65+ Hardworking Hallways That Maximize Space & Style
Maximize space in your home by putting hallways, stairways, mudrooms and entryways to work — whether that means adding storage or boosting style with a standout design moment.
Check out these spaces that are as good looking as they are hardworking, and get ideas for your own home. Keep scrolling to see 65+ hardworking hallways!
This bold blue mudroom incorporates a fridge, wine fridge, laundry sink and kid-size closets. A patterned runner and textured baskets inject the hardworking space with global style.
House & Home March 2022
In the upstairs hallway of the same home, a neutral landing is energized with multicolored prints and a bold pink runner.
House & Home March 2022
In actress Karine Vanasse’s Eastern Townships home, designer Audrée Kemp Bélanger layered texture, art, storage and seating into this hallway to create a collected, lived-in look. “The base is mostly white, but it’s interesting because of the textures,” says Karine.
House & Home April 2022
The circular foyer in the 2021 Princess Margaret showhome designed by Brian Gluckstein is the epitome of luxury. “We did an elaborate floor treatment, a rotunda ceiling, curved walls and fluted trim,” says Brian. “The house is very geometric and angular, so it’s nice to have the round foyer to play off it.”
House & Home November 2021
In this rustic entryway, florist Alison Westlake painted her wood floors in a checkerboard pattern, and displayed seasonal floral arrangements throughout.
House & Home November 2021
Designer Katherine Newman stands in the hallway of her client’s Georgian-style home that’s filled with bold art, sculpture and whimsical details.
House & Home October 2021
From this vantage point of the same hallway, an oversized arrangement is displayed on a sculptural console.
House & Home October 2021
The upstairs landing is even more eye-catching with geometric shapes, sculptural lighting and an Art Deco vibe.
House & Home October 2021
A boho-inspired front hallway features mostly vintage furniture, including this mirror frame and console from Post + Beam Reclamation.
House & Home October 2021
Sharon Mimran takes advantage of every design opportunity in her Toronto condo, especially in the hallways and corners. In the entrance hall, Alex Katz’s Girls in Black Dresses creates visual impact.
House & Home September 2021
At the end of the hallway, a marble statuette and a shagreen bench are watched over by a tapestry of musician Lou Reed by artist Chuck Close.
House & Home September 2021
In this entryway, a watercolor-like mural creates a whimsical feel, and custom built-ins offer ample storage.
House & Home October 2021
Exposed wood ceiling beams and natural light create a beautiful sightline in this long and narrow cottage hallway, designed by Emily Hollis.
House & Home October 2021
The designer of this home looked to the light floors and walls in the front hallway as a blank canvas. A green ribbed upholstered bench, modern floor light and colorful abstract painting are instant conversation starters.
House & Home June 2021
This breezy mudroom designed by Sarah Baeumler for the spring 2021 Princess Margaret Showhome has a desert-inspired palette that makes you want to hang out for a little while after you take off your shoes.
House & Home May 2021
Intricate stair railings, Gabriel Scott’s Prong bench and colorful art and sculpture enliven this front hallway designed by Anne Hepfer.
House & Home December 2021
Who says the front door can’t have its own design moment? A Victorian Gothic chair and antique console table have a practical purpose, but the china collection, vintage portrait and lantern chandelier make this entry truly memorable.
House & Home June 2020
At the base of these handsome stairs, a woven holder displays umbrellas and canes, and the window sill is the perfect place for plants to soak up the sun.
House & Home June 2020
Designer Barbara Purdy masterfully layered woven, wood and other natural materials in this welcoming entryway. Two baskets under the console keep everyday essentials out of sight.
House & Home April 2020
At the entrance to designers Colin Blanchard and Kenneth McRobbie’s store and studio area, a basket of vintage croquet mallets and an antique wing chair greet clients and set the tone for the rest of the historical home.
House & Home July/August 2020
In the Spring 2020 Princess Margaret Showhome, designer Sarah Baeumler created a hardworking nook with blue millwork and blush wallpaper. The built-in unit offers an array of hooks, drawers and cubbies to keep odds and ends stored away for a more uniform look.
House & Home May 2020
Dog parents will adore this foyer by Calgary design duo SmithErickson Designs. There’s a spot to hang the leash, store dog food and put the water and food bowls. Stanley is one lucky pup!
