How to Create a Focal Point in Your Hallway

Entrance halls are the first thing that visitors see when they enter your home but they can often be an area of the house that is left neglected due to the fact that we don’t spend a great deal of time in them. Whether you have a grand or compact hallway space it is important to create an area of visual impact that transforms this otherwise bland space into a stylish and functional room. Creating a focal point in your hallway can be achieved using a few simple ideas that will change the entire look and feel of your home.

Lighting is a great way of creating a focal point in your hallway interior and creates a sense of space and illumination that is perfect for more compact entrance rooms. If your hallway space is square, circular or rectangular then opt for a central pendulum light that can be hung as a centrepiece from your ceiling area. Select a classic chandelier for a traditional look or opt for abstract designs for a sleek and modern appearance. For longer or thinner hallway areas hang a group formation of lights in a linear arrangement down the length of your hallway to elongate and illuminate the space. Hallways with alcoves can be accentuated with wall sconces or up lighters that can be used to highlight a picture, mirror or furniture item for added visual detail.

Mirrors make a great addition to a hallway space and provide a simple way of creating an illusion of space in more compact hallway areas. If you’re main feature wall is straight in front of you as you enter then place a large square or rectangular mirror across this space to give the impression of a larger and more open interior area. For a more retro feel that is simple yet stylish then select a simple black framed circular mirror that will look great on white and bold painted walls or select a more intricate carved rococo design in gold or silver leaf that will look fabulous in more period styles of houses. Alternatively add a floor length mirror near any coat hanging space you may have for those last minute outfit checks before you leave the house.

If you have a large feature wall or alcove spaces in your hallway interior that why not create a focal point using a bold wallpaper or mural to create an eye-catching impact as soon as you walk through the door to your home. Monochrome designs look great in more modern or retro home interiors and will create a sense of elegance and refinement in your entrance hall. For a more vibrant and funky feel then opt for bold neon colour tones and abstract patterns that will look great in a plain white hallway space. If you prefer a more elegant and glamorous look then select a classic floral or baroque style of pattern in soft pastel or shimmering metallic tones that will create a sense of illumination in smaller entranceways.

Rugs make a great focal point in a hallway interior and provide a simple alternative to a colourful or patterned feature wall. For circular hallway areas then opt for a large round rug in either a plain solid colour or pattern that will compliment an open or neutral space. If your hallway is square in shape then stick with a traditional rectangular rug in a classic Persian or Turkish style that creates a more exotic look and feel or a modern floral or abstract print for maximum visual impact. Long or rectangular hallways can be complimented with a slim hallway runner that works extremely well in bold geometric prints or border style patterns and can feature ornate tassel or fringe edging for added visual detail.

Hallways are areas of high traffic and functionality that need to provide a practical space to house your outdoor clothing, shoes and accessories in one neat and organised space. Hallway tables make a great addition to the entrance of your home and come in a wide range of chunky oak, mirrored, painted or ornately carved designs that will create a focal point against a feature wall or alcove area.

Their spacious rectangular or half moon table tops can be used to display a vase, ornament or telephone while their selection of drawers provide ample space for any small household accessories or correspondence. For larger families, why not take advantage of an alcove or wall space by adding a built in storage and bench area where you can hang your coats and store your shoes in one central space that is multifunctional, stylish and practical.

For more ideas on creating a focal point in your hallway area, take a look at our latest Pinterest board - Pinterest - Hallway Focal Points