How to choose furniture for the hallway: an overview of important points to consider

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When entering an apartment, a person finds himself in the hallway, and the first impression of the house is formed precisely thanks to it. Therefore, it is so important to properly decorate this room, choose suitable furniture, and make the atmosphere harmonious and cozy. What furniture to choose for the hallway, what accessories are needed? When answering these questions, you need to take into account many factors: the size of the hallway, the overall style of the interior, functionality and compatibility of items.

Hallway Henri

No. 1. Considering the size of the room

When choosing furniture, it is important to correctly determine its size, which depends on the parameters of the room itself. Unfortunately, most hallways in domestic apartments are very tiny , and you can only put a small cabinet there, accommodate a shelf for shoes and somehow hang a mirror. It happens that even this modest set does not fit, and then you have to make do with a hanger or a set of hooks, a small shelf and a mirror. If the hallway is medium in size , then you can accommodate a fire pit and pay attention to modular furniture, which can be modified at your discretion. A sliding wardrobe, which can decorate a medium or large hallway, would also be a good option. In any case, before buying anything, you need to measure all the parameters of the room, or even better, sketch out a small sketch indicating where and what will be located.

What is important to consider when ordering

The main criteria by which pieces of furniture are selected are: attractive appearance that matches the taste of the owners, sizes suitable for placement in the room and reasonable cost. The furnishings should not unnecessarily clutter the hallway and create an oppressive feeling. It is designed not only to maximally meet the needs of owners in places to store clothes, shoes or household belongings, but should also allow free movement along the corridor and not create obstacles to the transportation of large items that can be ordered later or, for example, baby strollers.

Design of a narrow hallway in an apartment

The main functions that pieces of furniture installed in the hallway are designed to perform.

1. Decorate the room. When arranging elements, it is necessary to take into account the layout of the hallway. Furniture should not seem like a meaningless jumble of elements. Its shade depends not only on the chosen design concept, but also on the type of room itself. Dark furniture can visually significantly reduce space, while light shades, on the contrary, will not greatly affect the size of even a small corridor.

   When you cross the threshold of your apartment, you want to immediately immerse yourself in an atmosphere of comfort and tranquility

2. Allow you to place the necessary things in modules . Furniture is required to provide storage for clothes and shoes of different seasons, various devices for caring for them and other items.
3. Ensure that residents of the apartment have the opportunity to gather comfortably before going outside . For this you need good light, a large mirror, and a seat for comfortable shoes.
4. Ensure order. Untidy shoes or a pile of clothes on a hanger greatly affect the perception of the interior of the room as a whole.

   Modular hallway

In accordance with the configuration of the room, furniture can be located along one line. In hallways shaped like the letter “L”, corner elements are often installed, which allow more efficient use of space and change the geometry.

Sleek and compact combination cabinet

The price and functional characteristics of furniture are greatly influenced by the material from which the furniture is made . The main materials that manufacturers use today are chipboard, MDF and solid wood. The designs can be supplemented with various elements made of plastic, metal or glass.

When purchasing chipboard products, the level of formaldehyde emission from these boards is important. This substance, which is contained in the resins used in the production of particle boards, is a carcinogen. The degree of its danger directly depends on the concentration. If it exceeds permissible limits, there is a risk of many diseases occurring in those living in the apartment: from skin problems and bronchial asthma to cancer. Moreover, the material can release formaldehyde for an indefinite period of time. You should not install furniture at home made from slabs with an emission class exceeding E1.

Certificate of conformity

In addition to chipboard, phenol-formaldehyde resins are also used in the production of FSF and OSB plywood. Only the content of formaldehyde in small doses does not affect human health. High-quality MDF produced by well-known companies does not pose any harm to people. This material has superior characteristics to chipboard, but is more expensive.

Why is MDF attractive when used in furniture production? The advantages of using MDF in relation to other materials are presented in the table.

MDF

But those who want to purchase furniture that is durable, presentable-looking and, most importantly, safe for health, choose products made from solid wood. Such sets, including those for hallways, not only decorate the interior, but also fill the air with a pleasant aroma of wood, which has a beneficial effect on a person’s psycho-emotional state.

