Banish the Bland: 8 Inspiring Ideas for a Handsome Hallway

Mount a series of hooks to create an easy drop-off center for coats and bags as you come through the door. Paint the walls with chalkboard paint, and your hallway now doubles as a message center or a place to record daily inspiration.

Perk up a boring hallway by hanging a series of photographs or artwork. Add some simple seating, like a long bench, and that space suddenly becomes a place you might want to linger instead of just passing through.

A long hallway with a high ceiling is perfect for housing a library. This supremely practical solution makes a stunning visual impact. Add a library ladder to make the top shelves easily accessible—and for the occasional spontaneous ride.

Transform the end of a long hallway into a destination by deploying a series of small throw rugs that lead up to a dramatic piece of art. Add a trunk, a throw, and a pillow, and you’ll have a place to stop and rest after your journey, or to mull over your next book selection.

Creating a cozy nook for reading or quiet contemplation makes good use of a boring, unappreciated hallway. The combination of a recessed wall of bookshelves and a bench seat lined with throw pillows is both understated and comfortable.

Adorn the wall of a blah hallway with a large mirror, which can increase the impact of a lighting fixture or an architectural feature like stairs by reflecting it back into the space. If your hallway is home to a utilitarian radiator cover, use it as a display for seasonal decor and homey candles.

Bring life to a long hallway with built-in shelves for storage and display. A series of focal lighting fixtures illuminates photos, and an arched beadboard ceiling is a beautiful counterpoint to the rich wood flooring.

Arrange a series of floating shelves to make an otherwise dull hallway delightful. Embellished with photos, mementos, and flowers, the shelves bring a dynamic element to the space. Simple bins on the floor below serve as practical but attractive storage.