Hallways

Hallways are convenient places to neatly and creatively store some of those household items the whole family might need on a rainy day such as umbrellas seen here in a tall wicker hamper.

An ornate mirror flanked by framed art transitions this hallway into a cozy passage.

With bold character and bonus storage space underneath, a once-underused space is now a warm and inviting niche at the opt of the stairs. For a dramatic touch, the window seat is framed by chic black panels that graceful puddle at the floor. And we love the way a simple plum pillow boasting a cool graphic and a handsome black-with-white piping seat topper give the hideaway some extra polish.

Harness the focus of tall, airy hallways with an anchor piece that decorates and inspires the tone of the house.

A mix of floral, trellis and stripe patterns on furnishings, fabrics and walls says "fun", as seen in this hallway. Look closer—even the solid colors have subtle washes and stripes for added visual texture. The energetic wallpaper helps unify and connect spaces with common color and pattern, bringing the space to life.

An earthy-toned chair rail draws the eye up to the low-hung tapestries perfectly sized for this traditional hallway.

In the right hue, a well-chosen runner highlights the staircase and makes it the focal point of any grand entry.

Use layers of draperies to help mask imperfections, define spaces and soften surfaces, like in this hallway nook. If you lack a guest room, reclaim a closet and create a petite retreat that can bunk overnight visitors. Simply measure the floor space, construct floor mattresses to fit and pretty it up with pillows and wall decals.

A glass-paned door looks out onto a garden and is accentuated by dramatic black and white diamond-patterned tiling and large baseboards in the hallway.

It's all about vertical storage in this miniature hallway just big enough for a coat hanger and a few accessories.

Give everyday necessities a place to hang in your hallway by making many uses out of traditional wall-mounted hangers.

Amplify the scale of a wide hallway by keeping furniture slim and drawing the eye toward the entrance with intricately crafted glass panes.

Similar pieces of furniture keep symmetry in this long hallway so as not to distract from the rooms branching off.

Recessed lighting in the walls and ceiling beget an atmosphere of walking among the stars in this modern hallway.

Wall sconces set the scene for this stately hallway marked by pillars, dark woods and traditional patterns.

Character and storage are the effect when built-in shelving units replace a blank wall in open hallways that can provide decorating dilemmas.

Pops of quirk such as bamboo blinds, track lighting and a bright green door help this funky hallway stand out.