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Inspiration & Tips/Interior design tips/5 tips to help you decorate a small hallway
Small hallway ideas include hanging space and mirrors to make the space feel bigger.

5 Small hallway decor ideas for a stylish, space-saving entrance

Do you have a small hallway and need ideas to make the most of your space? Be inspired by our five expert tips on decorating a small hallway to transform your entryway into a stylish and functional area. Learn how to make a small hallway look bigger with clever design tricks, and explore space-saving tips for narrow hallways to keep your home organised and inviting.
Updated 14th February 2025
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Decorate a small hallway - inspiration from @moeofsweden with a large round mirror, wall storage and a long narrow cosy rug to create space and a homely feel.

When space is tight in a small hallway use a long, narrow cabinet, as well as mirrors and rugs to create space while adding storage with an inviting feeling. 

IDEAS FOR DECORATING A SMALL HALLWAY - INSPIRATION & TIPS

The hallway is the first thing that greets you when you open the door, making it essential to create an inviting space that leaves a great first impression. A small hallway can often feel cramped, disorganised or tricky to style. To help you make the most of your space, we’ve put together some expert tips on small hallway ideas—offering inspiration on how to organise and decorate your entryway for a welcoming feel:

  1. Use a mirror to make your hallway appear larger
  2. Match your décor with a tone-on-tone palette
  3. Opt for stylish and smart storage solutions
  4. Use the walls and combination furniture
  5. Add details that make your hallway feel homely

1. ENLARGE YOUR SMALL HALLWAY WITH MIRRORS

Natural daylight is often lacking in a small hallway, so mirrors are the perfect addition to enhance any available light. A carefully placed mirror can reflect natural light, making a small hallway look bigger and more open. For even greater effect, consider placing a candle holder or table lamp near the mirror to create beautiful light reflections.

Tip: Decorate a small hallway with a round mirror. Hang it over a shelf or place it on a side table for a balanced look while incorporating small hallway decoration ideas. This is a simple yet effective space-saving tip for narrow hallways.

2. DECORATE IN SIMILAR TONES TO MAKE A SMALL HALLWAY LOOK BIGGER

Decorating a small hallway with a cohesive colour palette can make the space feel larger and more open. Light and airy colours reflect natural light, maximising brightness and creating an inviting atmosphere. Clever use of colour and light can also make a narrow hallway appear wider, helping to create a sense of depth and openness. Incorporate soft neutrals, pastels, or muted tones for a seamless look that enhances the overall flow of your home.

Tip: Choose a doormat and hallway carpet in the same tone as the walls and décor to create a seamless flow. Selecting the right size will also help enhance the sense of space, making the hallway feel cosier and more inviting.

How to decorate a small hallway - inspiration for an open wardrobe and combined shoe and hat rack to make the hallway more organised.

Decorate a small hallway with tone-on-tone furnishings helps to create the illusion of a larger space.

How to decorate a small hallway - inspiration from @hannesmauritzson where a long narrow cosy rug from Scandi Living creates space and a cosy feeling.

@hannesmauritzon

3. INVEST IN SMART STORAGE SOLUTIONS

When working with ideas for a small hallway, investing in smart storage solutions is key to keeping the space organised and functional. Think vertically and utilize wall space for creative, space-saving ideas. Slim shelves, wall-mounted hooks, and multifunctional furniture can help you maximise every inch.

For example, a sleek, magnetic shoe horn from Normann Copenhagen can be mounted on the wall, ensuring you never lose it while saving valuable floor space. and Muuto offer stylish and multifunctional shelves that can be arranged to suit your needs, while HAY’s Colour Crate storage boxes provide versatile storage for shoes, accessories, or everyday essentials. Using stackable or wall-mounted storage options helps maintain a clutter-free and inviting entryway.

Tip: Opt for storage solutions that serve multiple purposes. Combining open shelving with hidden compartments allows you to store necessities while maintaining a stylish, cohesive look in your small hallway.

How to decorate a small hallway - inspiration from @picsbyellen where Muuto's Stacked shelving system makes the hallway more organised and inviting.

@picsbyellen

4. UTILISE THE WALLS IN YOUR SMALL HALLWAY

Maximising wall space is essential when decorating a small hallway. An open wardrobe can be a great space-saving solution if a closed wardrobe doesn’t fit. By incorporating smart storage and an efficient layout, you can create a more organised and functional entryway.

