6 Festive Decor Ideas for Your Hallway

Are you guilty of treating your hallway as little more than a thoroughfare? The festive season is the perfect time to set this right. If your living room is usually strung with fairy lights and aglow with the flicker of candles come Christmas, consider extending the holiday ambience to other areas of your home.

Whichever decor style you’re drawn to, don’t overlook this scene-setting space when doing up your digs for December. As a home’s first impression, it should establish the mood for the rest of the abode and offer a jolly welcome to anyone who enters. From the cluttered console table to that neglected nook under the stairs, view every inch of the entryway as a blank canvas for Christmas cheer with our six easy ideas. All you’ll need is some atmospheric lighting, a sprinkle of sparkle and a clutch (or two) of winter foliage.

‘Tis the season to bring the outside in, and it’s easy to create a winter wonderland within your home using wreaths and garlands. You don’t have to follow the traditional evergreen route to capture the season’s spirit; we’ve also got peaceful eucalyptus and natural rattan options. Wind a brushed metal garland around the banister or let a leafy bough cascade over the window ledge. Still not enough greenery? We love the idea of creating a gallery wall of sorts using wreaths of all shapes, sizes and textures.

Filling the hallway with festive fragrances will get you into the Christmas mood in no time. Spice-hued candles also look on theme, especially when displayed alongside a scattering of ornaments and novelty sculptures. Skandinavisk should be your first stop when seeking seasonal scents with evocative aromas. Each unique blend of perfume and sustainably-sourced vegetable wax is calming and cosy – not to mention the beautifully painted glass jars they come in. Aberdeen-based soy wax candle brand Our Lovely Goods also make great gifts, if that happens to be the next thing on your to-do list…

It’s a known fact that soft furnishings make a house feel more homely, and your hallway is just the place to set the tone. Take it from functional to convivial by laying down a rug so soft that guests will be raring to kick their shoes off. Small sheepskin designs suit snug spaces, too; nothing gives ski chalet vibes more than shaggy pieces from Shepherd of Sweden, Camperdown Lane or Hanlin, which double up as a hallway rug or a sofa accessory. Just roll it up and store away come spring to save as a cosy winter favourite.

If your hallway has a sideboard, clear the keys and umbrellas away and work some Christmas magic. Tealight houses are the sweetest way to bring the festive season into your home, with brands like Ferm Living, Ib Laursen, East of India and Rader creating Nordic-inspired porcelain, stoneware and metal houses that light up cosy evenings in. Just grab some scented tealights - we love St Eval’s - and watch them create a warm glow against walls.

Space allowing, a second mini tree in the hallway means merriment is guaranteed from the moment family arrives. Plus, you’ll get to experience the joy of hanging baubles all over again. Try a reusable wooden design for a contemporary contrast to your main fir, trimmed with minimal ornaments and a design-led star perched on top. Add a rustic touch with painted wood and twine decorations, or opt for a rich colour palette of gold, crimson and emerald. Place the tree in a pot on the porch or under-stairs recess and watch it shine throughout the season.