Hallway decorating ideas for lasting first impressions

No matter the size, any hallway can make a statement – just go for the unexepected when it comes the decoration ideas.

Timeless furniture and accessories are used in unusual ways here to create a show-stopping entrance that gives space to pause. It also finds room for ample storage so outdoor things don’t take over. The result is a welcoming multi-sensory space that almost feels like a living room - all that’s missing is a sofa!

A hallway with a rattan TOLKNING room divider flat against a wall at the end with a white MALM dressing table in front of it.

Give your hallway living room vibes

Make sure your hallway is memorable as well as homely so give guests something to talk about when they come in. Define the space and frame the mood with a striking centrepiece like this TOLKNING rattan room divider placed against the wall that also introduces colour, form and texture.

Add a statement sidetable and decorate it with a lamp, a few small LED candles and a vase filled with elegant foliage to create a personalised look that radiates warmth and sets the tone for rest of the house. Watch out, your guests may feel so at home here you might have to move them on!

A rattan TOLKNING room divider against a wall with a MALM dressing table in front that has a STOCKHOLM table lamp on top.

Celebrate all things rattan

Want instant atmosphere, style and texture in your hallway? Go all out for rattan! Its rich colour tones and woven patterns coordinate with all sorts of furniture, here softening the sleek white finish of this MALM dressing table. Layering different rattan products like lighting pendants and the wall feature creates a boho feel. FEJKA artificial plants and foiliage introduce a natural feel, and woven baskets keep the style going at floor level so no part of the space is missed out.

A rattan TOLKNING room divider against a wall with a KAPPELAND pendant lamp above it and some foliage in front.

A FLÅDIS seagrass basket holding various textiles and a FRIDFULL plant pot on a rug on the floor under a dressing table.

Hardworking storage that doesn’t cramp the style

As well as looking good, this hallway has also been designed to function efficiently and smoothly for everyone passing through it. And that’s all down to the storage, which won’t be the first thing you notice, as it’s neatly hidden out of your sightline as you walk in. At the same time, it’s one of the reasons this small hallway works so well and stays looking good.

Take time to plan your storage, and be realistic about how much you can store. Less is more here, so keep it to shoes, coats and jackets of the moment and swap them over as seasons – and tastes – change.

Three BISSA shoe cabinets side by side in a cosy hallway with plants in pots on top and a round VARMBLIXT wall lamp above.

Tap into the senses

Plan a space that is a feast for all your senses. Scent can trigger lots of memories so why not introduce a signature fragrance with FRÖFINK scented potpourri to build familiarity and comfort? Boost the multi-sensory experience with a speaker playing soulful sounds and celebrate the power of small decorations by crafting a display with things that mean something to you. Finish the space with more FEJKA artificial plants for a lush look with no need for lots of light or water!

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A KRUSTISTEL light beige plate on a white table holds FRÖFINK vanilla scented potpourri and three fragrance bottles.

A white VAPPEBY Bluetooth speaker on top of a BISSA shoe cabinet surrounded by various FEJKA artificial potted plants.

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Decoration and accessories for your multi-sensory hallway

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A VARMBLIXT orange glass lamp with a donut shape, featuring a warm glow and a sleek design.

Ready to leave? Look back in the mirror

A mirror by the door makes space for a last-minute glance before you head out. If your hallway is small our LINDBYN mirror range comes in different widths including a narrow one to make the most of almost forgotten spaces. Small (and easily lost!) everyday necessities can also find a safe home near the front door in a small box like the LURPASSA seagrass box with lid. It adds to the natural feel of the hallway, and keeps things neatly hidden away so they don’t go astray or disrupt the harmony of the space.

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A black LINDBYN mirror by an open front door and two BISSA shoe cabinets with various FEJKA artificial potted plants on top.

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Make an entrance with impact

Remember that everything in this hallway becomes part of the overall look, including any coats, jackets and bags you store here. Keep the look pared back when it comes to storing outdoor wear to stop the space from feeling overcrowded.

Left unchecked, coats can easily pile up so try adding the minimal-style EKRAR coat and hat stand to limit what can be stored there. Its slim design doesn’t take up lots of space and has just enough hooks for a few everyday coats and hangers – along with a bag or two. Leaving lots of space for all the beautiful decoration in the hallway to shine.