From our vantage point as a leading furniture and lifestyle house, we have witnessed the evolution of taste, culture and preferences for several decades. Along with architecture, furniture designs have also evolved rapidly to keep up with modern demands. However, despite considerable evolution in architecture, the hallway remains an integral zone and one that continues to have an oversized impact on the overall impression the house makes. The traditional zone in your house could be transformed with luxury hallway furniture and create the sort of first impression that your residence deserves.
Some pieces offer modern interpretations of timeless classics whilst others are entirely new creations catering to contemporary needs. Owing to the availability of excellent high-end options, the selection process may sometimes appear overwhelming. However, this feature will make the exercise significantly easier. We present key ideas from our designers that will enable you to create stunning first impressions through your hallway furniture.
New York-based interior designer and architect Campion Platt, responsible for several luxury properties, once said, "A hallway always pleases when it opens gracefully to other rooms and creates a promenade; it should not be too big to cannibalise other important living spaces." It certainly puts into perspective the complex thought process involved in decorating and furnishing a hallway.
The hallway creates the first impression of the house for visitors and reveals the possibilities that await in the rest of the house.
However, it is necessary to remember that the entryway decoration and furnishings need to be eye-catching enough to make the right impression without being overwhelming.
In addition to making an impression on visitors, it should also reflect your style and preferences adequately.
The aim should be to have a degree of drama in the decoration so that the hallway does not appear monotonous, whilst ensuring the furniture complements the decor while offering excellent functionalities.
When choosing furniture for your hallway, several factors deserve careful consideration. The dimensions of your space play a crucial role - both width and length will influence which pieces work best.
Consider the natural light available and how different furniture materials might interact with it. The flow of traffic through the space is another vital consideration, as your chosen pieces should enhance rather than impede movement through this busy thoroughfare.
The architectural style of your home should inform your furniture choices. A Georgian property might benefit from more classical pieces, while a contemporary build could accommodate more experimental designs.
However, don't feel constrained by traditional rules - sometimes the most striking interiors come from thoughtful juxtaposition of styles.
Modern hallway furniture has continued to evolve at a remarkable pace over the past decades and consequently, the options you can choose from are legion. However, we aim to make that choice easier for you. To do so, we will examine some of the best options which are routinely recommended by our expert designers.
Having been first designed in France in the 16th century, console tables fell out of fashion for a while but they have made a remarkable comeback in recent years and remain a great option for hallways. Its design helps in breaking the monotony of the hallway whilst adding a dash of glamour to the space. The table is best utilised for keeping keys, correspondence and curios meant for adding decorative value. Our designers recommend adding a classical mirror above the table to complete the look. The mirror would reflect light and also make the hallway appear more spacious.
When selecting a console table, consider the material and finish carefully. Marble-topped consoles offer timeless elegance and durability, while metal frames can provide a contemporary edge. Glass elements can help maintain a sense of lightness and space, particularly valuable in narrower hallways.
Modern furniture for hallways has been the result of the creative endeavours of some of the most gifted designers, and the hallway cabinet is one of the more important illustrations of the genre. These cabinets are designed especially for hallways. For instance, you will find especially shallow cabinets which will not take up excessive space and feel right at home in even the very narrow hallways. While storage is the primary function of these cabinets, they can also be the focal point of the space and help lend character and texture to it.
Pro tip: consider adding a shoe-storing section at the bottom.
Look for cabinets with innovative storage solutions, such as pull-out compartments or adjustable shelving. Some contemporary designs incorporate hidden charging stations for electronics or designated spots for keys and mail, making them as practical as they are beautiful.
Add comfort, sophistication and storage capacity to your hallway without taking up substantial floor space by integrating a bench with storage. The bench will serve as a comfortable spot on which you or your visitors may sit to put on or remove footwear before leaving or entering the house.
Exploit the space below the bench for storage and keep the hallway tidy. Opt for high-end materials like hardwood and lighter colours like white or beige to make the bench really stand out in your hallway. Lighter colours will make the space appear brighter and more spacious.
Consider upholstered options in luxurious fabrics like velvet or leather for added comfort and sophistication. Some designs feature compartmentalised storage beneath the seat, perfect for organising different household members' belongings.
Shoe storage furniture is essential to the hallway for obvious reasons and you should add one in one form or another. A dedicated shoe storage option can be an excellent way of keeping the area organised and tidy. Moreover, you really wouldn't want a well-decorated hallway to be undermined by stray shoes, which makes this piece of furniture an essential yet practical choice. The storage unit could be a shelf or a small cupboard; however, if you plan to deploy the unit only for the convenience of your guests then a shelf will suffice. We offer shoe storage units from hundreds of prestigious brands and we are confident that you will discover your ideal unit.
Modern shoe storage solutions often incorporate clever design features like tilted shelves for better visibility, pull-out compartments for easy access, and ventilation systems to maintain freshness.
It is a classical piece of furniture that has become a highly popular choice among individuals looking to add sophistication, functionality and ample storage capacity to their hallways.
The top of the sideboard can be used as a spot for decoration and display, while the rest of it would offer storage. You can turn a part of the sideboard into a display cabinet and showcase artwork, artefacts and photographs.
It can add significant interest and character to the hallway for a visitor who may only be passing through. The top of the sideboard can also be used to keep items like keys which you may need on your way out. You can find a huge range of modern sideboards from top luxury furniture brands like Cattelan Italia and Laskasas. They are almost always customisable in terms of materials and finishes so it’s easier than ever to find something that will complement your entryway.
Proper lighting can dramatically enhance your hallway furniture whilst creating the perfect ambiance. Consider a combination of ambient and accent lighting to highlight key pieces and create depth.
Wall sconces can complement a console table, whilst pendant lights might illuminate a striking sideboard. LED strip lighting can be incorporated into shelving units or under bench seating for a contemporary touch.
Modern hallway furniture is going to continue to evolve and we may return with more ideas at a later date; however, as things stand these are the best options. We can say this with a degree of assurance because our experts have helped hundreds of our clients in styling and decorating their hallways in the most tasteful ways.
FCI London has more than 40 years of experience in the luxury furniture and interior design industry, and we pride ourselves on being a trusted creator of luxury interiors in London, both large and small.
Our longstanding relationships with the finest craftsmen and designer brands from across Europe are at your disposal, and we offer first-class delivery and installation of any product you purchase through us, ensuring that your experience is stress-free and convenient.
Visit our 30,000 sq. ft. showroom, the largest luxury showroom in London, to discover, explore and experience an extensive range of contemporary and traditional hallway furniture, along with professional advice from our team of experienced and award-winning interior designers.
Utilise our complementary services like 3D Rendering, project planning, and enjoy our signature personalised service. We aim to make your design journey as seamless as possible, saving you time and effort wherever possible.
Our professional team is available to help you with every step of your decor project. Book a personalised visit and let's get the ball rolling on your hallway design.
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