Hallway Furniture Ideas: Advice And Inspiration
Once you pick the perfect paint color, light fixture, and interior design style, it's time to get to the big ticket items in your hall: the hallway furniture. The pieces you choose for this area will arguably be some of the most important of all your home decor. Why? Because accessibility is of the utmost importance. Most halls are narrow with limited square footage, so any additional items you add should either have minimalist profiles or small footprints.
But it's not all about functionality. You'll pass through the hall, whether it leads to the front door or your home office, multiple times a day. Consequently, the accents you incorporate should be pleasing to the eye. Sure, a shoe rack may be a necessity, for example, but it can still be stylish. And what if your space calls for a storage bench? Find one that's practical with cubbies for all your odds and ends, but make sure it has a little interest. Try an espresso-toned option with tapered legs and sleek gray upholstery.
Want more practical tips for adding the perfect pieces to your hall? You're in the right place.
Hallway Bookcases
If space allows, you're going to want shelving in your hall. Of course, it'll be great for holding aesthetic accessories and wall art, but it will also be helpful for corralling the important stuff like cold weather gear (think: mittens, scarves, and hats) as well as keys. To get the look, and the functionality, you'll want to find a narrow bookshelf. Go for a solid wood option, and paint it the same color as your walls to mimic the feel of a built-in. Or if you'd like to create more of a focal point in your hall, source a bookshelf in a rich hue that contrasts with your paint color. The hallway is the perfect place to add a pop of personality.
Console Tables
When it comes to hall and entryway furniture, a console table may be the best thing you can incorporate. Some are incredibly slim, others can fit snugly into corners, and a few consoles come equipped with hidden storage for concealing all the random stuff that won't fit in your junk drawer. Not sure how to style the top of your entryway table, though? Add a table lamp, a dish for keys, and a tray that's big enough to accommodate any unopened mail. You'll thank yourself for the convenience when you're dashing in and out of the door and able to find everything you need quickly. To really up the style factor, place a pouf next to the console. You'll be able to sit on it when it's time to slide on your shoes.
Hallway Benches
There's just something about an entryway bench in a front hall that looks so fresh. An oversize option with clean lines is great if you want to combine the minimalist look with a little bit of modernity. Simply pop a basket underneath for the odds and ends, then you're good to go. Alternatively, a shoe storage bench with drawers can work just as well. No matter which route you choose, whether it's Scandi minimal, midcentury modern, or even a little glam with button tufting, try hanging an appropriately sized mirror right above. It'll bounce light around the hallway and provide a spot for last-minute reflection checks.
Hall Trees and Coat Racks
What do you do when there's absolutely no spare floor space for bulky hall furniture? You get a slim hall tree. Equally suited for a mudroom or small entry, this accent will revolutionize how you store umbrellas, long trench coats, scarves, and more. Got anything too awkward to fit in a traditional closet or basket? Pop it on the hall tree. And what if you can't even spare square footage on the ground for one? Mount coat racks to the wall. This quick-fix will create a decor moment all on its own and be equally practical.
Furniture DIYs
Did you think we'd forget to mention a few DIY hallway furniture options? Think again. This route is good for those who are budget conscious and those who prefer to fully customize their space. We recommend starting small, though. Try getting a standard piece from IKEA (we like the Ivar cabinet for its small size and versatile style), and tweaking it to match your needs. Maybe you add cane to the doors to create a boho Scandi touch. Or perhaps you screw castors to the bottom of the piece, so your hallway furniture can move from room to room when it needs to do double duty as a bar cabinet.
A can of paint can also work wonders on a simple piece you'd like to upcycle. Don't believe us? Grab an old trunk, give it a few coats of a rich black finish, and you'll have a new hall shoe bench with character in no time.
