How to design a small hallway in a New York apartment
Designing hallways in New York City is tricky. They’re often narrow, and can create bottlenecks of movement. But even though hallways are transitional spaces, they deserve thoughtful design, especially if you’re trying to make the most of a tight space.
A hallway should be planned cohesively in relation to the rooms that it bridges, so that there’s good flow. The wall paint can be different, but at least one element should be consistent with the adjacent room: maybe it’s the same trim color, a repeat of an accent color in the rug, or simply a consistency in design style.
If your hallway leads to the apartment’s front door, you might be trying to squeeze in an entry setup. A slim console table to hold keys and sunglasses, a wall mirror, and coat rack can do the trick. I’m not a fan of clunky shoe racks, but keeping your everyday pair of kicks under an open console is realistic.
And while there might not be much space for furnishing a narrow hallway, the right artwork, light fixture, and rug will make your design feel intentional. These finishing touches are especially impactful to add character to a new build apartment that needs a spice of personality.
Hallways are high traffic areas, so a sturdy rug that can withstand wear is best: a tightly woven vintage Persian is a great option. I like to leave a bit of bare floor space along either side of the rug, to make a narrow hallway appear wider.
Follow along for beautiful images of small hallway designs in New York apartments that are both attractive and clever.
Smart design for your small space
Time & Place Interiors specializes in designing fresh spaces for young city professionals. Through a combination of vintage and modern designs, we bring function and beauty that make apartment living enjoyable. To discuss your design needs, use the link below to schedule a free 20-minute information call with founder Ksenya Malina: