To kick off the holiday weekend, we're launching the Presidents day Friends and Family: Buy More Save More Sale a day early! This, of course, means you'll be in need of some decor inspiration and we're ready to provide! The hallway. Let's talk about it...
The hallway is a part of the home that can easily seem, well, lack-luster. With such a slim space to work with, it may seem like it is no place for decorative accents (let alone furniture). But if you’re anything like us, then you’ve probably spent your fair share of time on Pinterest, finding spaces to be inspired by—and stumbling across some seriously stunning hallway designs. We always feel inspired by this section of the home, because it lends such a clean backdrop (and a long stretch of wall) for all the artwork our hallway can handle. But aside from that, hallways can truly be a space where you can get creative, whether that means letting your imagination run wild, or opting for a minimalistic approach. So with that in mind, we thought we’d share a few snapshots of our favorite hallways as of late, as well as three hallway designs that are ready-to-shop below—AND a few tips on how to decorate a hallway that will make jaws drop. Ready?
Image by Travis J. Photography for Studio McGee
1. Let a Runner Shine
The right runner can make a big statement in any space, and a hallway is a perfect place in the house to give it center stage. Whether you opt for something neutral or something bold, you’ll be glad to not only have something soft underfoot but to also have that touch of texture in your hallway. That said, a runner is by all means not required. (Just take this clean, neutral hallway above designed by Studio McGee for example.) Pro Tip: If you do commit to a runner, don’t feel like you have to run one single runner the entire length of an extra long hallway. It’s A-OK to split them up and lay two matching runners one right after the other.
2. Adorn Your Walls
If there’s one thing that shouldn’t be forgotten in your hallway, it’s artwork. (But hey, we might be biased…) A single piece of art at the end of a long corridor makes for a stunning focal point—or, turn your entire hallway into a gallery by lining up corresponding pieces of art in a row. *Ahem* Gray’s newest Bon Voyage installment is perfect for just that… Shop it here.
3. Add a Bench, Buffet, or Console Table
While not necessary in every hallway, a piece of furniture can turn a hallway that’s just “so-so” into what feels like a complete room in the house. Not only does a chest or console table make the lengthy stretch feel purposeful and thought out, but it also makes for the perfect place to add a few objects, oddities, and personal items. And on the flip side, if you decide to add a bench (one of our personal favorites), you might just feel encouraged to take a seat and admire a part of the house that you normally pass by without a second thought. Pro Tip: If you choose to add seating, don’t forget a pillow or two and/or a casual throw for extra texture and warmth.
4. Don’t Forget Lighting
Most importantly, don’t underestimate the power of a great light fixture. We repeat: do NOT forget lighting! A long row of matching pendant lights hanging from the ceiling creates a show-stopping accent, for example. Or divide up an extra long hallway with multiple sconces. Whichever you choose, allowing light into your hallway in some way, shape, or form will bring your design to life and keep your hallway from feeling bleak.
Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s do a little shopping, shall we? Shop a few hallway looks we love below, and indulge in a little hallway design inspiration from some of our favorite designers…
Look #1
- Caledonia Woven Console, $2,898 | 2. Fairmount Wide Oval Mirror by Lostine, $798 | 3. La Fontelina Umbrellas Diptych, $599+ | 4. Faux Bayleaf Tree Drop-In, $120 | 5. Patchwork Pot in Sage, $15 | 6. Decorative Ladder, $188 | 7. Webster Throw, $175 | 8. Becki Owens Ivy Wall Sconce, Old Bronze, $315 | 9. Leather Trunks, $48
Look #2 
- Joni Pillow, $76 | 2. Monroe Velvet Round Pillow, $39 | 3. Jonathan Adler Eye Needlepoint Lumbar Pillow, $98 | 4. The Visitors, Beverly Hills Hotel Print, $299+ | 5. Carli Bench, $829 | 6. Prim Sconce, Aged Brass, $190 | 7. Phoenix Rug, $396 | 8. Austi Throw, $345 | 9. Seagrass & Palm Baskets, $46
Look #3
- Flat Glass Pendant Light, $149 | 2. SKOLD Sheepskin, $79 | 3. Faux Potted Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree, $588 | 4. The King Print, $249+ | 5. The Fashion Icon Print, $249+ | 6. The Greatest, $249+ | 7. Wrap Large Black Bench, $449 | 8. Scale Natural Jute Runner, $119
Which of these hallways do you love the most? Are you going to shop any of these hallway-ready pieces?
We’ve had way more fun than we should be designing our hallways. We don’t know about you, but this just might be our new favorite part of the house…
For more design tips, tricks, and inspiration visit this page on the blog, and shout out to us @GrayMalin on social media so we know what topic to cover next. Also, if you're feeling inspired, be sure to Shop Our President's Day Sale.
Xx Team GM
Photos: (Header) GrayMalin.com, 2. Travis J. Photography via Studio McGee, 3.-5. Kate Lester Interiors, 6. GrayMalin.com