The entrance hall is not the main room in the apartment or house, but it is with it that the presentation of the home begins. Often the repair of the entrance hall is carried out “for delivery” of the costs that fell on the remaining premises of the apartment. But even with small investments, you can conceive of an interesting, bright, tastefully made design of the hallway.
Spotlight on Size
Not all apartment owners can boast of a convenient layout of the hallway. In typical Soviet apartments - in "panels" and "Khrushchev" - hallways are either narrow or square, but small. And the correct arrangement can save a small size, and not the most convenient form, the only question is what to mean by the word "right."
Consider 10 secrets of competent arrangement of a small hallway.
- If the footage in this part of the apartment doesn’t allow you to “roam”, the initial task will be to expand the space visually. Dark tones in the decoration of the walls are undesirable; false ceilings are also inappropriate, and large chandeliers. A win-win option is a floor made of natural high-strength materials (such as porcelain stoneware) and light walls.
- Mirrors and mirror elements as reflecting objects are very appropriate in a small hallway - nothing can cope better with the visual expansion of space.
- Filling a small hallway with furniture, it is worth abandoning all that is superfluous, from bulky and massive objects. Fur coats and down jackets that are not worn every day and every season should be stored in a common dressing room or large closet.
But the closet in the small hallway may not be at all - unload everything that is possible.
- Shelves and chests of drawers (even shoe) can be suspended. Such designs 10-30 cm do not reach the floor. It would seem a little difference, but furniture that does not touch the floor seems less cumbersome, which is important for a small hallway.
- If you do not use built-in furniture such as sliding wardrobes, then purchase narrow shoe racks. If there are small cabinets in the hallway, columns, place closed boxes on their surface to store items that are not used every day.
- If the hallway is not high, then a vertical mirror will visually raise the ceiling.
- It’s a crime to force a small hallway into trinkets, decor, and various souvenirs. If, for example, in this room you have a chest of drawers with some kind of decorative structure, try to build it accurately and beautifully. Do not supplement each time with new elements: it is better to change the composition of 3-4 objects, rather than replenish one with new statuettes or candles, causing chaos in it.
In order for the ensemble of accessories to look whole, they need to be arranged or hung so that the orientation falls on a triangular shape. Tall objects in the center, those lower at the edges.
- Black color is not a taboo for a small hallway. But not in the decoration of surfaces, but in the decor and accessories. On the contrary, it brings depth and contrast to the interior.
- A functional entrance is ideal for a small entrance hall. For example, a picture of a key holder or an artistically designed hook system for umbrellas.
- Even a small hallway can be conditionally divided into two zones - the hallway itself and the hall. This is done so that the place for the guests to meet does not move towards the hall. Go in, take off your outer clothing, sit down and take off your shoes, put your bag - all this should be in the hallway area.
There are other laws in the large entrance hall. It makes sense to think about arranging a dressing room in this space. And it can be a wardrobe not only with outerwear.
If it seems to you that the large hallway looks disorganized, not very comfortable, it can be darkened using the appropriate finish.
The medium-sized hallway also has several space options. In it you can put a massive wardrobe, chest of drawers, banquets, and it will be completely non-empty. But if you want the hallway to be light, spacious, orderly, then here you can dwell on the decoration in light colors and minimalism in the choice of furniture. It also happens that the apartment has a relatively large entrance hall, but not the most spacious rooms.
Then it makes sense to unload the hallway from the furniture in order to somehow compensate for the lack of open space in the home.
Color schemes
It would seem that everything is simple here - in a small hallway there can only be light colors in the decoration. And in general, the dark appearance of this zone is rare. But alas, often the owners very much narrow the possibilities of choosing the color design of this "room". But she presents the apartment, makes up the first impression of her. And you can go aside from restrained, unambitious decisions, taking into consideration something more daring, stylish, lively.
Here are some examples to prove this.
- Yellow in its psychology invigorates, refreshes, includes activity. In this typical entrance, far from the widest, the yellow color also took on the mission of expanding space. And it has become not only visually wider, but also more dynamic, brighter, more interesting. The yellow walls enlivened the room, it became more comfortable, and you certainly cannot call it a “gloomy hallway”.
- Dark blue the rich color of the walls, in partnership with a discreet floor finish with an accurate selection of furniture and decor, formed a beautiful, stylish, fashionable space.
Good lighting, narrow furniture, the absence of unnecessary details - and a typical narrow hallway became an object to follow.
- Striped chic - this hallway reminds of summer, freshness, the sun is in the air. She overturns the idea that the hallway in most cases is a gloomy, not the most comfortable place in the house. The white color in the decoration does not allow the mottled walls to become an irritant, the restrained decor and the absence of excess in the design distract attention from the really small size of the room.
