How To Transform An Underutilized Hallway Into A Productive Space

Hallways are sometimes neglected in our homes and can seem bare and uninviting. While you may see your hallway as a room of the home that's simply used to get from point A to point B, it can be more. With a little bit of work, a hallway can be turned into a productive space as well as one that can be made to look more aesthetically pleasing than you thought possible.

By introducing new decor into the hallway and using practical furniture hallway ideas, you can transform an underutilized hallway into a productive space that helps make your home feel more complete. To do this, you'll need to think carefully about your strategy and evaluate the many decor and furniture options that are available. 

For example, you may want to add more storage to your hallway or make it into the ideal place to sit and relax during the day. Once you start brainstorming, you'll quickly realize that there's no shortage of great ways to elevate this part of your home and make it more interesting and useful than ever. 

There are different options to consider when aiming to make your hallway more serviceable and productive. One of the best ways to make use of the space is to use it for storage. If your hallway is large enough, you can add storage bins or cabinets, or install a combination storage bin and bench. If space is limited, adding hooks or floating shelves may be a better choice and can allow you to add a bit of gorgeous decor or to store some small items. 

You may want to use your hallway to display and store items such as hats, musical instruments, or anything else that you need easy access to. Adding bookshelves and making a small library or designing a small reading nook can be an excellent way to make use of this space as well. If the hallway is near the entrance to your home, it can be useful to create an entryway or drop-off station with a coat rack or umbrella stand to keep anything you need to once you come inside. 

Other than using your hallway for storage, consider making use of seating in this space if there's enough room. A single armchair can make the hallway into a great place to sit and relax for a few moments during the day or to spend some time reading. If your hallway is particularly spacious, you may even want to add a small desk or table so that you can use your laptop or get a bit of work done if needed.

While it's possible to make a hallway a functional and productive area of the home, don't neglect its appearance either. A few visual tweaks can go a long way. Classic decor choices for a hallway include family photographs and artwork, but there are many other options.

You can also make other design upgrades. Refreshing the paint throughout the hallway with a more vibrant color rather than just neutrals or adding an accent wall are both worth considering. Add houseplants or fill up the walls with collectibles or beautiful antiques. Some decor, such as mirrors, can even make a narrow hallway look bigger, so you may want to use these if your hallway seems a bit cramped. The options are endless and there are many ways to fill up empty space, so don't be afraid to experiment to create more drama and interest.

Finally, don't forget to consider the lighting. One reason why hallways often seem neglected and uninteresting is because they're too dim. Adding lighting fixtures to brighten up the space can make a big impact. Installing a chandelier or pendant lights can create a stunning look — or, simply add a couple of lamps to create a more ambient feel. The right lighting can help breathe new life into a hallway space. If you do decide to add any functional improvements to the space, they'll be easier to make use of as well.