The beginning of change
Before starting renovations in a small space, it is worth considering all the chances for further spatial expansion. For this, the following idea may be useful: connecting the entrance hall with the living room by deforming the door opening and partially changing the wall.
Additionally, it is recommended to purchase and install plasterboard partitions; their presence will help contain the flow of cold air and dirt particles coming from the street.
The living room will be protected from undesirable phenomena. Arched vaults placed in the places of doors between rooms are also practical. After abandoning massive doors, the space will become much freer and brighter.
Modern small hallways are often designed at the planning stage for further mounting of niches. Most often this occurs in houses built by Khrushchev.
Prepared recesses on the plane of the walls can be optimized for built-in wardrobes designed for storing clothing, shoes, accessories, and technical devices. In some cases, this place can be used to place a washing machine there.
The first action when starting renovation work is, of course, the dismantling of existing finishing materials. Next comes the process of leveling the surfaces and thoroughly cleaning them. It is also better to think about the lighting scenario in advance, because preparation of the areas for the location of sockets and lamps will be required even before the moment at which finishing work is carried out.
A preliminary plan will help to carefully hide all sections of the electrical cable. In addition, it should define the following points: design style, color scheme for filling, decorative elements, furniture for a small hallway.
A convenient option is to create a visual image: the plan can be drawn on a piece of paper, then at each step it will be clear whether the owner is deviating from his idea or sticking to it. This will protect you from unexpected repair problems.
According to designers, color solutions for a miniature hallway are best taken in a palette of light shades, because they can visually expand the boundaries of space, adding space. In addition, there are usually no windows in the hallway, which means there is not enough light.
It is recommended to choose one main color and several secondary colors; this will allow you to subsequently make contrasting combinations and accents in the necessary places.
Modern owners quite often choose white, which resonates with many styles. For example, classics, minimalism, Scandinavian style.
The uniform white covering of the walls and ceiling helps blur spatial boundaries. Because of this, all planes seem to move away from each other, the room visually changes and expands.
Some fear the similarity of the design of a small hallway with the feeling in hospital wards, with their whiteness and sterility. We must not forget that the bright space will be filled with bright accents: flooring, wooden furniture, poufs, mirrors in massive frames, paintings or photographs, carpets.
To achieve a softer, cozy effect, you can use a beige color. It is also versatile for any style. The color goes well with brown, but also often pairs with various light pastel shades.
Gray color is also extremely popular because of its restraint, conciseness and neutrality. Perfect for decorating a room in a restrained style. For variety, you can use lighting of different levels and mirrors.
The photo of the small hallway uses pastel colors. When working with them, you need to remember that it is better not to combine tones of different types, but to choose one color and a couple of its shades. This will help avoid an overly contrasting appearance.
Repair is the basis of transformation
Before renovation, you should evaluate all possibilities for expanding the space, for example, dismantling the partition between the hallway and the hall or the hallway and the living room. For visual zoning of the space after dismantling, plasterboard partitions are used.
A good option would be to install arched (oval or rectangular) openings between the hallway and the hall, which allow you to visually enlarge the space, filling it with natural light.
The presence of a niche is always a “plus” in favor of arranging a hallway. Firstly, you can equip it with a built-in wardrobe in which seasonal clothes and shoes will be stored, and secondly, you can make a storage place for household appliances for the home and even a narrow washing machine with vertical or front loading.
Floor
For this kind of coating, you need a material that can withstand constant mechanical loads and is easy to clean, because this is exactly what he will have to face while in the hallway. A good option would be to use tiles or porcelain stoneware; they have a wide range of colors and operational requirements.
The most budget-friendly solution can be called linoleum, which is relevant regardless of the high level of use. Linoleum is produced on the basis of artificial and natural components. We must not forget that, unlike parquet and laminate, it tolerates contact with water, sand and other rocks more easily.
Choice of colors
Designers rightly believe that for small hallways it is better to choose a light palette as the main color scheme, which can visually smooth out the boundaries of the room and expand it.
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Light colors are especially relevant for hallways that do not receive daylight, and all lighting is reduced to almost artificial lighting sources.
Typically, designers try to choose one main and two additional, accent colors.
Walls
The choice often stops at a combination of several finishing materials. After leveling, they are coated with an acrylic compound and plaster is applied; you can also use wallpaper, which can be washed if necessary.
An emphasis on one wall can be made with the help of photo wallpaper, selected to match the overall style. Some areas can be diversified with stones, such as openings or niches.
Gray color at the peak of popularity
Gray color is popular today in decoration and interior design. It is laconic (suitable for most styles), neutral (can act as a basis for subsequent decoration), moderately bright and restrained, creating some monochrome.
To enliven a gray space, it is recommended to use additional shades: white, black, blue, beige. Multi-level lighting and mirrored decor look great in a gray hallway.
Suitable furniture
A small space cannot be filled with large cabinets, so you will have to look for original storage systems. To place them, you need to choose space in the corners, or use a hanger and a set of modules for the hallway. Then it will be possible to place elements in free areas.
You can attach a mezzanine above the door and place storage boxes on the sides. It is also recommended to use multi-tasking accessories: a shoe box and a pouf - two in one.
How to use the closet
If all else fails, you can try using a cabinet in a small hallway. However, it must be harmoniously integrated into the style and provide functionality.
Let's consider suitable models:
- Standard equipment. The cabinet has only one door. It is necessary to hide the contents of its space. Behind it, as a rule, a rod is mounted for a variety of hangers. In different places you can see shelves, drawers and a shoe compartment.
- Model with lower and upper shelves. This version is small in size. Therefore it is suitable for an ultra small hallway. Offers voluminous shelves for storing blankets, pillows, shoes, and hats.
