An apartment of any size begins with a hallway, which the owners try to renovate in the best possible way. The beginning of the house is characterized by the taste, as well as the attitude of the apartment owners to the interior. One of the main techniques for decorating walls is the right wallpaper for a small hallway. Thanks to the pattern and color of the walls, you can visually change the space and create an individual design in your apartment. Our article tells you how to choose the right wallpaper among the abundance on offer.
Striped wallpaper in a small hallway.
What color and pattern to choose for a small room
You always want to enlarge small spaces, and for this purpose there are decorative techniques associated with optical illusions. A small hallway will seem larger if you use light, complex shades of pastel colors, preferably warm ocher, cream or coffee shades.
A small hallway with wallpaper in bed colors.
Drawing for small rooms is used with a vertical direction. Stripes of varying thickness can alternate with a small floral motif. A geometric set of rhombuses or rectangles will visually expand the space of the hallway.
When choosing wallpaper with a pattern, pay attention to the marking, which indicates the size of the image and its report, which will allow you to more accurately calculate the number of rolls.
Pay attention to the wallpaper labeling.
Liquid wallpaper in the hallway: how to care for it
If you simply cover the corridor with liquid wallpaper, the service life will be short, so you cannot do without a protective coating.
To protect liquid wallpaper in the hallway from moisture, acrylic varnish and primer will help.
Liquid wallpaper can eliminate some wallpaper defects: therefore they are recommended for corridors
Features of caring for liquid wallpaper in the hallway:
- Dirt and dust also settle on them, and this can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner or with a damp cloth;
- If the wallpaper is varnished, it can be safely washed;
- Liquid wallpaper can be washed in principle if it contains natural silk and a polymer binder (without cellulose).
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If you wash wallpaper with a vacuum cleaner, the power should be minimal. Laundry soap dissolved in water gives excellent results - this solution can also cope with complex stains. According to many reviews, dishwashing detergent does an excellent job of cleaning liquid wallpaper.
Techniques for increasing space
To make the hallway look more spacious, you can use design tricks:
- A large mirror will change the feeling of space;
Large mirror in the hallway with wallpaper on the walls.
- Lighting should not only be ceiling lighting, but also zone the room into areas for hangers, wardrobes, and the front door;
Zoned lighting in the hallway.
- Glossy surfaces of furniture or walls will visually expand the room;
Glossy wardrobe in the hallway.
- Photo wallpapers with views of city streets, the sea coast or endless fields will visually enlarge the hallway.
Photo wallpaper with views of city streets in the interior.
In a small hallway, avoid small decorative items so that the space does not seem cluttered.
Details
Characteristics and properties of wallpaper
The variety of materials for wall decoration is incredibly large, including wallpaper. If you know about their characteristics, you can choose something of your own, and in terms of quality they are most often:
- For painting.
- Natural.
- Washable.
Often several of these qualities are combined in one type of wallpaper.
Types of wallpaper
All popular types of materials used for hallway renovations are described here.
Paper
Paper wallpaper is most often used in the hallway, because it is popular and inexpensive. The canvases are easy to use, environmentally friendly, there is a large selection of colors and textures, and they can also be used to hide all the flaws in the walls. They can be single-layer (i.e. simplex) or two-layer (i.e. duplex). The disadvantage of such a coating is that it is not resistant to moisture, and also deteriorates under chemical and mechanical influence. With constant friction, their surface loses its original appearance. They also quickly fade from natural light, and if they get dirty, you won’t be able to wipe them with a brush or damp cloth. If you hit it with a sharp object, you will immediately tear the canvas. Due to such a number of shortcomings, wallpaper is not suitable for use in the hallway, and especially if it is small.
Cork
This wallpaper can be considered the best sound insulator. They are antistatic, which is why they do not attract dust at all. In addition, the material is 100% environmentally friendly because it is made from pressed cork chips. There are no allergies to them. The downside is that they are very expensive, highly absorb moisture, there is a small selection of colors, and they are also difficult to glue. For such a coating, ordinary wallpaper glue will not work - you will have to fork out for a special composition. Cork sheets can be used in small hallways, but with additional surface treatment with wax or varnish.
Bamboo
The material is environmentally friendly, has a high degree of resistance to wear and ultraviolet radiation. They can be easily applied to walls using liquid nails, and the walls will not need to be further leveled or primed. The disadvantage is the high cost, small range of colors and specific appearance - not suitable for all interiors. This is the ideal wallpaper for the hallway if the interior of the apartment is decorated in a tropical style.
