In addition to an inviting appearance in and of itself, a hallway or hallway should set the tone for the rest of your home—and should be considered along with entryway and front porch ideas to ensure a consistent feel.
Keep reading to discover the best entryway wall decor ideas that are sure to add character, interest, and excitement to your home.
hallway wall decor ideas
From interior details to innovative suggestions for wall décor ideas, design-led hallway wall décor ideas will inspire your scheme.
1. Choose contemporary art that fills one wall
(Photo credit: Albion North)
“There are two really effective ways to make a statement with art in a small hallway,” says Camelia Clark, Creative Director at Albion Nord. (Opens in a new tab). The first is to play with scale in interior design. Make the most of your wall space and choose a large-scale artwork that spans the entire height of the wall. You will feel bold and impactful.
If you have a narrow hallway, another way to admire the art is to create an art wall. Play with a mix of artworks of different sizes, colors, and genres to create your own gallery space.
2. Keep the color scheme consistent
(Photo credit: Birdie Fortescue)
“Apartment entry ideas are very important but often overlooked,” says Birdie Fortescue, Founder and Creative Director of Birdie Fortescue. (Opens in a new tab). ‘The entry sets the style for the rest of the house, so the way it’s designed and presented is key. Art is incredibly useful in this type of setting as it can be used tactically to either make a strong statement, add personality, or introduce entryway paint ideas and colors.
If you have a generous entrance or an open staircase idea, make the most of large-scale works to make an impact. Diptychs and triptychs can be very useful on large areas of walls as can a series of prints or photographs. In this hallway, the paintings are by the same artist and the subject continues up the stairs until the landing creating a strong visual link between the different areas and anchoring the color palette of green and earthy natural tones.
3. Install a mirror wall in a dark hallway
(Image credit: Cabellero)
Decorating with mirrors is a great way to brighten up any space, but because small entryways often have limited natural light, they call for reflective surfaces.
Mirrors are a great versatile design feature, adding instant sparkle and interest, while amplifying light and enhancing the sense of space in a dark hallway.
4. Antique art source and vintage frames
(Photo credit: Benny Morrison/Mike Garlick)
“For a classic-style entryway, you can’t beat vintage frames that come with original paintings or can be used to hold your photographs or artwork,” says Melanie Griffiths, Editor, Period Living. “They come in all sizes, some with more ornate details than others, but each piece is to taste and use as a decorative element.”
5. Keep it simple with a Shaker style suspension rail
(Image credit: Mylands)
Being the main entrance and exit to your home, the entrance is a high traffic area, especially if you have children and pets, so good entrance storage ideas are a must.
Entrance wall decor can be as simple as a basket rail and a straw hat. They are all decorative pieces in their own way and can successfully break up an ordinary but colorful wall.
6. Use shiplap on the wall as a decorative feature
(Image credit: OKA)
Instead of simple walls, give them an update with shiplap, it’s really versatile, easy to apply and gives a textured look that can lift a tired scheme.
When it comes to refreshing your home for spring, I find the entryway is often overlooked, which is unfortunate because it’s where we welcome family and friends. I like to keep this space bright and fresh, with lots of color. An easy way to do this is to hang distinctive artwork on plain walls or add bold decorative pieces, such as hand-glazed Hongwu pots in vibrant shades of yellow. Try picking out primary colors and adding lampshades in matching colors,” explains Sue Jones, co-founder and creative director at OKA. (Opens in a new tab).
7. Hang a statement background in the hallway
(Image credit: Paint and Paper Library)
In addition to considering colors that fit the period of your property, and materials and colors that might surround your front door ideas, it’s also important to consider moving into your interior design, linking your entrance color selection to your front entrance. “Your door and interior . says Andy Grenal dead to design at the Paint and Paper Library (Opens in a new tab). “Whether you choose a classic, deep shade or contrast with a bolder and brighter color, the entryway should be considered a transitional space that sets the tone for the rest of your interior.”
8. Use wallpaper for panels
(Image credit: Arte)
“Entries are often the first space you or your guests meet when entering your home, so it’s a great space to make a design impact,” says Philippe Dysart, Managing Director at Arte. (Opens in a new tab). It can be difficult to add design impact to these narrow functional spaces with furniture, so wall decor is a great solution, as it allows you to add color, pattern, and texture without affecting often precious floor space.
“This is an area you go through rather than live in, so here you can be bold with the scale, color or texture of your wallcoverings. Bolder prints and patterns installed in paintings are a great alternative to wall artwork, adding visual interest and a stunning design feature. There is a universal appetite for prints and patterns right now, and such a wide choice of colors, size and pattern is available in wall coverings that it is easy to incorporate any pattern on your hallway walls.
9. Choose a sculptural mirror
(Image credit: Elicyon)
“I always recommend using really interesting furniture in an entryway – a beautiful console table or a carving piece,” says Charu Gandhi, founder and director of Elicyon. (Opens in a new tab). It’s unexpected and because it’s not a place you’ll sit for ages, you don’t have to focus on functionality or, in fact, comfort, just to be able to do something completely trivial. I like to put mirrors in doorways because it can look quite dark. Likewise, try adding a floor or table lamp, especially when you are having fun.
10. Choose a statement watch for a pure effect
(Image credit: OKA)
“The entryway is often the first thing guests see when they enter your home, so try creating interesting little reliefs with one or two base pieces to make a good first impression, says Sue Jones, co-founder and creative director at OKA. (Opens in a new tab). It can be hard to make an impact if you have a lot of room to decorate; If so, find something to match the size and grandeur of the room, such as a massive Grenvelle clock. It definitely makes her presence known.
What should I put on my entryway wall?
Whether your entryway is traditional or modern, there are plenty of creative ways to let you talk about the walls.
Adding impact to entryway walls doesn’t have to be limited to traditional methods of wallpaper or paint ideas either. There are plenty of ways to liven up your entry, whether you choose an easy-to-change option, like creative wall stickers, or invest in a custom solution, like stunning wall ideas or a subtle metaphor.