Design ideas for hallways

Statement floors and galleried landings are features that add grandeur to a hallway but what can be done to create personality and unique touches, especially if you don’t have double ceiling height or fancy flooring? It’s easy to think of a hallway as merely a walkway – a corridor to other, more interesting areas of the house. However, it’s where you welcome your guests, it’s the place you return home to, and it can set the tone for the rest of your property. Here are some considerations for you.

This bold dual door pops against the oak cladding and white walls

The blue of this dual door takes centre stage

The wood of this passive dual door brings warmth to the hallway

Less is more with this crisp white hallway design

Warm lighting, plants, and a chair create an inviting entrance hall

RIBA House of the Year 2024, Eavesdrop's hallway is textural, warm and understated

Practical and attractive, hooks and a storage bench keep this hall clutter-free

Warm tones and somewhere to sit make this grand entrance feel welcoming

Simple, warm and textural with a focus on natural materials with the door taking centre stage.

Start with the front door

The front door is usually the centre of your hallway, and you’ll be looking at the internal side more often than the outside, so it’s worth working out what you really want it to look like.

Dual colour doors allow you to choose a material or colour that suits the hall design, rather than having to consider the whole house. Think of the flooring, walls, doors, and stairs as creating the foundation for the room. Finishes and materials don’t need to match, but tonally, everything should work together. Some of our clients match pieces of art, and wood finishes on stairs, floors and internal doors to the front door. You don’t have to go the matching route, of course.

We recommend that you think of the front door as a piece of furniture and consider the following: think size – go wide or tall (or both, if you can); think colour – and remember, bold doesn’t have to be garish; and think decoration, embellish your door with door furniture in solid bronze, statement black or opt for a concealed handle that is elegant and tasteful.

Dark wood and light walls make a stylish statement alongside an impressive staircase and bannisters

The simple staircase works beautifully with the flooring, oak door with statement Luna handle, and stunning glazing

Texture and considered lighting create a memorable entrance

The bold yellow door makes an impactful statement on the entrance hall

Sidelights and windows in a double height hallway allow light in

The greenery works beautifully against the dark wood door and stairs

Gorgeous glazing, monochrome stairs and flooring allow the purple door to take centre stage

The design of this hall and kitchen allow clear sightlines to admire the fumed oak front door

Consider your staircase

After your front door, your staircase is the most substantial feature you’ll need to design in your hallway.

Aside from considering the style of the staircase and whether it’s straight, L-shaped or spiral, the materials and size you choose will have a big impact.

Click through the gallery on the left and you’ll see plenty of inspiration. Don't be afraid to mix steel, concrete, wood and glass. The most impactful designs always have an element that is sculptural and bold. Choose a staircase that makes a statement and brings you joy: it is an area of the house you will see and use every day.

Crittall-style doors frame the bright yellow door

An entrance that invites you to pull up a chair and get cosy by the fire

Monochrome hallway with the colour of the internal door matching the main door

Glass walling floods this hallway with light

Spectacular internal cladding matches the equally spectacular door in this striking hallway

Warm wood, slate, and blue textured wall with hooks and seating creates a practical and attractive hallway

Sight lines have been carefully considered in this inviting hallway.

Choose your internal doors

The concept of the internal door has changed in the last few years from a practical item to a design statement. Although never out of fashion, the recent surge in Crittall-style doors featuring in projects is a great example of this. And remember, it's not necessary to match your internal doors to your front door (unless you want to!).

Glass internal doors, which work well with any front door, allow you to see through to other rooms and flood light throughout the property. Many contemporary houses are now designed to allow a clear view from the front door all the way to the garden.

Whether you decide to match your doors or not, you can choose options to stand out or blend in, depending on your plans for this area of your home.

Sculptural and perfectly balanced, the bright door shines against the pale wood and white walls

A galleried landing, cascading art, and an oversized Barn door make for an impressive welcome

Organic forms, warm textures and a clear view to the garden makes for a very appealing entrance

The walnut-stained door adds warmth to the light interior as you step into the hallway, where the spiral staircase takes pride of place

Staircase as art form in this pared back spacious hallway

Symmetry, height, and light: this hallway creates a wonderful sense of drama

A generous hallway with unusual arty details and a bronze pivot door

Make a statement

At Urban Front, we’re big believers in making a statement and creating a wow moment in your hallway.

It could be one item of furniture, a feature wall, a large mirror, a sculptural staircase or a bespoke front door, or all of these if you’re a fan of maximalist design. Whatever you go for, it’s certainly a way to bring your own flair and vision, and to set the tone for the rest of your interior.

We are here to help

If you need any advice choosing the right front door for your home or project, we're here to help with ideas, advice, and we offer a free design service, including creating moodboards, for you. Get in touch by calling (+44) 1494 778 787 or email: info@urbanfront.co.uk.

DISCUSS YOUR PROJECT