The theater, as they say, begins with the coat rack, and the house, of course, with the hallway. Despite the fact that we spend only a few minutes in this part of the house, the hallway is the first thing guests encounter when entering the apartment. Therefore, the design of the corridor deserves no less attention than the rest of the rooms.
Interior design of a narrow corridor
Furniture for a narrow corridor
Planning and zoning
The less space we have at our disposal, the more important it is to distribute it correctly. When starting a hallway renovation, we need to decide what result we want to get: how the furniture will be arranged, whether it is necessary to divide the space into zones, whether it is possible to expand the room. At the same time, the main principle of designing a narrow corridor should remain the preservation and visual expansion of free space.
Dividing the hallway into several functional zones is one of the winning solutions. This can be done in different ways: by separating the area for storing clothes and shoes from the free space, or by separating the front door from the part intended for placing furniture and mirrors. In both cases, different designs of walls and floor coverings will serve as assistants.
Interior of a narrow corridor
Design of a narrow hallway room
When planning the design of a narrow corridor, you need to pay special attention to the transition areas to other rooms. It is important to calculate their location in such a way that when opened they do not touch each other. Whenever possible, it is recommended to replace interior doors with arches, which allows you to combine the space of adjacent rooms to visually expand the corridor.
As for the arrangement of furniture, the main thing here is not to clutter the space with unnecessary furniture and massive cabinets. It is better to place it on one side, otherwise there is a risk of further narrowing the already narrow hallway.
Furniture for a narrow hallway
Interior of a small hallway room
Floor covering - lay it across and diagonally
When creating an interior design for a hallway, the first thing you need to do is decide on the floor. It is recommended to choose a light-colored coating because it will visually expand the space. Many housewives will be indignant and say that on a light-colored floor all the stains and dirt from the street will be more clearly visible. To prevent this, take dark-colored carpeting and place it right at the entrance. This way you will solve two problems at once - highlight the entrance area and reduce the level of pollution.
In addition to using different floor coverings, you can arrange the floor at different levels, using materials that are slightly different in texture or color. A rather effective technique is the combination of ceramic granite or tiles in one hallway area, and linoleum or laminate in another. In this case, you can use an additional technique: laying laminate flooring across will greatly help to make a narrow hallway visually wider. It is also possible to lay the laminate diagonally: it looks very original.
When deciding on different colors, you should remember that the main task is to give more volume to the end walls of your hallway, while narrowing both long walls, this approach will make your room wider. It is worth placing a beautiful ottoman, a small chest of drawers, and a decorative floor vase with a composition of artificial plants at the end of such a hallway. You should hang some bright object on the end wall.
Next up is the lighting. Spotlights will fit perfectly into a cramped hallway. They will visually expand the area of the hallway and provide the necessary level of light, and a suspended ceiling will help hide some shortcomings.
Entrance doors can be decorated with wooden pylons, which will help make the surrounding interior more comfortable. This solution will not require large financial costs and will at the same time help improve the appearance of the room.
Design secrets: how to deceive space
- Use of mirrors. They can be placed either separately, hanging on the walls, or combined with furniture. The most daring designers choose mirrored doors or full-wall mirrors.
- Minimize the use of swing doors. In a world where sliding wardrobes have been invented, it is simply stupid to refuse such a benefit and choose hinged doors for a narrow corridor.
- Proper lighting. You will be surprised how a narrow hallway will be transformed when there are no dark areas left in it. Try to make sure that the entire perimeter is illuminated, using not only a ceiling chandelier, but also placing spotlights on the walls
- Light colors. When decorating the walls of the corridor, it is better to abandon dark shades and large wallpaper patterns, stick to a light palette and choose small patterns.
- Glossy surfaces. The play of light created by reflective surfaces can create the illusion of free space and give the interior lightness and airiness.
Design of a small hallway room
Design of a small hallway room
Design of a small narrow hallway
A small narrow hallway is a part of the apartment that should not be cluttered, trying to squeeze large pieces of furniture into the allotted space. You may ask then where to put shoes, outerwear and small items?
