The corridor is an intermediate space between the street and housing, the rooms of one apartment. Therefore, the role of the hallway is actually very important. It is she who becomes a real decoration of the living space, and sets the right mood during the visit of guests.
Paintings set a certain mood, add expressiveness and make the interior more complete.
We'll work it out in detail.
Before you create your own hallway design options, you need to work out the individual elements in detail.
A contrasting solution will help to make the hallway stylish and aesthetic: the walls are in soothing colors, and the furniture or door is rich in color.
Let's see which parts are best suited for a certain area, what to use for finishing and other subtleties.
| Essential elements | Decor tricks |
| Walls | The cladding should be light, it is better to use wallpaper or painting |
| Ceiling | The decor should be kept smooth and simple, not cluttered with unnecessary details. |
| Floor | Despite the rule about the absence of dark colors, they are perfect for the floor; natural wood color matches perfectly |
| Furniture | Do not forget about the necessary furniture, but at the same time, do not overdo it |
It is undesirable to keep unnecessary small objects in the hallway that clutter up the space. Everything you need should be here
Here are the main elements and the principles of their processing in brief. Let's look at them in more detail, and some other important details.
Let's not allow stagnation
To attract positive Qi energy, we need a hallway furnished according to Feng Shui. Therefore, it is recommended to brightly illuminate this room, especially the space in front of the door. Stagnation of energy flows will be facilitated by dark places and dim lamps. There will also be an accumulation of negative energy.
You can prevent “scaring away” the creative energy of Qi by hanging two lamps exclusively above the front door.
Breaking down barriers
If you need a hallway according to Feng Shui, then barriers in it are impossible. Therefore, it will have to be built according to all the rules, namely, a minimum of furniture and more free space. It is strictly forbidden to place furniture at the entrance, which will clearly create all possible barriers to the flow of creative Qi.
On the right side of the front door there is the so-called “helpers’ corner”. Only in it is possible the arrangement of various kinds of racks and shelves. In particular, a stand for umbrellas or a hanger for seasonal outerwear is allowed in this place.
Coins for good luck
Everyone dreams of always being successful in their endeavors. To do this, you need very little: just put three Chinese coins with holes in the center under the front door mat.
However, first you need to put them on a red cord. This will also help bring joy and happiness into your home.
Best Wall Finishes
If you want to make high-quality and inexpensive renovations, give preference to wallpaper for decorating the walls in the hallway. On the construction market you will find many modifications of the proposed material.
Vinyl wallpapers withstand mechanical damage better than paper wallpapers
The main thing is to choose the color and texture. A win-win option is beige. It will make the room homey, cozy and spacious. Regarding the texture - here the choice is only yours; you can take a closer look at both smooth and embossed types.
Wallpaper for painting is characterized by a long service life with the possibility of completely changing the color scheme
Decorative plaster. An excellent replacement for wallpaper. Choose a suitable type that does not contain toxic substances and safely use it indoors. Here you can create any texture, as well as apply a design on top.
Textured plaster is suitable for finishing a hallway according to all requirements: it is resistant to abrasion, easy to clean and allows you to create a variety of surfaces in style with other rooms
Another popular finishing method is decorative brick or stone. It does not suit all styles, but it looks attractive and modern.
The cost of the stone is quite high, but it is not at all necessary to cover the entire hallway. To revitalize the interior, it is enough to cover the areas of the walls that get dirty the most
Remember that this type of decoration should be in harmony with the rest of the room. Therefore, when choosing it, think about the design of other details.
Options in different styles
First of all, the picture should match the design style of the corridor
Modern
Placing modern art installations and art objects on the walls in a hallway can make a really loud statement for the apartment owner. Increasingly, the living space itself is becoming an object of art, with a unique interior design. Some apartments can be considered frequent art galleries with amazing collectibles.
A popular solution for decorating a modern interior are bright abstract designs.
