How can I accessorise a white hall/stairs/landing?

[ZinglebertBembledank]

Small Victorian terrace so the entrance hall is fairly narrow and dim; there's just a small window above the front door to let in light. The landing has no windows at all.

At the moment it's just painted white (about 10 months ago) but it looks dingey to me. Apparently re-decorating is not an option so I need to cheer it up with some pictures or something.

So how do you do it in a narrow space? lots of small pics? groups of three? or just a couple of big pieces?

There is a radiator in the hall way which has become a kind of makeshift mail holding area and looks messy. maybe a mirror and a narrow shelf above it or something?

I was thinking of getting a long fancy light for the landing as it is a very high ceiling over the stairs.

Gah - I'm rubbish at this!

I think that sounds good.get a big mirror like you say and place it over the radiator with a slim shelf for keys etc.I would really recommend dulux light and space paint for this though.If it is already painted it would be an easy job for you to just give it another coat with this stuff.Mych cheaoer than lots of accessories. Then get a big piece of bright framed art to lift the whole area and put a tall glass vase with a couple of gerberas on the shelf.The long light above sounds a good idea too maybe something glass or mirrored to bounce what light you do have around.

OK.

what do we think of pictures on the way up the stairs. Unbelievably naff or lovely and interesting?

I think they can look great if they are arranged well.

How about plum as a warming accent colour?

Hall light

Landing light?

A friend had just black and white photos of her family, all in black or white frames, all on little black shelves, in her white Victorian hall. It looked wonderful, and actually being so narrow, you came up against the photos each time you went in, which I enjoyed.

On little black shelves? Not on the walls?

Is there room for a radiator cover, which would double up as a shelf?

On little black shelves on the walls

Sort of like this

www.livingetc.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=1461

I like the idea of a rad cover. Anyone know where to get them? I tried searching B&Q but nothing... Also, do they affect efficiency of the radiator?

And the shelf looks nice doesn't it? So maybe a rad cover could have some photos on the top.

some here

i echo the idea of the radiator cover.They do unfortunately effect the efficiency - but look so much better than a bare radiator.Also a mirror above will reflect light and a collection of pictures on the opposite wall.Black and white photos would look good or a collection of whatever you like.The pictures and mirror surround should tone [all gold or silver/black].A large stunning vase of fake flowers or real if you prefer in a bright red etc.in front of the mirror.Find a beautiful hall pendent light/chandelier that will act as a focal point.

Thanks chippy.

Please don't get a radiator cover!Soo naff and better top buy a lovely period radiator and feel warm! They are like the interiors equivalent of a toilet roll dolly

lovely Do you have a front door which could be glazed?

Noddy, I think the right one can look fab. Zingle, is the hall big enough to fit a sideboard or console table? Something mirrored or white (like this) could look great and it provides extra storage too.

Liz

I am yet to be convinced and tbh have never seen one in anyones house apart from a couple I have taken out in renovations.What are they for?Everyone knows whats underneath and they block heat.I have never been asked for one when doing a scheme but it is an individual thing

Personally I am with Noddy on the radiator cover thing. A shelf is good. I don't think radiators are a dirty secret . Your original ideas were great -- a lovely light fitting which is not just a nice object, but also casts warm and interesting light, would do the trick, plus mirror and slim shelf.

They might be naff - but they are still a much cheaper option than a new period radiator!.We have one in our hallway along with french antique mirrors and oil paintings and original edwardian tiles.It looks fine together .We installed it 9 years ago when we were renting the house out and did it up quickly.It is definately not naff i can assure you[but is painted to blend in with the walls]

Calm down They are naff

I'd put in a coloumn radiator and a huge mirror above it, combined with a sparkly glass chandelier or a glass globe pendent. I had black and white photos in black frames in our previous hall and it looked good.

B&Q is doing 20% off coloumn rads at the mo so they are quite well priced.