IMO, It is too narrow to have a table, a coat rack or a shelf. I would just hang art on the wall. Would that be possible that you remove the built-in under the stairs and close the space with doors then add a coat rack inside?

Any thoughts on this idea....the whole length of the wall in either black or white?

Sorry oaklands, I still think that if there were only hooks with coats, it would still be too narrow. As for clutter, I think, because it is for functionality, it is more forgiven to use that space. I know, it is not very tempting to undo what you just have paid for but I would consider removing the built-in and add only hooks without the doors. I would understand if you don't like that option.

oaklands ,I have those in black :)
Maybe just those and narrow bench just to distract from shoes ?

definitely no room for a bench.How is the quality of those umbra hooks?...are they sturdy enough or on the flimsy side?

My first impression is that the striped runner is making your long narrow hallway look even more skinny. With the thermostat and electrial switch in the middle of the wall, I think you are wasting your time trying to hang anything on it. How would you walk through there with a rack full of coats? I'm sure the art would fall down, along with the coats, when someone tried to get through. Find a fun runner for the floor and let that carry the interest. If it has some pop of color you love, you might paint the cabinet under the stairs that color!

Decoenthuasatie...you are correct the runner makes it look narrower...the striped runner in the hall is going and will be replaced with something else (it was left over remnant from the stairs).I think you are right also about banging into coats etc and pulling them off in passing.I may just consider a simple gallery wall...simple black frames...black & white photography. The cabinets are a black glass so cannot be painted.Thanks

Umbra hooks are doing fine for now. We hang winter coats and my husbands coat is very heavy but i still I think hanging heavy coats should be avoided.

A runner with diagonal lines will help wide the space.