Accessories used in production . The accessories used in the production of furniture largely determine its service life, ease of use and appearance. Faceplates and mounting hardware are typically made of metal or plastic. But ceramics, glass or wood can be used for decorative purposes. Many factories produce high-quality accessories. This mainly applies to European products, "Gross", "FGV" or "Siro". But products from Russian enterprises and some Chinese companies can boast decent characteristics.

Furniture fittings

No. 2. Choosing a style

In terms of interior style, it is pointless to advise anything, since everyone chooses what they like. It is important that the hallway does not differ in style from the rest of the rooms in the apartment: it is allowed to use a different color scheme, but it is better to leave the general principles the same. By the way, as for color, light-colored furniture is perfect for small , which will not constrain the space and visually reduce it. For miniature hallways, you can choose minimalism or hi-tech as the main direction.

Modern designers claim that different rooms in an apartment can be decorated in different styles, but at the same time they should be united by something in common, and the chosen styles should be compatible with each other.

No. 3. Furniture material

Hallway furniture, as a rule, is made of MDF or chipboard, and sets made of natural wood are much more expensive, and they look appropriate in more or less spacious rooms. Plastic furniture elements are very easy on the interior and are more suitable for country houses, but if this is the only possible option, then even the simplest plastic shoe stand can be successfully used.

As when choosing any other furniture, you need to pay attention to the build quality, the reliability of the fittings, and the strength of fastening of individual parts. It is important that all doors and shelves open and slide freely, and that the hooks support the appropriate weight. Inserts made of plastic, glass or metal may be present as decoration, and depending on this, the quality of the fittings and the material itself, the price will differ. By the way, pay attention to the ready-made hallways, which are made of any size and configuration: they fit perfectly near the wall or in the corner, have a different number of shelves, hooks, doors, accommodate compartments for shoes, outerwear, hats, all sorts of small items, etc. Of course, they can’t do without a mirror.

Modular furniture for hallways is now widely available on sale : these are several important blocks made in the same style, which can be swapped depending on the configuration of a particular room. This is a universal and very convenient option that has already saved more than one miniature hallway, and when moving, there will be no need to look for new furniture, but simply adapt the existing one.

Open coat hooks

Open hooks for outerwear look easy and do not clutter up the space. Yes, then you will definitely hang clothes and the space will decrease. But it will still be better than a closed closet. In addition, it is better to leave a wet coat or jacket in an open space rather than lock it in a closet. In general, this solution looks light, airy and is also convenient.

No. 4. The wardrobe is the main item in the hallway

It is quite difficult to imagine a hallway without a closet, since it is the one that stores such necessary things as jackets, hats, scarves, gloves and other accessories. Of course, the ideal option is a wardrobe , especially since now you can find or, in extreme cases, make a custom-made model of almost any size. It is also suitable for hallways that are not very spacious, since it is spacious, but at the same time, the door opening system in it is sliding, which means that they will not impede movement and completely block the exit from the apartment, like swing doors.

If the hallway is so compact that a wardrobe won’t fit in there, or if it has a square shape, then it is better to use a small wardrobe combined with a mezzanine and a bedside table for shoes, a seating area, a system of hooks and a mirror. This entire multifunctional system takes up very little space, but provides the opportunity to store the most necessary things. By the way, in some sets the hinged doors of such a cabinet are equipped with compartments for storing small items, such as gloves and umbrellas.

When trying to save space in the hallway, it is important not to overdo it: although the closet should be compact, if its depth is less than 40 cm, then it will be completely roomy and non-functional. And once again it is worth noting that the quality of workmanship and reliability of the fittings determine the ease of use of such furniture in the future.

Choosing the color of the hallway

Before buying furniture for the hallway, you need to decide on a color scheme. There are two things to take into account here:

1. General design of the apartment. The hallway should not be radically different from other rooms and should not deviate from the given style. To decorate this zone, it is recommended to use no more than three colors.
2. Dimensions of the hallway itself. If it is small, then you should give preference to furniture in light, cool shades, which visually expand the space. For a spacious room, you can choose any colors, including bright and dark.

