Let's talk about entrance halls, which you can think of as a showcase for your home. They create the first impression of your living space and welcome you and your loved ones as you come and go. We explore decorative touches for these spaces, with ideas for an entrance hall that feels contemporary, creative and full of style.
When we think about the care we devote to decorating our living rooms and kitchens, we can also acknowledge that some parts of the home are overlooked. Entrance halls often top this list, with layouts that are relatively small and less practical than other rooms. We rarely see them as spaces that need decorative attention.
Yet as the first space to welcome and embrace us when we enter or leave our homes, entrance halls deserve thoughtful decoration. It is also important to bring a style to this area that lifts the mood of the guests we greet and see off here. If you are wondering what you could do differently in the space where first impressions are made, this article is for you.
Before decorating your entrance hall, we recommend getting to know its layout and how much space you have. Are there windows or beams, for example? You can put together mood boards for arrangements that suit these features and explore different styles to decide on the look you love.Measuring the space will guide your choice of occasional furniture. Is there room for a console table, for example, or could you include an armchair or bench?
Once you have measured the space as part of planning your entrance hall, it is time to review your needs. If storage is essential, consider a coat and shoe storage unit. Work out how many shoe shelves you will need and how wide the coat storage should be, then decide where to position it.
If your entrance hall includes the space beneath a staircase, you could commission bespoke cupboards or use matching baskets on open shelves to create a drawer-like effect. Alternatively, make a library corner in the hallway for books that have no space elsewhere in your home. This is one of the most distinctive ways to enliven the walls and create a rich, layered look.
No one wants an entrance hall that feels oppressive, dark or cramped. Colours, textures and furniture arrangements are essential to creating a fresh, uplifting and stylish space with positive energy. Let's start with the obvious choice: mirrors. Mirrored doors on as much of the coat storage unit as possible can be the first step towards a more open feel. Then come the colours.Bold colours work in proportion to the size of the space, while lighter alternatives take their place in smaller areas.Choosing walls and furniture in the same or similar shades creates an airy entrance hall and gives you greater freedom with your floor tiles. Another suggestion is to use mirrors on the walls. If the hall has no window to the outside, wall mirrors can be a useful choice.
There are, of course, a few essentials in a classic entrance hall. Let's look at the furniture you can use, as space allows, and how to position it. First is the console table. With an elegant, creative or graceful form, it makes a welcoming focal point. Choose one with enough room on top for decorative touches. Designs with drawers or doors, closer to a chest of drawers, can even provide concealed storage.
The next step is lighting. One or two table lamps on the console will create a gentle, warm effect. A generously sized decorative bowl for your keys can sit on top of your collectable books, offering a preview of the living room. Complete this welcoming area with paintings, photographs or wallpaper, and add a bench or a smaller pouffe where you can put down your bag and put on your shoes. All the details that follow are up to your creativity!
