The moment of arrival usually sets the tone for any new experience or beginning. When it comes to luxury interior design, this philosophy applies to the hallway or entryway, which often receives less attention than it deserves.
When properly designed and furnished, the hallway can be much more than just a transitional space, instead, it can be the setting point of your home’s narrative. For those who appreciate design, a hallway is a space for the artful expression of their personal taste.
At FCI London, we believe that true luxury lies in creating the perfect balance between style and functionality. So our curated collection of modern hallway furniture too, embodies this ethos. We offer you an array of pieces that blend practicality with sophisticated aesthetics. Your home should be a depiction of your tastes and values and this should begin with a hallway that speaks volumes about your unique taste and sets the stage for the luxurious experience that waits ahead.
When selecting hallway storage furniture, one needs a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the function that each piece will be performing. Below we look at some of the most commonly sought after hallway furniture pieces. When chosen rightly, these pieces can take your entryway to new levels of luxe.
A beautiful and well-constructed console table, also known as an entryway table, can be both a functional and a visually captivating piece for modern hallways. It is much more than just a plain surface to put your keys or the mail, instead, it offers an opportunity to introduce elements of artistry and refinement as soon as someone enters your home.
Our designers recommend that when you’re buying a console table, consider pieces with refined details that showcase artisanal craftsmanship. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to buy console tables with intricate carvings. Even simple designs made from luxury materials and with the hands of expert craftsmen will immediately catch one’s attention and transform your entryway from ordinary to extraordinary. It is common practice to pair consoles with mirrors for a well balanced look. The surface of the table also offers plenty of space for you to bring in accessories that can make your entryway more interesting and personalised.
If you’re looking for a piece of hallway furniture that offers the greatest practicality without sacrificing aesthetics, you need to invest in a modern storage bench. These hallway benches can be designed to store shoes, bags or any extra items, along with offering a place to sit and take a break. It’s a clever combination of form and function that allows you to maintain an uncluttered entryway without having to compromise on style. You can also choose to upholster your storage bench in customised leather or fabric for added aesthetic appeal or you could go for an upholstered ottoman style bench.
We particularly love the idea of creating a bespoke joinery section in the hallway that includes some coat hangers, a mix of open and closed storage and a fitted storage bench, all of which come together wonderfully. There are of course many other ways to style these benches. Some clients choose to create a gallery wall behind their bench with family pictures or pieces of art while others opt to build a small library around them.
For individuals with prized shoe collections, there can never be enough storage space in the house. Having a dedicated shoe storage cabinet in the hallway isn’t just a storage solution but it also brings a lot more convenience and organisation to everyday life as you can easily grab your shoes while on your way out.
The best part is that the days of unsightly shoe racks are long gone. You can now opt for sleek and minimalist cabinet designs that add to the curated aesthetics of your entryway. You can also choose bold designs, such as those that feature mirrored doors and bring a touch of grandeur to the space. You can also create a multifunctional, bespoke cabinet that merges two or more functionalities together, for example, a shoe cabinet with a coat rack or a bench with a shoe rack. For luxury homes, interior designers will always recommend discreet or enclosed shoe storage instead of open shelves so look for something in a durable material with a timeless design.
If you want your hallway to feel spacious and thoughtfully curated, the key is to maximise the vertical space. And this can be achieved with bespoke shelving or joinery. You can opt for glass shelves, floating shelves or metal ones, all of which, when rightly designed, can make your hallway feel warm and inviting. You can use these shelves to display memorable pictures, treasured books, travel souvenirs, captivating sculptures or other conversation starting items from your curated collections.
Floating shelves with drawers are a great option for small or narrow hallways because they won’t take up any floor space. For such spaces, you should choose shelving in lighter colours to reflect light and make the space feel brighter. It’s important to consider the dimensions and proportions and avoid bringing in any bulky items on the shelves because you want the space to feel as spacious as possible.
Mirrors are a good option for all types of hallways but particularly the narrow ones because they instantly make the space feel larger, brighter and more inviting. If your hallway gets natural light, you need to make sure that the mirror is strategically placed so it properly reflects the light and amplifies the whole hallway.
Look for oversized mirrors or those in eye-catching frames that can be the statement piece of your entryway. Most interior designers would recommend that you pair the mirror with other complementing furniture such as a console table, sideboard or shelving. Many clients even add in some seating options with a dresser style table so they can do a quick touch up before leaving the house. Like mirrors, artwork can also help in making your hallway feel more expanded but this is a more personalised way of achieving it. You could create a gallery of family photographs or display a large painting which captures the attention of visitors and makes your entryway feel more captivating.
