Hallway style on a shoestring

Hallway style on a shoestring

Give your hallway an update for £292.10

Before 

This messy hallway had some nice items of furniture and accessories but didn\'t create a good first impression. Clutter had taken over, and the plain walls felt cold and unwelcoming.

Liatorp sofa bench, £115, Ikea. Telephone, £54, John Lewis. Lamp, £35, Bhs. Bowl, £22, Sophie Conran at Portmeirion, Blue mug, £9.50, Toast

Add some colour

After

To add interest to blank walls put up a dado rail halfway up the wall and then use a bold patterned wallpaper to decorate below. Tucking a stool neatly under the console is a space-saving way to add seating, while a painted mirror instantly reflects more light into the space and creates a bright, welcoming entrance.

Mirror and shelf

For messy hallways, look out for dual-purpose furniture. This mirror with shelf is a perfect place for storing keys and post as well as checking your reflection as you leave.

Laska mirror, £45, Marks and Spencer. Walls in Linen emulsion, £22 for 2.5 litres, Laura Ashley

Matching accessories

Accessorise your hallway as you would any other room. Vases are an inexpensive way to add colour and texture.

Wallpaper, £25 a roll, Laura Ashley. Syntes bowl, £1.99, Ikea. Glass vase, £5, Woolworths. Teal vase, £20 for three, Next Home. Milano vase, £15, Virgin Vie At Home

Customised stool

Keep a comfy upholstered stool close to hand, and when not in use it can be tucked out of the way.

Stool, £95, The Dormy House, upholstered in Ellington teal fabric, £35 a metre, Laura Ashley. Dado rail, £8.11 for 230cm, Richard Burbidge. Provence rug, £20, The White Company

Budget console table

This console table will fit into a compact space.

Gustav III in antique white (H77cm x D50cm x L76cm), £99, Ilva

Investment buy

This well-proportioned table has a handy drawer.

Stockholm console table (H90cm x D42cm x L90cm), £380, Chic Shack