Non-woven
Non-woven wallpaper is highly breathable, inexpensive, resistant to moisture and water, environmentally friendly and wear-resistant. They perfectly hide cracks on the walls and can be painted if you want to change the interior. The variety of textures and colors will delight every person. The disadvantages include transparency; before gluing it to the walls, it should be prepared as best as possible. This can be an advantage if the walls are painted in the desired shade before the gluing process. Another disadvantage will be the small selection of ornaments. When choosing a material for a hallway, you should definitely consult with a specialist about their resistance to moisture; there are several types according to these criteria.
Vinyl
Vinyl-based wallpapers come in a wide variety. They can be based on non-woven or paper, smooth and embossed, sometimes in the form of silk-screen printing. There are various creation techniques:
- Makes it possible to make wallpaper with imitation stone, wood, plaster and much more.
- Thick vinyl is the most expensive of this type and is quite resistant to moisture and wear.
- Flat vinyl - easy to clean as it is smooth.
- Foamed vinyl – has a voluminous texture, ideal for painting.
The disadvantages include airtightness, and when burning it will release toxic substances. In the hallway, wallpaper with high resistance to moisture is used.
Acrylic
These wallpapers are an ideal choice for families with pets or children. They are a cross between paper and non-woven wallpaper. They are very easy to care for - just wipe with a damp cloth, and they are also highly breathable and affordable for any wallet. The disadvantage is that they cannot withstand strong humidity, as well as strong mechanical impacts. The choice of patterns and designs is smaller than other types. They are recommended for use in the hallway if you have a large family.
Fiberglass
A type of wallpaper that is environmentally friendly, as it is made from natural material. They are not afraid of fire and water; before gluing, there is no need to additionally treat the walls - such wallpapers easily hide all the unevenness. They are great for multiple dyeing. The downside is their low degree of elasticity, and such material is applied to a special adhesive composition and is difficult to remove. The choice of patterns is too small.
Metallized
If we talk about metallic wallpaper for hallway walls, the material is made from foil, which is why it resembles metal. They are wear-resistant and tolerate moisture well. They also do not lose their original appearance and look expensive and impressive. Their disadvantage is the lack of variety, cold and dark colors. In addition, they do not allow air to pass through at all. They can be used in a small hallway only if the interior style is high-tech.
Textile
This type of wallpaper emphasizes interior sophistication. They are environmentally friendly due to their thinness, and seamless walls can be made. The material also has excellent sound and thermal insulation. There is a large selection of colors and patterns. Their high cost and extremely dry care have become a disadvantage. They attract dust and unpleasant odors. Pasting such wallpaper requires special skills, and not every person will be able to paste it themselves. This wall covering is not suitable for all hallways.
Liquid
Essentially, it is a type of plaster. They are sold in powder form and can also be diluted with water. They can be applied without any joints, are environmentally friendly, can be applied easily, are soundproof and do not fade. For minor damage, you can easily wash off the damaged part and then apply a new layer. Ease of rinsing is a big drawback, because there is no possibility of wet cleaning. But with additional treatment of surfaces with varnish, it ceases to be a disadvantage. The small variety of colors is also a disadvantage, as is the high price. Such wallpaper is used only with additional coating.
Photo wallpaper
They will become an unusual material for creating an individual and original interior. The variety of designs will satisfy even the most capricious buyers. This is a universal coating that is easy to care for, environmentally friendly and easy to use. The disadvantage of additional preparation of the walls will be that the drawing looks smooth and perfect. After a while, you may get tired of the picture, and therefore you will have to do the repairs again. This material can be used in small rooms (including hallways), if the pattern does not hide the overall space. The video shows how to properly glue photo wallpaper.
Quartz
Such wallpapers are still a new material for buyers; they have a grainy surface. The material is wear-resistant, environmentally friendly, ideal for painting, although the color range is varied. They do not fade, perfectly mask wall irregularities and the joints are almost invisible. They are very expensive, they are afraid of moisture, and they can also be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner. When gluing, you need a special adhesive composition, which is also quite expensive.
Stone
It is an ideal replacement for real stone made from a gypsum base. Stone wallpaper is moisture-resistant, lightweight, perfectly resistant to wear, and has different textures and colors. They are also compatible with any finishing materials. The disadvantage of such wallpaper for a small, bright hallway is that they are quite expensive, and they are also difficult to glue. The textured surface also accumulates a lot of dust, which requires regular cleaning. They will look good in the hallway if combined with another type of wallpaper.
