Mistake 7: Failing to work with the proportionsA large hall makes fitting in storage much easier, but it presents its own challenges in striking a balance between circulation space and furnishings. Here, an iconic piece of seating – the Robin Day Club sofa – takes centre stage, but neither blocks passage nor the view to the garden. Positioning the rug in front of it also helps to indicate it’s a comfortable place to take a pew.
Mistake 4: Not incorporating hanging spaceAnother issue that will render a hallway hard to move through? A stack of coats. Instead of letting them pile up on one or two hooks and block a passageway, try generous hanging space, like this Shaker-style peg rail (which has a handy shelf above for other outdoor essentials, too) that extends along the hall’s length and will ‘dilute’ the collection of outerwear. For square and rectangular halls, hanging rows of hooks or peg rails one above the other will do the same job – kids’ coats can go on the lower rail.
Alternatively, try panelling. Putting up wall panels in a hall is another way to help keep it in top condition. Panels can be up to dado height like these, or full height. It’s easy to find panelling online in designs to complement the age of a period home, or to bring character to something newer. Simple tongue-and-groove is a winner in country (or country-look) homes, and vertical boards can suit contemporary spaces.A beginner’s guide to installing wall panelling
Mistake 2: Forgetting to make walls mark-proofIn creating an impactful decorating scheme for a hallway, it’s easy to forget that all hall walls, but especially those in small and narrow spaces, may get knocked and scuffed when people, pets and things come in and out of the house. And if you share your home with small children, or they’re regular visitors, then fingerprints are another pitfall.This hallway preserves its good looks by limiting the use of more delicate wallpaper to above-dado level, with paint in a forgiving shade below. As well as colour, think paint wipeability and even washability. Very matt finishes might be too much trouble to maintain if little fingers or lots of comings and goings are your lot, but washable matt and paint types that have a higher sheen will be easier to maintain. Check individual manufacturers’ ranges to see how each of its paint types can be cleaned.
Pictures
Floor word painting
Coat rack with shelf
Front door
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