Of course, the final choice of color for the hallway is yours. Remember a few life hacks:

• floors and walls of dark shades harmonize well with light furniture;
• light and pastel details in the interior look good against the background of dark furniture;
• a plain hallway, where the furniture and decoration are in the same color scheme, looks stylish and noble;
• A combination of glossy and matte tones and different textures will help add variety to the interior;
• To make the selected colors look more advantageous, you can use lighting elements such as spotlights or LED strips. Additional light sources will visually increase the space. You can achieve the same effect using mirrors.

It often turns out that when renovating an apartment, the hallway is ignored; its design is done last, when financial opportunities and inspiration are already running out. This is not entirely the right approach, since it is at the entrance to the house that its mood is set. If you approach the choice of hallway creatively, you can combine several styles and create your own unique interior.

No. 5. If the cabinet doesn't fit

If the hallway is very compact, and even the smallest closet will not fit in it, then you will have to select several of the most important items separately from each other and try to place them in the existing space.

But you certainly can’t do without a hanger in the hallway: it can be either a small bar with several hooks or a floor model. The second option, of course, is more convenient and prettier, but due to its bulk, it is not suitable for placement in every hallway. Wall hangers can be equipped with a different number of hooks located at the same or different heights, and a small shelf can be installed on top of them for storing hats or umbrellas. This is one of the most compact options, which at the same time remains functional.

In any case, the hanger is intended to store a small number of things that are currently in constant use. If down jackets, spring jackets, hats, and caps hang there, then the sight will not be the most aesthetic, and sooner or later this mountain of things will begin to bother you.

Storing things

To keep clothes, as well as other things, in order, there are several options for storage systems:

1. Open shelves. They are usually used for hats and accessories. On small shelves you can store keys, a phone, a notebook;
2. Closet. In a small model with hinged doors and a mirror, you can place outerwear on them. If the hallway is large enough, it will be equipped with a wardrobe. This is a whole storage system where clothes, shoes, small items, bulky items, and rarely used items will find their place;
3. Mezzanine. If the ceiling height is sufficient, install a system of cabinets underneath. Practical modern materials allow you to create spacious shelves for seasonal items: skis, sleds, children's bicycles.

This photo shows various options for storage systems in the hallway.

Shoe storage

Several open shelves are installed for seasonal casual shoes. This way, outdoor boots dry freely and do not deteriorate or become deformed.

An example of storing seasonal casual shoes in open shelves in the hallway.

If there is enough space, you can equip a closed shoe rack with horizontal or inclined shelves.

Furniture for storing closed shoes.

By connecting a shoe rack with a bench, you can create a place to put on shoes, saving space in the hallway.

A shoe rack connected to a bench will make putting on shoes more convenient.

No. 6. Where should you put your shoes?

If your hallway easily accommodates a wardrobe or a cabinet with a bedside table for storing shoes, then the issue can be resolved. But what to do in a number of other cases? An excellent option that is suitable even for the most compact hallways is a fire pit . This is a narrow object the height of a chest of drawers, which has several sections for storing shoes: depending on the type of shoes and the width of the top itself, the number of pairs that can easily be placed in it can vary significantly. Compactness is achieved due to the fact that all shoes are stored there virtually in a vertical state.

There are plenty of other options. The simplest is storing shoes on special plastic shelves: their selection is not very extensive, but they are spacious, but also require a certain space in the hallway. Often, bedside tables for shoes a bench, bench or ottoman in the hallway is also resolved, with the help of which putting on and taking off shoes is much more convenient.

However, shoe cabinets may not be equipped with a seat, but at the same time have a very original and attractive appearance, making the hallway stylish and unique. In this case, it is worth providing a stool, a separate bench or a small bench where you can sit down and put on your shoes.

Full length mirror

There is always a place for a mirror. Even in the most limited space. The mirror is quite small in width, but full-length. This also visually increases the space and the hallway will become more spacious. Before going out you should always look at yourself, this is a necessity for everyone. Girls will need to touch up their lips, evaluate their new, cool look along with their shoes, and just make sure that they look 100%. This is also true for men, although you may deny it.

