The Magic Pixels guide

Choosing furniture for a narrow hallway

Hallway furniture needs to earn its space. Before choosing a piece, list what happens by your front door: putting down keys, taking off shoes, hanging a bag or checking a mirror. Pick the job that currently causes the most clutter.

Check the route through the room

Measure the narrowest part of the hallway, including skirting boards and door handles. Mark a potential piece on the floor and open nearby doors fully. Try the route while carrying the things you usually bring home. Drawers and cupboard doors need room to open too.

Avoid judging depth from a front-facing photograph. A slim-looking cabinet can project further into a walkway than expected, especially when handles are included.

Bench, console or wall storage?

A bench is useful if you sit down to put on shoes. Check its stated seating capacity and height; a display bench or shelf should not be assumed suitable for sitting.

A console offers a landing place for keys and post, but the top can quickly become another pile. One drawer or a small tray may be more useful than a larger surface.

Wall storage leaves the floor clearer, though the wall and fixings must suit the piece. Follow the manufacturer’s installation and anchoring instructions. A mirror can reflect available light, but it will not create more physical room.

Plan for everyday mess

Consider wet shoes, bags brushing past and how easily the floor can be cleaned. Read care instructions before putting damp items on a wood surface. Check delivery access as well as the final position, particularly around stairs and tight corners.

The current finds below are suggestions to investigate, not products we have physically tested. Check exact dimensions and installation requirements at the shop.