- Cozy gray and refreshing white. The entrance hall is not made in bright colors, but nevertheless it does not look strict and restrained. A great solution for a small square hallway. There are no massive cabinets, but there are plenty of hooks for outerwear, and spacious lower cabinets will hide everything you need.
- Floral print which makes the space light and airy. If you really like the white hallways, but you are afraid to decide on a radical “lightening”, such fashionable wallpaper-partners will be a worthy compromise. When looking at such options, it seems that this room is non-standard, with a different layout. But no - this is one of the typical hallways, just not in the typical design.
The above examples demonstrate how you can relate to the design of the space, which is usually designed in beige and brown tones. You will always have time to consider popular options, but still it is worth considering that color is a powerful tool. Visually, he changes the layout, geometry, footage, mood of the room, he is able to make a comfortable room. And most importantly - it is modern, comfortable, fresh.
Which style is right?
It is desirable that the design of the hallway coincide stylistically with the design of the apartment. But still this requirement cannot be called strict. However, the loft hallway is unlikely to be in harmony with the living room in the neoclassical style. Because, If you are unsure that you can master such complex design experiments, consider a less risky project.
Ideas for the style of the hallway can be many.
- Country. Cozy, calm, warm style. Its individual features differ depending on which region it can be attributed to. There are French, English, Italian, Russian, Scandinavian country. But all of them are united by the choice of natural materials for decoration, wooden floors and furniture, as well as the presence of wooden beams and forged elements.
The design includes floral, checkered and striped motifs.
- Minimalism. It has almost no decor, except perhaps a small functional designer accessory. The rectangle is the main geometric figure of the style. It is an interior of maximum conciseness that does not accept a colorful print, patterns, multicolor, brightness and streamlined shapes.
- Modern. The lack of heaps in favor of an organized space in which colors and beautiful lines are clearly thought out. Furniture with interesting smooth surfaces.
It is possible to use stainless steel, nickel and aluminum, as well as high-quality plastic.
- Scandinavian. Simple, functional, highly aesthetic style. It is inherent in the eco-style philosophy, but moderate, without “excesses”. A plastic flowerpot is possible, but surface finishing requires natural materials. Natural light in this style should be stimulated by any means, the main of which are light walls and ceiling, open space, attention to the lighting system.
Candles are actively used, which give softness to the design due to the warmth of the flickering flame.
- English style. It has that unique charm that makes a space decorated in this style cozy and aristocratic and a little nostalgic. It actively combines the old and the new.
- Classical. Calm, orderly and predictable design. Floral motifs, simple colors, muted and discreet can be in such an entrance hall. The classic design does not actually cite the innovations of furniture and technology (but neoclassicism quotes them actively).
- Nautical. He never goes out of fashion, out of the current and in demand. Of course, it can’t be called mainstream, but if this topic is close to you personally, consider the very idea of making the living room so vivid and non-trivial. Beach-related textiles, marine colors, accessories related to navigation.
- Art Deco. Exotic materials are combined with simple finishes. All lines are perfect and accurate, there is little fuss and romance in this interior, but there are plenty of sophistication and elegance.
- Chalet. Natural materials and deliberately rough finish reign here. Everything is brutal, somewhat ascetic, but due to the subtle and fragmented decor it will be a real chic of a suburban “den”.
If your requirements for the interior are beauty, comfort and a recognizable aesthetics, try turning to the American style. The decor uses traditional materials, ceramics and carved wood.
Furniture is usually covered with leather or soft cloth.
Another option for those looking for a twist is Japanese style.. Genkan suggests strict, but at the same time cozy forms - cabinets for shoes, as well as the decor that decorates them - ceramics, paintings, flowers.
Finish options
To say that there are many of them is to say nothing. From the simplest and most popular ideas to unexpected colors, textures, combinations, unconventional design of interior doors and much more.
Walls
It should be noted that the walls are a weak spot in the hallway, because they get moisture, and dirt, and dust brought from the street. The walls are hit by sledges and bicycles, their surface is often distorted by pets.
There are many wall decoration options in this room.
- Paint. Economical, simple, practical way. Paints can be used latex, silicone, silicate, acrylic. Even those who have never done this before will be able to cope with the painting of the walls with due diligence. And also this finish is considered wear-resistant and maintainable.
- Decorative plaster. Wall coverings can be original, since compositions and fillers suggest such possibilities. The finished coating will be monolithic, breathable and environmentally friendly. And it boasts strength, durability, antistatic. And if you have to seriously prepare for painting the wall, then before applying decorative plaster, you just need to fill in the small holes and hide minor defects.