A selection of paintings depicting the sea, yachts or sailboats will help you create a fashionable and stylish hallway design
A real decoration of any apartment will be paintings by Ivan Marchuk, Joseph Zbukvich, installations by Maurizio Cattelan and other famous contemporary artists. Sometimes copies of famous works or drawings made in the manner of a favorite master are enough for people to make a small hallway space a real decoration for their apartment. Drawings in the style of impressionism, modernism, and pop art are also suitable.
The image in the painting should please all family members
Classical
The classic interior style requires filling the appropriate space with decorative elements that will harmoniously interact with color schemes. Frescoes and panels can be decorated using voluminous, relief frames.
Paintings with portraits, landscapes and botanical sketches are suitable for a classic interior.
Canvases are often decorated with voluminous wooden frames with gilded decor.
You can highlight the canvas using gold and silver frame paints. The main thing is that the mood of the corridor matches the conceptual solutions embodied in the entire apartment.
Art Deco
This style of residential design embodies the idea of luxury in its classical sense. First of all, it contains elements that allow us to reveal the era of Gatsby, the hero of the book by the American writer Francis Scott Fitzgerald. In the post-war era, people plunged headlong into a sea of gloss and glamor, surrounding themselves with spaces with layers of different shapes and levels, abandoning straight lines.
Art Deco is a style of decorating prestigious interiors in which luxury is on display.
But still, a certain rigor in the use of black and white colors allows you to shift the emphasis to truly luxurious interior details. Paintings made in the art deco style will be rich in bright colors and expensive elements.
Other
For Provence, you should choose paintings or photographs that reveal themes directly related to nature itself. An image of a vase with a bouquet of flowers is enough. For a loft, it is preferable to choose bright posters or drawings from comics.
Canvases with animals or birds will create an atmosphere as close as possible to nature
However, it is important that all these pictures correspond to the worldview of the owner of the living space. For minimalism, it is enough to choose some simple solutions, that is, canvases in black and white, pastel colors. It is better to hang photographs and paintings without frames. You can either order paintings from a master or purchase a ready-made version. Nowadays there is a wide range available, so everyone can choose the ideal solution.
A canvas with an interesting plot can completely change the artistic perception of a modern interior
For a discreet Scandinavian interior, small black and white paintings in strict frames are suitable
Sometimes, for the correct placement of a painting in the interior of a corridor, photos of ideal or close to ideal examples of compositional solutions will be enough. Since the most important element of these compositions is a drawing, an image, a photograph.
What to put on the floor
Since there is often a lot of dirt near the front door, especially in rainy weather, it is better to choose a dark color flooring. Linoleum in the color of natural wood or laminate works well.
A laminate with a high degree of wear resistance is suitable for the hallway - class 31, 32 or 33
You can often find tiled floors here. This is also an acceptable option. But there is one drawback: dust and dirt collect at the joints between the tiles; subsequently it is difficult to wash it out, and this spoils the appearance.
Combined floor in the hallway
Advice! A mandatory element in the hallway should be a rug.
Ideally, there should be two rugs: outdoor and indoor.
Don't forget the rug. It performs an important function: it traps particles of dirt and debris brought from the street. Choose a quality product that will fully perform the function. And remember that every time you clean it, you need to take it outside and clean it.
Options for the arrangement of paintings
The optimal height for placing paintings on the wall is at eye level
Opposite the mirror
It is also possible to mount a picture in the corridor if the photo or drawing is placed opposite the mirror. This way the mirror surface will reflect something really beautiful. There is one caveat, however. In this case, you can hang only one picture so that there is no oversaturation. Make sure the mirror will stand or hang directly perpendicular to the front door. It is recommended not to hang a mirror opposite the front door.
The picture opposite the mirror should not be too big
Opposite the front door
The hallway can greet guests with a picture, but it is important that this drawing or image radiates positive energy. Let the canvas radiate the freshness of the sea air, the comfort and coziness of the family. The final choice rests with the owner of the premises.
