12 Scene-Stealing Features for Your Hallway
Here's how you can make a big style statement when decorating that small sliver of space at the end of your hall
Hallways are one of the busiest areas of the home, but they often don’t get the decorating attention they deserve. If your main corridor is looking plain, neglected and in need of some love, a simple way to bring it to life is to punctuate the end of the thoroughfare with a show-stopping display. Funky feature walls and dramatic decor will add dimension and personality to your passageway, so here are a few ideas for turning a plain old hallway into a stunning entree to the rooms beyond.
2. Wallpaper that wows
Harness the power of wallpaper to transform your corridor from blah to ta-da! Although hallways are busy, people don’t tend to spend long stretches of time here, which means you can afford to be daring. I love the punchy floral wallpaper that steals the show in this eclectic corridor. While it offers an instant pick-me-up, it also adds depth and helps anchor the airy space.
If you’re commitment shy and not ready to paste wallpaper permanently to your hallway wall, try removable wallpaper instead. It’s a cinch to switch when you’re ready for a change.
Harness the power of wallpaper to transform your corridor from blah to ta-da! Although hallways are busy, people don’t tend to spend long stretches of time here, which means you can afford to be daring. I love the punchy floral wallpaper that steals the show in this eclectic corridor. While it offers an instant pick-me-up, it also adds depth and helps anchor the airy space.
If you’re commitment shy and not ready to paste wallpaper permanently to your hallway wall, try removable wallpaper instead. It’s a cinch to switch when you’re ready for a change.
For a more personal touch, transform a treasured family photo or holiday snapshot into a photo mural to place at the end of your hall. You’ll be able to enjoy a trip down memory lane every time you stroll through.
Go bold with graphic wallpaper
Go bold with graphic wallpaper
3. Look-at-me light fixtures
Add instant drama to the end of your hallway by fixing a striking light fixture to your wall or ceiling. Here, an ornate wall chandelier does the job nicely. Notice how the light works in tandem with the moody, mysterious palette to create a hypnotic effect that lures people down the long passageway.
Add instant drama to the end of your hallway by fixing a striking light fixture to your wall or ceiling. Here, an ornate wall chandelier does the job nicely. Notice how the light works in tandem with the moody, mysterious palette to create a hypnotic effect that lures people down the long passageway.
A funky neon sign, such as the one pictured in this living zone, is another great lighting option for the end of your hallway. It’ll make a statement in more ways than one.
Custom neon sign: Peterson Neon
Custom neon sign: Peterson Neon
4. Attention-grabbing gallery wall
A simple way to liven up the bare wall at the end of your hall is to transform it into a gallery wall. Cover it with typographic prints, photos and postcards, or put your pint-sized Picasso to work and have them create art to hang here. To take this look to the next level, paint a bright, attention-grabbing backdrop.
How to create a gallery wall
A simple way to liven up the bare wall at the end of your hall is to transform it into a gallery wall. Cover it with typographic prints, photos and postcards, or put your pint-sized Picasso to work and have them create art to hang here. To take this look to the next level, paint a bright, attention-grabbing backdrop.
How to create a gallery wall
5. Stunning stained glass
Take cues from this spectacular hallway and install a floor-to-ceiling panel of stained glass at the end of your passage. Even the simplest of designs – such as a panel that features alternating coloured stripes – will make a striking impact.
If you desire a more dynamic look, opt for intricately patterned stained glass instead, like this mesmerising golden masterpiece. It will not only act as a stop-and-stare feature, but will also throw intriguing shadows and a kaleidoscope of colour down the length of your corridor, resulting in a hall that looks lovely and feels warm and inviting too.
Crystal mosaic artwork: MEC
Take cues from this spectacular hallway and install a floor-to-ceiling panel of stained glass at the end of your passage. Even the simplest of designs – such as a panel that features alternating coloured stripes – will make a striking impact.
If you desire a more dynamic look, opt for intricately patterned stained glass instead, like this mesmerising golden masterpiece. It will not only act as a stop-and-stare feature, but will also throw intriguing shadows and a kaleidoscope of colour down the length of your corridor, resulting in a hall that looks lovely and feels warm and inviting too.
Crystal mosaic artwork: MEC
6. Mirrored scene
A scene-stealing mirror like this one is the perfect punctuation mark for the end of an otherwise plain hallway. Looks aside, it will also bounce light around and give the illusion of space, welcome qualities in thoroughfares that are poorly lit or poky in size.
Zig Zag Globe Mirror: Christopher Guy
A scene-stealing mirror like this one is the perfect punctuation mark for the end of an otherwise plain hallway. Looks aside, it will also bounce light around and give the illusion of space, welcome qualities in thoroughfares that are poorly lit or poky in size.
Zig Zag Globe Mirror: Christopher Guy
7. A cool climbing wall
Perfect for lofty hallways, a climbing wall will serve as a unique focal point and a fun activity hub that youngsters will love. These ply climbing panels could easily be mistaken for a Scandi-style timber accent wall. Notice how the grid-like arrangement of peg holes lends cool geometric flair to the panels.
Meanwhile, the rock-like hand mounts are discrete enough that it’s not immediately clear the wall doubles as a spot for play. If you like a punch of colour, swap out the life-like climbing grips with ones that are bright and bold.
