How to choose wallpaper for the entrance hall

Choosing the right wallpaper for the entrance hall brings new life into this frequently undervalued space. As the initial zone that visitors encounter, the entrance hall sets the impression for the rest of your home.

Brigade - Residence - Straight Design Studio
Brigade - Residence - Straight Design Studio

This comprehensive guide will take you through the elements to consider how to choose wallpaper for the entrance hall. We'll explore aesthetic considerations and practical aspects. Thereafter, you will learn some entrance hall wallpapering tips and the common mistakes to avoid when choosing wallpapers for hallways.

 

Aesthetic considerations for your entrance hall 

When selecting wallpaper for your entrance hall, aesthetic considerations are paramount. This section will guide you through understanding the influence of light on your wallpaper selection, how to harmonize your wallpaper with existing furniture and accessories, and how to choose the right color and pattern for your wallpaper.

 

Choosing the right color 

Colorful_Hallway-Photowall
Colorful Shapes II - Studio Redhead

Given the unique role of an entrance hall as the first space guests encounter in your home, the colors you select for its wallpaper become particularly significant. If you aim for an inviting, cheerful space that warmly greets visitors, consider utilizing a palette of warm colors like shades of red, orange, or yellow

On the other hand, if your goal is to create a tranquil, calming first impression, cooler tones such as blue, green, or purple might be your best bet. Alternatively, a neutral palette consisting of white, gray, or beige can exude a sense of sophistication and flexibility, allowing for varied accessories and occasional decor changes. Remember that the selected color should complement your home's overall color scheme to maintain a seamless transition from the entrance hall to the adjoining rooms.

 

Light consideration 

Alchemilla Vulgaris - Martin Bergström
Alchemilla Vulgaris - Martin Bergström

Entrance halls are often transitional spaces leading to other rooms, and their lighting conditions can vary dramatically from bright, window-lit spaces to more enclosed, dimly lit areas. If your entrance hall benefits from a generous amount of natural light, opting for light-colored wallpapers or delicate patterns can help maintain a bright and airy feel without overwhelming the space. 

In contrast, if your entrance hall is relatively dim, strategically using darker wallpapers or bold patterns can create an inviting depth and a sense of intrigue. This approach could transform an otherwise overlooked space into a compelling design statement. It's also worth considering that strongly patterned wallpapers can come to life under focused artificial lighting, adding character and drama to the space.

 

Furniture coordination

When choosing your wallpaper, consider the existing furniture and accessories in your entrance hall. Entrance halls usually include console tables, mirrors, lamps, coat racks, and artwork. The wallpaper should harmonize with these elements, creating a cohesive look and feel. Choose colors and patterns that complement rather than compete with your existing pieces.

While it's important to coordinate, you should also strive for balance. If your furnishings and accessories are quite elaborate, a simpler wallpaper pattern might be best to provide a visual break. Conversely, if your furniture and accessories are minimalist, a bold and vibrant wallpaper could add the desired drama and personality to your entrance hall.

 

Pattern selection

As the first space guests see upon entering your home, a well-chosen pattern can immediately convey a sense of your personal style. If your entrance hall is grand with high ceilings, don't shy away from large-scale patterns. They can be a powerful tool to create a memorable, striking impression befitting the room's scale. However, if your entrance hall is compact, a large-scale pattern might feel overwhelming and make the space feel smaller.

In smaller or narrow entrance halls, consider small patterns. They can introduce a level of visual interest and depth without dominating the space. Horizontal stripes, for instance, can subtly elongate the walls, making the entrance hall feel more spacious.

 

Selecting the ideal motif

Arcadia_Hallway-Photowall
Arcadia IV - Martin Bergström

The wallpaper motif sets the tone for your home, starting from your entrance hall. Vintage designs add elegance, ideal for traditionally styled homes, while floral patterns evoke a welcoming atmosphere, suitable for a variety of themes. Abstract motifs cater to modern or minimalist aesthetics, adding an intriguing element without detracting from simplicity. Landscape motifs extend the outdoors into your home, setting either a tranquil or dramatic mood.

Venturing into more unique designs, fantasy motifs offer a bold, creative statement, and map and flag motifs instill a sense of adventure, ideal for travel enthusiasts. Nature and animal motifs bring serenity, especially effective in well-lit halls, while motifs inspired by textures and surfaces add depth, enhancing visual interest in minimalist spaces. Ultimately, your chosen entrance hall motif should reflect your style and harmonize with your home's overall design.

 

Practical considerations for entrance halls

Apart from the aesthetic considerations, selecting the right wallpaper also involves considering the quality and material. For entrance halls— the most important practical considerations are the wallpaper’s durability, ease of maintenance, and flexibility.

If your entrance hall is a high-traffic area—think kids running in and out or frequent foot traffic—you should opt for durable wallpapers that are easy to clean, preserving the aesthetic appeal amid the bustle. In this case, non-woven wallpapers can be a good choice. They are highly durable, easy to maintain, and tear-resistant. They are also breathable, reducing the risk of mold growth and contributing to better indoor air quality. 