- A narrow cabinet combined with a chest of drawers. Operation of an open or closed version of the product is allowed. Suitable for storing any types of outerwear. The accompanying chest of drawers is used for shoes and shoe care products.
The main thing is to figure out which option is suitable and install it correctly with maximum contact with the wall in order to save as much space as possible. The span of the doors during the opening process is taken into account in advance.
Light and decorative elements
A good option would be a small chandelier or spotlights. In addition, you can place spotlights. Additional lighting will be needed in the case of a mirror, and neon lamps for the floor or ceiling.
Massive elements in the hallway should be avoided. It is better to put a couple of frames with photographs, a mirror and inserts with floral motifs.
Plan your design in advance!
Before renovation, it is important to think through the entire interior of the hallway, color schemes, finishing materials used, as well as furniture options.
Even the choice of lighting fixtures must be made in advance: not all wall and ceiling lamps are suitable for installation in small hallways.
Styles to implement
- Classic. Cream and gray tones, white wooden furniture, mirror in a massive frame.
- Minimalism. Geometric shapes, corner accents, solid color panels and large mirrors.
- Scandinavian style. White, olive, gray shades, small bedside tables and poufs, vintage elements.
- Loft. Brick and concrete walls, minimalism, metal hangers and shelving.
Pastel palette for sophisticated interiors
To achieve a light (but not snow-white) environment, you can use shades of beige, which looks great in any stylistic design.
In addition to beige, it is recommended to take 2-3 additional shades, for example, brown, white, all shades of pastel.
To create an unobtrusive atmosphere in a modern small hallway, all shades of pastel colors are suitable, for example, light green, soft pink, blue, peach, etc.
To avoid a feeling of confusion, you should choose one pastel shade and, as an accent, choose a more saturated tone of the same spectrum.
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For example, a wall is painted with a light shade, and stripes on it are created with the same shade, only two or three shades darker.
Photo of a small hallway
Ceiling decoration
In small hallways, a light ceiling with a flat surface is advantageous. As a finish, you can choose a suspended ceiling or plasterboard (in both cases, you can organize zonal spot lighting for the room).
The advantage of suspended systems is that there is no need to level the surface of the “native” ceiling or carry out any preparatory work.
Narrow hallways
Narrow hallways can be a problem area in many houses and apartments. A cramped space where a large group of people meet can become uncomfortable territory. One thing is for sure: if you have a narrow corridor, then you should choose the best configuration for the space. The appropriate arrangement and location of the hallway will help with this. The ideas presented will allow you to create a beautiful and attractive room even in a small area.
Hallway with bookcase, that is, additional space
Start with a simple idea or bookcase placement. No matter how narrow your hallway or entryway is, a bookcase will always fit. You can use this shelf to store your most important items or to decorate your space. Place photos, books or holiday favors here.
Narrow hallway with mirror
Mirrors will help optically enlarge the space. In addition, everyone likes to look at their reflection before leaving the house, and also check in what form they return after a walk. Mirrors work exceptionally well in small spaces, and a hallway with limited space will be no exception.
Entryway filled with art
If possible, you can hang a large painting, wall painting or wallpaper with characteristic designs on one of the walls. In this case, you have a big city view, but you can choose something more relaxing, like a tropical beach image.
Hooks and hangers in the hallway
Hangers right by the front door are a huge plus for every hallway. Especially when you don't have a lot of floor space, use walls as much as possible.
Hallway with hidden storage space
If you are a person who likes to stay in a minimalist, clean and tidy environment, then you won't find anything better than in-wall cabinets for a practical hallway decoration. This will free up space to hide all your jackets, coats, scarves and umbrellas. In addition, choose light shades that will optically enlarge the space.
Bench at the entrance
The first thing you do is take off your shoes? If so, then you will love this idea! Behind the door, you can install a pouf or bench - preferably one that can be opened and used as storage space. Let's also remember that such a bench should be relatively narrow so that it does not take up much space.
Lighting
The problem of natural lighting in hallways is relevant for most apartments, so a lot of attention should be paid to the choice of artificial light sources. You can give preference to central lighting by choosing a ceiling lamp.
For zoning and creating softer and diffusing light, it is recommended to pay attention to spotlights, spotlights, and wall sconces.
The area near the mirror can also become an additional zone of light - in modern interiors, mirrors are installed in which spotlights or an LED strip are provided along the perimeter of the frame.
Surface finishing
The hallway is the most trafficked and dirty place, so the materials chosen for finishing should be as practical and durable as possible. The floor and walls should be easy to clean, not accumulate dirt, and withstand accidental impacts and scratches.
Flooring
The most budget option for finishing the floor in the hallway is linoleum. This material is affordable, environmentally friendly, durable and easy to clean from dirt. However, it is best to install ceramic tiles or stone on the floor. These materials are the most durable, they are not afraid of water, chemicals, mold, fungi and pests, as, for example, is the case with wooden coverings. The tiles are easy to clean and can withstand significant loads.
Ceiling
In small hallways it is better to avoid multi-level structures, large chandeliers or voluminous decor, such as beams. Simple light plaster or paint always looks appropriate. If the height of the ceilings allows, you can install tension fabrics or suspended plasterboard structures.
Suspended ceilings allow you to hide surface imperfections and mount lamps anywhere. Most often, lighting is installed along the perimeter of the room, and a compact chandelier is installed in the center.
Walls
Light plaster or wallpaper will visually make the corridor in a one-room apartment wider. When choosing wallpaper, it is better to choose vinyl or acrylic - they are denser and more durable, which cannot be said about paper. Colors that are too light are not suitable for finishing walls and floors; stains will be immediately visible on them. Dark shades are also unsuitable for the corridor, as they make the interior gloomy and oppressive.
