How to Get Your Hallway Design Right – Practical Entryway Ideas & Expert Tips

Which finishes are important when creating a cohesive hallway scheme?

Selecting the right front door style and hallway design finishes plays a vital role in setting the tone for your home. Factors such as size, proportion and materials should align with both your property’s architecture and practical needs.

“The size of your door is usually governed by the shape and layout of your home’s facade,” says Edward Stobart, technical sales manager at IDSystems. “It’s always worth seeking planning advice from your local authority on what will be possible externally, especially in conservation areas.”

This beautiful, bespoke Tavole front door by Deuren – pictured in a rich honey oak – features an irregular linear pattern that makes a striking statement. Glazed panels on either side flood the hallway with sunshine

Whether you’re self building or renovating, a striking front door can serve as an impactful focal point – but it should always align with your home’s overall aesthetic. “It is possible to put contemporary doors on traditional buildings, but the style should be complementary rather than distracting,” says Elizabeth. “A stark design with too much stainless steel, for instance, might feel out of place.”

Internally, durable materials like engineered timber, terrazzo, or stone are great solutions for withstanding high foot traffic while creating a timeless, polished finish. “Often, hallways can feel rather cold or echoey, so it’s worth thinking about softer textures and additional features that will absorb sound and visually cushion the space,” says Nicky.

This clever hallway setup features a striking entrance door from Urban Front, paired with a hot pink accent wall to contrast beautifully with the warm timber panels. Discreet storage is hidden within the walls, plus a handy inset bench provides daily functionality. Photo: Julia Toms

For homes with planning restrictions, certain materials and styles may be required to maintain neighbourhood uniformity. However, subtle contemporary touches, like modern lighting, clever use of traditional materials or a refined colour palette, can introduce character while meeting regulations.

“To create a cohesive look, the entrance should harmonise with the overall architectural language of your surroundings and the rest of your home,” says Jim. “This doesn’t mean strict uniformity. It can be a bold feature, but materials, detailing and scale should feel intentional and complementary rather than jarring.”

Case study Light and welcoming hallway for a demolish and rebuild project in Surrey

When Peter and Sophie Hill began house hunting, their plan was to downsize in preparation for Peter’s retirement, but instead they took a complete U-turn and signed up to a much larger project than they first envisaged. “We’d been unimpressed with new builds and ended up buying a dated bungalow to extend and add a second storey,” says Peter. “But quotes were much higher than we expected and with advice from our architect, we decided it would be more cost effective to demolish and start again.”

Photo: Kingspan Timber Solutions

Sophie gathered photos of house styles featuring modern white render and timber cladding, open plan kitchen-diners and double height hallways with galleried landings. “Having lived in a period property with high ceilings, we wanted volume and light,” she says. “We liked the idea of walking into a spacious hallway with a clear view through to the back garden.” And through some clever hallways design, they managed to achieve just that.

Photo: Kingspan Timber Solutions

On the wall opposite the entrance, glazed doors lead to the garden, creating a direct line between the front and back of the property. Above them sits a large window to flood the double-height room with light, both downstairs and on the galleried landing. This mezzanine-style hallway connects the upper and lower floors, making the house more communal and both spaces feel larger and airier – just as the owners intended.

Photo: Kingspan Timber Solutions

By opting for a wide entrance hallway, the Hills had space to create pockets of storage, including a chest of drawers by the front door and a walk-in cupboard next to the stairs. Placing this cupboard beside rather than under the full length of the U-shaped staircase allows people to see and walk underneath them, freeing up ground space and preserving its feeling of openness.

see the project

How can you choose the right front door?

How can you incorporate glazing into your hallway design? 

Natural light can transform a hallway space, making it feel bright, warm and inviting. Modern house design has embraced glazing, with larger entrance halls and double-height ceilings becoming increasingly popular. “If you have the space, adding fixed-frame sidelight windows around your main door helps draw natural light into the room,” says Edward. “Alternatively, you could opt for a fully glazed front door.”

This barn conversion in Buckinghamshire features IDSystems’ aluminium Hoveton front door in gun metal grey textured DB703, installed within a triple-height glass curtain walling frame to fill the core of the home with light

Balancing light with privacy is vital. Obscured or privacy glass, sandblasted glazing, or ridged sidelights allow light to flow through your space, while maintaining discretion. A fully-glazed entrance, such as a glass gable, creates a striking, light-filled experience, but it may require additional shading and privacy solutions, depending on your location and preferences.

“Timber or metal slats allow light to filter through while offering clear views out from the inside and limiting visibility from the street,” says Jim. “Frosted or reeded glass and high-level openings are also great solutions for maintaining privacy without sacrificing daylight.” In smaller homes or modest entryways, slim windows above your front door or to one side can be equally as effective for framing a view, allowing access to sunlight and maximising privacy.

How can you create an entrance with wow-factor? 

Your front door and hallway setup can be an opportunity to showcase your personal style and make a unique statement. Key design elements, such as staircases, artificial lighting, colour choices and landscaping, can elevate an entryway from a purely functional space to an area you look forward to coming home to. “Hallways that allow you to see all the way through the house and out into the back garden have become hugely popular,” says Edward. “Not only do they draw light deeper into the floorplan, but they also increase the connection between inside and out.”

Horizontally laid timber cladding with a shadow gap is paired with IDSystems’ aluminium Houghton door in eye-catching sapphire blue (RAL 5003). The rainwater goods have been colour matched to create a coordinated aesthetic. Photo: Matthew Smith

Materials

Material continuity is another effective design choice. “We see lots of buildings where the exterior materials are extended into the hallway,” says Elizabeth. “Porcelain, stone, bronze touches or Corten steel create a seamless transition and striking visual impact.”

Staircases

Statement staircases, oversized pendant lights and bold architectural features can further enhance the space. “To create an unforgettable zone, the key is combining elegance with functional design,” says Jim. “Large, open hallways can be transformed with statement ceilings, whether through dramatic height or striking materials, drawing the eye upwards and adding a sense of grandeur.”

External porches

External porches or overhangs will boost your house’s kerb appeal, while offering protection from the elements. “These can be paired with thoughtful landscaping, from sculptural trees to carefully designed pathways, directing attention to the entrance and creating a seamless flow between the outdoors and your home,” Jim continues.

Colour

Colour can also be a powerful tool. An eye-catching front door or accent wall in the hallway adds instant charm and character. “Sometimes a bold pop of colour is needed to complete your design, other times something more natural or neutral that blends seamlessly with your surroundings is more effective,” says Nicky.

This grade II listed home in London has been upgraded with a striking glazed link hallway extension. Glass balustrades bring an airy feel to the wraparound link, while the sweet chestnut cladding and exposed brick walls balance the traditional and contemporary designs

Lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in defining the ambience and creating an atmosphere in your hallway. “Statement pendants or hidden LED strips can highlight architectural details and create a dynamic atmosphere,” says Jim. “Lighting can be both practical and artistic, setting the mood as you enter the home.”

Furniture 

Consider how furniture and artwork in the hallways set the tone for the rest of your home. A striking console table, a well-placed mirror, or a curated art collection in the hallway can act as a visual preview of the rooms beyond. For self builds, planning your interior scheme alongside the structural design of your home will help ensure seamless integration and continuity throughout the property.