 to 9 metres away from the house under a ventilated, waterproof cover. This reduces the risk of termites and other pests migrating from the woodpile into your home structure,’ Iliyan recommends.

4. Cardboard boxes

Similarly to firewood, cardboard boxes should also not be kept on your porch as it can attract pests. But it also creates a messy appearance which doesn’t make your porch look particularly expensive or stylish.

‘Cardboard soaks up moisture like a sponge, rots fast and becomes attractive for pests. It also looks messy, dragging down your home's kerb appeal. Cardboard boxes and paper items should be kept inside a dry, sealed storage area like a closet, pantry, or inside plastic storage bins if necessary. Indoors, they're safe from both water damage and pests like silverfish,’ Iliyan says.

5. Parcels

Speaking of cardboard, delivered packages should also not be kept on your porch for too long, as it is yet another security risk, as well as an eyesore, especially if they start piling up.

‘Modern-day online-shopping culture doesn’t have to mean your porch doubling up as a Royal Mail depot,’ says Lucy Mather, interiors expert at Arighi Bianchi. ‘Not only does it look incredibly messy, but it sends out the message that you’re not at home, making it an obvious target for thieves or ‘porch pirates’.

Invest in a dedicated delivery box (available on Amazon) or a concealed parcel drop disguised as a bench to keep things secure and stylish.’

6. Pet accessories

This one might be the most surprising of them all, but according to experts, any pet accessories are not the best things to keep on your porch, mainly because of the often accompanying smell.

‘I’d always avoid keeping regularly used pet-related items on the porch,’ says Chloe Barrow, interior expert at Laura James. ‘Whilst it can feel easy to leave the dog’s harness and lead there ready to grab on your way out, it can quickly start to make a porch start to smell, owing to the heat and lack of circulation. Whilst we all love our pets, the last thing you want is for guests to arrive on a dog-smelling porch. Instead, pop these in a coat cupboard, back mud room, or even by the back door so it’s well away from guests.’

And for the same reason, gym gear should also be kept away from your porch. ‘Dirty gym gear and forgotten sports equipment – nothing says chaotic car boot sale more than a porch littered with random gear. Invest in vertical wall hooks or a sleek locker system in the utility room or under the stairs to reclaim your porch’s sense of grown-up elegance,’ Lucy at Arighi Bianchi says.

Finally, she concludes, ‘Your porch is the “handshake” of your home, and what it says about you sets the tone for everything that follows.

A cluttered, unloved porch is a missed opportunity that lowers the kerb appeal – but thoughtfully curated, it can be your secret design weapon.’

Adding seating to your front or back porch can significantly improve this area of your home, both from a practical and aesthetic point of view. And if you’re thinking that your porch is too small to accommodate a seat, we’re sure you’ll be able to find some porch seating ideas that perfectly fit your space on this list.

Investing in some seating is one of the best front porch ideas you could incorporate into this often overlooked area – and it’s one of the easiest ways to make a porch look more expensive to increase that kerb appeal and make it appear more welcoming.

But similarly to selecting garden seating ideas, when shopping for porch seating there are a few things you need to consider and keep in mind. ‘Like all outdoor seating, ensure the furniture you are choosing for the space is built with the intended use of being outdoors,’ says Mark Holloway, founder and interior expert at Holloways of Ludlow. ‘Garden furniture is designed specifically to withstand the elements, protected from the weathering or rain, sun and everything in between.’

Mark continues, ‘Like all design choices, in and out of the home, porch seating should strike the balance between functionality and aesthetics. So first, consider what it will be used for, whether that be entertaining guests, a solo seating area, or a functional area for taking off and putting on shoes.’

1. Opt for wicker chairs on a larger porch

Rattan, whether natural or synthetic, is one of the best materials for outdoor furniture you could go for. So opting for some of the best rattan outdoor furniture like a pair of wicker chairs - or even just the one if that’s all your porch allows - will not only make your entranceway look stylish and welcoming, it’s also a choice that will stand the test of time.

‘For a slightly bigger space, wicker chairs are a great option as the natural material tends to leave gaps and therefore still makes the space feel more open,’ says Chloe Barrow, interior expert at Laura James.

Alex Stubbs, Flitch interior stylist, agrees, ‘I love rattan armchairs with cushions. They strike that perfect balance between casual and inviting, and they’re light enough to shift around easily. Layering them with throws makes them ideal for our chillier evenings, offering both comfort and style.’

2. Go for a storage bench on a smaller porch

‘When it comes to porch seating, I always recommend styles that are practical and that don't overwhelm the space, so it’s firstly important to consider the space you do have. For a smaller space, a slimline wooden bench with storage is a great option,’ Chloe at Laura James says.

The less space you’re working with, the more creative and clever you’ll need to be with how you utilise the space. So why not make your porch seating work double hard by also combining it with some storage? It’s the perfect small front porch idea.

‘Another brilliant option is a wooden bench with built-in planters. These are especially good for narrow porches and add a charming cottage-core feel. You also get a touch of greenery, which is a lovely bonus if you don’t have much outdoor space beyond your front step,’ Alex at Flitch adds.

3. Incorporate a bistro set if you have the space

While a bistro set might not be a viable option for every porch, if yours is on the bigger side, you can certainly benefit from stylish seating like this.

‘If you have an American-style indoor-outdoor porch, a bistro set can also work wonderfully if you want to create a spot for morning coffee without taking up too much room,’ Chloe at Laura James says.

4. Avoid bulky pieces of furniture

Even if you have the space, it’s best to avoid anything overly large and bulky on your porch as it can not only overwhelm the space, but it will also prove difficult to move about whenever necessary.

‘When adding seating to your porch, I would recommend avoiding large or bulky seating such as an outdoor sofa or dining table, especially if you have limited space. Overcrowding your porch with seating can give the area a cluttered and cramped feel, taking away from the intended aesthetic of the space,’ Mark at Holloways of Ludlow says.

Kris Manalo, Atkin and Thyme design lead, adds, ‘Steer away from heavy, solid furniture on a porch. Furniture that feels too fixed can make the space seem smaller and less welcoming. Utilise lighter, airier designs that keeps an aesthetic flowing between indoors and out.’

5. Add a charming swing seat

A swing seat is great not only for adding a sense of charm and playfulness, but it’s also a great space-saver since it doesn’t take up any precious floor space on your porch.

‘If your porch ceiling is strong enough, a hanging swing seat is a whimsical and stylish addition. A two-seater swing instantly brings charm and offers a cosy spot for reading or enjoying a quiet cuppa,’ Alex at Flitch says.

Kris at Atkin and Thyme continues, ‘Porch seating works best when it feels relaxed and even a little playful. Cocoon chairs, hanging seats, or designs with gentle curves offer a welcoming feel. These styles make the most of the space, adding comfort without the formality.’

6. Steer clear of plastic

While plastic outdoor furniture might be some of the most cost-effective, it’s not a material that looks particularly elevated or polished when placed on a front porch. That’s why experts largely recommend avoiding plastic outdoor furniture wherever possible.

‘Plastic stackable chairs are best avoided. They’re too lightweight for our unpredictable weather and have a habit of blowing away in the wind. Plus, they don’t do much to enhance your home's kerb appeal,’ Alex at Flitch says.

7. Place a garden bench on your porch

And last but certainly not least, there’s the option of a garden bench – the trusty classic that never disappoints. And there are so many different styles and designs out there to choose from, so you’re sure to be able to find the best garden bench for your porch without a doubt.

‘One of the most popular choices for porch seating is a garden bench. These work perfectly in both bigger and smaller porch areas as they can fit into a more compact space as well as a more spacious porch, as a seating area and table, perfect for guests,' Mark at Holloways of Ludlow says.

'Benches can be placed up against a wall to enhance the space and create the ideal spot for lounging, enjoying the view or even just a perch to sit on whilst taking off your shoes before entering the home.'

Finally, Kris at Atkin and Thyme concludes, ‘Every porch, no matter the size, benefits from considered seating. It not only creates a spot to unwind with a coffee or a book, but also signals a sense of function. It’s a small design choice that adds both function and character, enhancing the overall welcome of the home.’

Our front door is the first thing to greet guests as they visit our homes, so naturally, most of us want to choose the most welcoming colour to nail that first impression.

Whether you are selling up and want to send a hint to potential buyers or you're just wanting to ramp up that welcoming sight of your front door after a day at work, we've trawled through front door colour ideas to identify the ones that are the most welcoming.

‘There are many reasons why some colours are more welcoming than others,’ says Jo Trotman, Marketing Manager at The Residence Collection. ‘This is because colours evoke both psychological and emotional responses.’

For example, ‘warm colours like red and yellow are generally seen as more inviting because they are associated with warmth and positivity,’ says Victoria Robinson, Style and Trend Expert at Hillarys. Yet, ‘cool colours like blue and green can also be welcoming, but they tend to evoke calmness and serenity.'

So if you're looking to paint your front door this weekend, these are the paint colours to keep in mind when selecting your paint. I've also included some of our favourite paint shades and the expert’s top picks to make picking one out even easier.

1. Yellow

‘A bright yellow door is always going to feel welcoming and cheerful,’ explains Allan Reid, Front Door Expert at Art Windows & Doors. And there’s a reason why ‘this one is a nationwide favourite. Often associated with sunshine, happiness and optimism, it gives a sense of warmth, energy and a positive outlook.’

While it is ‘a bold and daring choice, it’s definitely one that will pay off.’ Just be careful to use the right shade, Lee Trethewey, Interiors Expert at Sustainable Furniture, warns. ‘If it’s too bright it can be distracting and jarring,’ he says. Thankfully, there are lots of lovely yellow hues to choose from.

2. Green

Green is a great choice for a welcoming front door according to Victoria. ‘Representing nature and renewal, it’s a versatile colour that can range from vibrant to muted tones, each offering a fresh and welcoming feel that blends beautifully with natural surroundings.'

There is a wonderful range of greens to choose from, but if you’re looking for a foolproof choice, opt for sage green. The experts agree that this is one of the best tones to paint your front door.

‘A soft sage green is the perfect colour to paint your front door as it’s subtle and blends well with nature to create a seamless finish, whilst offering a fun pop of colour. This colour isn’t too light either, so it won’t pick up dirt too easily, yet it still offers a calming and refreshing feel to the entrance of your home,’ Lee adds.

3. Teal and turquoise

If you’d prefer something a bit richer but still a welcoming colour, ‘teal combines the calming qualities of blue with the refreshing feel of green,’ Victoria explains. ‘It’s a unique choice that can make your home stand out while still feeling approachable.’ Plus, ‘teal tones such as ‘Tea with Florence’ on woodwork and doors will make for a striking contrast to red brickwork,’ admits Ruth Mottershead, Creative Director at Little Greene.

Alternatively, why not try turquoise? ‘This vibrant blend of blue and green gives your house a fresh, creative and approachable vibe,’ according to Allan. ‘It suggests your home is both calming and full of life. It also works well on various architectural styles and can add a really unique touch to your home.’

4. Red and terracotta

Sure to stand out for all the right reasons, red ‘is a classic choice for front doors, symbolising warmth, energy, and hospitality,’ says Victoria. It’s a great choice if you want something that will pop.

Similarly, ‘terracotta is a warm and earthy shade that can create a comforting and tranquil home exterior,’ Lee advises. It ‘can blend particularly well with a brick exterior, and when combined, it can make your home feel particularly welcoming.’

5. Grey

‘A carefully chosen warm grey can be inviting and sophisticated,’ Allan says. Just ‘be sure to avoid overly dark or cold greys as they may look quite harsh and unwelcoming. The warmer tones provide a sense of comfort and classiness.’

Jo agrees: ‘Grey is a contemporary neutral that balances trendiness with subtlety. It’s stylish without being bold, and works with both traditional and modern home styles,’ making it an excellent choice if you don’t want anything too bold or colourful.

Front door colours that are not welcoming

Not all colours are as welcoming a choice for your front door as others, but rather than specific shades being unwelcoming, it's how you use them that can cause the biggest issues. ‘Colours that are overly harsh or clash with the home’s exterior, such as neon shades or mismatched tones, can be less welcoming,’ says Victoria.

‘Additionally, shades that don’t complement the surrounding environment or neighbourhood aesthetic might feel out of place, meaning you have to bear this in mind too.

Are there any other ways to make your entryway feel welcoming?

Above and beyond painting your front door, there are a few other simple design choices that you can make to perk up your entryway. One quick change, which can have some serious impact, is ‘adding a stylish door knocker or handle to introduce a touch of personality,’ Victoria says. ‘Installing attractive lighting fixtures can also highlight the door and provide a warm, inviting glow.’

And ‘to make your front door look even more inviting, place plants, flowers and hanging baskets around the entrance of your door,’ Lee adds. ‘This will provide greenery and colour to the entrance of your home and make a welcoming first impression for guests and visitors.’

Try to choose flowers and plants in colours that complement your front door ideas and its surroundings for the most cohesive look.

Your front door is the easiest place to stamp your personality on the outside of your house or flat. But, when choosing a colour, should your front door match your hallway?

From bright yellow to muted sage, there are so many front door colour ideas to choose from. But while you might love the idea of a letter-box red front door, you might be less keen on the idea of a red hallway colour scheme, but does that matter? Should your front door be the starting point of your hallway colour palette, flowing into each other in the same shade or complementary colours, or can they be completely different?

Like with anything, personal preference will come into it, but there are pros and cons to each way of thinking. I asked the experts when you should and shouldn't match your front door to your hallway to help you identify the best approach for the look you are going for in your home.

Why you should match your front door to your hallway

1. It makes it more cohesive and welcoming

If you’re hoping for one room to flow coherently into the next, 'matching your front door and hallway creates a seamless transition from the exterior to the interior of your home, to make it more welcoming and inviting for guests,’ says Lee Trethewey, Interiors Expert at Sustainable Furniture.

'Creating cohesion through your front door and hallway will reinforce the design style of your home,' he adds. This gives you the perfect jumping-off point to continue the aesthetic into the rest of your living spaces.

While bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms give you the opportunity to play about with different patterns, prints and paint colours, keeping the common spaces like your hallway ideas calm and inviting can be a good idea.

2. It can create the illusion of more space

According to Lee, ‘matching the exterior and interior of your home can actually create an illusion of added space as it softens the visual boundaries of your home and helps you see the space as a whole,’ making it one of the best small hallway ideas to try out.

Jo Trotman, Marketing Manager at The Residence Collection, agrees. ‘Consistency in the colour or tone can also visually expand the space, making the entryway feel bigger and more open, especially in smaller or darker hallways,’ she adds.

Try a lighter and brighter hue to really make the most of the space, as darker shades can have the opposite effect and make it feel more cramped.

3. It’s less likely to become dated

Even though it’s fun to add new pieces and play around with different home decor trends, you might not want to have to redo your hallway – or front door – all that frequently. Even though we move through it many times throughout the course of a day, unlike other rooms where we spend the majority of our time, it’s a space we only pass through, which is why it doesn’t necessitate a makeover all that often.

Coordinating your hallway to your front door allows for ‘A seamless design between the interior and exterior of your home and can create more of a timeless appeal,’ Lee adds. So, ‘matching your front door and hallway is a safer option as it’s less likely to become dated and out of style over time.’

Plus, ‘depending on the materials used for your front door and interior walls, and the type of paint you’ve chosen, matching them can also be a smart way to make use of any leftover paint,’ points out Michael Rolland, Paint Expert and Managing Director at The Paint Shed. ‘Not only will this save you money, but it’s also more environmentally friendly.’

Why you shouldn’t match your front door to your hallway

1. Not matching allows for greater expression

Many of us often paint our front door with curb appeal in mind, especially on streets where fellow owners might lean into a similar aesthetic. Or you might even be thinking about potential future buyers when you give your front door a fresh lick of paint. However, matching our hallways to these front door ideas might not reflect our usual style or personality.

Given that we only catch a glimpse of our front door as we dash in and out, limiting our hallway to this same colour or shade can restrict our creativity and expression. And that’s the last thing you want to be doing when it comes to your interiors.

If they don’t match, you can try out different things and really get to know what you like, without having to worry about what others who might be walking by might think.

2. It gives you more options overall

Choosing not to match your front door with your hallway ‘also offers adaptability, making it easier to update one area without needing to change the other, providing greater flexibility for future design changes,’ says Hillarys Trend Expert, Victoria Robinson.