In this case, a wall hanger with hooks or a floor clothes hanger, neat shoe stands and small wall shelves with space for keys, a wallet and other small items will come to your aid.
Note that if you still decide to use the space of a small narrow hallway to the maximum, then, as an option, you can install U-shaped cabinets around the perimeter of the door. In this case, you have two walls freed up at once, on which you can hang a mirror, additional shelves, paintings or photographs. And in order for this wooden structure not to create an oppressive effect, you can play up this interior design with the help of light. You can see the beautiful design of a small narrow hallway in the photo below.
Furniture arrangement
The main requirements for furniture in a narrow hallway are versatility and compactness. It is important to remember that one element can combine several functions at once. Poufs with a built-in shoe cabinet, cabinets with mirrors, as well as hallway walls equipped with folding seats can significantly save precious space.
Sliding wardrobes will simply be a salvation for owners of an apartment with a narrow hallway. However, wide models are best left for living rooms and bedrooms. In the design of the hallway, it is better to focus on cabinets whose depth does not exceed 40-50 cm.
Wardrobe in a narrow hallway
White hallway room
There is also the option of replacing the closets with an open space with hangers and hooks, but it is better to choose this if the residents do not care about neatness. They look good only if they don’t have a lot of clothes on them and they are hung evenly.
It is proposed to use mezzanines in the hallways. Visually making the ceiling lower, they nevertheless perform the function of optimizing space.
An original choice would be glass furniture. Such design elements do not clutter up the space and look quite unusual. It is recommended to make a choice in favor of unbreakable glass, especially for happy owners of pets and small children.
Try to use the angles as much as possible. Pay attention to corner cabinets and shelves; in extreme cases, place an ottoman or cabinet there. Many owners forget about corners, leaving them empty and idle.
Narrow hallway room
Design of a narrow hallway room
Methods for optimal arrangement
Let's look at the main ways to solve the problem of a narrow area one by one. If design work is carried out competently, an obvious disadvantage can even be turned into an advantage. However, this will require attention to the smallest details.
For example, the most obvious way to eliminate discomfort is to expand the space. A natural desire is quite feasible if you follow specific design recommendations. Let's list the main ones:
Zoning
Thanks to the use of this design technique, the correct proportions can be achieved in the interior of a narrow hallway. Depending on the existing square footage of the corridor, it is necessary to divide it into several functional zones. At a minimum, there should be a lobby and entrance area.
This can be done in various ways:
- Using different levels of the ceiling surface;
- Separation by changing the color of the walls or the pattern (material) of the floor covering;
- Implementation of the concept of the general style of apartment design in one of the zones.
For example, a very popular zoning method is the use of two types of flooring. In the entrance area, laying high-strength washable tiles looks appropriate. In the lobby it is possible to install reliable parquet (practical laminate). A more labor-intensive method is the implementation of a specific style. Be it French Provence or Austrian Art Nouveau. However, its use can become the very advantage that was mentioned at the beginning. The interior of the updated hallway will cause only admiration among guests.
Expansion of space
Despite the fact that the use of zoning helps to visually increase space, several more methods can be identified. Designers usually keep them secret.
Use of mirrors. Several large mirrors installed opposite each other create an original optical illusion of “doubling” the area. This could be the mirror surface of a wardrobe and an elegant mirror on the opposite wall.
Lighting. The combination of soft spot lighting with a multi-level ceiling can work wonders. Expand the space, raise the ceiling. This effect is achieved by reflecting warm diffused light in the hallway mirrors.
Walls falling. It is possible to apply the arch method here, but first a number of points should be clarified. For example, the wall between the hallway and the next room may turn out to be load-bearing. Or this room will be given over to the bedroom, which implies the need for privacy. It is also worth paying attention to the flooring. Dirt will regularly be brought into this room from the hallway. We can conclude that the method is not for everyone.
Very important! An alternative to the “falling walls” technique is to avoid interior doors. Open access to the premises will free the atmosphere from the feeling of cramping and fill the small hallway with light.
