Are Hallways in Design Plans Wasted Space?

Perk Up Your Hallways with Stylish Designs and Accents

 

 

Isn't it amazing how the little details in our memories are triggered -- and once again, relived and remembered?

But what do they have to do with hallways?

My grandparents' old home had a treasure trove of architectural details that keep resurfacing in my memories - there was the long winding staircase with the polished wood banister, the above-the-garage apartment, covered front porch, and the open floor layout.

And now, hallways. Or for that particular house, the single hallway through the side door. That short and wide hallway next to the stairs – going into the dining/living area - was the first thing that greeted us when we used the side door.

 

Talk about smart use of space. First, there was a built-in storage area tucked under the stairs. Then, there was a wood bench that "filled" the empty space in the hallway.   

So, if you think hallways are wasted spaces, think again! In home design, hallways can play an important role in traffic patterns and as transitions from one space to another.

Let's stop and consider some of the design moments that are captured in many hallways. From wallpaper to storage ideas, vibrant colors and an array of interior design concepts, the simple hallway can be an inviting space that reflects your style and the rest of the house. 

 

Hallways and their Uses

While hallways are now a conventional feature of many modern structures, they did not become common until the 17^th century.

The first recorded construction of a hallway dates to 1597, when the English architect John Thorpe built a corridor for a house in London. The hallway allowed "independent access to individual rooms" to replace the arrangement of rooms that led to each other through connecting internal doors.”

Prior to Thorpe’s innovation, a hallway or corridor was built generally to serve a very mundane and boring purpose – that of circulation… meaning that it was a space where people moved from one place to another, without stopping or spending much time in the passageway.

Today, architects and builders are creating functional hallways that serve a purpose beyond that of a circulation pathway.

 

Benefits of Hallways

 

No longer the long dark tunnel leading from the living area to the bedrooms, the modern hallway can be enhanced to make it a pleasing, functional space that can inspire design moments.

     

1. Hallways provide opportunities to display artwork, built-ins, and lighting fixtures
2. It’s a “destination” to an area of the home – not just a footpath. For example, the entry hall takes you from the foyer into the main living portion of the house. Or, as illustrated in the photo above, it takes you from the end of the hall to a bathroom or a bedroom.
3. Having an entry hall makes it easier to meet and greet guests when entertaining. 
4. A large hallway can incorporate extra storage space or closets for outdoor and guest belongings.
5. Hallways can serve as buffers for the cold and wet weather as well as for the noise from other sections of the home.     

 

Drawbacks of Hallways

The big debate about hallways is the matter of wasted space. Just imagine – an area of the home with no other function but a way to go from Point A to Point B.

1. It’s a wasted opportunity if homeowners do not take advantage of making use of its features to create a stylish space.
2. An empty hallway can be a financial burden. Since the space needs to be maintained, cleaned, heated, and cooled, the upkeep costs money.     

 

What is optimal hallway design?

One of the most visible spaces in the home and the first area of the home that guests lay their eyes on, the hallway carries a lot of design potential. It is often neglected and under-utilized because people don’t spend a lot of time hanging out in their hallways. However, this space should be up there with the front porch and the courtyard entry, and set a welcoming, relaxed and inviting tone for family and friends.

 

Stop for a minute and think about how hallways can enhance the home. And try to transform them into artful and statement-making spaces. Whether your hallway is long and narrow or short and wide, there is a design plan that can make the space stylish and interesting – and complementary to the rest of the home.

Get ready to learn how to design the hallway space to your advantage – and according to your taste and style.

 

Ways to get the most of your hallway space

Some people may think of hallways as wasted space – blithely forgetting how much they are used each day. With creativity, attention, and a little bit of effort, these neglected spaces can become interesting, attractive, and stylish.   

 

How do we start?

1.  Lighting figures in every design plan – especially for hallways. There’s nothing better than natural light that can fill a room – through huge glass windows and doors. To complement natural light, use recessed ceiling lights. But to create drama, think of unique light fixtures and wall sconces.  

 

2.  Pops of color brighten up the hallway, add more depth and character. While you can have fun and go with bold tones on the walls and doors, remember that the colors you choose for the hallway must complement the colors in other rooms. When choosing shades and hues, keep them soft with warm undertones. 

 

3. Set up the hallway as an inviting and welcoming spot for you and your guests. Whether it’s an area rug, a bench for seating while you take off your shoes, or a plant, be sure that when someone steps into that space, there's a feeling of warmth and a desire to walk inside the home - or deeper into the corridor.  

 

4.  Make your hallway an attention-grabber. Create a sense of anticipation of what’s inside the home with a unique and attractive entry hallway. This hallway is a guests' first look into your style and what they can expect when they walk inside. 

 

5.  Add practical and simple furniture. Don’t think of it as cluttering the small hall, but as smart styling to an otherwise bare space in the home. You can squeeze in a long table, mirror, coat rack, or a standing lamp shade to give the hallway a “lived-in” atmosphere.  

 

6.  How about bench seating where you can relax? The cozy corner can be positioned at the entry hall foyer, adjacent to the stairs, under stairs, or on the first-floor landing area. If there’s enough room at the end of the long hallway, the bench can serve as a reading nook.   

 

7.  Create a gallery wall where you can display your art collection and family photos. This informal exhibit breaks the monotony of a bare wall and becomes a point of conversation/discussion about the art or artists. 

 

 

8.  Bring in the books for a built-in hallway library - Yes, it’s the digital age and people now buy and read e-books. However, there is still something to be said for good, old cloth-bound and paperbacks. Bring in the books. Perhaps there are forgotten classics that need to be revisited. Why not build a library on one run of the hallway or on the stairs landing that showcases all your delightful collection of books? 

 

9.  Build extra storage space especially in the area near the stairs. Everyone wants plenty of storage in the home. Take advantage of a wide hallway and build wall shelves, cabinets, and drawers to store linens, towels, and miscellaneous household stuff. 

 

10.  How about a makeover for a wide hallway? You can create another room that can serve as a home office, homework area, or getaway space.

 

11.  Design an accent wall as a focal point or to mark an intersection in the long hallway. 

 

Are you on the hallway bandwagon yet? Just think for a minute of all the exciting design moments you can experience in your hallway. Don’t miss these opportunities to perk up these high-traffic spaces.

 

Footnote:  The lead image in this article is the sun-filled entry hall of a three-bedroom, 3.5-bath Contemporary Ranch. With 3,832 square feet of living space, the home includes a split-bedroom layout, a huge Great Room, a kitchen with an oversized kitchen island, a spacious home office with its own private entrance, and other luxurious features. For details on this amazing residence, go to Plan #202-1014

 

Sources:

• https://www.vanderzalm.ca/blog/title/hallways-a-waste-of-spaceor-wasted-opportunity/id/36/
• https://www.houzz.com/magazine/do-you-really-need-that-hallway-stsetivw-vs~17320457
• https://www.houzz.co.uk/magazine/10-brilliant-ways-to-use-wasted-space-in-the-hallway-stsetivw-vs~76955216