If you’re someone who constantly likes to switch things up, having to paint your front door or hallway every time you change the colour of the other could get a bit tiresome after a while. Not to mention, the costs can soon add up too.

3. Darker on the outside doesn’t always work as well inside

‘Your front door is exposed to the elements on a daily basis, so it’s often best that it’s designed from a functionality point of view,’ Lee admits. And ‘this may not match up with your home's interior, which is perfectly fine. For instance, you may want to ensure your home is light and airy, but having a light coloured front door can be impractical as it will gather dirt easily and require regular cleaning.'

So, in that case, having the two differ makes more practical sense. It’s why white is one of the top front door colour mistakes to avoid.

What to consider either way

Before you choose which option is best for you, there are also a few other factors that you’ll want to consider. ‘When deciding whether to match or contrast, first consider natural lighting, which affects colour perception in both exterior and interior spaces. Lighter colours can brighten darker areas, while darker tones can add warmth and cosiness,’ Victoria explains.

You’ll also want to take into consideration the overall style of your home. It’s all well and good to opt for a modern design, but it might look jarring against a more traditional architectural style. Complementing the existing look can help to decide for you, while still giving you some leeway when it comes to the colour that you opt for.

And finally, ‘the material of your door can influence how colours appear and how well they match or contrast with interior finishes,’ Victoria adds. Meaning, if you plan on updating your existing wooden door, certain colours will work better than others. The same can be said for aluminium, composite and uPVC doors. If you are replacing your front door this is also something to consider.

So, will you be opting for the simplicity and elegance of matching your front door and hallway, or taking a more flexible approach by keeping them different?

Should your doormat go inside or outside your front door? That is the question. It turns out, it’s quite a confusing and divisive one. And while I thought I had the answer all along, after talking to the experts, I’m not so sure anymore.

As with most things, there isn’t necessarily a clear-cut answer to this question as it varies case to case, depending on your preference, your lifestyle and where you live. The different experts I’ve spoken all hold slightly different opinions from each other, including my own. But the one thing they all agreed on is any positioning of your doormat is a good front door idea as long as it works for you and you have the right mat for the job.

‘It comes down to personal preference – and there’s no right answer here,’ says Charlotte Ford, Ruggable’s senior marketing director. ‘It’s not the placement that matters, but the quality of your doormat. If you choose an outdoor mat, you need to know it can stand up to muddy feet and sun fading, but an indoor mat should also offer a warm welcome to the home.'

I rate the washable doormats from Ruggable, and they are one of the few doormats mats can be used both inside and outside the front door. But if you don’t opt for a washable mat like the Ruggable one, it’s important to know the difference between indoor and outdoor mats so that you get the right one for your needs and your chosen spot.

‘Outdoor doormats are typically made from more durable, weather-resistant materials such as coir or rubber, designed to withstand the elements and remove heavier dirt or mud,’ explains Lisa Coppin, chief creative officer at The Cotswold Company – even though they should still be in a covered area like a front porch.

She continues, ‘Indoor doormats tend to be softer underfoot and are often more decorative, while still absorbent to help trap moisture.’

Why should you have both?

When asked whether a doormat should go inside or out, most of the experts answered both – and that’s because the two mats are meant to work in sync, each removing a different layer of dirt from your shoes.

‘We would recommend having both,’ says Jenna McDiarmid, buyer at Garden Trading. ‘Our outdoor doormats are designed to remove the majority of mud or dirt from shoes. They have a textured finish to help with this. Our indoor doormats will remove any last pieces of dirt or water from shoes before entering a house.’

Lisa at The Cotswold Company agrees, ‘A doormat should be placed both outside and just inside the front door. An outdoor mat is the first line of defence. An indoor mat then helps catch any residual moisture or finer particles, protecting flooring and helping to keep your home clean.’

Why is the indoor mat more essential?

But when pressed on which of the two is more essential, to my surprise, Lisa at The Cotswold Company chose the indoor doormat as the more important one to have in your hallway idea.

‘If you’re choosing just one, an indoor doormat is more essential but it's wise to have a bootscaper outside to deal with the worst of the debris especially in the countryside. An indoor doormat also allows you to have somewhere to stand and take your boots off if doing this outside isn't easy due to the weather or poor ground conditions, preserving both your flooring and the overall cleanliness of your home,’ she says.

Why should you opt for an outdoor mat?

In my humble opinion, the outdoor doormat is more of an essential tool as it removes the worst of the dirt from your shoes and it’s an easy way to make your front door look more attractive. And that’s the one I have at home. Did any of the experts give me this answer? To my surprise, no – even though Charlotte from Ruggable did say it’s up to you as long as you have the right mat.

And I believe the variety in expert opinions only goes to show that Charlotte’s right and the placement of your mat just depends on what works for you and your personal preferences. Where does your doormat live?

Given that it’s not a very large space and it’s a somewhat confusing one that exists on the border between the outside world and your home, a porch is often forgotten and neglected, which can cheapen the look of the entrance to your home. But if you want to avoid that and are wondering how to make your porch look expensive, you’ve come to the right place.

There are several expensive-looking front porch ideas approved by stylists and experts which you can employ to elevate the look of the space, and there’s no need to break the bank for any of them. But, the pros all agree that the porch is an area that shouldn’t be overlooked, as it can also cheapen the impression of your entire home.

‘The porch is your home's handshake – not an afterthought, but an intentional first greeting,’ says Sam Sutherland, Flitch interior stylist.

Lucy Mather, interiors expert at Arighi Bianchi, agrees, ‘Your front porch is one of the first things guests and passersby notice, making it key to your home’s curb appeal. But making it look stylish and elevated doesn’t necessarily have to come with a hefty price tag!’

1. Create a symmetrical layout

If ever in doubt when decorating or styling, always turn to symmetry – it’s a foolproof way to elevate pretty much any space, including your front porch.

‘Think symmetry – identical planters either side of the door or a couple of lantern-style wall lights,’ Sam at Flitch says.

Danielle Le Vaillant, head of photography and film at Cox & Cox, adds, ‘Large, symmetrical planters either side of the door create a feeling of grandeur. Opt for classic pots or sleek, modern designs with lush greenery for timeless appeal.’

2. Swap out a tired house number

The porch is usually where your house number lives. And that in itself offers an opportunity to elevate the space by switching the existing one for a more creative, interesting and/or stylish house number idea.

‘Replacing an old house number or letterbox with something in solid brass or sleek matte black metal can transform the entrance instantly,’ Sam at Flitch says.

Lucy at Arighi Bianchi agrees that this is one of the easiest ways to make your porch look more expensive, ‘Give your porch a personalised touch with a new house plate or number.’

3. Add a fresh coat of paint

Whether you’re looking to upcycle a piece of furniture or give a room a new look, there is always a paint idea that will solve your troubles. And giving your porch a new coat of paint, and going for a new front door colour idea, is the perfect way to make the area look more expensive.

‘The first thing you can do to instantly smarten your porch up and make it look more expensive is to give it a lick of paint – and that includes the front door. A striking, well-maintained front door in deep navy or dark green with statement brass hardware can immediately enhance curb appeal. Try painting the door a contrasting colour to the rest of the porch,’ Lucy at Arighi Bianchi says.

4. Go for natural materials and finishes

Even though plastic and synthetic materials are often durable and fairly inexpensive, they also tend to be one of the things that will make a porch look cheap. So instead, it’s recommended to opt for natural materials.

‘Avoid flimsy or plastic furniture as this can cheapen the look,’ Lucy at Arighi Bianchi says.

Sam at Flitch continues, ‘Choose natural textures like coir mats, distressed terracotta pots and high-quality finishes to provide that timeless, high-end appeal.’

5. Choose the right lighting

Going for the right porch lighting ideas is key to making the area look elevated, as well as inviting.

‘Soft, ambient lighting makes all the difference. Opt for wall lanterns to add a warm, sophisticated glow. A well-lit porch instantly feels more welcoming and expensive,’ Danielle at Cox & Cox says.

Sam at Flitch adds what to avoid, ‘A cold, harsh bulb or solitary naked fitting kills the mood. Layered light and simplicity of lines are better than over-fussy seasonally overloaded styles – it's not Christmas 24/7!’

6. Don’t clutter the space

‘Cluttered corners of random shoes or packages can dampen the mood,’ Sam says.

As with any other space, clutter creates a messy and seemingly cheap look that can also get impractical if it gets out of hand. So it’s best to keep the decor, pieces of furniture and stored items to a minimum for a streamlined look.

‘Overcrowding the space with too many accessories can make it feel cluttered rather than chic. Thoughtful, restrained styling is key,’ Danielle at Cox & Cox says.

7. Add seating

To make your porch look considered and feel comfortable, it’s a great idea to add any form of seating to be able to sit down when taking off and putting on your shoes, especially when they’re particularly dirty or muddy.

‘If you’ve got the space, even just for a slimline bench, go for it - it adds that welcoming, homely touch. Pair it with a couple of cushions in weather-resistant fabric (ticking stripe always works) and you’ve instantly got a moment that says “curated” rather than “just passing through.” Plus, it’s practical for taking off muddy wellies or waiting for a lift,’ Sam at Flitch says.

This can also be the perfect shoe storage opportunity, ‘One of my favourite options is to have a bench that also stores shoes, so you and guests have somewhere you can easily sit down, slip them off, and store them out of sight with zero hassle, making you appear much more organised,’ says Chloe Barrow, interior expert at Laura James.

8. Inject some greenery

There is no space, indoor or outdoor, that some plants and greenery can’t elevate and breathe some life into. And the front porch is no exception.

‘Adding lush greenery in tall planters or ornamental urns will add colour and curb appeal. I recommend using varying sizes grouped together in odd numbers and, where possible, placing them on different levels to add depth. If floor space is limited, you can frame the front door with stylish window boxes and hanging baskets for the same effect,’ Lucy at Arighi Bianchi says.

Now that you know how to make your porch more expensive, you can go and elevate that often forgotten space and have some fun with it! Which tip are you looking to adopt first?

Colour trends change from one year to the next and sometimes even from season to season. They can impact some of the most unexpected parts of our homes, like the front door. In the last year, there has been a huge shake-up in popular colours, and these are some front door colours going out of style in 2025 as a result of it, and the ones taking their place.

The start of spring is the perfect time to give your front door a fresh coat of paint, but it’s good to know what front door colour ideas to go for and which are best avoided, as they can make the entrance to your home look dated.

‘Front doors are really making a statement,’ says Victoria Yardley of Victory Colours. ‘It’s all about warmth, depth, and a nod to nature this year.’

Michael Rolland, paint expert and managing director at The Paint Shed, continues on why giving your front door some TLC this spring is something that should not be forgotten, ‘We've seen firsthand how creating an iconic door can transform a property from ordinary to extraordinary.’

But to achieve that extraordinary look, our experts recommend steering clear of the two below colours and instead, replace them with the new paint trends for front doors perhaps.

Grey

For the past decade, grey has reigned supreme in most areas of our homes. But in the past year or so, that popularity has been fading – and in 2025, it’s truly time to put grey to rest, including grey front doors.

‘Similar to the shift we’ve seen in interiors, grey is becoming less popular as a front door colour too,’ says Marianne Shillingford, creative director and colour expert at Dulux. ‘People want to be greeted by a colour that is going to make them and their guests smile on arrival.’

White

While I wouldn’t necessarily label white a front door colour mistake as it is fairly timeless, it’s still another shade that’s decreasing in popularity as it can come across as too boring and lacking character.

‘The classic white doors can still be timeless, especially when paired with modern hardware and contrasting wall colors, but their lack of personality and high maintenance tendencies have pushed them out of the 2025 trends list,’ Michael at The Paint Shed says.

What’s replacing them

But the exciting thing is that as one (or two) door quite literally closes, others open instead. So if you are looking for some front door colour inspo, these are the shades that are rapidly rising in popularity – and they’re stylish and fun, too, which never hurts.

Green

I’m not surprised that green is becoming a trending front door colour as a new neutral that also provides an injection of colour. It creates a seamless transition between the home and the outside. It’s also a colour that’s super flexible and versatile, as there are so many shades to choose from.

‘Green is the ultimate colour, we’re loving it in and out at the minute and it does give a warm welcome to people’s homes as the first colour they see when they arrive at your house. Choose a soft green like Green Glade, it’s the perfect amount of impactful colour while feeling balanced and not at all overwhelming to approach,’ Marianne at Dulux says.

Michael at The Paint Shade adds, ‘For a more understated yet stylish choice, earthy greens remain a top trend. Shades like Little Greene’s Aquamarine can really elevate that fresh, bright feeling that comes with the blossoming flowers and longer, sunnier days.’

Citrus brights

If you want to make more of a statement with your front door colour choice then you’ll love the vibrant citrus shades like tangerine orange and sunny yellow - much like Dulux's colour of the year for 2025, True Joy - that are currently trending.

‘As we embrace the bright, playful tones of summer, tangerine shades like Farrow & Ball’s Charlotte's Locks are gaining popularity for their warmth and vibrancy, adding a bold and unique statement to your exterior,’ Michael at The Paint Shed says.

Victoria at Victory Colours adds, ‘For those who like to stand out, cheerful yellow and burnt orange are perfect for adding a touch of personality while staying stylish.’

Soft pastels

It’s clear that more and more people are looking to incorporate colour into their entrances. But bright shades can be a bit scary for many – which is where soft pastels come in, as baby blues and blush pinks have been enjoying much popularity lately.

‘Those looking for less of a bold statement are now leaning into more pastel shades, such as Farrow & Ball's Exterior Eggshell in Pale Powder. This new trend offers a unique way to make a statement, while staying versatile enough to complement various architectural styles,’ Michael at The Paint Shed says.

Victoria at Victory Colours adds, ‘We’re also loving feminine pinks and coral hues which look so pretty with roses and passion flowers round the door frame.’

So which shade are you thinking of painting your front door this year?

The hallway is the first place both you and guests see when entering your home, it sets the tone for your whole space. If you’re keen to make a good first impression keeping your hallway clean and organised is a key part, especially cleaning these 6 things in a hallway which are easy to overlook.

Your hallway will see a lot of traffic but with so much coming and going, shoes strewn about and coats piled up there are several crucial areas in our hallways that many of us forget to clean. After organising a hallway, the practice of remembering to clean this functional space can be easy to overlook. But adding it to your cleaning rota and adding in subtle details like scenting your hallway can make a world of difference to your entire living space.

These are some of the non-negotiable things you should never forget to clean in your hallways which experts warn against neglecting to keep your hallway sparkling.

1. Flooring

Even if your home has a ‘no shoes’ policy, your hallway is the highest traffic area in your home and regularly cleaning your hallway floor should be a non-negotiable in your routine with the best mop (or carpet cleaner if you have a runner).

‘Our hallway is subject to dirty feet (and paws), grime and debris from the outside world being walked into the house. All of this can quickly make a carpet or hard floor look dull, discoloured and worn,’ says Elizabeth White, brand manager at BISSELL UK.

‘Small stones and grit can also damage hardwood flooring, whilst pet hair can build up in corners and hard to reach areas,’ Elizabeth adds.

Regularly sweeping and vacuuming this area can help to stop much of the dirt build up which hallways are susceptible to, and if your hallway isn’t carpeted, mopping the area will also help to keep it mud-free.

2. Doormats, runners and rugs

Doormats not only provide a warm welcome to your home, but also do much of the heavy lifting when it comes to collecting much of the dirt that would otherwise be trodden through your home. However, leaving your doormat unattended for too long defeats much of its purpose, and a battered and dirt-covered mat doesn’t make for a great welcome.

‘Doormats trap dirt, but if they’re not cleaned, they just redistribute it,’ says Polyna Petrova, appliance and cleaning professional at Fantastic Services.

Doormats only require a quick and simple cleaning routine to prevent this. ‘A good way to do this is to give it a good shake in the garden to remove dirt and dust particles,’ advises Heather Nixon, Bio-D’s sustainability, NPD and regulatory manager. ‘Some can be put in the wash, though check its care label first!’

It's also worth remembering that any decorative rugs or hallway runners you have in your entryway also bear the same high level of footfall as your doormat, so also require a little TLC to stop them from becoming worn and weathered.