In this charming mudroom, an antique pine bench is practical and “adds a sense of history to a new space,” says designer Allison Willson of this new-build farmhouse. A greige cabinet feels equally on-trend and timeless.
House & Home October 2020
“We really wanted the bench, the stairs and the wardrobe to read as a whole,” says Aránzazu González Bernardo, principal designer of Odami, of this eye-catching entryway. The Corian stone on the bench stands up to the wear and tear of life with kids.
House & Home March 2021
Perfect for answering emails (or secretly storing bar essentials), this arched nook in the hallway makes the most of a blank wall.
House & Home March 2021
The entrance at the back of this house gets major style points with a graphic black door, beadboard wall and geometric tile underfoot. But it’s the wooden bench and hooks that make it practical for everyday living.
Practical 30- by 30-inch porcelain floor tiles (that mimimic slate) are the perfect choice for muddy boots in this cabin entryway. Winter essentials amp up the cozy factor, so it’s okay to leave them out on display!
House & Home January/February 2021
Just when we thought this light-filled entryway couldn’t get any more wonderful, H&H’s Designer of the Year Sophie Burke added a rustic console table and comfy seating to make it feel lived-in.
House & Home January/February 2021
Inspired by a Chloé boutique the homeowner saw in Paris, the picket detail on the stairway balustrade adds an artful touch to the entryway, complete with hardworking white and wood built-ins.
House & Home October 2020
This penthouse entryway is equally functional and fashionable with a glam console table that holds books, baskets and a quirky vase with flowers. “Lucite is like jewelry,” says designer Anne Hepfer. “It adds sparkle and glamour.”
House & Home September 2020
In this character-driven vestibule, built-in window seats — on either side of the restored 1900s door — offer a place to put on your shoes and store hats, gloves and scarves in the drawers underneath.
House & Home April 2021
Would a farmhouse be complete without a lust-worthy mudroom? Designer Susan Burns maxed out storage right in the basement entryway with a floor-to-ceiling wardrobe, built-in wooden bench, woven basket and more.
House & Home June 2020
Tall, inky cabinets create a moody entrance at the back of this contemporary Vancouver home. There’s room for everything from sports equipment to seasonal clothing — all tucked behind closed doors.
House & Home November 2020
A hand-woven side chair and baskets create a beachy vibe in this charming cottage entryway. Designer Tiffany Piotrowski’s father made the powder blue bench, which is a comfy spot to kick off your shoes.
House & Home July 2019
A Shaker-style peg rail blends beautifully into the beadboard walls, while aqua blue throw pillows provide comfort and pay homage to the lakeside location of this country oasis.
House & Home July 2019
Wall hooks and a compact bench make this narrow cottage entryway practical and polished. Plus, a sage green door adds an unexpected splash of color.
See more of this boho designer hideaway on H&H TV.
House & Home July 2019
The eclectic Kelly Wearstler wallpaper makes the entryway of this Les Ensembliers rental stand out, while a tall console provides plenty of room to keep shoes and other outdoor essentials stylishly tucked away.
House & Home December 2019
In this century-old Victorian home, a denim blue bench commands attention and packs plenty of use — it’s a drawer set, coat rack and bench all in one!
House & Home March 2019
A handsome vintage dresser and chair are both useful and beautiful in designer Luke Havekes’ New England-style entryway. A buttery yellow front door feels like a ray of sunshine.
House & Home September 2019
The emerald green bench — which is one of 2020’s hottest hues — is a gorgeous focal point and a convenient place to change shoes.
House & Home September 2019
Wall hooks at two different heights work for adults and little ones in this Port Perry, Ontario, farmhouse. The hooks are painted to blend in subtly with the panelling for added architectural flair.
House & Home November 2019
The cloudy wallpaper in this nautical foyer evokes a coastal-chic vibe. An antique mirror framed by gilt sconces gives off an opulent first impression.
House & Home May 2019
In curator Pamela Meredith’s artful Toronto home, a sleek side table displays a quirky objets, while a low-set built-in bench doubles as a cubby for shoes.
House & Home January 2020
The spotted wallpaper in this eclectic entryway adds a youthful touch to balance out the minimal decor. The open shelving console provides plenty of out-of-sight storage as well.