Photo gallery: Types of wallpaper in a small hallway
Narrow hallways
Narrow hallways can be a problem area in many houses and apartments. A cramped space where a large group of people meet can become uncomfortable territory. One thing is for sure: if you have a narrow corridor, then you should choose the best configuration for the space. The appropriate arrangement and location of the hallway will help with this. The ideas presented will allow you to create a beautiful and attractive room even in a small area.
Hallway with bookcase, that is, additional space
Start with a simple idea or bookcase placement. No matter how narrow your hallway or entryway is, a bookcase will always fit. You can use this shelf to store your most important items or to decorate your space. Place photos, books or holiday favors here.
Narrow hallway with mirror
Mirrors will help optically enlarge the space. In addition, everyone likes to look at their reflection before leaving the house, and also check in what form they return after a walk. Mirrors work exceptionally well in small spaces, and a hallway with limited space will be no exception.
Entryway filled with art
If possible, you can hang a large painting, wall painting or wallpaper with characteristic designs on one of the walls. In this case, you have a big city view, but you can choose something more relaxing, like a tropical beach image.
Hooks and hangers in the hallway
Hangers right by the front door are a huge plus for every hallway. Especially when you don't have a lot of floor space, use walls as much as possible.
Hallway with hidden storage space
If you are a person who likes to stay in a minimalist, clean and tidy environment, then you won't find anything better than in-wall cabinets for a practical hallway decoration. This will free up space to hide all your jackets, coats, scarves and umbrellas. In addition, choose light shades that will optically enlarge the space.
Bench at the entrance
The first thing you do is take off your shoes? If so, then you will love this idea! Behind the door, you can install a pouf or bench - preferably one that can be opened and used as storage space. Let's also remember that such a bench should be relatively narrow so that it does not take up much space.
Repair is the basis of transformation
Before renovation, you should evaluate all possibilities for expanding the space, for example, dismantling the partition between the hallway and the hall or the hallway and the living room. For visual zoning of the space after dismantling, plasterboard partitions are used.
A good option would be to install arched (oval or rectangular) openings between the hallway and the hall, which allow you to visually enlarge the space, filling it with natural light.
The presence of a niche is always a “plus” in favor of arranging a hallway. Firstly, you can equip it with a built-in wardrobe in which seasonal clothes and shoes will be stored, and secondly, you can make a storage place for household appliances for the home and even a narrow washing machine with vertical or front loading.
Choice of colors
Designers rightly believe that for small hallways it is better to choose a light palette as the main color scheme, which can visually smooth out the boundaries of the room and expand it.
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Light colors are especially relevant for hallways that do not receive daylight, and all lighting is reduced to almost artificial lighting sources.
Typically, designers try to choose one main and two additional, accent colors.
General design
When choosing wallpaper for the corridor, do not forget that you can use different styles:
- for the classic one, choose wood material and a plain coating for the walls and ceiling. For small corridors, this style is created quite often, as it allows you to give the room an expensive effect. An example of the classic style is shown in the following photo;
- When choosing a modern style, be sure to place a mirror in the corridor. It is better to choose wallpaper with bright patterns and a shiny finish. As an example, you can use the following photo;
- For eco-style it is necessary to use only natural materials. and wallpaper can be selected with special designs of nature or animals. The entrance area can be covered with bamboo or decorative stone.
Peculiarities
Wall covering is very important for any room. As for wallpaper, with its help you can easily visually enlarge any small room, making it more spacious and bright
And if you add the right lighting, then even the absence of windows in a small hallway will not become a problem.
Features of wallpaper for a small hallway include the following:
Products for such premises are available in a huge range and variety. You can easily choose them yourself, without even resorting to the help of specialists.
- Wallpaper can be as simple as it comes, as well as various eco-friendly options for nature lovers.
- This type of coating can be several times cheaper than any other. However, if we talk about paper options, then, despite the fact that they are not very expensive, their service life leaves much to be desired.
Ceiling decoration
In small hallways, a light ceiling with a flat surface is advantageous. As a finish, you can choose a suspended ceiling or plasterboard (in both cases, you can organize zonal spot lighting for the room).
The advantage of suspended systems is that there is no need to level the surface of the “native” ceiling or carry out any preparatory work.
Panel: dividing the wall into three parts
You have already seen that it is not necessary to cover the longest wall with one type of wallpaper. Let's give another interesting example.
If the sofa in the living room is placed along an extended wall, then an accent panel is directly “asking” above it - from floor to ceiling or a slightly smaller size. Borders can be emphasized with molding. In order for the panel to attract attention, it requires special decorativeness. Again, collection manufacturers will come to the rescue - in their catalogs you can choose both basic and accent wallpaper for a narrow room (photo below).
Contrasting wallpaper divides the wall into 3 parts