I wish I had a bigger hallway — is a porch the answer? I asked the pros for the 3 best ways to achieve more space in this part of my home

Every day, I am reminded that I wish I had a bigger hallway. I take my dog Blossom out for a walk three times a day, as she will attest (if she could talk), the hallway is not big enough for both of us.

Blossom will be itching to go, spinning in excitement by the front door, which is exactly where I put my coat and shoes, and it's a daily dance between Blossom and I to get ready for walkies in the cramped space. Something similar happens whenever I have my food shopping or a parcel delivered, where I'll usually have to tuck the deliveries into the living room door way to be able to move enough to close the front door.

I've long considered whether adding a porch might be the solution to a little bit more breathing space, but as someone who understands the benefit of making better use of existing space before adding more, I spoke to the experts to see what other options I may have.

1. Declutter

Hallways are the ideal storage spot for storing coats, shoes, backs and dog paraphernalia, and mine is no different. But I'm certain that all that clutter is doing my small hall no favours whatsoever.

So before I even think about remodelling or adding more space, I'm going to try these decluttering methods as a free way to achieve as much extra space as possible.

'There's nothing worse than walking through the door and being bombarded with coats, bags and unsent parcels (and then tripping over a mountain of shoes),' says Ideal Home's decluttering expert Lauren Bradbury. 'And all of that clutter will make a hallway seem even smaller. Donate or sell anything you don’t use or need anymore and then see if you can store seasonal items elsewhere when they’re not required.'

2. Remodel the existing space

Once I've decluttered, if the space still feels too small, then doing a bit of internal remodelling by knocking down, moving or altering walls between my hall and living room is another option I'm prepared to consider,

‘In many UK homes, particularly Victorian and Edwardian properties, hallways can feel narrow because they’re enclosed and lack natural light but there are workarounds,’ says Mark Hood, Director of Architecture at Resi. ‘Merging the hallway with the living space can turn a ‘transition zone’ into a larger open-plan layout. Incorporating simple design details, like continuous flooring or directional patterns, will help guide the eye through the space, making it feel longer, more cohesive and more enjoyable to occupy.

‘A popular alternative is internal glazing. This allows light to travel through the hallway while still keeping it defined - which is great if you want to retain a sense of separation while still achieving that open feel.’

3. Extend with a porch

If decluttering didn't help and remodelling isn't an option, then adding more space with a porch could be the solution I'm looking for.

‘While I've tried so many decluttering hacks and products to curb the chaos in my own entryway, the reality is that it's always going to be a struggle if you don't have the space,' shares Lauren. 'I've even tried storing items elsewhere and nearby in the cupboard under my stairs, but these outdoor essentials always end up back near the front door as that's where they're needed the most. So, adding a porch can be a great way to give these items a home, without completely taking over your entryway.'

'If you’re considering an extension, the trusted porch takes a traditional feature and gives it a modernised take while also adding a practical buffer for storage and improving energy efficiency,' adds Mark. 'If you have the luxury of owning enough space to the front of your home, it is as reliable as ever and can be delivered with a modern finish.

'Ultimately, the right solution comes down to balancing your design ambition with practical considerations like fire safety, structure and acoustics. This will all ensure that your hallway is a space you can be proud of.'