‘If your carpets are made from natural plant fibres like jute, sisal or coir, it's best to use a suction-only vacuum (a vacuum without the rotating brush),’ says Kirsty Barton, Brand Storytelling Manager at Alternative Flooring. ‘Take your time to vacuum slowly and thoroughly to avoid damaging the fibres, making your home fresh and spotless,’ she advises.

3. Light fixtures

The phrase ‘out of sight, out of mind’ is nowhere more applicable than when it comes to cleaning your hallway lighting ideas. The lighting in your hallway is one of the key players when it comes to setting the ambience in the entry to your home, but we are all guilty of overlooking this part of our cleaning routine, whether consciously or not.

‘Lightbulbs are often neglected when it comes to cleaning and are prone to collecting dust and cobwebs, which dull their light and effectiveness,’ says Matthew Currington, technical director at The Lighting Superstore. To prevent this, ‘once a month, give your lightbulbs a good dust and clean them with a wet wipe,’ advises Matthew – not before making sure that they’ve been switched off for long enough that they’re not hot to the touch.

When it comes to lampshades and other light fittings, incorporating a quick weekly dusting into your cleaning routine can make a huge difference to your hallway. ‘Lampshades are a great way to add character to your lighting decor but, unfortunately, are also the perfect dust magnets and, over time, will look duller by the day,’ says Matthew, adding: ‘Dust is better dealt with immediately. Over time, it becomes sticky and more difficult to remove.’

Using your vacuum’s upholstery or brush attachment, or simply using a cloth duster, is a quick and easy way to keep your light fixtures looking fresh. We're a big fan of damp dusting on the Ideal Home team, but if you are having trouble reaching the light consider investing in an extendable duster like this one for £4.50 at Argos.

4. Frequently touched surfaces

‘Despite being used daily, it can be easy to forget to clean door handles, especially on the front door itself,’ says Heather. It’s important to keep door handles clean to limit the amount of bacteria you bring in from outside, and to prevent germ buildup from such frequent use.

When you’re rushing in and out of a transitional space like a hallway, it's easy to miss grime and dirt marks. ‘Check the surface area around your door handle and there will likely be dirt and hand marks you didn’t spot previously,’ adds Heather.

These sorts of surfaces are easy to clean, you just need to wipe them down with an antibacterial sanitiser spray (like this Electrosan antiviral spray) and a microfibre cloth.

5. Console tables

If there’s a place where you usually chuck your keys, mail, or any other small items in your hallway, the likelihood is this space will usually hold an accumulation of neglected items, and a fair bit of dirt lurking among them.

Introducing dedicated hallway storage ideas for each item, like a letter tray or a key bowl, and then having a weekly clear-out and dust of these spaces, will help you to keep this area clean and organised.

Behind the radiator

Radiators are an often overlooked chore within the home, but leaving your radiator to collect dust can make it harder for it to effectively heat your home – driving up your energy bills.

‘Not dusting in between the fins of a radiator can also prevent heat from escaping, which will mean your radiators have to work harder to warm your hallway – especially when often using the front door,’ says Heather, adding: ‘Dust often builds up behind radiators, which can lead to dust mites and can also irritate allergies.’

Will you be adding any of these places to your hallway cleaning routine?

FAQs

How often should you clean your hallway?

As a general rule of thumb, cleaning your hallway once a week should be enough to keep any excessive dirt build up at bay, without taking up an unmanageable amount of your time.

What is the most important part of the hallway to clean?

‘When it comes to cleaning your hallway, your flooring should be the first port of call for a deep clean,’ says Elizabeth White of BISSELL UK. This is because it's a high-traffic area which is susceptible to accumulating a lot of dirt and bacteria, especially if your hallway is carpeted.

Add these areas to your weekly cleaning list and see what a difference it makes.

Everyone loves kicking back in the evening with a scented candle on the go for a cosy, downtime vibe, but in a hallway they're not a practical option. It’s not as if you can stop in the middle of preparing to leave and light one, and there’ll be no scent ready to greet you when you return. Plus, obviously, naked flames and high levels of foot-traffic are not a safe combination. However, there are plenty of other ways you can make a hallway smell nice without candles.

Home fragrance can be a game-changer in functional spaces like the hallway. Hallways can be a stressful place when you’re running late and can’t find your keys/purse/phone or the kids are crashing about with shoes, backpacks and PE kits scattered everywhere. The best fragrances to scent your hallway can change the mood of this spot into something energising, or a calming and soothing retreat welcoming you home after a hard day.

The transition from tense, and frantic into relaxed and positive starts here with these smart tricks from fragrance experts to scent a hallway, no candles involved.

1. Refresh carpeting, rugs and mats

The first step to a fresh-smelling hallway is to find the source of any nasty whiffs and remove them. Sweaty trainers often get the blame, but the real culprit might be hiding in plain sight… on the floor.

Liam Cleverdon, flooring expert at Flooring King, explains: ‘Hallways experience a lot of foot traffic and dust, dirt and debris accumulate. That dirt and moisture become trapped in the fibres, resulting in an unpleasant smell.’

Liam's trick for how to clean a carpet without a machine is to deodorise your carpets naturally: ‘Baking soda and vinegar are excellent cleaning solutions for carpets and rugs. Sprinkle on the baking soda, spritz with diluted white vinegar and leave to dry before vacuuming.’

2. Use beautifully fragranced cleaning products

This is not just a great way to make a hallway smell nice, but also how to best scent a home during a heatwave. Ryan McSorley, co-founder of neat, says, ‘The products you choose make all the difference. Skip harsh chemicals and bleach that can irritate and harm, and instead opt for sustainable cleaning solutions with modern, refreshing scents.

‘Naturally derived ingredients, or blends incorporating them, offer a more innovative and eco-conscious way to fragrance cleaning products. Choose non-toxic scents that are gentle on the nose and the planet, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable environment for your home.

‘I always recommend using fragrances that strike a balance between freshness and warmth to create a welcoming hallway. Citrus notes like lemon, orange, or bergamot are perfect for an uplifting and inviting atmosphere – they’re bright, clean, and energising.

‘For a cosier feel, vanilla blends wonderfully with spices like cinnamon or clove, offering a warm, homely vibe. Woody notes, such as sandalwood or cedar, add sophistication and depth, while amber or musk creates a soft, enveloping warmth.

‘Florals like jasmine or lavender can also work beautifully, especially when paired with grounding elements like tonka bean or sage. If you want to reflect the seasons, opt for spiced apple or pine in winter, and fresh linen or green tea in spring.’

3. Arrange a vase of scented flowers

If you have the space, a vase of flowers on a hallway console table will add a natural burst of fragrance. Or if you are working with small hallway ideas you could mount a wall vase, Etsy has some lovely options.

‘Freesias have the most gorgeous scent, they are beautifully fragrant without being overpowering,' recommends Dani Turner, owner of online florist Bunches. 'Of course, if you want a stronger scent, a vase full of Stargazer lilies will do the job. They are a little like Marmite in the flower world – some love the scent and some do not!

'Longiflorum lilies also offer a lovely welcoming scent that is similar to jasmine. There are some lovely scented plants, too: a jasmine plant is subtle and beautifully Mediterranean, whereas a hyacinth bulb plant offers a powerful, heady scent.’

4. Use essential oils

Your hallway fragrance can be more than just scent. Choose pure essential oils and benefit from their aromatherapy effects. Kirsty Summerbell, aromatherapist at Sage & Bellflower has these recommendations:

‘Sweet orange is my top choice for supporting calm, due to its uplifting top notes. It has a fresh yet warming scent, which also has a calming action to it.’

‘The best scent for welcoming you home is frankincense. It is often used in meditation as it helps to slow down your breathing and help you switch off.’

You don’t need an oil burner – make a simple air freshener by adding a few drops of the oil to some bicarbonate of soda in a jar. Cover the top with baking parchment secured with a rubber band, then poke holes in the paper to release the scent.

5. Make your own room spray

For a quick fragrance boost using your chosen essential oil, Kirsty Summerbell suggests mixing your own spray.

‘To make a room spray, add 20 drops of essential oil and an equal amount of polysorbate 20 (an emulsifier) to a 100ml atomiser bottle. Shake the bottle and fill with a floral water such as lavender.’

This is easy to make by steeping dried lavender flowers in boiled water, then straining them out – just like making loose-leaf tea.

‘The spray is ready to use,’ Kirsty warns, ‘but avoid contact with fabrics as certain essential oils may stain them.’

6. Style an aesthetic diffuser

These come in all types of shape and forms, including plug-ins, vapourisers, reed diffusers and even ceramic discs you can hang on your coat rack. However, they are not all created equal. Go for a model that throws out scent at a big enough distance to fill your hallway.

The home fragrance buyer for Next explains that ‘the most common type is a liquid diffuser with long reeds, but these aren’t efficient in draughty areas and you need to turn the reeds regularly for optimum fragrance diffusion. However, it’s possible to make your own if you buy a reed diffuser refill and some reeds to use with a pretty bud vase, bottle or jar.

For a hallway, I’d say that a reedless diffuser is best as they are spill-proof, easy to use and safe for pets and children. They’re also really stylish. The ultrasonic type can be used with a huge array of essential oils. It’s a great way to switch up your home fragrance as the seasons change.’

7. Use potpourri

Bowls and baskets of scented dried flower petals were a common sight in the 1980s but lost out to the scented candle boom in recent decades.

Ruth Ridley, who sells dried flowers online at Daisy Gifts and blogs about them at driedflowercraft.co.uk, says, ‘The benefits of using dried flowers to scent your home are that they’re natural, decorative and can be composted once you’ve finished with them.’

‘Lavender is by far the strongest naturally scented flower once dried, and the loose grains tend to have a stronger fragrance than bunches. Lavender grains can be used on their own for potpourri with nothing added.

‘You can make your own potpourri by mixing decorative dry petals, leaves and flower heads with a few drops of oil such as rose or lemon. How long the scent lasts depends on the type of oil you use. Aromatherapy essential oils are fully natural but might only last a few days, whereas home fragrance oils are usually synthetic and have been developed for a good strong fragrance which will last a few weeks.’

There are many safe and eco-friendly ways to make your home smell incredible. Whichever method you choose, this small change will boost your enjoyment of your home on a daily basis.

Carpet on stairs can be a divisive topic from an aesthetic point of view. Some people love the statement look it can create in a hallway with pattern or colour, while others prefer a stair runner, or no carpet at all. However, there are many other things to consider when deciding if carpet on stairs is a good idea for your home.

While there are many staircase ideas to choose from, one of the simplest and most traditional is using carpet.

But as one of the highest traffic areas in your home, you want to choose a durable material which won’t need replacing a few years down the line. So, choosing to opt for full carpeting, as opposed to a stylish stair runner, can all depend on your household and whether or not you have young children, older family members and/or pets.

To help you decide on the best option for your staircase I asked the experts to break down the pros and cons of carpeting on your stairs, and whether they think it's a good idea.

Advantages of carpet on stairs

1. Comfort and cosiness

One of the biggest benefits of having carpeted stairs is that it feels comfortable underfoot and depending on your choice, it can add a warm and welcoming look to your home.

So, if you and your family tend to walk around barefoot, opting for carpet will be much more pleasant to walk on than wood or even vinyl flooring.

2. Safety

‘Carpet is a great option for those with young ones around as the material can prevent slips and offer a cushioned landing for potential falls,’ says Liam Cleverdon, Flooring Expert at Flooring King. It may also be beneficial for households with older people or those with mobility issues, because of this.

But when you go to choose your stair carpet, ‘plush carpets should be avoided,’ Liam warns. ‘Despite its smooth, velvety feel, this softness and texture can be a tripping hazard.’

3. Insulation

If you’re looking for ways to save money on your heating bills, carpeted stairs could help. ‘As well as being soft and sumptuous underfoot, carpet is also an effective insulator for staircases as its fibres trap cold air which stops your home from cooling too much,’ Alex Heslop, Trend Specialist from Flooring Superstore, reveals.

‘The thicker the carpet the better the insulation – saving you money on your heating bills in the long run. While any carpet is bound to have a positive impact on the warmth of your home, wool carpet is one of the best options for keeping out the cold, thanks to its thick natural fibres.’

4. Sound absorption

As well as adding a layer of insulation, carpet can help to absorb sound and minimise noise, particularly when compared with wooden flooring, with it also reducing noise transmission between floors in your home.

Essentially ‘it muffles the noise of footsteps, which is particularly beneficial in multi-story homes where sounds can echo through hard surfaces,’ says Josh Qian, the COO and Co-Founder of Best Online Cabinets. And ‘this can create a more serene living environment, enhancing the home's overall comfort.’

5. Aesthetics

Given that your stairway or hallway ideas can often be small spaces without much room for creativity, carpets allow you to transform the space with a wide range of styles, colours, patterns, and textures.

You could opt for a striking colour or interesting pattern to draw eyes toward it and make it a real feature, or you could choose a luxurious pile to elevate what is often quite a narrow space.

Disadvantages of carpet on stairs

1. Durability and maintenance

As one of the most used areas in our homes, it’s no surprise that it is prone to stains, spills, moisture and general wear and tear. And as time goes on this can become increasingly visible. This is why it’s so important to choose a durable carpet but even if you do so, carpet will likely need replacing earlier than hardwood.

And ‘if a carpet is not properly installed or maintained, it can become a trip hazard, which may be very dangerous on the stairs,’ PriceYourJob.co.uk's Interior Design Expert, Zoe Warren, advises. You must get your carpet installed by a professional to prevent any future problems such as wrinkling, ripping, or buckling.

Zoe also suggests that ‘if you live in a particularly humid area, you’ll want to choose a carpet with good moisture resistance to prevent the growth of mould and mildew,’ too. So, there are quite a few different considerations to make when shopping for carpets for your stairs.

2. Allergens and extra cleaning

If you or someone in your home suffers from asthma, allergies or certain respiratory issues, carpeting might not be the best option, either. This is because carpets can trap allergens such as pollen, dust mites and pet dander in the fibres.

Even if you don't suffer from allergies you will need to make sure you're armed with the best vacuum cleaner for carpeted stairs that is light-weight and powerful, to keep them looking good.

FAQs

What is the best alternative to carpet on stairs?

While this does all come down to personal preference, if you still want the look of carpet on your stairs without having to worry as much about some of the possible cons of fully carpeting the area, a stair runner can be a nice intermediary option. Not only can a stair runner ‘offer a more clean and crisp finish,’ according to Alexandra Ellis, Marketing Manager at Cormar Carpets. But it can also blend practicality and style by allowing any flooring to be showcased below.

However, ‘laminate, vinyl, and hardwood flooring are all excellent alternatives to carpet; they’re durable, easier to maintain, and add a stylish finish,’ Liam says.

After all that, does carpet on stairs get a thumbs up or a thumbs down from you? It really does depend wholly on your preferences, individual style and requirements.

If you’re on the market for a stair runner, you’ve probably encountered the issue of not being quite sure how to best measure for your stair runner to get the most accurate results with the least amount of effort.

Installing a stair runner is a great staircase idea if you’re looking for ways to make your stairway look and feel cosier and more stylish. Not to mention all the practical benefits stair runners provide.

‘Runners can offer more traction and stability, making for fewer slips and accidents, as well as contributing to noise reduction on bare stairs, and bringing a touch of aesthetic elegance to a stairway,’ says Daniel Prendergast, director at The Rug Seller.

But as far as measuring for your stair runner ideas goes, our flooring experts share their fail-proof, step-by-step guide that’s easy to understand and follow. But just to avoid any errors, Daniel’s first top tip is to ‘measure twice and order once’.

How to measure the ideal length of your stair runner?

As far as hallway flooring ideas go, stair runners are up there for us. And while measuring for one can seem like a daunting task, there’s in fact quite an easy formula that will take the guesswork out of it. And all you need is a flexible tape measure like this Stanley one at Amazon – it’s better than a regular tape measure as some staircases can be curved and irregularly shaped.

‘When measuring the length of stair runners, accuracy is key for securing a perfect fit,’ starts Liam Cleverdon, flooring trends expert at Flooring King, going back to Daniel’s ‘measure twice and order once’ advice.

Liam continues, ‘To do this, you’ll need two key measurements – the size of the depth and height of a step. Then, taking these figures, add them together and multiply them by the number of steps in the home. This will give you the total length of the stair runners. It’s always best to add a few extra inches, accounting for any overhang or adjustments.’

