April 29, 2021 | Updated: 26 April 2022
The entrance hall is typically the first impression of the home’s interior but can often be an under-appreciated part of the house. A well-designed hallway and carefully chosen finishes can set the tone for the rest of the house.
Choosing finishes that can be easily maintained as well as making a strong visual impact is, without doubt, the most important thing to get right in terms of its décor.
The beautiful surviving houses of different historical periods stand testament to this approach; whether it’s the black and white stone tiles and dado rails favoured by the Georgians in their hallways or the colourful cement tiles beloved of the Victorians, these entrances ooze character.
We have put together advice on how to create a stunning hallway design with hallway tile ideas that will not only sand the test of time but are easy to maintain, are scuff proof and provide a real welcome home.
As the entrance to the house, the hallway is directly accessed from the outside and usually leads off to the other main rooms of the house and the stairs. While its décor should be representative of the rest of the property and can be used to make a stylish first impression, it is important to remember the practical uses for the space.
When choosing flooring and wall finishes, you should take into consideration the type of material and if they are safe to withstand a lot of traffic and heavy usage. This is what makes hallway floor and wall tiles one of the best choices for hallway designs, as they are easy to maintain and very durable.
Hallway design ideas should also consider features of the space such as how large it is, if there is any natural light, and the need for furniture. With such a wide range of designs and textures, tile flooring and walls can complement any space and help to offset features such as if it is a dark space or a smaller entrance hall.
▶ Get the look
Discover the Bottega collection, a versatile series that can be used in a variety of settings, including hallways.
The Holy Grail of hallway flooring and wall finishes is choosing options that provide great looks and easy maintenance. Deliveries, foot traffic, and the hustle and bustle of life can put the hallway under pressure in terms of its décor.
Keeping the hallway clean and free of the damage caused by wear and tear is important. This is helped enormously by avoiding finishes like natural stone or timber floorboards simply because in our busy lives we might not have time to dedicate to keeping up their maintenance. When realising our design dreams, no one wants the disappointment of discoloured floors or scuffed walls in their entranceway.
Tiles for the hallway are an excellent choice because there are numerous colours and designs to choose from for walls and floors. For both small hallways and more spacious entrance halls, tiles can complement any design scheme and create a welcoming atmosphere. Flooring and wall tiles are compatible with a wide range of other features such as under-floor heating in the hallway or an in-laid entry mat to help keep the space clean.
Also, in case of damage, the tiled floor or wall can simply be repaired without affecting the overall look of the hallway.
Depending on the design and layout of your home certain materials will be more appropriate than others for the tiled hallway. A contemporary style home might be best served by porcelain or ceramic tiles in the hallway, while a period style home might benefit from a laminate floor finish. For a hallway in a rural setting, vinyl flooring is the best option, as it can withstand pretty much anything.
The following material categories broadly cover the recommended finishes that will provide the best results when choosing tiles for the hallway.
Wall tiles will protect surfaces from scuffs and scratches as well as provide a decorative finish. There are two recommended materials to achieve the optimum results in the hallway: ceramic and vinyl.
▶ Get the look
Discover the Bottega collection, a versatile series that can be used in a variety of settings, including hallways.
Flooring in the hallway must be hardwearing and withstand regular cleaning as well as looking good. This is why tile flooring is a great choice for the hallway. The recommended materials are porcelain, laminate, and vinyl. These are all available in dark and patterned options, which are best for minimal upkeep, while light, muted colours or black make a statement, they need more care.
▶ Get the look
Visit your local Porcelanosa store to see our entire selection of wood-effect tiles.
TIP:
Use the same tile to make a perimeter skirting, which protects the walls in the hallway and provides a neat detail.
TIP:
For corridor type entrance halls, lay the laminate parallel to the main axis of the hall.
Advice on choosing
hallway tiles
For advice on choosing hallway tiles please contact our Customer Service team (by calling 01923 656777 or emailing online.store@porcelanosa.com) or order your free tile samples today.
You can also contact your nearest store – contact details can be found on our showroom locator page. We’ll be delighted to help.
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