Tips, ideas and tonnes of inspo on how to style your hallway

The hallway can be a tricky one to style. Too much and it can be cluttered and awkward. Too little and it feels stark and cold. Getting it just right is a balancing act but we’re here to help you nail it and answer the question… how do you style your hallway?

We discuss hallway decorating ideas, furniture, rugs and styling tricks — this is your one stop hallway styling shop!

Related article: Nook styling: 3 ways to make the most of empty corners of the home
Related article: How to style a sideboard, console or hall table: Home décor to use and top styling tricks 

KWD Beechwood_entrance
How to style a hallway? We offer all our inspo in this article! Image via Kate Walker Design

Add a rug

A sure fire way to glam up your hallway is to add a rug. Hallway rugs add warmth to the space and feel beautiful underfoot. Choosing the right one can set the tone and style for the rest of your space.

Patterned or coloured rugs help bring a burst of colour to the space. The classic Hamptons rug is perfect for a coastal or Hamptons home. And if you’re not sure what your style is, a jute or knotted hallway runner is always a good choice. Plus, they’re super hardwearing making them an ideal hallway rug.

We also love the idea below where Michael and Carlene used a series of different rugs for their large hallway / breezeway.

Console hall table at entrance to home
Classic style works great with a simple floor runner like this one seen in Parkway Residence: Take the tour
Hallway with arch doorways
The classic Hamptons runner adds some much needed warmth to this Hamptons style home by Kirsty and Jesse on The Block: Check out all The Block homes here
Curved ornate doorways with black floors
This hallway with black floors and white walls gets a pop of red and pattern through this fabulous hallway rug. Read our article about black flooring here

Plan your lighting

Are you sick of hearing us harp on about how important lighting is to a space yet?! Well, it is and we don’t intend to stop now… even if we are just talking about the humble little hallway!

Whether it be a statement pendant light, wall sconces or simple downlights or wall lights, getting the lighting right in your hallway will make the world of difference.

If you can’t change your current lighting, you could always add a statement lamp or even a floor lamp. It will make your hallway feel brighter, more inviting and just down right beautiful! There are plenty of cordless, rechargeable table lamps hitting the market for those of us who don’t have a powerpoint in this space.

Entry and breezeway with floor runner and beaded light fitting
In this front hallway entry, it’s ALL about the pendant. Take the full house tour.
Neutral minimalist hallway styling
It’s just a humble downlight but the positioning in this hallway is spot on | Image via The Stables
Heritage hallway styling
We love the light above this beautiful painting but also the feature table lamp fits the style of this space to a tee | Image via The Spruce
Hallway with louvers and glass pendant lighting
These simple lights add the right amount of glow but don’t crowd the hallway. We adore the handblown glass pendant feature too. Check out the whole home tour here
Hamptons country styling in hallway
Repetition of pendant lights and a simple hallway runner is all that’s needed in this stunning hallway | Image via @carterfamilyranchhome

Think about furniture

Hallway furniture is a given — so long as you have the space. A slimline hallway table is an ideal choice where you can add interest, style it up with decor and have a place to pop your keys and other bits and bobs. We’ve got some pretty luxe hallway tables below but if you’re working with a budget, check out these clever IKEA hacks or google ‘Kmart hallway table hack’. Kmart has also recently released a fab range of affordable hallway tables and console tables.

If there’s space for it, a statement chair looks great. It can serve as a spot for people to take their shoes on and off, or even as a reading nook if the hallway is elsewhere in the home.

Incorporating a built-in bench seat is another hallway furniture idea. Kind of like a mudroom / drop zone. Bonus points if it includes storage so you can stash shoes and bags out of sight!

Three Birds_House14_striped hallway table
Statement hallway table in Three Birds Renovations Dream Home | Take the tour here
Green table styling
Stylish console tables can make the space | Take the full home tour here
Three Birds_House14_mudroom nook
This built-in bench seat acts as a mudroom / drop zone space with bonus hidden storage | Hallway storage solutions | See the full home tour here
Scandi hallway styling
Some built in wall units and a simple wishbone chair brings interest and warmth to this small hallway space | Image via interior_by_helena
Padded bench seat with wall hooks for drop zone
The ideal use of hallway space | Image via norsuhome

Add depth with a mirror

A mirror is a great way to reflect light and make a space feel larger. It’s also ideal to use by the front door so you can check yourself before you leave home!