For bigger hallways, or those that also act as transitional spaces between rooms, adding some sort of seating is not just a way of filling in empty spaces but also brings comfort and functionality to a place that might otherwise feel cold and uninviting.
While accent armchairs and benches are the most popular choice, there are many other seating options that you can consider such as ottomans, stools and or even chaise loungers. Your choice should always be made by considering the proportions of the available space. These seating options are also a great way to bring in a pop of colour, intriguing patterns or unexpected textures to your entryway through the upholstery or the cushions. You can also accessorise around the seating by using paintings, planters or floor lamps.There’s a lot of experimentation that can be done here but at the end of the day, whatever seating you choose should go well with the overall theme of both your hallway and your home, along with being a practical choice.
In luxury interiors, even the tiniest decisions are thoughtfully made to ensure that they’re in line with the chosen aesthetics so of course this applies to coat hangers too. What was once considered as just a purely functional item, has evolved into an opportunity to add to the style of your space.
You can find coat hangers from high end brands like Cattelan Italia and they look nothing less than sculptures or works of art. So leave behind the mundane and look for something unique. In terms of placement, freestanding coat hangers are usually placed near the door for convenience. If your hallway is small you will usually have to opt for freestanding hangers or wall mounted shelves but if it is wide enough, most designers would recommend that you go for discreet storage to avoid an uncluttered look. There are many ways to achieve this, for example, you could opt for coat hangers that are hidden inside hallway wardrobes or custom joinery that combines storage, seating and coat hangers.
Lighting plays the most important role in setting the ambiance of your hallway so look for beautiful, statement making floor lamps that will enhance its overall aesthetics. If your hallway has a console table, sideboard or other furniture with surfaces, you can also go for a table lamp. In recent years, we’ve seen a growing trend of unique lamps with sculptural bases.
Of course your hallway should not just have one but multiple sources of lighting which is why our interior designers recommend layering and having a statement making chandelier. Most experts will also tell you to avoid white lighting because you want your entryway to be soft and inviting. This is even more important for narrow hallways where you’ll also avoid big chandeliers and instead opt for either sleek pendant lighting, glass shades or wall sconces. When you’re choosing your lighting, take the architectural details of your space in consideration so you can amplify the best features.
Sideboards are a multifunctional piece of furniture which brings storage, aesthetics and a lot more to the hallway. You can find a range of designs in both narrow and wide sideboards so it’s easier than ever to find the right size and materials. Sideboards are usually paired with complementing mirrors and accessorised with lamps, planters or decorative items. When choosing a new sideboard, it’s important to consider the sizing, materials and finishes so it complements your interior scheme.
The main difference between sideboards and console tables is that sideboards are visually bulkier and mostly offer storage space, which is missing from console tables. While traditionally, sideboards were considered as dining room furniture, they have now become a very common sight in the hallways of contemporary homes, hotels and offices. If you’re someone who lives to decorate your home according to the seasonal changes then sideboards are the best choice for your hallways as they offer a lot of room for creativity and styling.
Anyone who wants to create a functional but stylish hallway needs to carefully plan every detail, including the furniture selection. Below we have listed some basic tips that should help you in the process:
Your hallway furniture should be like an extension of the living room or other connecting space’s furniture, especially in terms of style, material and colour palette. This helps maintain a sense of harmony and good flow of design throughout your home.
The type of hallway furniture that you choose should be proportional to the dimensions of your hallway itself. If the hallway is small or narrow then large furniture would make it feel overcrowded. On the other hand, small furniture in a large hallway would also feel insignificant and fail to make an impression. So here are some tips to help you choose furniture and decor based on the dimensions of your hallway:
Small hallway furniture means that every inch counts so you would want to maximise functionality without compromising on aesthetics. Opt for compact and multipurpose furniture like a slim console table with drawers, wall mirrors and floating shelves. Avoid bulky pieces that could impact the flow of traffic.
Larger spaces offer the greatest flexibility so you can choose grand, statement making pieces. You can consider a long, dramatic console table, a magnificent sideboard, a pair of accent chairs or a luxurious storage bench. Don't be afraid to experiment with scale and proportions to create a sense of grandeur.
Very narrow hallways can present some unique challenges but with careful planning, you can overcome them. Look for furniture that creates an illusion of space but also maintains airiness. Mirrored sideboards and slim consoles are good options. Add plenty of lighting so the space feels well-illuminated.
