People tend to treat a hallway as just the path from one room to another. There may be a picture or two, maybe a small mirror, but that’s it.

This hall is a definite exception. The modern track lighting has lights set to highlight the artwork and a selection of furniture chosen to work in this narrow space.

Let’s take a look at the other things that make this hallway out of the ordinary. Continuing the wood floors that show in other rooms through the hall keeps the space connected. Consistent flooring is one effective way to make the hall feel wider by linking it to the larger spaces on either side of it.

The molding that surrounds the home’s doors and openings give this space an architectural presence. Halls generally have little or no architectural detail, so this element – although once again related to the rooms surrounding it – makes the hall feel more important. The tall baseboards that run down the hall also help keep everything integrated.

This hall is furnished with the same thought that normally goes into a room. The bench by the outside door is positioned to hold yard tools or sit and take shoes off as the photo shows. Further down the hall, a wooden chair and narrow table provides an inviting place to pause. The table is narrow, but still holds accessories.

Are your hallways living up their full potential? How about borrowing some ideas from this hallway to add charm and interest to this narrow but appealing part of your home?