It is better to decorate the empty wall opposite the front door with a composition with an attractive plot
Quite often they use options for placing paintings that are mounted on the walls only on the right or left, or on both sides in a mirror image. If only on the right or left, then opposite them you should hang some kind of decorative element that will allow you to focus attention on the image and will not take too much attention. However, you should not hang photographs or drawings too high on the wall in the hallway. Choose a distance so that the guest can view them if desired.
How to make a ceiling
There will be no difficulty here if you remember the main rule - simplicity. Regardless of whether the ceiling is low or high, its design should be simple. Complex decor weighs down the room, making it smaller and darker. In this case this is unacceptable.
Given the required simplicity, we have many possible design options. Regarding the color scheme: choose neutral tones. White, beige, milky and delicate pastel shades are best suited. To create unobtrusive patterns, it is permissible to intersperse black, yellow, green, violet, blue, etc. The main thing is to follow the rules of harmonious combination.
A simple one-level ceiling is optimal for a compact hallway
So, the first option is wallpaper. Common, lightweight and cheap. Just like for walls, you will find many types of ceiling wallpaper. But remember that it is not advisable to cover the walls and ceiling with the same wallpaper. Choose similar or contrasting ones, but not the same ones.
A ceiling made of MDF or PVC panels is inexpensive, but the design is not for everyone
Next, pay attention to the paint. In addition to delicate pastel colors, you can add yellow, blue or lilac here, depending on the chosen direction.
A stretch ceiling will make the interior ultra-modern, beautiful and fashionable. Thanks to the glossy surface, it will visually enlarge the room and give it more light. Here the best choice would be a white stretch ceiling.
Another advantage of a stretch ceiling is fast and “clean” installation.
Examples of interior paintings
For dark-colored walls, the ideal solution would be paintings with a light background.
Narrow paintings
There are several types of narrow paintings - horizontal and vertical. In the case of a horizontal solution, a drawing or photograph will visually lengthen the hallway, while a vertical narrow picture will make the ceilings higher.
Narrow painting in the interior of a small hallway
In frame
Framed canvases must first of all match the color of the furniture. Therefore, it is better to select frames in the same color scheme along with other decorative or interior elements.
Provencal interior with paintings in wooden frames, the surface of which is artificially aged in accordance with the requirements of the style
Vertical
The peculiarity of placing vertical canvases is that they will look good on a narrow part of the wall.
Vertical paintings are optimal for decorating a corridor with a large number of interior doors
There are other types of interior paintings. So, a black and white solution will be advantageous in apartments whose design is made in a minimalist style. They will look harmonious not only in terms of color scheme, but also in combination with other interior elements. It is possible to add additional lighting to the images, which will create a comfortable and cozy atmosphere.
You can place several paintings on the corridor wall if the design idea requires it.
Selecting accessories
Don't forget to include important accessories in your hallway design. What is required:
- closet;
- mirror;
- housekeeper;
- poof.
Mirror surfaces will visually expand the walls
It is best to purchase a hybrid cabinet model that accommodates all of the above elements. But you can select each detail separately.
Closet. It is necessary for placing outerwear and shoes. You can place it on the wall and on a hanger, but it is better if the clothes are hidden from prying eyes, so you will get the most harmonious look. The most convenient type is a wardrobe. It will not take up much space, but will accommodate all the necessary items for storing things.
The closet should be as convenient and practical as possible
To make it comfortable to put on your shoes, add a pouf or stool. It will become a design element and will perform an important function.
The main purpose of the pouf is a convenient and comfortable seat, but it can also serve as a place to store shoes.
The mirror can be made permanent or built into a closet. Both options are great. When choosing, proceed from the dimensions of the space.
There are umbrella stands with a special lining that absorbs water flowing from the umbrellas
You can add a separate key holder and umbrella stand. They will be appropriate in spacious apartments. Remember, do not overload a small space with unnecessary furniture and accessories.