Get to grips with a climbing wall
Perfect for lofty hallways, a climbing wall will serve as a unique focal point and a fun activity hub that youngsters will love. These ply climbing panels could easily be mistaken for a Scandi-style timber accent wall. Notice how the grid-like arrangement of peg holes lends cool geometric flair to the panels.
Meanwhile, the rock-like hand mounts are discrete enough that it’s not immediately clear the wall doubles as a spot for play. If you like a punch of colour, swap out the life-like climbing grips with ones that are bright and bold.
Get to grips with a climbing wall
8. A dramatic door
Does your hallway flow directly into another room? Rather than closing off the space with a plain interior door, dare to be different and choose a patterned or brightly toned door instead. This sliding door is a winner in my eyes, because it doubles as an oversized work of art.
Does your hallway flow directly into another room? Rather than closing off the space with a plain interior door, dare to be different and choose a patterned or brightly toned door instead. This sliding door is a winner in my eyes, because it doubles as an oversized work of art.
An ornately carved door is another unexpected option that’s guaranteed to stop people in their tracks and add a hearty dose of character to your hallway (and the room beyond it). This antique timber door and frame, which marks the entrance to the home’s master bedroom, infuses the space and connecting corridor with a dreamy, exotic air.
Interior doors with a difference
Interior doors with a difference
9. Storage that’s big on style
Let a striking console, credenza or chest of drawers take pride of place at the end of your hall. Not only will it be a handy spot to stash keys, mail and other everyday essentials that need a spot to call home, but it will inject the space with serious style too.
If you don’t have the cash to splash out on new furniture, upcycle an existing piece that’s lying around your home, or one that you’ve picked up from kerbside collection or at a secondhand store.
Let a striking console, credenza or chest of drawers take pride of place at the end of your hall. Not only will it be a handy spot to stash keys, mail and other everyday essentials that need a spot to call home, but it will inject the space with serious style too.
If you don’t have the cash to splash out on new furniture, upcycle an existing piece that’s lying around your home, or one that you’ve picked up from kerbside collection or at a secondhand store.
A sculptural hat stand is another great statement-making storage option for the start or end of your hall. This fun design gets bonus points because of its lively colour blocking.
See more of this home
See more of this home
10. A block-coloured accent wall
A painted feature wall makes for serious eye candy. Choose a rich jewel tone such as emerald or sapphire to add depth and a decadent air to your thoroughfare. As you can see here, deep, saturated hues help anchor long and wide passageways too. For a fresh and fun look, try sun-kissed or zesty shades such as coral or yellow. Or for those who would prefer a more subdued scheme that still commands attention, try dreamy pastel paints instead.
A painted feature wall makes for serious eye candy. Choose a rich jewel tone such as emerald or sapphire to add depth and a decadent air to your thoroughfare. As you can see here, deep, saturated hues help anchor long and wide passageways too. For a fresh and fun look, try sun-kissed or zesty shades such as coral or yellow. Or for those who would prefer a more subdued scheme that still commands attention, try dreamy pastel paints instead.
11. Statement seating
Transform the end of your hallway into an inviting seating nook that beckons you to sit and stay awhile. For maximum style and impact, choose a chair that’s guaranteed to turn heads, like this sun-kissed orange ski lift chair.
Transform the end of your hallway into an inviting seating nook that beckons you to sit and stay awhile. For maximum style and impact, choose a chair that’s guaranteed to turn heads, like this sun-kissed orange ski lift chair.
If the previous seating option is a little too loud for your tastes, try a hanging chair, brightly toned bench or a boldly patterned armchair instead. These three alternatives still ooze appeal but are slightly more restrained in style.
More cool hangout zones
More cool hangout zones
12. An arrangement of the weird and wonderful
Jazz up the end of your hallway with a collection of fun and fabulous finds on your wall. You might like to take cues from this wild feature wall. While this menagerie of candy-coloured animal sculptures may not be to everyone’s taste, there’s no denying that the arrangement delivers head-turning appeal.
The art of collectible displays
Jazz up the end of your hallway with a collection of fun and fabulous finds on your wall. You might like to take cues from this wild feature wall. While this menagerie of candy-coloured animal sculptures may not be to everyone’s taste, there’s no denying that the arrangement delivers head-turning appeal.
The art of collectible displays
Meanwhile, in this hallway, an arrangement of vintage-style hats makes for a personality-packed display. Souvenirs from overseas getaways or a collection of your nan’s old china would also do the job nicely.
TELL US
What statement-making feature lies at the end of your hallway? Tell us all about it, or upload photos in the Comments below.
MORE
Upcycle Your Way to a Personality-Packed Hallway
Hallway Design Opportunities You May Have Missed
Making an Entrance: 10 Hallways With Heart
TELL US
What statement-making feature lies at the end of your hallway? Tell us all about it, or upload photos in the Comments below.
MORE
Upcycle Your Way to a Personality-Packed Hallway
Hallway Design Opportunities You May Have Missed
Making an Entrance: 10 Hallways With Heart
Create a dramatic destination at the end of your hallway by hanging conversation-starting art on the wall. For maximum impact, choose a painting or print that clashes with, yet complements, the colour of your wall. This fuchsia, lime and blue scheme is positively electric.
How to rustle up a work of art