House & Home April 2020
This antique console — a wedding gift from designer Francesca Albertazzi‘s grandmother — adds vintage charm to the crisp, clean entryway.
House & Home June 2019
In this compact foyer, a custom-made storage unit is the perfect height for putting down sunglasses and accessories. The flower vase and mirror prove that every corner deserves to be decorated.
House & Home April 2019
A golden light fixture and curvy console balance the dark vertical wall panelling in this Muskoka lakehouse. Two layers of shelving offer a space to stash small objects.
House & Home August 2019
In this Victorian home, Mazen El-Abdallah designed a streamlined entry hall with a floating console to keep shoes and clutter in check.
House & Home February 2016
Senior design editor Sally Armstrong created this entryway wall organizer for sunglasses, keys and mail. With wall hooks and a bench for shoe storage, this entrance is both functional and stylish.
Learn how to make this DIY: Modern Wall Organizer.
House & Home September 2015
This front hallway makes a grand entrance with a sophisticated pedestal table — the perfect spot for stacks of coffee table books.
House & Home November 2013
This memorable hallway features a showstopping wallpaper by Kelly Wearstler. A sleek console table is the ideal place to display vases, bowls and other collectibles.
House & Home September 2014
In the entry vestibule of this character-filled home, an industrial hall tree topped with bamboo hat holders adds a functional element to a diminutive space.
House & Home December 2013
In this back hallway, an antique bench brings vintage character and is a practical spot to get bundled up for a snowy adventure. A wicker basket corals mitts, scarves and hats.
House & Home March 2016
Senior design editor Joel Bray pumped up the storage in this hallway by adding a wooden DIY hat rack. Show off your collections seasonally — straw hats in the summer and scarves and fedoras come winter.\
Learn how to make this DIY: Wall-Mounted Hat Rack.
House & Home August 2016
Every stairway should have a place to sit and enjoy a spectacular view. Topped with cozy accent pillows and throws, this bench becomes a functional focal point in what is normally a transitional space.
House & Home December 2014
In this Princess Margaret showhome, designer Brian Gluckstein created a pretty and functional side entry hall. Within the wall of built-in storage are two closets, a bench and plenty of open shelves.
House & Home November 2013
This airy entryway in Victoria, British Columbia, features a vintage wardrobe that acts as a family closet. The warm wood tempers the black and white scheme and striking cement floor tile.
House & Home March 2017
Designer Sabrina Albanese made the most of her condo hallway’s storage potential by adding Eames coat hooks and a storage cube. And just around the corner? A space-saving wall-mounted desk and a lucite chair on casters.
House & Home September 2016
A wall of white oak built-ins provides essential storage in this mudroom-meets-entryway. There’s space to sit and put on shoes, as well as hang jackets and bags — and there’s even room to store a bike.
House & Home March 2016
Not only is this hallway striking, but it’s also functional. A clean white wall is the backdrop for the stunning artwork and brass chandelier, while a console table is the ideal locale for writing a note or stacking the mail.
House & Home March 2014
A vintage peg coat rack and basket corral frequently used outerwear in this back hallway.
House & Home September 2016
The downstairs hall of this Toronto pied-à-terre includes a bow-front Georgian chest, which offers a place to stash keys and display beloved pieces.
House & Home September 2016
Reminiscent of an art gallery, this hallway features a massive Aubusson tapestry. Further furnished with a simple upholstered bench and a striking armchair, the space feels grand yet comfortable.
House & Home December 2015
The stairway in this East Coast guest house nods to the nautical with a unique rope handrail and a gallery wall full of sea-worthy oil paintings, boat etchings and photographs.
House & Home July 2014
This back entry is all about function: a wood and wire table provides a place for showcasing bowls and flowers, the vintage bench is a spot to pull off muddy boots and a wicker basket contains mitts, hats, gloves and scarves in the colder months.
House & Home September 2016
Senior design editor Sally Armstrong designed this simple but hardworking front entry that features a clean-lined bench and wall hooks to hang bags and scarves.
House & Home February 2013
For her entry hall, designer Erika Floysvik created a genius cabinet: it rolls out of the way to reveal access to a 205-square-foot crawlspace under the bedroom.
House & Home September 2016