Criteria for choosing paintings for the corridor
Pictures for the corridor are selected, relying primarily on design. Since it is very important that they look harmonious in the overall composition of the existing space. Then they will complement the existing interior elements. It is recommended to use light, solid colors. Of course, first of all, you should start from the requirements of the apartment owner, his preferences, and his vision of the world.
When choosing the size of the paintings, it is important to consider the dimensions of the corridor
Particular attention should be paid to the dimensions of the paintings, the total area of the corridor, and the saturation of its decorative elements. Paintings that increase the space of a room will definitely be large in size.
It is recommended to give preference to one specific artist or photographer. Although it also allows for the possibility of selecting paintings that are pre-qualified according to one single criterion (era, style, etc.). When placing them on the wall, you should think in advance whether they will be mounted horizontally, vertically, in the center, at the top or bottom of the wall, but definitely at eye level.
Choosing modern styles
To make the interior modern and harmonious, you need to choose the appropriate style. By following the rules of the chosen direction, you will not encounter any difficulties in choosing the method and color of finishing. Because by combining the general principles of hall design and the laws of a specific style, you will get a vector, following which it will be easy to navigate the situation.
Minimalism is an excellent solution for the smallest room in the apartment
So, the first style that is worth attention is minimalism. This is the scourge of our time. Today it is used everywhere. And for a hallway where there is little space and lack of light, it is ideal. Based on the name, we understand that it professes the principle of “nothing superfluous,” which is important for this room. The color scheme of minimalism is mainly limited to white and gray. These cool and light colors will help create a restrained and spacious interior.
Simple geometric shapes and clean straight lines
High-tech design allows you to use beige and other pastel colors. With its help you will be able to create a fresh, cozy and modern room. You won't find any extraneous things here either.
A distinctive feature of the style is glossy surfaces, which themselves expand the space
High-tech combines comfort and beauty as much as possible. It welcomes multifunctional headsets, light colors and contrasting combinations - in our case it is an excellent choice.
Another common current trend is the loft.
Loft is still popular and inexpensive
It will also be appropriate in the situation being discussed. It is characterized by an urban orientation and adherence to the basic principle of minimalism. In this case, it would be appropriate to use brickwork as wall decor, which was mentioned earlier.
Decorating the hallway in the apartment
Naturally, when decorating rooms of different shapes and sizes, there are certain nuances. To simplify the process of choosing materials, designers recommend adhering to the general rule for decorating hallways: make the floor darker than the walls, and the ceiling lighter.
Narrow hallway
Redevelopment radically solves the problem of an elongated narrow corridor. But in some apartments this is difficult to do, especially in Khrushchev-era buildings. And the owners are not always ready for radical actions. Designers advise using techniques that visually expand the space:
- the correctly chosen color scheme will visually enlarge the corridor (it will seem more spacious). The emphasis should be on light shades. The ideal option is white. If such a choice scares you with sterility and soiling, you can use pastel colors: blue, light green, coffee with milk, pale lavender;
- Glossy and mirror surfaces “work” well with space. These can be decorative elements in the form of mirrors (with or without frames) or glossy door panels of sliding wardrobes;
- A fashionable and justified trend is the design of doorways in the form of arches. A practical choice is sliding doors, which can significantly save space;
- A great way to overcome the “squeezing” of a room is to install proper lighting. It is worth abandoning the central chandeliers. It is interesting to decorate a narrow corridor with spotlights; it is advisable to place them around the perimeter of the room. A non-standard idea is a light garland attached to the top or bottom of the wardrobe.
For furniture, it is recommended to choose compact multifunctional items: MDF wardrobes with mirrored doors, narrow chests of drawers with compartments for shoes, a pouffe with an internal drawer for slippers. As a rule, furniture is placed along one wall. The surface of the partitions opposite the interior items is originally decorated with paintings and built-in lamps.