- Microcement. In fact, this is the same decorative plaster, but nevertheless it is assigned to a separate category, since its performance is very high. Microcement can be applied on virtually any base. On wood, metal or concrete, the finish will be equally well fixed.
The structure of the material is such that any color will look natural, because due to the composition of the material it is a little muffled.
- Wallpaper. To make something else more popular than wallpaper, until it works. But only paper options in the hallway should be considered with great suspicion, but cullet, liquid, washable, vinyl, non-woven and quartz are quite suitable.
- Plastic panels. Environmental friendliness in such a finish is not enough, but it is nevertheless a rather popular option. Low in price, varied in design, easy to install, suitable for wet cleaning - that's why plastic panels are loved. But at the same time, the material burns out under sunlight, it is not the most durable.
- MDF panels. They will cost much more than plastic ones, but they are stronger and, of course, more environmentally friendly. Yes, and these panels look more solid. This is a modern competitor to wooden lining, at the heart of its MDF-plate, it is transformed to imitate a particular breed of wood, stone or leather.
- Fake diamond. It is made on a gypsum basis, because the material is environmentally friendly and safe. Thanks to modern technology, you can achieve almost exact copies of onyx, marble, granite.
The main properties of artificial stone are not inferior to the properties of natural stone.
- Flexible stone. To call it very popular until it works, but the material is definitely worth considering. It is an eco-friendly, absolutely harmless finish, resistant to fire and moisture, easy to clean, durable. But the price of a flexible stone is in fact equal to the price of a natural one.
- Ceramic tile. A rare option, but still found. Practical, durable and durable, and design capabilities provide many interesting options.
- Laminate. This is not a mistake, the laminate is actively involved in wall decoration today. But to decorate all the walls with a laminate is a dubious idea, but to highlight the central wall or fragment is quite an interesting project.
Finally, no one bothers to combine materials, creating bright, stylish combinations.
Floor
The floor in the hallway has certain requirements: it must be wear-resistant, easy to care for, moisture resistant, shockproof.
Different options are available.
- Linoleum. Most buyers use a synthetic version of this product, but there is also natural linoleum (marmoleum). It is made from wood chips, chalk, resin, linseed oil. Of course, this material is more durable than synthetics, it can be called fire and antibacterial, but the price corresponds to these qualities. And natural linoleum is not so easy to install.
- Ceramic tile. Leader of the floor in the hallway. It meets virtually all the requirements for this coating. The tile on the floor looks interesting, which imitates other materials.
A relative minus is the temperature characteristic of the tile - but it cannot be said that the cold floor in the hallway is a clear minus.
- Porcelain tile. Stronger than tile, in comparison with it it can be called conditionally fragile material. Durable, safe, as easy to maintain. But the price will be high.
- Laminate. It is considered a budget version of parquet, or rather - a compromise alternative to it. It is easy to maintain and install, it is quite durable, it is not characterized by the worst wear resistance and affordable price.
But still more often in the hallway the laminate is combined with tiles, and this, by the way, is a good division of space into the hallway and the hall itself.
- Parquet board. This is a three-layer material, in which the two lower layers are inexpensive wood, while the upper layer is represented by valuable species. This is a natural and environmentally friendly coating with many styling options. But its price is expectedly high.
- Bulk floor. A coating that does not have to be changed after 3-5 years. It has been done for decades, which explains its price.
Carpets in the hallway are used infrequently, but a carpet in the design of this room is not so rare. The artificial carpet is not wrinkled, it is easy to clean, it makes the space cozy, soft, warm.
Ceiling
Painting is the simplest and in reality the most worthy combination of requirements for the design of the ceiling. The paint is easy to apply, you can choose any shade with a nuance. Paint is inexpensive, but will last quite a while.
The only minus is that the ceiling should be perfectly flat, otherwise just painting can not do.
Whitewashing is a way, one might say, outdated, but it is still used. Expanded polystyrene boards are also used; it is difficult to call such a repair only environmentally friendly and modern. Do not refuse the option of pasting the ceiling with wallpaper, you can achieve an interesting design using thick texture wallpapers.
And also the ceiling can be made of mirror plates, but to look after it is not so simple. Modular suspended ceilings can be used, and this is a practical option. The plasterboard ceiling is not bad, but for a small and low entrance hall this design does not fit. An option from the most popular is stretch ceilings. But there are claims to them, in particular, non-environmental friendliness.
How to equip?
A functional hallway involves a calculation: what is superfluous, what can you do without, what makes the space cozy, what is the main design, what is the best in terms of practicality.
Try in the hallway to achieve the following:
- unity of style;
- compatibility of furniture (but it does not have to be from one set);
- color rollbacks;
- moderate and eye-catching decor;
- logistics of furniture placement (the bench should not stand in the hall area, and the mirror should not be removed from the light source).
