First impressions: styling a hallway with architectural details

Hallways are often the most overlooked spaces in a home, yet they set the tone for everything else. Because they are usually narrow and busy, small architectural details make a big difference.

Look up

A ceiling rose around the hall pendant draws the eye upwards and makes a narrow space feel taller. In a long corridor, two smaller roses spaced evenly can create a lovely rhythm.

Frame the doors

Hallways and landings are lined with doors, so they are the perfect place for overdoors. A row of matching pediments turns a plain corridor into something that feels considered and grand, without taking up any floor space. Explore our door toppers and overdoors.

Light the walls

Wall lights are kinder than a single overhead light in a hallway. They wash the walls, throw interesting shadows from plaster detail, and make the space feel welcoming at night. Shell and fan shapes are particularly good at spreading light. See our wall lights.

A hallway does not need more furniture. It needs one thing worth looking at.

Don't forget the small things

Switches and sockets are the first things you touch when you come home. A decorative switch surround is a tiny detail that ties the space together.

Colour for hallways

• Dark walls, light ceiling make a small hall feel cosy and deliberate.
• Colour-drenching (walls, woodwork and plaster in one colour) is a modern way to make details subtle and textural.
• A contrasting ceiling colour can be a surprise that makes people look up.