Choosing hallway storage

Below stairs
The area under the stairs is valuable hallway space. With precision planning it can become an office, a downstairs toilet, a closet or a home for the vacuum cleaner/toolbox/spare bulbs and all the other essentials that make a house a home.

If you don't fancy boxing in the area, why not open it up to create a glorious showcase storage system for books and media? It makes a refreshing change from cupboard fronts, not to mention a spectacular visual impact. You'll need a good carpenter for the job so ask around for some recommendations.

Hanging space
If there's a free corner in your hallway, consider a freestanding coat stand. Whether you choose the classic 12-hook wooden coat stand with central umbrella well or a fabulously funky steel creation from Bo Concept you'll need to exercise a strict one-coat-per-person policy. Fail and it'll start to bulge unattractively. The beauty of freestanding designs is that you can also slot umbrellas, hockey sticks and walking sticks into the central area. It's also a good idea to have some chic padded hangers available.

Off the wall
If you're short on space, your best bet is to hang coats from the wall. Choose a contemporary metal or plastic coat rack or go trad with wood or a distressed paint finish. Coat racks with overhead shelves are invaluable for ensuring hats don't get battered in the morning melée. Alternatively, create your own hanging storage system by hanging all manner of funky hooks to create a quirky and abstract display of postcards, pictures, keys and coats. You could even use garden trellis and paint it the same colour as your wall to make it appear 'invisible'.

If you're looking for more substantial hallway storage, visit The Cotswold Company. Their classic hall shelf is designed for multi-functionality with cubby holes and double hooks.

Top table
The slimline console table is a popular choice. It's ideal for the telephone, family photographs, letters, keys and the like. The classic incarnation is semi-circular with slimline drawers and elegantly carved legs. More contemporary options are available, including long, low tables in rich dark wood from Heals. If your hallway is particularly narrow, banish anything with sharp edges to avoid the bruises.

Mud and wellies
If you live in the country, invest in a wrought iron or oak boot rack and make a homely display of your family's wellies in their different sizes and colours. If it's particularly muddy in your neck of the woods, it's a good idea to buy one with a scraper attached. Visit Plantstuff and The Cotswold Company for the best selections.

Divide and conquer
If your hallway is open plan, create a natural divider that lets the light in by commissioning a good carpenter to build a chic storage unit. Modular squares look particularly contemporary and are ideal for storing books and ornaments.

Nooks and crannies
Make good use of alcoves and all the nooks and crannies in your hallway. A space that at first doesn't seem to offer much potential can become a showcase for antique books, beautiful vases, sculpture, kids' works of art or even a beautiful pair of vintage shoes.