Decorating Ideas for a Wide Hallway

Large homes are often graced with a spectacular interior design-wide hallways. Where three feet is typical for the width of a hallway, in large homes, the hallways may be 4 to 6 feet wide. Consider these decorating ideas as inspiration for your home’s wide hallway.

Seating

Place seating near a doorway. The doorway may be an entry to the house or an opening to another room of the house, like a living room or dining room. Aside from the obvious benefit of hallway seating at an exterior door to toss a coat or bag, or to sit down to remove boots, seating outside common rooms creates an area for party guests to sit and chat, or a place to wait for the ride to school or work. Nearby, include lighting and a table to set a beverage or book.

Large Vertical Furniture

From antiques to modern interior design, the goal is to create height that can double for storage or display purposes. Consider bookcases or a hutch and buffet combination, like a two-piece China cabinet.

Use the space to create a library with free-standing book cases. When considering how deep the book cases should be, don’t let the width of the hallway drop below 36 inches to 42 inches. The bookcases can run floor to ceiling.

Cabinets with doors are also a decorating option, particularly if storage is an issue. Over the cabinets, add bookcases, additional open or closed storage cabinets, cubicles or glass shelves to display art objects. For a hallway lacking natural light, include lighting in vertical furniture.

Accessories

Interior decorating ideas aren’t limited to furniture. Hooks and cubicles for winter and rain gear, and school books when children are in the home, provide easy storage.

An area rug or runner, or a series of rugs in a long hallway, can serve to soften the sound of footsteps and clean the bottom of shoes. In a short hallway, add one large painting or a large mirror opposite a doorway off the hallway, like into a living room, to reflect light. A long hallway can take great advantage of wall space to display paintings. If sculpture is your choice, evenly space pedestals along one side of the hallway to display the pieces.

Large Horizontal Furniture

For a simple interior design touch, a sideboard (like what might be used in a dining room), parson’s table (rectangular table with shallow depth), or cabinets can create storage space, an area to display treasures, or a catch-all for mail and car keys.

Focal Point

The best view from a wide hallway that starts at an entrance is windows at the opposite end of the hall, enticing visitors to come take a look. If the hallway ends with a wall instead of a view outside, create a decorative focal point at the end of the hallway with a unique piece of furniture or artwork, or a contrasting wall color.

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Authentic Country Decorating for the Living Room

Sources:
China Cabinets; Sideboards; Hallway Benches and Chairs