Place the mirror near the entrance. You can even make a decorative mirror panel opposite the furniture set. It is also integrated into the decorative trim of the front door. In any case, refusal will not be accepted. The mirror will always fit in any hallway. Dot.

No. 7. Why not have a mirror?

A mirror is as important an attribute of a hallway as a closet, hangers and all kinds of shelves, because not everyone can leave the house without looking at their own reflection. Only owners of spacious hallways can afford to provide a separate place for it. A convenient and functional option is to place a mirror above the chest of drawers.

If the hallway cannot boast a huge amount of square meters, then the best option is to combine the functions of a mirror and any other piece of furniture. So, mirrored wardrobe doors and a mirror on the door of a small cabinet look great. If these items still do not fit in the hallway, then pay attention to compact models for hallways that combine a shelf, hooks and a mirror, for example. As a last resort, you can always choose a mirror with specific parameters separately, but do not rush to enclose it in a massive frame, which will be out of place in a small hallway.

How to choose furniture taking into account the size of the room

It is not always possible to place all of the listed items in the entrance area. Before choosing a hallway, you need to determine the size and shape of the room. It’s easiest for owners of spacious premises. They can choose any option they like or combine several items so that they form a harmonious and functional ensemble.

If you want to hide the storage system, a built-in wardrobe will help out. Its sizes can be very different. Only the doors remain visible, behind which an impressive volume is hidden. Then he will replace the dressing room. In spacious halls it is better not to limit yourself to one storage system. So, a small single wardrobe will only spoil the look of the room. Even the most minimalist interiors require a harmonious combination of several items.

Modular systems can be used. Their advantage lies in the combination of different modules according to the principle needed in specific conditions. With the help of modular systems you can successfully play with the features of the room. The length of the blank walls and the location of the doorways will determine the shape of the furniture structure.

Instagram @nelly.gayazova

Instagram @nelly.gayazova

Corner structures with different lengths of side blocks are convenient and roomy: L-shaped, triangular, five-walled. They make it possible to organize space as efficiently as possible. It is advisable that their contents include shelves for accessories and small items. Then they will not lie in plain sight and the hall will take on a neat appearance and the feeling of clutter will disappear.

Small spaces are the most difficult to organize. If possible, it is best to install a built-in wardrobe. Its volume is distributed as efficiently as possible. In addition, they put a shoe rack and a miniature ottoman. It is more difficult to choose an entrance hall in a narrow corridor, which are most often found in Khrushchev-era buildings. Here the furnishings are placed only along one of the walls. Choose the narrowest models. A closet, even a shallow one, is unlikely to fit. It is replaced with an open floor or wall hanger. Be sure to have a mirror, preferably a full-length one. It will perform two functions at once: it will help you monitor your appearance and visually expand the corridor.

Sometimes it is important to use transformable furniture. These are modules that perform several functions. So, a seat can be placed on the shoe rack. Or the item can fold out to become a miniature table.

Instagram @mebelliana

Instagram @mebelliana

No. 8. Useful little things

The hallway, like any other room, cannot do without accessories, only here they can also perform some specific function. So, if there is some space left in the room, then you can put an umbrella stand , which will complement the existing interior design. You can place an elegant key holder , put a newspaper rack , or just a small box for accumulating all sorts of little things, such as flyers, business cards, small money, etc.

In addition, the interior of the hallway can be supplemented with other items: paintings, vases, clocks, photographs, but all this should be in moderation so as not to overload the room and not take away its proper functionality.

In conclusion

The ease of arranging a hallway is directly proportional to its size: the more spacious and spacious it is, the easier it is to choose furniture, because almost anything can be installed. If it comes to a modest-sized or even tiny hallway, then everything can turn into a real problem. For the smallest rooms, it is better not to even use ready-made sets, but to select the most necessary items separately, maintaining a single style. It is worth remembering that absolutely any hallway can be made functional, you just need an individual approach: a little imagination and imagination, making calculations and maximum attention when choosing furniture - and your hallway will turn into a cozy and comfortable place, capable of coping with all the assigned tasks.

The article was written for the site.

Tags: Hallway