Here are some space-saving tips for narrow hallways:

  • Combine a shoe and hat rack for a streamlined, clutter-free look.
  • Utilise every corner to make the most of the available space.
  • Display only seasonal clothing and frequently used items to maintain order.
  • Keep shoes neatly organised to free up floor space and avoid a messy hallway.
  • Installing hooks or knobs on the wall is a great small hallway idea to add both style and practicality.
  • Build upwards by using vertical storage to maximise space in a small hallway.

Tip: Opt for wall-mounted storage and multi-use furniture to make a small hallway look bigger and more practical. Keeping items off the floor creates a more spacious and inviting feel.

How to decorate a small hallway - inspiration from Essem Design to make the hallway more organised with an open wardrobe and combined shoe and hat rack.

Take advantage of the wall by decorating the small hallway with a shoe and hat rack from Essem Design to make it more organised.

5. SMALL HALLWAY IDEAS TO MAKE THE SPACE COSIER

When it comes to decorating a small hallway, less is more. The key is to choose meaningful items that serve a purpose while making the space feel inviting. Here are some small hallway decoration ideas to help you make the most of your narrow entryway:

  • A stylish basket can hold everyday essentials like an umbrella or shopping bags, keeping them within reach without cluttering up the space.
  • A carefully chosen vase, a calming scented candle, and a bowl for keys or other small items can add charm and function, making your hallway feel welcoming.
  • Opt for a rug that complements the rest of your decor. A well-chosen rug not only adds warmth but also creates the illusion of a larger, more spacious hallway.

Your hallway is the first impression of your home, so decorate with purpose. By adding personal and functional details, you’ll transform your small hallway into a joyful, space-efficient entrance that feels larger and more inviting.

How to decorate a small hallway - inspiration from @our_home_living with scented candles from Skandinavisk and fresh flowers in a nice vase to make the hallway more inviting.

Make your hallway more inviting and cosier by decorating your small hallway with Scented candles to welcome you with a nice scent and a vase of fresh flowers - as seen here at @our_home_living.

Here you can see @dani_liveandlove's beautifully furnished little hallway with a bench, the Dots hooks from Muuto and the Lotus lantern from Design House Stockholm.

@dani_liveandlove

Decorating a small hallway - inspiration from KORBO with a stylish and practical umbrella stand to make the hallway more organised.

Set out a stylish and practical umbrella stand, such as the Korbo umbrella stand from KORBO, for guests to borrow in case of a rainstorm as they head home.

OUR COMPACT GUIDE TO SMALL HALLWAY IDEAS

Transform your space with these small hallway decoration ideas that maximise function and style:

  1. Plan with purpose - Consider the needs of your hallway before decorating. Smart planning ensures a well-organised and stylish entrance.
  2. Declutter - Store only seasonal clothes and shoes to keep the hallway neat and airy.
  3. Choose space-saving furniture - Adapt furnishings to fit your space. If your hallway is narrow, opt for a long, slim shelf to maintain flow without overcrowding.
  4. Use mirrors to make a small hallway look bigger - A strategically placed mirror reflects light and creates the illusion of a larger hallway.
  5. Utilize wall space -Maximize storage by combining a shoe rack and hat shelf to keep essentials within reach while freeing up floor space.
  6. Add warmth with rugs- A well-chosen rug makes your small hallway feel bigger, cosier, and more inviting.
  7. Embrace tone-on-tone decor -Decorating in a cohesive color palette enhances the sense of openness and unity in a compact space.
  8. Optimise every corner - Use multifunctional furniture and clever storage solutions to make the most of every nook and cranny.

We hope these space-saving tips for narrow hallways have inspired you to transform your entrance into a welcoming, stylish, and functional space!

Photography: @catarinaeldana, @picsbyellen, @moeofsweden, @our_home_living, @wohnfuehlen_mit_stil, @hemmahosfalk, @hannesmauritzson, KORBO, Essem Design, ferm LIVING, HAY, Elof Martinsson, @henriksenshome, @dani_liveandlove

Linnéa Axelson
Author

SMALL HALLWAY DECOR IDEAS

YOUR HOME FOR SCANDINAVIAN DESIGN
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