Hallways often serve as transitional spaces in your home, but what you choose to hang there can have a big impact on both the look and feel of this area. It’s easy to clutter these spaces with items that don’t add much value or can even make the hallway feel cramped and uninviting.
Knowing what to avoid hanging in your hallways can help you create a cleaner, more functional, and welcoming space. By making thoughtful choices, you can improve the flow of your home and give your guests a better first impression without sacrificing practicality.
Excessive decorative mirrors
Putting too many mirrors in a hallway might seem like a great way to open up the space. However, it can create a dizzying or cluttered feel instead of making the area look bigger.
Mirrors can reflect light and add charm, but overdoing it in narrow or long hallways may cause discomfort. Try using a single mirror at the end or near an entryway to brighten the space without overwhelming it.
Keep your hallway inviting by balancing mirrors with simple decor. This way, your space stays functional and visually pleasing.
Large family photo collages
Large family photo collages can easily overwhelm a hallway. Their size and visual weight may make the space feel cluttered or cramped.
If you want to display family photos, consider simpler arrangements instead. Smaller frames or single photos with space around them can create a cleaner look.
Hallways are often narrow and have limited wall space. A giant collage might make it harder to move through comfortably. Keep your hallway open and inviting by avoiding large, busy photo displays.
Overloaded coat racks
When your coat rack is overloaded, it can quickly turn your hallway into a cramped, cluttered space. You might find it hard to grab what you need or even get through the entryway easily.
Try not to hang more coats than the rack can comfortably hold. Using multiple hooks spaced out can help keep things organized and prevent overcrowding.
Remember, your coat rack is for everyday use, not a storage unit. Rotate seasonal coats and store off-season items elsewhere to keep your hallway functional and tidy.
Bikes or scooters
Keeping bikes or scooters in your hallway might seem convenient, but it can create safety hazards. They can block pathways and make it harder for everyone to move around freely.
If your building has a storage area or bike racks, it’s best to use those. Locking your bike or scooter in a designated spot not only keeps hallways clear but also protects your belongings.
Leaving bikes or scooters in shared spaces can lead to conflicts with neighbors. Clear hallways help everyone feel comfortable and safe in their building.
Kids’ schoolbags left on hooks
When kids leave their schoolbags hanging in hallways, it can quickly create clutter. This can make the space look messy and harder to navigate.
Sometimes bags left on hooks can fall or get knocked down, risking damage to the contents inside. It’s also easy for bags to get mixed up or misplaced.
You might want to consider designated storage areas that keep backpacks organized safely without crowding hallways. This helps keep your home or school entryway tidy and prevents tripping hazards.
Umbrellas dripping indoors
When you bring a wet umbrella inside, water can drip onto your floor, making it slippery and unsafe. You don’t want to risk anyone slipping or damaging hardwood surfaces.
Instead of leaving a dripping umbrella in the hallway, find a spot where it can dry without causing a mess. Hanging it behind a door or using a hook can keep your entryway tidy.
Avoid leaving wet umbrellas open indoors, as this can take up space and may cause unpleasant smells. Keeping your umbrella neat helps your home stay organized and safe.