Furniture will always be the foundation of any space, including hallways, but there are of course many other ways to elevate its aesthetic appeal. Below are some hallway decor tips and accessorising ideas that our designers love:
Bare walls can make even a beautifully furnished hallway feel cold or uninviting. Carefully choose your wall decor so that it reflects your personal taste and complements the furniture and style of the rest of the home. Most of our clients opt for gallery walls featuring family photos or special artwork that they have either done themselves or that they just happen to love. If you’re not in the mood for artwork, mirrors are the next best thing that you can add. A large statement mirror will make your hallway feel grand and also be a captivating focal point. But once again, make sure that the style or frame of your mirror complements your hallway.
A well organised and clutter-free home is what we all want but it’s impossible to achieve this without clever storage solutions.
And when it comes to London homes, you can truly never have enough storage.
A bedroom wardrobe is just a wardrobe but in the hallway, your wardrobe can be so much more because hallways are all about multifunctionality. So look for pieces that serve multiple purposes to maximise their utility and minimise the need of other furniture. For example, a cupboard could have a built-in bench and a section to hang the coats. Similarly, a console table could have extra drawers or a mirror could have a hidden storage section behind it.
From classic to contemporary and minimalistic to eclectic, hallway furniture is now available in a range of styles and trends to suit all types of spaces and aesthetic preferences. Here are some of the most popular styles and trends:
Clean lines, sleek silhouettes and innovative materials are some of the defining characteristics of modern and contemporary hallway furniture. Simple sideboards with gleaming metal accents, bespoke rugs, set of geometrical mirrors and statement coat hangers that double up as works of art are a few examples.
Traditional furniture design continues to be a popular choice because of its timeless elegance. Look for pieces in solid dark woods like mahogany or oak wood and intricate details that speak of the exceptional artisanal craftsmanship. One example could be wooden accent chairs, upholstered in plush velvet.
For those who prefer unique, bold and eclectic hallways, there are endless ways to make a statement. Don’t be afraid to experiment with vibrant colours and unexpected materials but avoid overwhelming the space. Look for brands that offer customised options so you can browse samples to pick and choose all materials and upholstery of your choice.
Furniture that exudes a sense of romance and whimsical elegance are perfect for French style interiors. Look for delicate floral carvings. It’s equally important to add some luxurious fabrics like silk for that French style refinement. Chandeliers in glass and brass are some of our best-sellers in this category.
Free of excess and clutter, minimalist hallways are loved by all for their refreshing look. Simply opt for pieces in neutral colour and clean designs. Add in some clever hidden storage or wall mounted shelves to ensure that the space looks organised. Focus on creating a calm and tranquil space that speaks volumes.
If you want something timeless and long-lasting for your hallway, there’s nothing better than well-designed fitted furniture. You can opt for fitted wardrobes, shoe cabinets or shelving, all customised to fit the given dimensions. This maximises storage and is perfect if you have any awkward corners.
There are certain principles that remain the same between residential and commercial projects, such as those of style and functionality but there are also some key differences, especially when it comes to hallway furniture. For residential hallways, the focus of the furniture is more on comfort and functionality while commercial ones are more focused on aesthetics - most clients want their home’s hallways to be simple while commercial hallways are expected to be more impactful.
There is also a considerable difference in sizing as residential hallways are usually smaller or narrower while commercial ones are bigger to accommodate more traffic. While the principles of style and functionality remain consistent, there are some key differences between residential and office hallway furniture that are important to consider. For example, certain storage furniture like wardrobes are commonly seen in residential hallways but not in commercial ones.
Huge range: Explore the most beautiful and durable hallway furniture from hundreds of the world’s best luxury brands and designers.
Immediate delivery and unbeatable prices: If you want to make an immediate purchase or if you’re looking for “hallway furniture on sale," we have several products in our clearance section which are heavily discounted and ready to deliver.
Customisation options: If you have time and want a bespoke product or hallway wardrobe, we recommend setting up a free design consultation with our award-winning team who can guide you and create a truly unique product for you.
Stunning showroom: Our 30,000 sq. ft showroom is home to 700+ designer furniture brands which means that you’re sure to find something you’ll love. We’re open 7 days a week and offer free on-site parking.
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.
Founded in 1985, we've been in the luxury furniture and interior design business for over three decades and have nurtured long-term relationships with our suppliers and esteemed client base.
From helping design the perfect hallway joinery, wardrobes and lighting to furnishing them, we make sure that your entryways are exceptional in every way. This is why our patrons think we're the experts of choice:
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