How To Style Your Hallway

Kerb appeal might be crucial, but when it comes to really transforming your home for guests, potential buyers or just your own peace of mind, decluttering and updating your hallway is guaranteed to make a difference. If you feel like giving your space a bit of a refresh, we’ve rounded up a few hallway ideas from interior design experts.

Hallway Ideas For Every Home

Furniture Village

Soft Lighting

Stepping into a dark, cramped hallway is never a good way to end a long day – so lighting is key to creating a warm, inviting space.

‘Consider task, ambient and accent lighting in your hallway,’ says Lena Gierasinska, head of product & displays at Barker and Stonehouse. ‘Ambient lighting is simply the general lighting that illuminates a room. This doesn’t have to be a harsh overhead light; a floor lamp is a great option, too.’

Once you’ve settled on your main light source – from an elegant floor lamp to a statement chandelier or pendant – you can think about accent lighting: a smaller but stronger light source that highlights particular areas or features of a room, like artwork or furniture. 

Finally, task lighting serves a practical purpose, focusing on specific spots. In the hallway, this could mean a decorative table lamp positioned next to a handy trinket tray or bowl used to store your keys. ‘I’d recommend choosing a patterned lampshade,’ Lena adds. ‘That way, it will look just as striking when turned off as it does when turned on.’

Furniture Village

Open Shelving

The key to a stylish and serene hallway is, of course, storage – and this is where you can get creative.

‘Most people in the UK don’t have large hallways with huge amounts of storage, so vertical shelving is a clever solution that doesn’t take up too much floor space,’ says Shelley Cochrane, accessories buyer at Furniture Village. ‘Choose open shelving to add visual interest to your hallway, with potted plants, books or vases on display.’

Furniture Village

Bold Colours

While earthy tones are one of 2025’s biggest interior design trends, another look that’s gaining prominence is far more vibrant: primary colours.

‘An unexpected combination of primary hues – think sunshine yellow combined with sky blue and striking red – offers a mood-enhancing effect that works well in every room, but especially in the hallway,’ comments Shelley. ‘It instantly creates a striking space which welcomes guests and sets the tone for the rest of your home.’

If you’re looking for a particularly maximalist hallway idea, Shelley suggests opting for ‘a modern colour palette of lively reds, styled with a mid-century-inspired wooden sideboard, an eclectic selection of vases or ceramics, and a canvas or tapestry for final flourish.’

Chelsea Barracks / Studio Atkinson

Wooden Accents

Another hallway staple? A wooden sideboard or table. ‘The organic tones and textures of wood create a cosy and inviting atmosphere, making rooms feel more comfortable and lived-in,’ advises Georgia Metcalfe, founder and creative director of French Bedroom. ‘Pair wooden pieces with neutral tones or florals to bring a harmonious blend of nature indoors, adding a timeless elegance to any space.’

Wendy Morrison Designs

Patterned Rugs

‘A simple way to instantly update a hallway without investing a lot of time or money is to add a rug,’ says Lena. ‘Choose something hardwearing; I’d recommend a checked or striped pattern – not only are these designs timeless, but they’re more forgiving than neutrals when it comes to stains. This makes them the perfect choice for high traffic areas.’