Daniel at The Rug Seller adds, ‘If there’s a landing area between stairs, measure that length separately and add it to your total. And if your steps have an overhang or bullnose, make sure that you’ve also included that in your calculations.’

How to choose stair runner width?

While the length of your stair runner needs to be very precise in order for it to work with your staircase, its width is not so much set in stone as there are a few variables and things to consider which will differ from one home to another.

‘When choosing the width for a stair runner, think about both the width of the stairs and the desired aesthetic. A runner that covers more width on a narrow staircase, for example, can help make the stairs feel wider. For a wider staircase, leaving more space on the sides can result in a more elegant appearance. The runner should essentially complement the overall decor and functionality of your staircase,’ Daniel explains.

How much space should be on each side of a stair runner?

And yes, while the perfect width of a stair runner is more subjective than its length, there still is a golden rule that experts largely follow. This stairway carpet idea creates a balanced look so it’s one to know about.

‘It’s usual to leave about 10 centimetres on either side of the runner for balance and visual contrast, but this comes down to personal preference, the width of the staircase, and the flooring underneath. If you have a polished wood floor, for example, you might want to leave a bigger gap to show it off,’ Daniel says before adding. ‘Deduct the desired width of your runner from the width of your stairs and divide it by two to give you the exact gap you’ll need to leave on either side.’

Our stair runner top picks

So now that you know how to measure for your chosen stair runner, there’s nothing stopping you from making your staircase stylish and chic.

The cosy season of autumn is upon us and with that comes the joy of giving our homes a few seasonal updates here and there to keep it up to date with the weather transition. The hallway is the perfect place to start as the first spot you see as you walk in the door. But if you’re not sure how to bring the seasonal touch to your entryway or ever wondered what interior stylists do to give their hallway an autumnal update, 4 of them have shared their top picks for you to take inspiration from.

These hallway ideas are easy swaps or additions anyone can incorporate into their entryway without spending a fortune or completely redecorating the whole space. That’s not what these autumn decorating ideas are about.

‘As the seasons shift and the air becomes crisper, it’s the perfect time to bring a touch of autumn warmth into your home,’ says Victoria Foster, interior stylist at ScS. ‘Your hallway, often the first space you and your guests encounter, is an ideal place to start. You can create a welcoming atmosphere that embodies the cosy charm of the season.’

And this is how Victoria along with three other interior stylists likes to update her hallway for the upcoming season.

1. Adorn your front door with an autumnal wreath

‘I have become really into wreaths, front door wreaths,’ says interior designer and stylist Anouska Lancaster. ‘I love adding the oranges, yellows, greens and having little pumpkins in them. I always think first impressions are everything and when you have guests coming, the front door is the first thing they're going to see – so I love decorating the front door.’

Autumn wreaths have been trending ever since the start of September as Google reported last week with ‘autumn wreath inspo’ being one of the top trending Google searches, as is ‘how to make an autumn wreath’. And while you can, of course, make one yourself from foraged foliage, there are also several pretty ready-made designs available, with some of our favourites below. And you don’t even have to hang it on the outside of the front door - it can adorn your hallway’s wall or the indoor side of the door. Anything goes!

2. Include more texture with a runner rug

The autumn cosy season is all about layering textures as we know that one of the things that make your home less cosy is lack of it. So why not follow the advice of Alex Stubbs, Flitch interior stylist, who recommends the perfect way to bring more texture into even the simplest of hallways?

‘One of the simplest yet impactful additions is a textured runner rug in warm, earthy tones. Choosing materials like wool or jute, in colours such as deep rust, mustard, or terracotta, instantly brings a seasonal snugness to the space. These rugs not only add warmth underfoot but also introduce a rich autumnal palette,’ she says.

3. Add a storage basket or two

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – wicker (or rope) storage baskets are the most stylish hallway storage idea you could incorporate into your entryway. And once the temperatures start to drop, you could definitely do with a couple extra baskets to store everything from extra bulky shoes to scarfs, hats and gloves.

‘Adding a basket to your hallway is a simple and stylish solution for storing shoes during the autumn and winter months. With the wet and muddy weather, shoes can quickly clutter up your entryway. A woven or fabric basket not only helps keep things organised but also adds a touch of warmth and texture to the space. Placing one near the door makes it easy for family and guests to tuck away their boots and trainers, keeping your hallway clean and tidy while preventing dirt from spreading through the house,’ Victoria at ScS says.

4. Incorporate seasonal foliage

If an autumn wreath is too much for you or even if you want to incorporate some more nods to the autumnal beauty of nature then decorating with some seasonal foliage, whether it comes from the florist or your walk in the park, is the perfect way to go about it.

‘With autumn upon us, one thing to invest in yearly is new foliage and leafy decor to truly capture the essence of the cosy autumn season in your hallway,’ says Melissa Denham, interior stylist at Hammonds Fitted Furniture. ‘When it begins to turn colder outside with the days turning shorter, implementing a touch of the outdoors can add vibrancy that closely matches up to the outdoor climate, without having the chill of the breeze. For example, you could place colourful autumnal leaves neatly into a vase on a console table.’

Anouska adds, 'I'm also obsessed with cake domes, so I always have those dotted around the house then interchange what I've put inside them. In autumn, I fill them with squashes and pumpkins.'

Are you as excited for the cosy season as much as we are?

If you are a renter like myself then you’ve probably come across the same frustrating issues when trying to make the space your own, but within the constraints of the lease terms. Given the often challenging dimensions and features, hallways may seem like a difficult area to decorate, but it's well worth the effort when you end up with an inviting and sophisticated space you love coming home to. So here's how to make your rental hallway look expensive and make every homecoming a little better.

'Your choice of hallway ideas is important as it's the first place that guests see, so elevating its overall appearance is an easy way to make your home feel more welcoming and inviting, even if you live in a rental property and don’t have an enormous budget,’ says Lucy Mather, interiors expert at Arighi Bianchi. ‘It’s all about creativity and picking the right accessories to elevate the space with non-permanent changes.’

1. Find out if you can paint the walls

When it comes to rental homes, many renters automatically assume that they can’t paint the walls. However, there is no harm in asking and you might be pleasantly surprised. Many landlords and agencies, mine included, don’t mind if you paint the walls, as long as you return the property to its original state when moving out. And given the instant transformative results hallway paint ideas can have, it’s worth it. H

owever, we recommend sticking to light shades that are easy to paint over and cover up when your tenancy ends. ‘If you're allowed to paint the walls, ditch the magnolia that the homeowner chose and look for a neutral colour in a shade you can enjoy,’ says interior designer Benji Lewis.

Sam Sutherland, Flitch interior stylist, adds an even more creative idea, ‘Colour blocking is an excellent option for a feature wall, adding depth and sophistication to a space, especially with neutral tones like greys, taupes, or beiges. If painting isn't allowed, opt for peel-and-stick wallpaper with subtle patterns or muted florals for a refined, high-end look.’

2. Incorporate some greenery

Bring your rental hallway alive (quite literally) by bringing nature indoors with houseplants displayed around the space. It’s the perfect way to connect your home with the outdoors, the hallway being the connecting link between two anyway. And they will inject a bit of extra colour to the space, too.

‘Incorporating greenery can instantly rejuvenate a space and add vibrancy, also serving as a great way to introduce some colour, particularly in areas where painting is not an option, such as in rented properties,’ says Stephanie King, creative lead at Dulux.

‘A super simple way to create a plant display is using old shelves and string for the hanging arrangement, or repurposing an old ladder as a shelving unit, and giving it a fresh coat of your favourite paint for a new lease of life. Choose a neutral shade for a sophisticated look.’

Alternatively (or additionally), you can incorporate seasonal foliage and display it in a vase or loosely on a console table as that's exactly what interior stylists do to give their hallway an autumnal update.

3. Hang a statement pendant light

Incorporating a unique, statement piece that will create a focal point in the hallway is sure to elevate the space. And the easiest (and most practical) way to do this is through a statement pendant hallway lighting fixture or lamp shade which should be easy to swap out for most renters.

‘Make a focal point by swapping out a bog-standard ceiling light for an elegant pendant or a statement shade,’ Lucy at Arighi Bianchi says.

Sam at Flitch agrees, ‘Upgrading to a statement light fixture, like a brass or matte black pendant, instantly elevates a hallway.’

4. Cover the floor with a chic runner

The existing hallway flooring in most rental flats and houses don’t tend to be up to scratch. And since you can’t rip out and replace the floor, your best bet is to cover it up with a stylish runner rug instead. It’s also a good opportunity to add to the hallway colour scheme and make the palette cohesive.

‘A chic runner in high-quality materials like jute or wool adds texture and warmth to a hallway, with patterns like Moroccan designs or muted stripes enhancing the space’s style. It also protects the floor while adding comfort,’ Sam at Flitch says.

Lucy adds, ‘Adding a plush, textured, or patterned rug or runner is an easy way to cover up uninspiring carpet, as well as bringing warmth, tactility, and a sense of luxury to your hallway without breaking the bank. A runner will stretch the length of the space and detract the eye from any tired looking floors.’

5. Add a slim console table

Hallway storage is important in order to avoid a cluttered and uninspiring look and feel. And a slim console table is the perfect storage solution for pretty much any hallway layout, whether you have a small or a narrow hallway. It’s also the perfect opportunity to display some decorative objects and put in some storage baskets underneath or on the bottom shelf for some more stylish storage.

‘Sleek storage solutions like a slim console table can provide both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Opt for wood or matte finishes, avoiding cheap plastic or overly shiny materials. You can also add baskets or trays – woven baskets for shoes or a metal tray for keys and post can declutter the space while adding a stylish touch,’ Sam says.

Benji Lewis also suggests adorning your console table with one or two table lamps for some more ambient hallway lighting.

Lucy agrees, ‘A gorgeous lamp on a console table can work wonders in transforming the ambiance, giving a warmer, softer vibe than a stark overhead light. Lower lighting levels are also great for masking tired rental decor.’

6. Include an oversized mirror

An oversized mirror can make for another centrepiece in your rental hallway, whether you hang it on the wall using Command Medium Designer Hooks from Amazon or simply placing it on your console table and resting it against the wall, no hanging necessary. It’s also the perfect small hallway idea as it will make the space look bigger than it is.

‘An oversized mirror with a gold or black frame adds elegance while making a small hallway feel larger. Complement it with framed artwork or prints using adhesive hooks to avoid wall damage in rentals,’ Sam says.

Your mirror and artwork also provide a great opportunity to get a little creative and inject some colour into the hallway by painting the frames.

‘Rental properties can come with restrictions on DIY – but this shouldn’t stop you adding some personal touches to your space with pops of colour. A great way to add colour to your walls without entirely repainting is to paint picture and mirror frames instead. Effortlessly elevate your space by using paint testers in your favourite colours to create a stunning design feature,’ Stephanie at Dulux says.

7. Create a curated look

Nothing looks less elevated than clutter – and cluttering your rental hallway can really bring it down. So make a conscious effort to create a curated look – only display what should and needs to be displayed and create enough storage opportunities to be able to put everything away.

‘Don’t clutter things; just a pair of table lamps either end of the console with a potted plant or piece of sculpture centrally placed on the table,’ Benji Lewis says.

Sam at Flitch continues, ‘A cluttered hallway will always feel less elegant. Keep personal items like coats, shoes, and bags out of sight to maintain a cleaner, more high-end appearance. Stick to well-chosen decor pieces, such as a vase, a plant, or a piece of art, to create a minimalist and curated feel.’

Our top picks

There’s nothing stopping you from making the most of your rental hallway. All you need to do is be creative, make considered decisions and just go for it!

IKEA is one of the most popular destinations for furniture and homeware shopping around the country and perhaps even the world. Loved for its budget-friendly prices, simple, minimalist designs that are easily customisable and easy-to-assemble flat-pack furniture, the Swedish brand can set pretty much any room up for success. This includes your entryway – especially if you're prepped and ready to employ some creative IKEA hallway ideas.

Given the small size of the space, many people don’t know where to start when it comes to incorporating clever hallway ideas into their entryways. The result? This area of our home gets forgotten about and not used to its full potential. But this is where ingenious IKEA hacks, which use the brand’s often simple designs as a base and elevate them into something special, come in handy.

‘Everyone knows how important first impressions are, so no hallway should be neglected,’ confirms Matt Siberry, head of home at Pinterest UK. ‘Interiors-lovers are searching for all sorts of IKEA hacks on Pinterest to help them up their corridor game, with searches for IKEA shoe cabinets, coat racks and hooks on the rise.’

Just in the space of the last two months, Pinterest has recorded a 15% increase in searches for ‘IKEA shoe cabinet’ and a 30% rise in ‘hallway storage’ searches. Meanwhile, the visual discovery engine reports that ‘long narrow hallway decorating’ has been searched for six times more in the last two months. And our IKEA hallway ideas can help with pretty much all of the above.

1. Personalise the popular HEMNES shoe cabinet

If you’re looking for some small hallway storage ideas, then slim shoe cabinets should be at the top of your list as shoes are known to be some of the bulkiest and most difficult to store items. And narrow shoe storage really makes a difference. That’s why the IKEA HEMNES shoe cabinet is one of the brand’s most popular hallway-specific pieces.

‘IKEA's HEMNES shoe cabinet is an ideal piece for a hallway due to its slim profile and ample storage, perfect for keeping shoes tidy in a narrow space,’ says Sam Sutherland, Flitch interior stylist. ‘I’d place the HEMNES shoe cabinet near the entrance for easy access, pairing it with a mirror above to create the illusion of a larger space.’

But you can go even further and get the paint and primer out – which is needed, as you’ll know if you’ve tried to paint IKEA furniture before. You can give the HEMNES shoe storage a bit of a makeover with a fresh lick of paint and perhaps a set of fun handles.

2. Create a feature out of the TRONES shoe cabinets

Who knew that shoe storage ideas could double as a feature wall idea? But that’s exactly what you can create with the help of the modern-looking and bestselling IKEA TRONES shoe cabinets. It's just the type of thing you can come up with once you start thinking about even the most mundane of things creatively and out of the box.

‘Another idea is to wall-mount the TRONES shoe cabinets in a staggered pattern, creating an artistic storage solution that also doubles as a feature wall,’ Sam suggests.

3. Fashion a DIY console table

While you can make your own console table pretty much from any plank of wood and some legs, the IKEA EKBY ALEX shelf comes with built-in drawers which is something that always comes in handy when it comes to both console tables and hallways.

You can even stack two of them on top to get four drawers. And while any fairly long furniture legs will work, we have a bit of a soft spot for hairpin legs. Especially if you can get your hands on such an elevated design as these brass hairpin legs from Amazon.

4. Turn a BILLY bookcase into customised storage

The BILLY bookcase is one of the most popular IKEA products, as well as a favoured target of many IKEA hacks – just take the dreamy library a TikToker has made from three BILLY bookcases to further elevate them. But the BILLY is definitely not limited to librairies. You can incorporate it into pretty much any room or area, and that includes making it into a hallway storage idea.

‘A popular IKEA hack for hallways involves turning the BILLY bookcase into a bespoke storage unit by adding doors, custom handles, and a fresh coat of paint to match your decor,’ Sam says.

5. Lift your hallway storage off the floor

If you’re looking for small hallway ideas, then one of the first orders of business should be lifting things off the floor to avoid a cluttered look which makes any space look even smaller than it already is. And you can do exactly that by opting for wall-mounted pieces like floating shelves, hanging rails and shoe cabinets like the aforementioned TRONES design.

Sam at Flitch has her own personal favourite solution from IKEA, ‘The LACK wall shelf provides a minimalist solution for displaying keys and decorative items without cluttering the area. It could be installed above a bench or hooks to hold small items like post or sunglasses, maximising functionality without compromising on style.’

Our top picks to elevate your IKEA hallway pieces

‘An IKEA hallway offers affordability, versatility, and customisation, with a wide range of products that suit various styles. The modular nature of many IKEA pieces also makes it easy to adapt and expand your storage solutions as your needs change. But mixing IKEA pieces with other products can add a layer of uniqueness and depth, allowing you to personalise the space further while still benefiting from IKEA’s practicality and design,’ Sam concludes.

Often overlooked, the hallway is a space that, with a bit of creativity, can be transformed from a simple area for shoes, coats, and mail into a welcoming and inviting entrance to your home. One of the key pieces that can change how this space feels is choosing the right hallway runner.

