Decorating Ideas for Entrance Halls, the Welcoming Spaces of Our Homes

The style of our living spaces and the way we use them directly affect our mood. Playful, comfortable, elegant or vintage... Every area, from the bedroom and living room to the kitchen and bathroom, should have a decorative touch, however small or large. To create a more enjoyable, stylish home that reflects our tastes and favourite details, balanced decoration is essential to making the space work well.What do we mean by balanced decoration? We mean enhancing every part of the home with decorative touches, large or small, within our means. If some areas receive no decorative attention, it is difficult to speak of a cohesive style. In other words, it helps to review the whole home from A to Z.

Start by identifying a main wall in the entrance hall. This will usually be the wall that greets you through the front door or the largest surface in the space. Because entrance halls are often considered small and less functional than other rooms, the limited choices we make need to be striking and thoughtful.If your hall receives plenty of daylight or has a generous floor area, patterned wallpaper can provide inspiration. A lively wallpaper in vibrant colours can achieve maximum impact with as few additional pieces as possible. In a similarly spacious hall, a different material on the lower half of the wall can add depth. Wall panelling or concrete plaster, for example, can create a more dynamic welcome.

Even in this space used mainly for coming and going, you can provide a little comfort. A bench where you can briefly put down your bag or sit to put on your shoes is particularly useful. A console table is another essential for the welcoming wall. Depending on the available space and your everyday needs, choose one with generous drawer storage or an elegant, understated design.If the entrance hall is small and dark, favour a slender console with a minimal, graceful form. Additional lighting, such as a table lamp on the console or a wall light on the main wall, can turn this compact area into a warmer corner with greater depth.

Whether the hall is large or small, consider a place for coats. In a small area, a built-in coat cupboard or a few wall-mounted hooks can solve the problem, while a more decorative freestanding coat stand can enliven a larger space.For accessories, establish a sense of balance. If the wall has wallpaper or a lively backdrop, for example, arrange relatively few accessories on the console. If it has calm colours and a textured surface, you can place greater emphasis on a mirror, lighting and decorative objects. Remember to apply the same approach to pattern and scale when choosing the carpet or rug.