Competent approach to finishing
To stylishly decorate a narrow hallway, it is important to use suitable materials. They will differ depending on the type of surface.
Ceiling. For example, the upper plane can be advantageously decorated with a stretch ceiling. Its glossy surface will be combined with mirrors. When creating a multi-level ceiling, it is recommended to use plasterboard. It goes perfectly with LED strips.
Walls. There are no restrictions on finishing materials. However, there are recommendations from professionals regarding their practicality. In the hallway, it is advisable to use easy-to-clean wallpaper or moisture-resistant paint. Caring for the first ones is quite easy, and the paint is easy to change to a new one. Decorative plaster requires a little more work. Once every few years it is worth radically updating the wall cladding.
Floors. The possibility of zoning using various flooring materials has already been discussed above. Here we emphasize that the material must be wear-resistant and easy to clean. The color should be harmoniously combined with the colors of the walls. However, it can be dark.
Attention! If cold tiles will be used in the entrance area, the floors should be insulated.
The right choice of colors
The use of cream and achromatic colors is strongly encouraged. However, this does not mean that you should limit yourself to this only. The main condition is to avoid dark colors that narrow the space. The same applies to large patterns on the walls. It is better to prefer light monotonous wallpaper to them. In this case, you can combine: highlight the transverse sections of the walls with a bright accent. Or use fashionable photo wallpaper.
And modern paintings will look even better. The use of modern art themes will help the owners leave a pleasant impression. Even if guests do not understand what is depicted in certain works of artists, the level of their respect for the owners of the house will increase. Designers recommend using interesting abstractions. For example, the color delights of Marco Rothko.
With flooring the situation is a little simpler. A dark surface is completely acceptable. But even if the parquet is light, it can be decorated with a colorful decorative rug.
Functionality of the furniture set
Proper arrangement of furniture plays a vital role when arranging the interior of a narrow hallway. A popular option is to use a wardrobe with a sliding door mechanism. Don't forget that it can be mirrored. To save useful space, experts also recommend using a shoe ottoman instead of two different items. The diversity of the range of such products allows you to choose them specifically for your apartment decor. And the capacity will please even owners with many children. For the same purpose of saving space, you should prefer an open hanger to a closed system. The most effective would be the corner option.
Attention! Furniture in a narrow corridor should be placed on one side only.
An emphasis on versatility will free up the maximum amount of space and also make the decor original. If possible, part of the furniture set should be mounted into the walls. The corridor will become much more spacious. The latest trends in the furniture market also include modular furniture.
Its versatility helps create the effect of stylish minimalism, which is so necessary for a cramped hallway. The advantage of this option is the ability to make an individual order based on the needs of a specific design.
In general, you need to focus on the shape of the hallway. Because not everyone will have a wardrobe that will look appropriate. Extremely tight options will have to be replaced with open coat hooks. If the hallway is nevertheless combined with another room, then part of the furniture set can be placed there.
Design of doors and skirting boards
The main recommendation here is to maintain a uniform style. It is best to decorate the interior doors (if any) and the front door in the same color scheme. A harmonious design always makes the right impression. It would also be useful to synchronize the material with the furniture set. Especially if it's wooden. The use of the same tree species will combine doors, baseboards and furniture into a single ensemble. This will help minimize the small size of the corridor.
Hallway to order
The most “fastidious” owners, who have not found the furniture of their dreams in store catalogs, turn to companies that produce custom-made furniture. In addition, it eliminates many unnecessary hassles that professionals are ready to take care of.
An entrance hall made according to individual standards and preferences will definitely not leave customers dissatisfied, because in this case, apartment owners become subject to every centimeter of space, which they can dispose of at their own discretion.
Interior of a narrow hallway room
Small hallway design
The advantages of custom-made furniture are:
- taking into account all the wishes of the customer;
- taking into account the characteristics of the premises;
- design that fits into the overall interior of the room;
- high quality;
- unique furniture design;
- reliable guarantees.