Hallways come in all shapes and sizes. Long, short, narrow and wide, and they’re the first and last thing we see when we come and go from home. Because of that, getting the look and feel of your hallway runner ideas just right is crucial for setting the tone of your space. With all the foot traffic they get, it's important to strike the perfect balance between style and practicality.

Luckily, there’s a huge range of hallway runners out there, so you’re bound to find one that fits your home’s vibe while adding both comfort and flair.

To make your decision a breeze, we’ve asked our experts for their top rules for buying a hallway runner. Their tips will help you find the perfect piece to fit your space and style with ease!

1. Size up your space

It might seem as easy as picking any runner off the shelf, but getting the size right is one of the top things to consider when buying a hallway runner. Runner rugs are often mistaken for standard area rugs but they have a different job. While area rugs cover larger spaces, runners are specifically designed for narrow areas like hallways.

The key is to find a runner that strikes the right balance, one that doesn’t overwhelm the space by butting up against the walls and looking like wall-to-wall carpet but also doesn’t get lost in a hallway that's too large.

Once you’ve figured out the length you need, it’s time to think about the width. Cassandra Leiz, Senior Creative Director at Ruggable has a great tip ‘The standard rule is that a runner should fill the space while leaving a three-to-six-inch border of bare floor around it.’ This little trick ensures your hallway looks well-framed and balanced. And don’t forget to centre the rug in the space for the best look.

If you want to get it just right, consider going the custom route. Many companies like the Rug Seller or Roger Oates offer bespoke runners that not only match your personal style but also fit your hallway perfectly. This way, you’ll end up with a runner that’s just right in every way!

2. Select the best material option for your lifestyle

Hallways are high-traffic areas, with everyone coming and going, often with shoes on and sometimes with pets in tow. With all that daily wear and tear, it’s crucial to choose a runner material that can stand up to the challenge.

Runners made from polypropylene or recycled plastic threads are a smart choice for families because they’re incredibly durable and handle muddy shoes, spills, and stains with ease. Plus, some options, like those from Ruggable, are machine washable, making cleanup a breeze.

If you prefer natural fibres, Kirsty Barton, Brand Storytelling Manager at Alternative Flooring, has some great advice: 'Wool works brilliantly in the entryway, adding a luxurious and warm touch while remaining hardwearing. Natural textures like sisal, seagrass, or coir are also popular choices due to their tough fibres, versatility, and low maintenance.'

When it comes to natural fibres, there are some great options that can really work in a busy hallway. Wool rugs might be a bit pricier and tend to shed, but they’re tough, hypoallergenic, and can last for years if you take care of them.

Sisal rugs are a fantastic choice if you’re after something naturally stain-resistant, making them a go-to for high-traffic areas. And if you’re looking for something super durable and easy to clean, seagrass runners are a winner thanks to their natural waxy coating.

3. Find the perfect colour to complement your space

A colourful runner can be just the thing to bring your hallway colour scheme to life, whether you’re looking to make a bold statement in a neutral space or complement an already vibrant colour scheme. Andy Guard, Creative Director at Roger Oates, puts it perfectly, ‘The hall is a great space to be adventurous with colour and pattern. It’s the perfect way to add warmth and individuality. A bright hallway runner will create an instant impact while carrying colour throughout the heart of the house.’

If your hallway is already awash with colour, try picking a runner that highlights the key shades in your existing scheme, it’s a great way to tie everything together. On the flip side, if your hallway is more neutral, the sky’s the limit. You could go for a subtle touch with a neutral rug featuring a bold, colourful border. Or, if you’re feeling daring, why not go all out with a runner in a single, vibrant colour? It’ll add a lively pop to a modern design. And if you love patterns, a rug with a mix of bright colours can really bring the space to life.

Don’t forget, the colour you choose can also change how your hallway feels size-wise. In a small or narrow hallway, a runner in a light, solid colour can make the space feel bigger by reflecting natural light. On the other hand, deeper colours can cosy things up, making the hallway feel warm and inviting.

4. Think about the pile height

If your hallway runner is near doors that will open over it, keep an eye on the pile height. It might not seem like a big issue initially, but a door catching on the runner every time you open it can become really annoying and wear out the rug’s corners more quickly.

While tufted and high-pile runners may look plush and inviting, they’re not always practical for high-traffic areas like hallways. Kirsty Darby, Founder of Tate & Darby shares some helpful advice ‘Jute is practical as it is hardwearing, hides the dirt and with its low pile most doors can glide over them, so you are not shaving inches off your doors!

With that in mind, flatweaves and jute rugs are ideal choices for hallways, as their smoother texture and tighter weave allow them to fit seamlessly under low-clearance doors without sacrificing style or comfort.

5. Add some personality with prints and patterns

Adding a patterned runner to your hallway flooring ideas can bring some real personality to the space and tie your scheme together. Choosing the right pattern for your hallway is a matter of personal taste, but some styles naturally complement certain schemes better than others.

Cassandra at Ruggable offers some great advice, ‘Start with your space. Is it bohemian, modern, traditional, or farmhouse? Then, look for a runner rug pattern that complements the theme. For a modern look, consider geometric or abstract patterns. For a farmhouse vibe, a Persian rug with a slightly distressed area could be perfect. And for a bohemian or eclectic feel, try a pattern with intricate floral details’.

Stripes are an all time classic favourite, especially if you’re working with a smaller hallway. They have a lengthening effect, creating the illusion of a more extended space. Similarly, horizontal stripes can make a narrow hallway feel wider and more open. Geometric designs are fantastic for contemporary homes with strong architectural lines, while vintage florals or Eastern-inspired patterns add a charming touch to traditional or vintage-style homes.

Plus, one of the best perks of patterned rugs is that they camouflage dirt beautifully, meaning you can go longer between cleanings, a real win for high-traffic areas!

6. Borders or no borders?

If you’re into a minimal, neutral, or natural style, a simple, solid-coloured runner can be a perfect fit. But if you want to add just a splash of colour or tie in a key accessory in your hallway, a runner with a border might be just what you need.

Kirsty from Alternative Flooring puts it well, ‘Borders on a hallway runner can really elevate the whole look. They let you add a pop of complementary colour for a touch of sophistication or go for a contrasting colour for a subtle yet striking effect. And they look super sharp, too!’.

Plus, if you're thinking about stair runner ideas, choosing a bespoke runner with a matching border can make the transition from stairs to hallway smooth and stylish, keeping everything looking put-together.

7. Keep it all in place

Last but definitely not least, one of the key things to consider before buying a hallway runner is working out how to keep it securely fixed to the floor. Unlike a living room rug, your hallway runner won’t have furniture to keep it in place, and it’s likely to see more foot traffic. So, to avoid any slips or trips, make sure it’s anchored properly.

Some runners come with a canvas backing, which can help keep them in place, but this might not be enough if you’re laying it on varnished wood or tiles that offer little grip.

Kirsty at Alternative Flooring advises, ‘To keep the hallway runner securely in place, we recommend using a high-quality anti-slip underlay specifically designed for runners. This not only prevents accidents but also adds an extra layer of underfoot comfort’

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Your hallway sets the tone for your home and if it looks like it could star in an episode of Hoarder SOS, you’ll do well to follow the lead of our professional organisers by removing these things that they would never keep in a hallway. You won’t find them leaving piles of old shoes, bulky coats or Deliveroo flyers hanging around.

Instead, professional organisers advocate a less is more approach when decluttering a hallway, and firmly believe that only the essentials should be allowed airtime in their home’s busiest thoroughfare. They take a firm stance against excess clobber and have no truck with untidiness or anything that should or could be stashed elsewhere. 

‘The hallway is often passed through in a hurry whilst simultaneously grabbing something invaluable for your day,’ says professional organiser, Lynda Wylie of Tidy Rooms. ‘By scheduling regular decluttering and organising session, you can keep these items in check and ultimately control whether coming home is an uplifting or disheartening experience.’

Things a professional organiser won’t keep in a hallway

There are several things you shouldn't keep on display in a hallway that professional organisers agree upon. For example not allowing the kids’ schoolbags and bikes to create a potentially dangerous obstacle course. 

By investing in hallway storage ideas and keeping the hallway clear of detritus, it will remain a welcoming and functional entryway rather than a catch-all for household overflow, pets paraphernalia and every last shoe you ever owned.

1. Car keys left in plain sight

Leaving your car keys in the hallway can be a serious security risk, depending on where you leave them. Too near the front door (especially if it is glazed) will make it easy for potential thieves to spot and steal them, potentially through the letterbox or by using signal amplifiers if your car has keyless entry. Car keys left in plain sight are also an easy target if a burglar brakes in, meaning they may get away with your microwave and motor. 

‘People often say you shouldn’t keep car keys in your hallway at all, but it does depend on your set-up. For example, those with a porch may have two doors to get through to reach the hallway so it’s less problematic,’ says Siân Pelleschi, President of APDO and founder of Sorted! 

‘If you’re at all concerned, keep your car keys in a cupboard or drawer, close to where they are needed and out of sight. This allows you to store car keys in a dedicated place and help speed up your exit without taking unnecessary security risks.’ 

2. Off-season outerwear

Allowing coat hooks and racks to pile up is the quickest way to hinder smooth passage through your hallway. Storing only the outerwear you use regularly in the hallway ensures easy access and will help keep the area looking clean and streamlined. It can also make it easier to keep control of the number of coats each family member owns and ensure they still fit. Any smart or special occasion coats should be kept in your bedroom wardrobe to protect them from damage while freeing up coat hooks in the hallway.

‘While the seasons are no longer true to form, and you’re often found dipping into winter clothes in the summer and vice versa it’s still important to keep the hallway light with your coats and other outerwear,’ agrees Siân. 

‘Check the upcoming weather conditions and be realistic about which coats, hats, scarves and gloves you’re likely to wear. Those for more extreme weather can be put away but kept accessible should you need to find them quickly.’

3. Prams, scooters and bikes

‘Prams, scooters and bikes get in the way when left rolling precariously around in the hallway, and present trip hazards or stress triggers when you’re trying to dodge them. Launching yourself (and others) quickly and smoothly out the door can become a battle of wills against the machines as you wrestle with handles and wheels,’ says professional organiser, Lynda Wylie. 

‘If you have a porch, instead of filling it with shoes that can develop a bit of a pong, use it for non-smelly equipment like scooters and bikes. If there’s room for a rack, these can help keep them contained, or a large open box can be just as effective.’

If you absolutely must keep prams and other wheeled equipment in your hallway, Lynda recommends making the most of vertical storage solutions using hooks and clips to get them off the floor whilst ensuring they are quick to grab when they’re needed. You can buy hooks to hang over a door to hold prams on Amazon or you can install a track that holds scooters and skateboards off the floor. 

‘Alternatively, fold prams up each evening and store them in the boot of your car if you have one or a garage or shed. A lockable bike store might also be an option if there’s space at the front of your home,’ adds Lynda.

4. Dead plants and flowers

Plants are a fabulous addition to any room in the home, but only if they’re looking healthy and verdant. Sad, browning or droopy foliage is a depressing mess to come home to. 

‘Dead plants are a common inhabitant of cluttered hallways and need to be composted once they’re past bringing you and your home joy,’ agrees Lynda Wylie.

‘Live plants are calming, can be air purifying, boost mood and bring the outside into your hallway, creating a restful and colourful first impression. Not everyone has green fingers so artificial plants offer a great alternative, such as a palm or fern. Avoid artificial plants with multiple stems and foliage as they are fiddlier to clean and trap dust, and don’t forget to vacuum or wipe your plants regularly, whether real or faux.’

5. A million shoes

Professional organisers always avoid keeping too many shoes in their hallways because shoes are one of the most common causes of clutter. Hallways are often narrow, so a pile-up of shoes can be an eyesore and trip hazard.

‘Despite the best of intentions and urges for the kids, and older members of the household, to line up their shoes when they kick them off, they’re never going to stay in place,’ says Simon Glanville, Managing Director of A Place for Everything. ‘The solution is to invest in specialist shoe storage options, some of which double up as benches and are just nice-looking pieces of furniture.’ 

Stacking shoe racks are particularly space efficient and make use of your hallway’s vertical storage potential without taking up precious floor space. 

Before filling your shoe storage, first have a major clear out of all but the most frequently worn footwear. Any that is rarely used can be stored elsewhere, perhaps under the stairs or under the bed. You’ll be amazed by how many pairs of shoes are outgrown or scuffed beyond use, especially if you have children. Rotating shoes seasonally can also help keep the hallway neat and ensure you have the appropriate footwear for the current weather.

6. Junk mail and flyers

‘An open front door plus wind plus miscellaneous flyers spells chaos!’ says Simon Glanville. ‘If you have a console table in the hall then opt for baskets or felt trays or keep one drawer just for the flyers. Alternatively opt for a mirror which has a built-in shelf behind it. That way you can keep any flyers you want to keep, and unopened post at hand but they’re unlikely to be blown around the place.’

The seriously organised will take photos of any flyers, food menus and anything else containing information they’d like to keep, so they can put the physical item in the recycling bin.

7. Outsized furniture

Keeping big furniture in a hallway is the quickest way to obstruct the flow of movement, making the space feel cramped and difficult to navigate. Large pieces of furniture can create bottlenecks and make it particularly awkward when greeting or getting rid of groups of guests. Bulky furniture can prove overwhelming, making your hallway appear cluttered and smaller than reality.

‘If you choose a big piece of furniture for your hallway, you’re also far more likely to use it as a dumping ground; depositing items on the top or shoving them into the drawer of doom!’ adds professional organiser Simon Wigzell, of Let’s Get It Sorted. ‘Instead, have a step basket on the stairs, and try to just have coats and shoes in a hallway. I like to keep a hallway as clear as possible as it’s much nice walking into a house where it’s not immediately manic.’

If you must have hallway furniture, make it as slender as possible to avoid encroaching on precious walking space – a shallow-depth console, narrow shoe storage unit or slim bench for example.  

8. Hundreds of Bags for Life

Bags for life are good for the environment but not if you buy too many. Hoarding them is certainly not good for the environment in your hallway! 

‘Bags for Life quickly get out of hand, you trip over them, they get shoved in nooks and crannies and you’ll find them again three years later when you finally make the time to declutter,’ agrees Simon Wigzell. 

‘If you do want to keep reusable bags by the door so they’re handy before you go shopping, reduce them to a sensible number and hang them neatly inside a more stylish bag on a hook or somewhere easily accessible.’

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FAQs

What do you need in a hallway?

Lynda Wylie, Professional Declutterer and Organiser and founder of Tidy Rooms, lists her personal preferences for a hallway that’s welcoming but not cluttered. 

MUST HAVE:

1. Waist height surface 

For example, a slim console or shelf provides a landing and taking off space for the most important items you need - like phone, wallet, and keys. You’ll always know where to find them if there’s only one designated place for them to live.

2. Wastepaper bin

To stop unnecessary paper from getting any further into the home and prompt regular triaging of paper.

3. Mirror

To create light and a final check before leaving the house.

4. Two baskets

One to catch any bits and bobs that find their way into the home but which you don’t want to get any further! And another for anything you need to remember to take out with you like things to return, dry cleaning etc.

5. Washable doormat

To keep dirt out of your home and make floors easier to clean.

OPTIONAL: 

1. Diffuser or candle 

To provide a welcome home scent as you come through the door

2. Plants

Natural and calming to provide a splash of colour to welcome you home each day.

3. Everyday shoes

Properly stored, these will be quick and easy to access. Infrequently used shoes can be stored elsewhere in the home.

4. Hooks

For coats, bags and umbrellas - a place to get things off the floor.

Don't forget to personalise your hallway with a few decorative touches such as framed family photos and fresh flowers and enjoy an organised entryway that feels like home the moment you step through the door.

Hallways are notorious for lacking in the space department, whether they are narrow or just small in every possible aspect. Which is why clever space-saving solutions are always in high demand. And we just found the best small hallway-friendly tower shoe rack on Amazon.

In all fairness, we can’t take the full credit for discovering this shoe storage idea as the Yamazaki Tower Shoe Rack from Amazon has been consistently popping up all over our social media in the last year or so as influencers like Maddie Borge (@maddieborge on TikTok) - who was among the first to rave about this vertical shoe organiser and has included it in a round-up of her favourite products for small flats - clearly have to deal with the issue of tiny hallways too. It’s not all glamour after all.