Small hallway in Khrushchev
Premises may differ not only in their small area, but also in non-standard shapes. The best option to harmonize space is to zone it. Using various finishing materials, it is easy to highlight the dressing room and vestibule area. Ceramic tiles are placed on the floor near the front door. And the dressing room area is marked with laminate, which is installed across a narrow corridor.
The cabinet is installed near the end wall or along the aisle. It is important to choose a narrow model so that the furniture does not impede passage along the corridor. Designers advise decorating cabinet doors with mirror inserts, which visually give the room space.
Hallway with niche or pantry
In modern apartments, a niche can be both a functional and decorative element of the decor. Openings in the wall are located horizontally or vertically. As a rule, a horizontal niche is used as a decorative element - bright accessories, small lamps, figurines, and watches are installed in it. The installation of hidden internal lighting of the structure looks non-standard. Vertical niches are usually used more practically: a chest of drawers, a shoe cabinet, a pouf or even a sofa are placed inside.
A large recess is most often converted into a mini-wardrobe. When arranging a structure, special attention is paid to the choice of door leaves. Fashionable solutions - glass doors, glossy plastic doors.
Corner hallway
Often such a room is very small, and it is not possible to place individual pieces of furniture in it. The ideal option is to install a corner closet, where clothes, shoes, and accessories will wonderfully be placed. A small hallway, in which all things are hidden behind doors, always has a pleasant and attractive appearance.
Furniture of simple shapes, chosen to match the walls, will visually “dissolve” in the room. Modular sets are suitable for arranging a small hallway. It will not be difficult to select the necessary elements from a wide variety of headsets. Thanks to the built-in furniture lighting, the room will seem lighter and more spacious.
To create a cozy interior you will have to work hard. A small number of room design options makes the choice much easier. The right color palette is the best option to give the room comfort and harmony. Dark colors shorten the walls, while light colors widen them. An excellent design technique is to decorate long partitions with materials of a darker color than the end ones. It is not recommended to use stucco, brick or imitation stone for finishing, since such textures can make the interior heavier. An excellent option is smooth surfaces with a soft transition from a dark floor to a light ceiling, or when the transition of materials on the wall is decorated with a special border.
Photo gallery: the best interior solutions for the hallway
Flooring
In the hallway area you need to use sustainable materials that are not afraid of dirt and water.
For example, it is better to use porcelain stoneware for floors, since it is easy to clean and does not react to external influences.
Choose lappatted porcelain tiles as they do not slip.
Choosing lighting: basic principles
Having decided on the main issues of decorating the hallway, it’s time to choose suitable lamps. If you make the right choice, lamps will help to fully reveal the individuality of the design and fully compensate for the almost complete absence of direct sunlight in the hallway.
Too bright light is not needed here, this is not a living room, but it should allow you to clearly see yourself in front of the mirror. If the lamps are spotlights, then they should be placed: one next to the front door, the second near the closet with things, the rest (if any) should be distributed evenly across the entire ceiling. One wall lamp can be hung near the mirror. It will be more convenient for you to dress, and the light reflected in the mirror will become an additional source of lighting.
Choosing a hallway design project
First of all, you should decide on the design of the hallway, which ideally should match the overall interior of the apartment. There are four main styles in the design of hallways:
- Classic - this style is more suitable for straight and even rooms without smooth and rounded lines. Do not forget that this style is festive, sparkling, symmetrical and straightforward.
- High-tech – metal, glass and sharp, angular design, these are the main indicators of this style. This interior is more suitable for young, ambitious people.
hallway design project – photo
- Modern is a style with smooth lines and curves. The finishing elements may contain plant or animal motifs. Popular with middle-aged people.
- Minimalism – promotes the presence of only functional things, nothing superfluous or unnecessary. Popular with people of all ages.
By adhering to a single style, you show your individuality and taste.