Peel-and-stick wallpapers, also known as removable or self-adhesive wallpapers, are another excellent choice for the entrance hall, particularly if you enjoy updating your interiors frequently. If you're hosting a special event, removable wallpapers allow for thematic makeovers. For example, you could choose a vibrant, festive design for the holiday season and then effortlessly return to your standard décor afterward.

 

Entrance hall wallpaper pro tips

Interior designers often have clever insights into creating an aesthetically pleasing entrance hall. Here are some designer tips:

Use of lighter tones: Entrance halls don’t have to be gloomy and narrow. It's well-known that narrow, elongated entrance halls can benefit from lighter shades. It dispels the sense of gloom and creates a spacious and inviting atmosphere. Light neutrals, soft pastels, or even a bold dash of color can effectively illuminate the space. However, this doesn't mean darker or more intense colors should be entirely ruled out. If your entrance hall has a good influx of daylight, either directly or indirectly, wallpaper patterns with a touch of intensity can add depth without compromising the sense of openness.

Soft Forms - Studio Redhead
Soft Forms - Studio Redhead

Optical illusions for small spaces: If your entrance hall is small or narrow, consider using striped or vertically patterned wallpaper to create the illusion of height and space. Patterns such as vertical stripes draw the eye upward, tricking the mind into perceiving a higher ceiling. Similarly, wallpapers with perspective patterns can give an illusion of depth, making the hallway appear longer and more spacious.

Wavy Lines - Studio Redhead
Wavy Lines - Studio Redhead

Mirror magic: Mirrors can work wonders in an entrance hall, especially when paired with a carefully chosen wallpaper. They reflect light, making the space seem larger and brighter. Moreover, a well-placed mirror can add to the visual interest by reflecting a captivating wallpaper pattern, thus doubling the impact.

While these expert tips can go a long way in transforming your entrance hall into an inviting, aesthetically pleasing space, they shouldn’t limit your creativity. Feel free to experiment and imprint your style, as these guidelines add ideas and inspire rather than dictate your entrance hall interior design journey.

 

Common mistakes when choosing wallpaper for entrance halls

Here are some typical errors to avoid specifically when selecting wallpaper for hallways:

Overlooking architectural details: A common mistake is overlooking the unique architectural features of your entrance hall, such as arches or moldings. Instead of selecting a wallpaper that clashes with these details, you can choose one that complements them. For instance, a simple, subtle pattern or solid color wallpaper could help intricate moldings stand out, or a geometric design could highlight the clean lines of a modern archway. The right wallpaper can turn these features into striking focal points, enhancing your entrance hall's overall appeal.

Neglecting the overall home theme: Your entrance hall is the first room guests see when they enter your home, so it's important for it to provide a cohesive introduction to the rest of your home. Assess your home's overall theme, style, and color scheme before choosing your wallpaper. For example, if your home is contemporary, you might lean towards geometric or abstract wallpaper designs. You might prefer classic patterns like damask or floral prints if your home is more traditional. The point is to transition from the entrance hall to the adjoining rooms seamlessly.

Disregarding the scale in relation to hallway size: Entrance halls come in different sizes and shapes. Selecting a large-scale pattern for a narrow or small entrance hall can make it feel overwhelming and confined. Conversely, a small-scale pattern in a spacious entrance hall might make it look busy.

Ultimately, your entrance hall should reflect your personal style, set the desired mood for guests, and seamlessly transition into the rest of your home. Remember, the beauty of interior design lies in its ability to evolve with you, so don't be afraid to experiment and update as your style and needs change. If you want more tips on how to choose wallpaper, whether for your office or home interior, we leave you with the most complete guide: How to choose wallpaper

 

The Photowall advantage: Rich variety and ease of use

 

 

Photowall meets all aesthetic and practical considerations with its wide variety of designs and user-friendly approach.

They have a spectacular variety of wallpaper collections, with options that include high-quality peel-and-stick and non-woven wallpapers. Thanks to collaborations with over 100 innovative designers worldwide, the options range up to 30,000 diverse designs. The wall mural collection spans a range of themes, including natural landscapes, architectural structures, pop culture icons, dynamic sports scenes, and more. In parallel, the wallpaper collection features diverse styles, from the simplicity of abstract art, solid colors, and rustic motifs to the boldness of large patterns and vibrant multicolor designs. With this impressive variety, it caters to all aesthetic considerations mentioned above.

Further, Photowall simplifies the process, making wallpaper installation and wallpaper calculation easy— even for beginners. To get the exact amount of wall covering you need, you only need to provide the dimensions of your wall, and Photowall customizes your chosen wallpaper accordingly. With a simple process of selecting a design, entering dimensions, and cropping your motif, your perfect fit is just a few clicks away. And when it's time to hang the wallpaper, you'll receive sequentially labeled strips for a hassle-free installation. To learn more about how much wallpaper you need, check here: How much wallpaper do I need