But just as we were getting on board with this small hallway idea, we found out the price – £69.82! And while we know it’s not crazy expensive, it gave us pause as for what it is, we expected a more budget-friendly price point. Did you?

Space-saving Amazon tower shoe rack

In terms of the shoe rack’s design, you pretty much can’t fault it. It’s simple but very clever. Made with white-coloured steel, the design is ultra light and comes with five tiers for storing your most worn pairs of shoes, as well as a top handle so that you can easily pick it up and move it.

While it is known as the Amazon shoe rack, it’s in fact by one specific company from Japan called Yamazaki Home, rather than being one of those white label products sold by multiple different brands like the viral Amazon mug stackers. Which is perhaps the reason why the shoe rack comes at a higher price. You can think of it as an alternative to Muji.

But despite the slight issue of the price, the Amazon reviewers can’t seem to be able to stop singing its praises. As one wrote, ‘I really love these. Being a men’s size 11 I was a little concerned after reading some of the reviews, but I managed to fit all of my trainers and shoes on just fine - even a pair of Caterpillar boots on the top rung. Very happy. They are pricey but worth it for a neat and good looking storage solution.’

So would we still recommend this product? The bottom line is that it’s one of the best designed shoe racks that takes pretty much no precious hallway space and it's also a perfect addition if you need to fake a hallway, while also boasting a clean, minimalist look that’s portable on top of everything. And even though the price could be better, it’s still not extortionate.

So if a space-saving shoe storage is on your wish or need list, then we’re pretty sure you won’t regret purchasing this one.

Working out how to light a narrow hallway is the reality for many of us, trying to turn a small home and slither of corridor into our dream entrance. But while you might have had to sacrifice many home decor choices when planning your narrow hallway ideas, lighting is the one area to can have some fun with. 

Every home needs good hallway lighting ideas, no matter whether it's big or small. While there are a few guidelines you need to follow in a narrow space they're the perfect spot to add a bit of stylish flair without encroaching on any precious floor space.

Firstly, you need to consider the current lighting in your space. If your front door has windows or a top light your goal should be to accentuate this natural light with reflective materials and colours. However, if you need to know how to lighten a dark hallway you might need to consider more than one lighting solution, alongside some other design tricks.

How to light a narrow hallway

The next stage is choosing a lighting option that will make a statement without making the space feel small and oppressive. As a general rule of thumb, you want to draw the eye upwards. 

'Think about the proportions of the space you are working with - with a narrow hallway you need to work vertically, try to avoid dado rails and picture rails which will elongate the space,' says Claire Pendarves, Independent lighting consultant for The Soho Lighting Company.

1. Opt for a statement ceiling light

The simplest way to draw the eye up is with a statement ceiling light. If you have dreams of a grand Victorian entranceway, the good news is you can still live out this fantasy to an extent when planning the lighting in a narrow hallway. 

A bold light fixture such as an oversized pendant or chandelier can all look great in a narrow hallway. Make them the focal point of the hallway to fake a grander entrance. 

'Consider multi pendant lighting. These will serve as beautiful focal points, whilst maximising headroom and providing ample light. Opting for intricate designs made from materials such as glass, wood, or metal, will add a unique charm adding character to a narrow hallway space,' adds Mara Rypacek Miller, Managing Director and Founder at Industville.

Opt for a lighting fixture that casts as much light around the space as possible. 'It's key to utilise a light design that will cast light around the space, not just downwards,' explains Claire. Our advice would be to stick to glass lighting fixtures that cast light out from all angles.

2. Incorporate downlights

Alternatively, you can use downlights or picture lights to help draw the eye upwards. 'A series of tilted downlights can work well when angled towards the walls, helping to draw the eye upwards. This will give the visual illusion of widening the space, especially when illuminating pictures,' says Claire Pendarves.

The downside of downlights is on average they will cost around £300 to £400 to be installed by an electrician. However, you can fake the look for less with a spotlight bar from a high street store. These usually cost under £100, and an electrician will usually cost less than £100 to fit it.

3. Consider LED lighting

'An alternative option is to explore coving that houses linear LED lighting, helping to cast light upwards and reflect off the ceiling,' says Claire Pendarves.

 Kelly Collins, Interior Designer and Head of Creative at Swyft also recommends this approach saying: 'If you have a relatively modern home, you can add lighting in the ceiling architrave to help exaggerate the ceiling height and create more space.'

Again you can have this professionally fitted, but LED lighting strips are now easily available from places such as Amazon that you can fit yourself. Many of these options have the added perk of being controlled by a remote and are sticky-backed for easy installation. 

4. Choose wall lights over lamps

Table lamps and floor lamps have their place but it's not in a narrow hallway. 'When lighting a narrow hallway it is key to draw the eye level up to help make the hallway appear more spacious. Instead of using floor lamps or putting lights on a console table, I'd suggest saving space and going with beautiful simple and long wall lights,' recommends Kelly Collins at Swyft.

Keep your wall lights simple and streamlined, ideally sitting flush against the wall. If you have space for a console you can consider including a lamp, but there is an art to it. 'Opt for slim-profile table lamps on cabinets or stylish wall-mounted lamps that add flair without eating into your valuable walking space,' recommends Mara Rypacek Miller, Managing Director and Founder at Industville.

5. Partner with mirrors

Hallway mirror ideas are essential in a narrow hallway, they will help make a narrow hallway look bigger, but also double the impact of any lighting you include. However, placement is key.

'Avoid placing a mirror at the end of the space as this will also draw the eye to the narrowness of the hallway rather than the height,' warns Claire Pendarves. 

Instead, position the mirror in a strategic spot to maximise the light and size of the space. The best spot will usually be by the front door so it reflects the light onto the door where you need it, and has instant impact when you walk in. 

Get the look

FAQs

How much light do you need in a narrow hallway?

In a narrow hallway, you want maximum brightness, but a warm and welcoming glow. You will need to invest in the correct light bulb to achieve this. 'I usually recommend 2700K temperature and a CRI of 90+ to give maximum brightness,' recommends Claire Pendarves. 

It really is amazing the transformation the right light fitting can have on a narrow hallway, so take your time to find the right one. We promise the payoff will be huge.

Ryan Thomas recently revealed his home's new flooring, in which he worked with experts at Tapi Carpets & Floors for the makeover to prioritise comfort and durability. The Coronation Street actor turned Dancing on Ice star expressed his desire for his staircase to be the 'main focus' of his home, thus leading the renaissance of the herringbone border stair runner.

It's no secret that employing the most visually striking staircase ideas makes all the difference in achieving a lasting first impression for those who enter your home. So, what better way to make a statement than opting for a stair runner idea in the timeless herringbone we've seen take centre stage among the latest modern hallways?

'Stair runners are a great contemporary style choice for both modern and traditional homes alike, adding a statement look to an area that might otherwise be overlooked,' begins Johanna Constantinou, trends expert at Tapi. 'Your staircase is as much part of your home as your living room or bedroom, so don't neglect its potential and get creative with a herringbone stair runner to fit your themes. Ryan was blown with his finished look!'

As far as home decor trends go, herringbone is undeniably having a bit of a moment right now, with its origins dating way back. 'Herringbone is an interior design classic – it's an enduring trend that never really goes out of fashion,' notes Lucy Mather, design expert at Arighi Bianchi.

'Herringbone patterns have a rich history, but they have also been reinterpreted in more contemporary ways, such as using unconventional materials or colour palettes. This blend of tradition and modernity appeals to homeowners seeking a balance between classic elegance and contemporary design.'

Seeing as the world of interiors is riddled with an appetite for experimenting with and reimagining classic designs, it's no wonder herringbone border stair runners are gaining popularity again. It's even something Perrie Edwards has employed on her statement staircase.

The beauty of the herringbone border stair runner also lies in its versatility, as you can opt for any colour of your choice to suit your desired hallway colour scheme.

'In terms of the different border colours, you can opt for a herringbone pattern with a sleek black border like Ryan's to create a modern and minimalist aesthetic, and the ultimate grand entrance,' says Johanna. 'This choice also adds a bold contrast to the staircase and complements minimalist interior design design themes.'

Alternatively, if you've gone down the route of brighter hallway paint ideas, you can match your stair runner's border accordingly. 'Bold colours like red, teal, or mustard yellow can add personality and flair to the staircase, reflecting a more varied style. For a touch of glamour and sophistication, consider a herringbone pattern with a metallic or shimmering border, such as gold or silver.'

'Or, if you're aiming for a rustic or farmhouse theme, a herringbone pattern with a warm, earthy-toned border such as terracotta or rust can enhance the cosy and inviting atmosphere of the space,' she continues.

Not to mention, a herringbone border stair runner is also a clever choice for making a small hallway look bigger. Daniel Prendergast, design director at The Rug Seller says, 'A herringbone bordered runner is a fantastic design to draw the eye up the stairs – especially set against a white or grey painted staircase.'

Commenting on the transformation, Ryan says, 'Our staircase is the first thing you see when you walk into the house, and that is a showpiece. Our staircase goes right to the top of the attic, and what I love about it most is when you go to the top of the stairs and look all the way down, all you see are the bannisters and the beautiful stair runners.'

'Honestly, the finish looks perfection,' concludes Ryan – and, we couldn't agree more.

Stacey Dooley’s home and her interior decorating style have become constant sources of inspiration for us here at Ideal Home. Regularly sharing snaps and reels of her London abode on her Instagram, Stacey Dooley’s flooring is the latest obsession of her 1.1 million followers. Us included.

This traditional yet vibrant hallway flooring idea is made from mosaic-style, patterned encaustic tiles, which were a common feature of Victorian entryways. But it’s still very much loved today - as demonstrated by people going crazy over the Strictly winner’s original hallway floor in her Victorian house. In fact, many homeowners try to replicate the effect even in modern buildings, according to our interiors experts.

This just goes to show that keeping original features of a space, which are often uncovered during the renovation process, is worth it. 

Stacey Dooley’s tiled flooring

Stacey Dooley’s Instagram feed has been full of home decor inspiration lately, whether that’s Stacey’s Champagne coupe bow decor championing the current ‘coquette’ trend or her dilemma where to put the TV in her bedroom which has sparked an online debate.

And she’s not the only celebrity that’s been inspiring us in the flooring department. We’ve also been loving Maisie Smith’s and Max George’s open plan home flooring choice made from extra-large tiles that create the effect of concrete.

But while Maisie and Max opted for something very modern in their homes, Stacey kept her hallway flooring rather traditional.

‘Stacey’s tiles are original Victorian encaustic tiles, made in the UK,’ says Abbas Youssefi, founder of independent tile specialists, Porcelain Superstore. ‘They are very traditional with a classic edge. This style of decorative mosaic floor tile is timeless. I would say these are from Minton & Co, a tile company incredibly popular during the Victorian era. A genuine Minton floor would be high on many homeowners’ wishlists.’

Laura Chiddey, Fabb Furniture's home interiors expert, adds, ‘Victorian tiles, with their vibrant colours and patterns, quickly became popularised and are still a favourite to this day. This style of tile was and still is commonly used on hallway flooring, welcoming guests to a bold, vibrant environment upon entry.’

But since not everyone owns a Victorian period home with a preserved original floor, there are now ways you can recreate the look yourself.

‘We’ve seen many homeowners of modern homes looking to replicate the look. There are now many tiles, including porcelain options that can look just as lovely and replicate the look,’ says Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at tile brand Ca’ Pietra.

And according to Laura of Fabb Furniture, the Dorset Marron tiles available at Wickes are the closest match to the original. ‘Dorset Marron is a floor tile that replicates a Victorian floor by using its notable colours and patterns. This popular ceramic tile can be found in modern properties and offers plenty of style and character.’

Get the look

But there are several other retailers and designs that can recreate the Victorian style in your home if you got enchanted by Stacey Dooley’s charming flooring. We certainly did.

Door curtain ideas are the perfect solution for sprucing up the appearance of your hallway or adding privacy to your home. And it's not just about style - in those pesky winter months, door curtains add another layer between you and the outside to help keep the warmth in. 

Gone are the days of old-fashioned lace curtains lining your doorways - the latest door curtains mix classic style features (you heard it here first, pelmets are back) with a trendy touch. Thick, premium materials draped in front of a doorway will make your interior look tactile, much more luxe and cosy once enveloped inside the house. 

From choosing between materials to decorative touches and the ideal height of the curtain, these front door ideas offer inspiration for turning this once trad curtain trend into a modern-day wonder. 

5 ways to style door curtains

'Door curtains are a great way of making a room or hallway feel cosy, especially in older homes, where eliminating draughts is also an important consideration,' advises Andrew Henry, CEO and founder of Thread & Dandy. 

'Generally we recommend a single curtain dressed on the opposite side of the door opening. Where there is limited space, a portiere road as an alternative to a track or pole is ideal as it swings back onto a return wall. Textured linens or luxurious velvets are a great fabric choice and consider adding an interlining or hold back as finishing touches.'  

The exact curtain you opt for will largely depend on the space you have available around a doorway, and whether it's a front door or leading to a different part of your property. Oh, and your taste of course. 

1. Choose a heavy drape

If you have a small hallway idea, you might think that it's best to go for a thinner material that doesn't take up as much space, but it's actually best to go bigger with this trend. 

Opting for a weighty fabric with extra length at the bottom will make your doorway look more premium, and won't clutter up the space visually. 

'Wide-width curtains are a great choice for doors, especially bifold. Wide-width drapery provides that seamless look by removing the join line. Generally, the maximum height of wide-width designs is 3m, as it is usually offered in equal width for length,' recommends Marie Goodwin, Head Designer at decorative fabric specialist Prestigious Textiles. 'Using a wave track as opposed to a traditional curtain pole will help to enhance that seamless look from floor to ceiling too.'

2. Go cafe-style

We saw cafe curtains rise in popularity last year thanks to the whimsical touch that add to an interior, and the trend isn't set to slow down. So why not add one to your door? If you have a front door with a glass panel it's a handy way of adding privacy but it also works well on internal doors to hide any mess on the other side. 

'Door curtains really are so versatile and can be used throughout the home, creating 'soft doors' in large spaces or open plan rooms is a great way to section areas off, creating interest and heat just the area you want to be warm,' says Tori Murphy, founder of the eponymous label. 

All you need to create your own is a curtain rod, the curtains (or you can make your own by purchasing a few metres of fabric) that you can cut to size and curtain clips. It's a speedy and affordable DIY that has a big impact. 

3. Opt for semi sheer

If adding privacy is your main goal when opting for a door curtain but you don't want to lose all of the natural light you have available, then a voile curtain will be a balanced choice. 

'These are made from thick cotton or linen and are a perfect alternative if you don’t like thicker curtains and still want to keep an air of privacy. They let in plenty of light, yet completely block the view to the outside,' explains Jade Oliver, showroom stylist at Express Bi-Folding Doors.

4. Consider for other rooms

A door curtain doesn't just have to be utilised at your front door - if you have french doors opening up onto a balcony or patio from a bedroom or living room then they'll add a soft and whimsical touch. 

In rooms that are dedicated to relaxing, layering materials will create dimension and add flair in lieu of blinds. 

5. Pick a pelmet

We didn't think we'd see the day, at least not anytime soon, but pelmets are officially back. Once closely linked to your Grandma's floral drapes, the ruffled detail is now back in vogue thanks to recent kitsch interior trends. 

Pelmets are best used to add height to a window, so they'll be in their element when used to extend the length of a doorway. If you're worried about a door curtain making your hallway feel small or narrow then this is a clever way to draw the eye upwards. 

The secret to making pelmets work for a modern hallway idea will be in the pattern choice. Forget large-scale florals and instead opt for vertical stripes.

FAQs

Should a door curtain touch the floor?

The age old question when choosing curtains is 'how long should they be?' It's tricky to decide whether they should end slightly above the ground or touch it, so adding a high-traffic doorway into that mix complicates it even further. 

For a premium look, it's always best to add an extra inch rather than take it away. You don't want a door curtain to be catching up the door or being trod on, as this will make it look worn and tatty very quickly, but it shouldn't be just about skimming the floor. 

Ready to get measuring and fabric-choosing? The right door curtain idea is guaranteed to make the entrance to your home feel much more extravagant and significantly cosier. 