Timber or rattan for those coastal vibes. Brushed brass for an art deco style home. Black for the modern space or scandi. There are so many gorgeous mirrors on the market, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Black and white interior hallway styling
More small hallway decoration ideas by @ireneburg7 via @hallwaydesign
Beach styling hallway
When decorating a long hallway, consider using a mirror or statement piece of art to draw your eye forward | Image via @beachhouse_h2o
White hallway styling
Proving less is more | Modern hallway designs | Image via @the_stables_
Hallway styling featuring dog beds
There’s even space for the furry family members in this hallway! | Image by @renovating_rivendell via @hallwaydesign

Go green with life

We’ve said it before… plants bring life to every space in the home and the hallway is no exception. If you’re looking for an entry level idea for how to style your hallway, plants are an ideal pick.

They instantly bring style, colour and life into a space as well as helping to purify the air. Need help picking a hardy plant to use to style your hallway? Check out this handy guide of 20 hard to kill indoor plants.

White and black interior with chevron floor
Elegant hallway decor using plants and statement lighting | Take the full home tour here
Hallway styling
Coastal decor vibes from Coastal Living Sorrento
Statement light in a heritage style entry
Hallway wall art via @ramseyresidence

Add a splash of colour or art

If you love colour, why not make an entrance and showcase it from the get go? Perhaps a bold painted wall or a colourful gallery wall? You could even paint your front door with a beautiful pop of colour. This article will provide endless inspo.

For a less in your face approach, try a colourful piece of furniture, some decor pieces, or simply add some indoor plants.

Artwork is also an ideal way to add colour to a space without going too OTT. Use it as inspiration to set the tone for the rest of your hallway.

Eclectic boho hallway styling
Hallway colour schemes don’t have to be bland! Image via @lust.home
Blue green walls with pink stool in hallway
Subtle colour on the walls with a bold burst of colour in the furniture and artwork | Image via @fay.vourites
Eclectic hallway styling
Bold floors, a fun coloured door and unique gallery wall make for a gorgeous statement entrance | Image via kittymccall

Make a statement with your floors

We love a statement floor! Whether it be black floors, bold tiles or a classic timber herringbone, these are a sure fire way to make a lasting impression in your hallway.

Country hallway styling
Statement doesn’t have to be OTT. Classic timber herringbone floors are a beautiful choice when it comes to how to style your hallway | Image via @_homeonthecorner_

Decor, decor, decor!

Bringing decor into the home is one of our favourite pastimes! It’s a simple and stylish way to update your hallway. For hallway decorating ideas, think vases, flowers or foraged pieces. Stacks of books, candles and woven baskets. Trinkets, photographs, wall hooks and trays — there are so many items to use for your hallway styling.

White coastal hallway house 10 Three Birds renovation
The hallway at house 10 from Three Birds Renovations | Entryway styling tips to steal from this look is to use a theme for cohesion
Hamptons style hallway
A hallway can still be stylish even if you don’t have space for furniture | Image via Ruggable
Heritage country hallway styling
Heritage country hallway styling via @solhem_ett_sekelskifteshus

We hope this article has given you some tips, hints and inspo for how to style your hallway. Whether you’re starting from scratch or working with what you’ve got, there are plenty of ideas for ways to style up your space.

More home styling ideas here

Art deco hallway styling
Stylish hallway rugs can completely elevate the space | Image via Ruggable
White archway in hallway
Interesting idea for hallway mirror placement on the front of a door via _colombe_studio
Scandi style hallway
Scandi style hallway with cluster of 3 pendant lights | Hallway lighting ideas by @minimal.wohnen
Eclectic styling in hallway
@interioryesplz offers plenty of hallway decor ideas
Gina Beschorner Style Curator

Welcome to Style Curator, your destination for daily interiors inspiration, styling tips, reno advice, home tours and DIY projects!

We're on a mission to help you create a home you love. And with plenty of tips and tricks, tutorials and other home inspo, we give you all the tools to achieve it!

I’m Gina, Founder and Interior Designer, and you can read more about Style Curator here.

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