The disadvantages include:
- difficulties with moving to another apartment, since such furniture is often designed strictly for a specific place;
- rare materials and fittings, due to which furniture repairs are often unreasonably expensive;
- high price.
A significant disadvantage is that prices for dream furniture may be higher than in stores. If this confuses you, then there is a compromise - modular furniture. Modules can be combined with each other, experimenting with different options for their arrangement, while all parts of the set will fit perfectly together.
Narrow corridor with wardrobe and mirror
Wardrobe for a narrow corridor
Interior decoration of a narrow hallway
Walls
When decorating a narrow corridor, the main attention is usually paid to the decoration of the walls, because the appearance of the room largely depends on them. A competent choice of color palette helps to correctly adjust the space of the room. It is recommended to opt for light shades: cold or pastel colors. If plain wallpaper seems too boring, then the solution can be found in wallpaper with small patterns or abstract patterns. In addition, horizontal stripes visually expand the space. With vertical ones, on the contrary, you need to be careful. By “pulling” the ceiling up, they optically change the proportions of the room, making the corridor seem even narrower. The same effect is achieved by using dark wallpaper or wallpaper with large patterns in the interior.
Furniture for a narrow hallway
Narrow hallway with large mirror
When choosing a finishing material for walls, it is recommended to refrain from paper wallpaper and give preference to more wear-resistant and moisture-resistant materials:
- vinyl wallpaper,
- wallpaper for painting,
- liquid wallpaper,
- glass wallpaper.
If the task is to level the walls, then salvation can be found in applying Venetian plaster, again liquid wallpaper, or using a little trick - wallpaper with vinyl chips, which also visually smooth out unevenness.
Narrow mirrored hallway room
Interior design of a narrow hallway room
Floor
The most popular choice for hallway flooring is ceramic tiles. Practical in every sense, this material has proven itself well on the market. Its advantages include wear resistance, unpretentiousness, durability and reasonable price. It is better to choose neutral shades: beige, gray, coffee.
If the hallway room is divided into zones, then it is better to lay the tiles near the front door, and for the rest of the area, opt for linoleum or laminate.
Narrow hallway
Furniture for a narrow hallway
Ceiling
In the case of a narrow corridor, simplicity is the optimal solution. The ceiling should not attract unnecessary attention, so as not to burden an already small room. Suspended ceilings and other decorative elements are best left for other rooms. In the design of ceilings, built-in lamps are used instead of pendant ones, which again saves space.
As for color schemes for ceilings, it is important that they blend organically with the walls and stick to light shades.
Interior of a narrow corridor
Narrow hallway design
Walls in a narrow hallway
If your hallway is disproportionate in both its height and length, then in this case the right solution would be to use a game of fairly bright tones, colors, and sharp contrasts.
So, for example, in narrow hallways the upper part of the wall, made in a light tone, will visually enlarge the space.
If the hallway is quite high, then on the contrary, darker colors are placed upstairs. And, of course, as for any other room, monotony and monotony are completely contraindicated.
If the ceiling in the hallway is low, light colors in the design of the ceiling and floor will help to visually elevate it, and the walls will be made in warm, non-aggressive colors.
Details
Do not underestimate the role of accessories in the interior of the hallway. A bright accent can be placed on paintings or carpets, which will somewhat dilute the restrained design of the corridor.
In addition, you should pay attention to such little things as key holders, hooks, wall organizers, and various shelves. If desired, it is easy to find non-standard models that will not only perform their function properly, but also be pleasing to the eye.
Narrow corridor
Original solutions can also be found for storing shoes. Poufs with built-in cabinets will perfectly cope with this task, however, supporters of more daring solutions prefer not to hide shoes, but to make them an element of the interior. Hangers with clips are suitable for storing boots; lovers of high-heeled shoes use lattices or ladders for this, and whatnots are suitable for any type of shoes. It is also worth paying attention to special organizers for shoes, the choice of which is currently huge.
A narrow corridor is still not a death sentence. Living beautifully, as they say, cannot be forbidden, and with the right approach, such a hallway can become a decoration of the apartment.