A hallway is a luxury that many people can’t enjoy since a large number of homes simply don't have one. Until a few months ago, I was one of those hallway-lacking people as my front door opened directly into our kitchen. 

I was desperate to find out how to fake a hallway as even small hallway ideas didn't fit with my home set-up. To help others out in my predicament I asked interior designers and interior stylists to share their expert advice on how to create the illusion of a hallway that works every time. 

And while it’s too late for me since I now actually have a hallway (I’m sorry to brag), these are the 5 tips and tricks I wish I knew when I didn’t have one.

How to fake a hallway

‘Hallways are primarily a space to transition between the outside and inside of a home,’ says Olivia Crosher, designer and visual stylist for Naturewall. ‘Functionally, we need a space to take our shoes and coats off, but we also want to make this threshold aesthetic.’

And the good news is that even if you don’t have a clearly defined hallway space separated by walls, you can create the effect of one with clever interior styling. No matter how small (or big) the space you’re working with is.

1. Place a runner rug on the floor

Using a runner to visually define a ‘hallway space’ is an excellent and universal way of going about this, especially since every space will definitely have a floor, no matter its size.

‘Using a runner carpet alongside your entrance wall defines a hallway. You can use these to really inject your personal style into your home, by using coloured, textured rugs,’ Olivia says.

But don’t forget about your hallway colour scheme and create a harmony between your runner and other accessories.

‘Rug runners are great for creating a designated path to walk down,’ explains Victoria Foster, interior stylist at ScS. ‘Position a long runner in front of the door to instantly create a defined entranceway area. Opt for a contrasting colour or pattern to your flooring and match it to any other accent colours nearby, such as photo frames on the wall or accessories on a console table.’

2. Rearrange your furniture

This works best if your front door opens into your living room as that’s when you typically have a lot of pieces of furniture such as your sofa. It wouldn’t work so well if you stepped directly into a kitchen, for example.

‘If your door opens straight into your living area, create the Illusion of a hallway with carefully placed pieces of furniture to zone the space,’ starts Faye Leeming, interior design coordinator for Where Saints Go.

Victoria continues, ‘Having a front door which opens straight into your living room can make the room feel cold and exposed, if you can, position the back of your sofa alongside the entryway so that the sofa creates a faux wall. This creates a defined “hallway” zone and any guests entering the home have to walk around the back of the sofa to enter the living space, making it feel like its own room.’

3. Add a shoe rack or console table

Going off the back of the previous point, adding a hallway-specific piece of furniture like a shoe rack, a bench or a console table will also help to create the look and feel of a hallway. And it’s a great hallway storage idea, too.

‘To create the feeling of a hallway in an open room, you can place furniture that encourages you to pause before moving into another space. Placing a bench or a side table against the entrance wall near your door is a great way to do this. This also means you can double up style and functionality by adding extra storage space,’ Olivia suggests.

Faye adds, ‘Console tables are a perfect way to include storage in the area and allow for personalisation of a hallway with displayed accessories.’

Indeed, accessorising is something that shouldn’t be forgotten and including something like a console table makes for the perfect display surface.

‘Ensure you include decor such as lamps, books and accessories to dress the space like you would any other room. Smaller details can also make all the difference,’ says Juliette Thomas, founder and director of Juliettes Interiors.

4. Use a different wallpaper or paint colour

Similarly to the trick how to make a narrow hallway look wider with paint, you can also visually separate a faux hallway by utilising different paint colours or wallpapers.

‘A great way to create a clear division between your entryway and the rest of the room when you are short on space is adding a vibrant contrasting wallpaper to a wall close to the door,’ Victoria advises. ‘It can be along the same wall as the door or an adjacent wall depending on your layout, however, it will give definition and make it feel like you are entering into a separate area. Alternatively you can paint the wall a different colour, which will still provide the desired zoning effect.’

Adding wall panelling in this one select area will have a similar effect to other hallway paint ideas.

‘Another way to create the illusion of an entryway is to zone the space through wall coverings. By placing wall panels on a section of a wall, it appears to split up the space without making it seem smaller. This is a quick and easy way to instantly create separation between a living area and hallway,’ Olivia explains.

5. Utilise wall space

And if you have a wall to paint or cover in wallpaper, you most likely also have wall space to fill with things like shelving, coat hooks or even a mirror, all of which can serve both a practical and decorative purpose.

‘If your front door is positioned at a right angle to a wall or has sufficient wall space next to the door, utilise the wall space to give you a designated hall area. Add a small floating shelf, hooks to place your keys, or hooks for coats,’ Victoria recommends.

‘Mirrors can add light creating the illusion of more space,’ Faye adds.

Creating a hallway out of nothing isn’t easy but now you know that it’s not impossible either.

Perrie Edwards first rose to fame as a member of Little Mix, formed on X Factor in 2011. While she's typically famed for the girl group's hit singles throughout the last decade, it is her bold, striking staircase that we're now obsessed with.

Opting for the best hallway ideas is second to none in importance when designing a home. As interior designer Augustine Atobatele notes, 'A hallway is like the preface of a good book, an introduction, setting the tone for the rest of the home.'

So, in short: first impressions count – and the singer has made an unforgettable one by choosing a statement staircase idea, which she frequently shares on her Instagram profile.

Perrie's ballroom staircase is a design statement that needs no introduction. Although it boasts a more so 'simple' monochromatic hallway colour scheme, Sophie Clemson, co-founder and director of online interior design company, The Living House explains that it actually adds to the drama of the space all the more.

'The colour scheme being monochrome lets the architectural features of the staircase do all the talking,' she notes.

Perrie has nailed his statement hallway design by utilising contrast to her advantage. 'The contrast between the bold black and the soft hues of cream and white hallway flooring and walls creates a visually striking effect,' begins Sahar Saffari, senior designer at Hi-Spec Design.

She explains that Perrie's choice of stair runner also plays a huge part in pulling the whole effect together, as the runner is a lighter grey, adding a mid-tone that makes the contrast between the white and black accents 'more subtle and inviting'.

How to create a statement in your own hallway

As far as sprinkling statement areas throughout your home goes, there's no better place than a hallway to get on board and try out a new modern hallway idea that's chock-full of character.

Augustine reminds us that a hallway is a 'fantastic opportunity to make a statement through lighting, art, and furniture'. This is exactly where you should let your favourite hallway wall decor ideas sing.

The interior designer explains that 'a hallway should intrigue yet invite and comfort'. 

This means anything from large-scale paintings to table, pendant or chandelier-style hallway lighting, and cleverly considered furnishings that can also double as a hallway storage idea to maximise the often narrower and smaller entryway space.

Augustine adds, 'If the space allows, include a central table that can be adorned with books, ceramics or large branches. Circular shapes are good feng shui as they reflect the shape of heaven.'

Sahar echoes in agreement, assuring that these are the kind of elements that draw attention and create a personalised touch without extensive renovations. 

However, if you did want to upgrade your staircase to a similar 'wow factor' appearance, you could paint your bannisters to best suit your style and refresh the space. We know that black can be quite the dramatic design choice for many, so Sahar also suggests opting for brass or gold to give the same striking effect.

'Just like anything in your home, it's important to find a harmonious balance that reflects your style,' concludes Sahar – and these are all favourable options to elevate the look of your own hallway and give it that statement Perrie Edwards-approved sign-off.

Kimberley Walsh, who has just announced extra dates for next year's Girls Aloud Show arena tour, recently took to Instagram to share a snap of herself and her boys as they pose in front of the family's festive staircase garland, in quite the traditional Christmas colour palette of green, gold, and red.

December is officially here, meaning that getting our many Christmas ideas a go is finally fair game (only took long enough). As far as decorating for the festive season goes, garlands are pretty much a must. There's even been a DIY door garland hack going viral, making garlands an even more favourable holiday addition.

While many opt for the route of hanging a garland around the front door, there's also a fair amount of people who love the look of a staircase garland – Kimberley Walsh included. Although she's also recently embraced the look of an untraditional Christmas tree with bright, anti-Christmas colours, Kimberley has simultaneously proven that old will always be gold.

Kimberley Walsh's Christmas staircase garland

Just over a week ago, Kimberley shared a photo to her Instagram, pictured with her sons as they're dressed up to go for a birthday celebration for the Girls Aloud star. 

The family are posed in their hallway, and behind them is their gorgeous Christmas stair decor in all its traditional and nostalgic glory.

We describe it as such as the garland doesn't shy away from sporting a Christmas colour scheme that we've long associated the festive season with before all the many alternative Christmas trends started to flood us from all angles.

Commenting on Kimberley Walsh's staircase garland, Etsy's trend expert, Dayna Isom Johnson, says, 'Christmas is such a nostalgic time for many, and the timeless tradition of festive reds and greens will always be a hit.'

Sahar Saffari, senior designer at Hi-Spec Design adds, 'The brilliant part about Christmas colours and decorations is that they don’t go out of trend like other decorations, red, green and white always bring that sense of festive nostalgia.'

You heard it here first, folks. If there's a Christmas tree trend and decoration style that'll never go out of style, it's traditional decor. Rest assured, you can never go wrong.

How to recreate Kimberley's traditional Christmas decor

'Embracing a traditional and nostalgic Christmas decor, reminiscent of green, gold, and red, as Kimberly has done, can exude timeless charm without appearing dated,' assures interior designer, Oliver Steer. 

'To achieve this look, consider a few design approaches such as incorporating timeless patterns and mixing classic and contemporary elements.'

1. Bring the outdoors in

'Bring the outdoors in by incorporating natural elements like pinecones, holly, and evergreen branches,' begins Oliver. 'This not only enhances the nostalgic feel but also adds a touch of freshness to the decor.' 

Not to mention, this is easily a way to make a garland or artificial Christmas wreath look expensive.

2. Consider colour scheme

'I recommend staying on theme and not introducing colours other than the traditional reds, greens and golds to keep the space from looking dated and over the top,' advises Dayna.

However, this doesn't mean you have to only stick with just a singular variation of each colour. 'You can also use different tones of the colour scheme to create a sophisticated and modern feel and break up the primary colours,' suggests Sahar.

3. Balance the old and new

If you're worried about your traditional decor looking dated, consider mixing vintage pieces into your ensemble, so it instead looks intentional as opposed to out of touch.

'Integrate a few antique or vintage pieces into your decor, this could be anything from classic candle holders to rustic wooden ornaments,' suggests Oliver. 'These elements contribute to the nostalgic ambience without feeling outdated.'

And of course, don't forget to add the new. Sahar suggests, 'Mix your traditional elements with more sleek and neutral-toned elements, e.g. wooden tree decorations or pine cones in the mix of colours.'

Oliver concludes, 'By carefully balancing traditional elements with contemporary touches and personalisation, you can stay true to a nostalgic Christmas decor scheme without it feeling overly dated.'

'This approach allows for a harmonious blend of classic charm and modern elegance.' Just as Kimberley Walsh achieved with her Christmas staircase garland display.

Choosing the best colour for any hallway can be challenging, but when the space in question is a tight squeeze, it’s more important than ever to establish which colours you should never paint a small hallway. And, even more crucially, which colours yield space-boosting powers. 

As easy DIY projects go, most of us can handle a quick lick of paint and refreshing the colour is one of those small hallway ideas that can make a huge difference. ‘A warm bright colour such as peach, yellow or green is a great option to add a little vigour to a small hallway,’ says Emma Bestley, Co-Founder of YesColours. ‘For a comforting, immersive feeling, consider opting for a deeper more saturated shade of blue, green or burgundy.’

When thinking about how to choose the perfect paint colour for a small hallway, tester pots are your friend, especially if the light levels are low or non-existent. ‘Many hallways can feel starved of natural light, so most people tend to address this by painting it a shade of white - whilst this should feel like a logical solution, it can often be a big no, no. What can happen is you end up in a cold and gloomy space,’ explains Patrick O’Donnell, International Brand Ambassador, Farrow & Ball.

Colours you should never paint a small hallway

While it’s true that some colours work better at boosting the feeling of spaciousness in a small hallway, the great thing about paint ideas is that mistakes can easily be rectified. 

‘Most people panic over how to decorate their hallways, often due to the limitations of natural light, but as these are essentially transient spaces to lead you to the primary rooms of the home, you can be more experimental than you might imagine,’ encourages Patrick O’Donnell. 

Read on for more expert insight and inspiration to help steer your next small hallway paint purchase in the right direction and avoid some disastrous paint mistakes.

1. Vibrant pink

The huge success of the new Barbie film may have seen vivid pink’s popularity soar this year but embracing vibrant pink tones such as bubble-gum and fuchsia in the hallway could be a costly mistake, according to Amy Wilson, creative director, 247 Curtains. 

‘While these colours can be fun, bold colour statements can often overwhelm smaller spaces. They are particularly stimulating and intense when used in the hallway and can look quite harsh in an area of the home that is designed to be welcoming and inviting,’ she says. ‘Vibrant pinks can also be difficult to coordinate with and are likely to date quite quickly which means it could be a costly decor choice.’

If pink really is your thing, Amy suggests introducing pink in lighter shades with cooler undertones that won’t overwhelm you. ‘You can accessorise with stronger pinks to elevate the hallway, rather than make it the star of the show,’ she adds. ‘Whether this be through a pair of beautiful pink curtains or a striking pink light fitting that draws your eyes up, there are many simple yet effective ways to add pink to uplift your small hallway.’ 

2. Brilliant white

It’s often tempting, especially in smaller hallways, to just layer on generic brilliant white in the hope of brightening up the space, believes James Greenwood, colour and interiors expert at Graham & Brown. ‘The hallway, big or small, is usually the first impression both you and visitors get from your home, so it’s important to create an environment that’s welcoming and warming. Stark white can look sterile and give a cooling effect, plus will show dirt from this high traffic area,’ he explains.

‘Try a neutral warmer tone instead, from the taupe family,’ James suggests. ‘This warm colour area will add warmth and a welcoming embrace into your sanctuary. Warmer earth tones are also more forgiving on any muck that may be brought into the home.’

3. Bright red

Although it is undoubtedly a warm, cosy colour, that’s perfect for a snug, red can be too intense and emotionally stimulating to be the first shade you encounter when coming home. 

‘At the end of the day, if you love red, then use it where it’ll make you feel happy. That said, there are some reasons why it should be avoided in a small hallway,’ says Anna Hill, brand director and colour consultant, Fenwick & Tilbrook. ‘Bright red can visually shrink a space, making it feel smaller than it actually is. In a small hallway in particular, red can make the space feel even more confined and cramped.’  

For an equally heartwarming shade that’s less in-your-face, Anna recommends yellow, a paint trend that happens to be having a moment. ‘Yellow is a lovely choice for a hallway – it’s a happy colour and instantly sets a positive mood for any guests entering the house, but not overwhelmingly so,’ she explains.

4. All black

‘A popular and contemporary colour, black can add drama and impact to any room. However, due to its light-absorbing persona, this sophisticated colour may not bode well in a small hallway. Often offering a narrow and naturally dim space, fully painted black walls could make a hallway space feel even darker and confined - creating a gloomy and unwelcoming atmosphere,’ believes Emma Bestley, co-founder of YesColours.

Instead, Emma suggests breaking up the palette by painting only the bottom half of the wall in black, and the other half in either white or another subtle hue like calming blue. ‘It will allow light to move freely around the space, making the area feel open, and will enhance the style of the scheme too.’ 

Another way to embrace black without overpowering a small hallway is to go light on the woodwork, including skirting boards and architraves, as well as the ceiling and flooring. This classic monochrome colour combo never fails to look sophisticated and is utterly timeless.

5. Washed out neutrals

Opting for pale, airy colours in a small hallway that lacks natural light is always a good idea, right? Wrong. While warm neutrals will absolutely deliver in this scenario, beware the insipid ‘nothing’ neutral. We’re looking at you, magnolia! Bland, washed out neutrals won’t offend, but they will not enhance your home or make a great first impression on guests, either.

To use light-boosting neutrals to their full advantage, Benjamin Moore’s Helen Shaw recommends using warm neutrals in the hallway to create a cohesive home. ‘Remember a hallway helps to create colour stories from room to room, therefore a neutral hue will provide optimal versatility and flexibility,’ she says.  

‘When picking a neutral, consider the rest of the rooms in your home. For example, if your hallway is connected to spaces in blues, greens and purples a cooler grey shade can work particularly well. If your home tends to lead towards warm tones – reds, oranges, yellows - try a warmer neutral or even white paint colour with warm undertones.’