Find the opportunity to arrange a seat in the hallway, find a place for a large mirror. And in general consider dullness as the main idea of room decoration - in the modern interior there is a place for color, and humor, and contrasts.
How to decorate?
The original interior of the hallway is a frequent request in search engines. And decor is the most affordable tool for creating such a design.
How to decorate the hallway:
- modern paintings and posters;
- large glass vases with a series of candles inside;
- beautiful shade-loving plants;
- designer ceramics;
- hand-made decor (wreaths, macramé, paintings on wood cuts and more);
- mirror compositions;
- household portraits.
Decor is definitely important - but it should not be much. Especially try to prevent the accumulation of little things in the hallway.
Lighting options
There are several rules that organize lighting in the hallway and corridor:
- Low light - a taboo, it distorts the perception of things in space, as well as the perception of oneself in a mirror;
- stray light can be considered ideal, it can be achieved by matte shades and the direction of the rays up;
- the most illuminated place may be the entrance area, a light accent can also stand near the doors to the living room;
- spots and spotlights - it is modern, a chandelier in the hallway is an outdated option for small rooms;
- decorative lighting used as a tool for decorating space.
The mirror zone deserves special attention - there should be plenty of light (perimeter lights, two side sconces, a light panel, and so on).
Common mistakes
Most owners want the entrance hall to be functional, comfortable, in harmony with the rest of the apartment. Using typical mistakes as an example, you can consider the organization of the entrance hall.
- Refusal of whatnot for shoes. It seems to some that hiding shoes in a closet is the best solution, but it is almost always doomed to failure. Shoes will randomly wallow, and the shoe shelf brings order to the hallway space.
- Impractical floor. An inexpensive laminate will quickly “show character” in the form of its reaction to moisture and clogged joints.
- Little light. And this is the most common mistake of the hallway - the already devoid of natural light space without extra light becomes gloomy.
- All out. Many parades give the impression of clutter. This does not mean that the hallway needs to be deprived of decor, but it should be thought out.
The most recognizable mistakes will help you avoid them in repair, and therefore, equip the hall correctly.
Interesting ideas
Very often a very simple idea looks creative and fashionable if it is undeservedly forgotten. For example, a lounge corner in the hallway often looks scanty and uninteresting. But a beautiful soft padded stool or a comfortable bench with soft and original upholstery, next to which there is a shade-loving plant in a large flowerpot, it always enlivens the entrance hall.
If you definitely need a design solution, it can be an unexpected accent wall, a bright panel or an unusual organization of space in the hallway. Often here, if space permits, they place a home library. And it looks great: interest in the owners is growing, because the cult of books in the house is always attractive, especially if it is real.
If you want to transform a hall without radical repair, pay attention to interior stickers. They create completely new visual compositions on plain walls.
Antique chests of drawers, hanging structures, shelves with flowers and books, original housekeepers and hangers - there are a lot of opportunities to make stylish and comfortable out of a boring room.
Beautiful examples
The most indicative are photo examples where you can see how the owners or designers managed to transform the space.
And these are interesting, unusual and stylish options for transforming the hallway.
- Bright hallway with laminate on the wall and clear geometricity. A good option for a small room with poor lighting.
- An olive set, white walls, a convenient and ergonomic organization - this is what you need for a narrow living room. The decor is beautiful in its moderate brightness.
- Reserved, strict, but modern and fresh. Very nice color of the walls, laconic furniture and decor that does not create overload. Such repairs can be called budget.
- American style can be seen in this design. This is a functional organization of a hall filled with light. An interesting laying of the flooring gives dynamism to the room, everything looks natural and environmentally friendly.
- Brave and fresh. The space is divided into a hall and a hallway, the decorative finish of the hall wall echoes the curbstone in the hallway. Not gloomy, not dull, free and airy in such a room.
- A beautiful concise and simple solution to the design of the hallway. Nothing superfluous, a lot of light and purity, which in this version will be easy to maintain.
- A retro solution will look very nice in an apartment where you feel some nostalgia for the past, where there are vintage or deliberately aged things.
- If you have a non-standard layout, and there is a dressing room right in the hallway, such a decision can become a guideline. A narrow chest of drawers and laconic design distract attention from the modest size of the room.
- And this is an option for the design of the space, if the entrance hall in the apartment is very arbitrary. Nevertheless, even this convention must be emphasized.
- An option that looks stylish, but will not cost very much. Pretty standard furniture, brick-like wallpaper, competent decor and good lighting - that’s the whole secret.
Unusual and vibrant options do not necessarily make an example, in the embodiment of which you can not deviate. Pry, combine, look for analogues and compromises, but in no case do not give up the hallway of your dreams!