multi purpose hallway idea — Hallway, stairs and landing ideas - Image: @my_best_laid_plans

Hallways, stairs and landings are key places in any home. We run up them and through them, down them and out of them but they tend to go under appreciated in daily life.

They’re a crucial part of how we live in our homes and yet we rarely give thought to them as a style-able space. So we think it’s about time they got the attention they deserve and chance to inspire your next project to transform small spaces with huge potential.

We’ve rounded up a load of style ideas to fit hallways, staircases and landings of any size and with any budget. Read on at risk of inspiring an immediate makeover 😂 …and if you’re stuck on where to start when it comes to home design, then be sure to check out Home Design Lab to learn exactly how to transform every room of your home with cohesion in mind.

Hallway with stairs and window — A light-filled hallway from Fi & Neil’s house

1. Let the light in

Fi & Neil’s gorgeous hallway is a fine example of how to work with light and, better yet, use it to elevate your space.

Hallways do have a tendency to be a little darker, often dark without the use of electrical lighting. If you do have a section or external wall, or even a front door you could upgrade with the addition of glass panels.

A stained glass window introduces vibrant, energetic light which breathes life into any space. Such a stunning feature!

2. Multi-purpose areas are a smart move

One of the single most useful things you can do in an entrance hall is to make a multi-use area with storage, practical elements and a healthy dose of delightful design because, let’s face it, hallways are a hidden gem for making use of.

Consider including a space to sit down so it’s easier to get shoes on and off, basket storage for the loose bits and bobs as well as some hooks for your commonly-used coats.

From here, you can elevate the decor of the area with style to reflect the rest of your home.

Hallway with runner — Organised hallway idea - image: @charlestedinteriors

3. A side table has many uses

Entrance spaces are a flurry of busy comings and goings as you function in your daily routine. Having a piece of furniture on which to keep keys, knick knacks and everyday essentials can be really useful.

Consider something like this as a styling opportunity, too, as you show off your design skills with a selection of objects which reflect the rest of your home.

Don’t forget, a runner in a hallway can also combat almost unavoidable damage to your flooring, too.

Bright hallway colour — Bright hallway idea - Image credit: Benjamin Moore

4. Colour makes a big difference

As smaller spaces, hallways tend to be a little challenged for where to bring in personality and liven things up.

Choosing a bright, light colour on a wall of your choosing can introduce some fun and also make the space feel much warmer and more inviting.

Under stairs is ideal for this as it tends to be shaded and rather simple.

Landing decor styling idea - image: @home_with_candy_sky

5. Use vacant space as a styling opportunity

Other than the commonly-trodden path between rooms, landings have great little nooks of space that often go unused.

They may be too compact for storage but make for the perfect little decor spots. We love the little stool used here as well as the cosy basket and on-trend vases.

These are all simple purchases when you know where to look and they make a huge impact on how the space feels.

Design your dream home with me! Free 3 day email series

How to avoid common (and expensive!) design mistakes
I’ll show you the easy technique I use to bring cohesion
…and you’ll learn the 3 curveballs to watch out for when you’re designing your room!

START DESIGNING YOUR HOME ››

Hallway seating with storage — Hallway seating idea - Image credit: ILIV

6. Make a comfy seating space

We tend to think of hallways as spaces that we pass through on our daily schedule, but, in reality, we probably spend a lot more time in them than we think.

Chatting to neighbours, catching up as we take off layers of rainy day gear, waiting for our other halves to finally get ready. It can really pay off to make your hallway a built-in seating space, super comfy and in line with the rest of your home decor.

We absolutely love this example picture here and, best of all, the seating doubles up as hidden storage so it’s super practical, too.

Hallway with armchair — Armchair in an open hallway under stairs - Image credit: Benjamin Moore

7. A simple armchair can work wonders

If you want to keep your hallway or landing space as open as possible but not feel empty, add a hefty dose of practical points with a cosy armchair.

You might not chill in this every day but, as a big soft furnishing, it adds a lot of warmth to the space and a handy space to pop your shoes on and off and you leave and enter the house.

Pick an armchair in keeping with the rest of your decor and it’ll add a really nice touch to an otherwise empty space.

Hallway gallery wall — Stairs with a gallery wall - Image credit: Benjamin Moore

8. Make your greeting space personal

Although hallways, stairs and landings tend to lack floor space, they’re full of wall space that often goes unused.

As this will be the space most commonly seen by visitors, it’s a really nice idea to introduce a personal touch by hanging prized family portraits and precious memories on the wall.

This is something that gives such a warm touch but also something so nice for you to see as you walk about the house.

Semi open stairs — An idea for semi open stairs - Our reno club student Anna’s stairs and kitchen

9. Keep the staircase open

Our lovely Reno Club member, Anna, has nailed the perfect combination of function and aesthetics. While you might not always be able to have a fully open staircase structurally, you can have the best of both worlds by opting for a simple spaced wooden design.

This means you don’t lose any of the spaciousness of the room visually but you have a practical element to support the stairs and keep those who use them safe if you were to have a wobble.

Heritage hallway decor — Heritage-inspired hallway decor - Image credit: Original Style

10. Honour the traditional style of your home

If you’re the owner of a period property, one of the best and easiest sources of inspiration for your interior decor is the heritage of your home.

In the stunning example pictured here, the panelling, cast iron radiator and floor tile pattern are all heritage-inspired features which give so much character to the space. It makes for such a wonderful space to be welcomed into.

Plus, we’re loving the Morris-inspired wallpaper!

What can you do with your hallway, staircase or landing? We love seeing your DIY before and afters so please do share! Even if you’re in the planning stages, send us your ideas.

If you’re thinking or redoing your hallway, stairs or landing, learning from Fi & Neils house renovation can provide a crucial insight, too.