6. Harsh neons

Retina-burning neons will certainly make an impression, but it won’t necessarily be the one you’re aiming for! Neons can be playful used in small doses, perhaps on a mirror frame, painted chair or framed print, but in high volume, they have a tendency to give off teen skatepark vibes…and massive migraines.

‘A hallway sets the tone and leaves an impression. That’s why I’d avoid neon colours in this part of the house. They don’t tend to blend well with other colours and can be overpowering and garish,’ agrees Kate Conrad, interior design expert from Madison and Mayfair. ‘If you are going to use neon I’d do it in a more discreet way, on moveable items, not plastered all over the hallway walls.’ 

7. Battleship grey

The natural light levels will have a considerable impact when mulling over shades of grey. ‘If you have enough natural or artificial light in the hallway, you could use a moderately darker grey that complements the other colours in your interior,’ concedes Nicolene. ‘Once you've narrowed down your final selections, I always recommend painting a few samples on the hallway walls to observe how the colour reacts to the change of light during the course of the day and night.’

While grey is still a popular choice that’s celebrated for its innate sophistication and timelessness, small hallways can require a more sensitive approach. Steer well clear of dark, cold greys with blue undertones in particular, to dodge the battleship effect! Warmer greys with yellow undertones, aka greige, will feel much more welcoming in a small hallway. 

Choosing the right shade of grey for your hallway can be trickier than one imagines, as not all greys work equally well in every interior. If grey is your wall colour of choice, smaller spaces like the hallway is better suited to a lighter, but not too light, grey,’ advises interior designer Nicolene Mausenbaum, from Dezyna. ‘This will help make the hallway appear larger, brighter and more inviting, compared to dark grey, which can make a small hallway seem even smaller and closed in.’

FAQs

EDITOR’S NOTE: An earlier version of this article included a quote from a purported expert whose credentials we have not been able to verify. The quote has been removed. We regret this lapse in our verification process and have updated our internal protocols to reduce the risk of recurrence.

When it comes to our homes, one of the very first impressions that guests get is as soon as they walk in through your front door. Whether you’ve got quite a small hallway, all the way through to a much grander entrance or foyer, the fragrance that you choose will be the first and last thing that people remember when they visit you.

On the other hand, if your front door opens directly into your living room, don’t forget about the hallways that connect some of the other rooms in your home. We can often forget that these internal hallways will be passed through time and time again. And not utilising a fragrance here can be a missed opportunity.

Not only that, a hallway can be a great place to try out a signature scent. But if you have no idea where to begin, there are some universally beloved fragrances that are a great place to start from.

Ideally, you’ll want to strike a balance between a welcoming fragrance that invites people in, with one which still creates some impact as you first walk in through the front door. 

The best fragrances to scent your hallway

‘A hallway fragrance sets the tone for your home, it's the welcoming note that greets every visitor,’ says Andrew Gaugler, founder of fragrance brand Aluxury.

For interior hallways a light, universally enjoyable fragrance can be the best way to go. But which scents did the fragrance experts all resoundingly agree on? Keep reading to find out. 

1. Clean cotton

If you’re looking for an inoffensive scent that practically everyone will enjoy, embrace the freshness that comes from clean cotton and crisp linen.

It is an ideal, universally appealing scent that would appeal to the majority of the people that come in and out of your home.

2. Light florals

'Floral notes like rose or jasmine can suggest a setting of elegance and tranquillity,’ adds Andreaw from Aluxury. Which makes them great for hallways

‘You can’t go wrong with a soft floral to create a welcoming aroma that sets a comforting first impression when guests enter your home,’ outlines Laura Slatkin, founder of fragrance brand NEST New York.

3. More nature based scents

If floral fragrances aren’t your thing, there are a few other nature based scents that work just as well in small spaces like hallways.

‘Fragrances with a hint of greenery, such as bamboo, green tea, or freshly cut grass, can add a touch of nature to the hallway,’ says Alex Hall, founder of Born of Botanics. 'Meanwhile ocean-inspired fragrance can bring a sense of tranquillity and freshness.’

If your front door leads into your garden, this continuation of natural scents will create a pleasant journey for you and your guests.

Being the first room you set eyes on as you walk through the door, there's nothing worse than being greeted by a cluttered hallway. But with work and life taking over, it's easy to get stuck in the trap of leaving everything where you need it. 

Getting started with decluttering isn't as difficult as it may seem and there are plenty of hallway storage ideas to make staying organised easier. 'A common problem with the hallway is that it becomes the space where you store all the odds and ends you otherwise don’t know what to do with,' explains Vicky Silverthorn, professional declutterer and brand ambassador at Vintage Cash Cow. 

'After years of tossing endless bits and bobs inside, you might have ended up with a cluttered space that does nothing but stress you out. With this in mind, starting with a heavy-duty decluttering session is vital for an organised hallway. Not only will it do wonders for the finished look and feel of your hallway, but it’ll help to clear your mind and decrease your day-to-day stress levels.'

 How to organise a hallway 

If you're not sure where to start, we've got some top tips on how to organise a hallway, to make decluttering that little bit easier. 

1. Take everything out of your hallway

The best way to begin organisation and storage projects is with a clear space. 'Start by taking everything out of your hallway – yes, everything,' advises Vicky.

'This will help you objectively see everything you’ve got in there, while allowing you to give the space a thorough clean You can then get started on deciding what to store in your hallway.

2. Decide what stays and what goes

Vicky suggests to sort through everything you had in the hallway. 'One by one, consider each item and ask yourself: 

• Have I used this in the past 6 months? 
• Is this particularly special or sentimental to me? 
• Will I, realistically, ever need this again? 

'If you’ve answered no to all three questions, it’s time to get rid. As you go through the items, create separate piles or boxes to help to keep things organised. Have one for the items you want to keep in the hallway, one for items that belong elsewhere in the house, and one for items you want to chuck (or, better still, sell, recycle or donate).'

3. Keep seasonal items to hand

One way to keep narrow hallways clear is to switch things up as the seasons change. 'During the spring and summer, your winter coats and boots can be neatly stored in the attic, rather than cluttering up your hallway,' says Vicky. 

'Come winter, your sandals can be swapped with them. This way, the things you need on a daily basis will be easier to access; saving you time and reducing day-to-day stress. But if you’ve got a relatively large hallway space to work with, out-of-season items, or items you don’t use daily, can be kept up high on shelves or stored out of sight in boxes.'

4. Keep it simple

Making sure essential items have a dedicated space is key to keeping your hallway clear. This will also help to make a narrow hallway look wider, so it's a win-win.

'Only keep what you need to pick up or put on when coming in or going out, using a landing station for your keys, wallet and umbrella and always leaving them in the same place when you enter your home,' advises psychologist and professional organiser Helen Sanderson. 

'If something is on its way out of the house, skip the hallway and put it straight into the car boot, and incoming mail is better in an office space or in-tray elsewhere in the home.'  

5. Start as you mean to go on

Once you've got everything organised how you want it, it's worth putting in the effort to keep on top of things and adding hallway organisation into your cleaning calendar.

'Just like a garden, after the weeding and planting you need to maintain it or the weeds grow back and the plants get overgrown, this means scheduling regular mini declutters into your diary and committing to doing them,' explains Helen.

 'You also need to build good habits, setting yourself and the family some agreed "house rules" is a great start: e.g. Always put things away into the dedicated storage or open the incoming mail every day.' 

6. Store daily essentials

Small hallway ideas can help make the most of limited space. 'If your hallway space is limited, or the entire area feels cluttered, ask yourself this: do all of these items really need to be here?' advises Vicky.

'For example, think about your shoe collection. It makes sense to store your everyday trainers and work shoes in your hallway, but the heels you wear twice a year or the sandals that only come out during heatwaves don’t really need to be there.'  

7. Make sure everything has a home

By making sure everything that's stored in the hallway has a dedicated area, like hallway shoe storage, you will make tidying up much quicker and easier. 'Small, loose items (think bags, hats and gloves, as well as keys and post) can cause hallway clutter chaos if you don’t have anywhere specific to put them,' explains Vicky.

'Plus, they’re much more likely to get lost or mismatched. Create a designated area for each category of items. This could be a variety of small, labelled boxes that you keep in your hallway cupboard, a tray or box for keys on your hallway table or sideboard, or a wall-mounted organiser with compartments. This will help you to keep everything in place and quickly find what you need on your way out of the house.' 

8. Be clever with storage

Walls and the backs of doors are great places to create unobtrusive storage areas. 'If you’ve got a small hallway, make use of all the available vertical space,' advises Vicky. 

'You could add pegs to the back of doors for coat hanging ideas, for example. Or, you could install some floating shelves and pop a small container for keys, as well as a tray to neatly store your unopened post, on them.' 

9. Give everyone a dedicated space

Getting the kids involved with some fun storage ideas can make it easier for them to tidy up after themselves. 'Children love having their own designated place or area to put their things, so why not set up a coat hook for each of them?' says Vicky. 

'You could buy personalised ones with their names on – or, even better, get them involved and spend an afternoon helping them to paint or design their own. You could also use cube storage for their school bags, PE kit and school shoes. As well as keeping things organised, it should help to ease school morning stress, too!'

10. Have a five-minute tidy every day

'A cluttered hallway will make homes feel instantly busy when you walk into them and can often encourage more mess to build up, with coats and shoes strewn across the floor or bottom of the stairs,' explain TV's Style Sisters Charlotte Reddington and Gemma Lily.

'A 5-minute sort of the space on a daily basis – from sorting through the post that's come that day and recycling letters, to putting shoes and coats away – will keep it looking clear of general clutter and save you dealing with a bigger build up if left until the end of the week.' 

FAQ

Martine McCutcheon has given us moment after perfect moment over the years, so it makes sense that she's become something of an interiors trendsetter of late.

The actor and singer has been sharing her renovation project with fans on Instagram, and her most recent slew of photos has given everyone a new #1 for their list of hallway ideas.

And, yes, you better believe it's all to do with Martine's oh-so-chic hallway flooring.

Martine McCutcheon's monochrome hallway

'I’m in love with our tiled floor we’ve had done already,' said Martine, captioning a photo of her checkerboard floor in progress.

Despite the constant flurry of builders in and out of the property, and the scent of freshly plastered walls hanging in the air, Martine added: 'Every time I come downstairs I smile [when I see the tiled floor].'

Later, Martine shared a video of herself posing in some gorgeous gowns in the finished hallway – and fans couldn't stop gushing over the 'stunning' and 'amazing' transformation.

Get ready to fall in love with this retro twist on all of your favourite modern hallway ideas:

'Monochromatic tiling patterns came to prominence in the period homes of the Victorian era, as an eye-catching but more affordable and practical alternative to the highly decorated and colourful designs being implemented in upper-class and architectural settings,' says Peter Vann, director of Tiles And Mosaics. 

'The versatile chequerboard effects have remained popular  ever since, due to their ability to transform narrow spaces and accentuate space.'

Which means, yes, a checkerboard floor is well worth considering if you're trying to figure out how to make a narrow hallway look wider.

How to paint a checkerboard floor

Keen to try the look for yourself and see how it fits in among your own white hallway ideas? Well, painting tiles is an easy and cost-effective way to recreate that dynamic checkerboard pattern.

'Plain white tiles can be utterly transformed with paint,' says Annie Sloan. So, to achieve the ever-popular checkerboard look beloved by Martine McCutcheon, you 'simply choose two of your favourite colours and alternate on each tile. It’s super simple, yet super chic.'

Annie recommends using something like the Chalk Paint from the Annie Sloan Home range – although, as tiles are non-porous, it’s important to remember that they will need a longer drying time and curing window than usual.

They will also need finishing with at least two coats of something like Chalk Paint Lacquer. This should protect your new look, even in an active spot like a hallway, without losing any of that bold personality.

How to tile a checkerboard floor

Of course, if you're not too confident in your painting abilities, there is another (and perhaps more obvious) way to achieve the same classic look as the one seen in Martine McCutcheon's hallway.

'Injecting individuality into any home, the UK’s unique fascination with the new and latest styles means modern designs in clever colour combinations that grab all the headlines – and provide an outlet for those that want to stand out and show their individuality,' says Amanda Telford, marketing manager at CTD Tiles.

'It's an achievable look with floor tiles, from a glossy to textured finish, tiles are able to make a lasting impact that work wonderfully with this style.'

Proof that the checkerboard effect isn't going anywhere fast? Tiles And Mosaics just launched a new collection entirely designed to emulate the look, with Peter insisting that its 'timeless appeal makes the checkerboard style perfect for floors and walls, paths and patios, with the intense black and crisp white for an effect that just doesn’t date'.

How to dupe a checkerboard floor

Of course, if you're looking for a really easy way to dupe your own version of Martine McCutcheon's checkerboard hallway, you might want to consider giving vinyl floor stickers a go.

Hacking your home has never been easier, eh? We're off to live our best The Queen's Gambit life, just like Martine McCutcheon would want.

We’ve all got our own preferences for house guest rules in our homes – some of us like them to treat our home as their own, while others might prefer a bit of healthy distance during a visit.

Whatever your style, we can all agree that it’s important to be respectful when visiting someone else's home (so long as those guest bedrooms are up to scratch). But where do you stand on the issue of shoes in the house? It’s a hot button topic for sure, which Claudia Winkleman displayed when she unknowingly kickstarted a debate about the issue this past week.

So is it actually okay to ask people to remove their shoes when they visit – do you do it, and would you mind someone else asking you to do so? We also dive deep into whether it’s a good idea cleanliness-wise, too...

Should you ask guests to take their shoes off in your house?

Strictly Come Dancing presenter Claudia Winkleman appeared BBC Radio 4’s 101 with Paul Merton earlier this week, and the pair got onto the topic of people asking guests to take their shoes off in their homes.

Sparking the debate, Claudia admitted that she doesn’t like being asked to take her shoes off in someone else's home, joking that 'It’s entirely selfish. I’m footwear and a fringe, there is nothing else.

'So if they ask me to take my shoes off, then what else is there? I don’t have anything else.'

Though we’re sure Claudia’s comments were pretty tongue-in-cheek, it clearly struck somewhat of a nerve with a few listeners, with a couple of them agreeing that they don’t like when people ask this.

One listener agreed with her wholeheartedly, writing on Twitter, 'Claudia Winkleman complaining about people who tell you to take your shoes off when you go to their house *nods head off*', with another person saying that it, ‘Makes you feel like you’re 12.'

Here at Ideal Home, we can see both sides – it can be uncomfortable to be asked to take your shoes off in the hallway of someone else’s home, but for some, it may just be an issue of hygiene, or a desire to keep their carpets as clean as possible.

The request can also vary depending on the situation, too. You're unlikely to need to take your shoes off if you're just popping in for a quick drink, but it may be more acceptable for a longer stay, so long as there are sufficient hallway storage options.

We spoke to an etiquette expert, who explained that whatever the situation, it’s important to respect the rules of other people’s homes. Laura Akano, founder of Polished Manners, said, 'On arrival at another person's home, the onus is on the owner of the home to request that their guest should remove their shoes. And as a polite guest, you could also ask if a request is not made, especially if there are signs that this is the norm.'

'As a guest, it is important to respect the host's request to remove your shoes and not refuse, unless there are personal or medical reasons that mean you can't.'

In fact, Laura explained that you may not always know the exact reasons for the request, suggesting that it’s normally better to be polite. 'There are various reasons a host might request that you remove your shoes, such as allergies or for religious and cultural reasons.'

However, hosts should always make sure their guests are comfortable too, she said!

'A good host will ensure they provide shoe covers or brand new disposable slippers for guests. Or even better, they will inform their guests in advance so they can bring a pair of slippers or socks with them.'

Then there's the matter of whether or not it's a more sanitary option, too. A University of Arizona study actually found that potentially harmful bacteria was found on the inside and outside of 96% of the shoes they surveyed in their research, including E.Coli and even meningitis!

'Shoes are a common vehicle for bringing major contaminants into the home,' Kelly Reynolds, Ph.D., MSPH and chair of the department of community, environment, and policy at the University of Arizona, confirmed.

But it's important to note that unless you have direct contact with the floor, this is unlikely to be too harmful – although we can probably all agree it's pretty gross. Time to get the best vacuum cleaner out, then!