7 September 2026
First impressions are made in the hallway. In homes, serviced apartments and hotels, entrances and corridors set the tone for the whole building, guide people through it and shape how safe, clean and well designed it feels.
For developers, landlords and hospitality businesses, a well-planned entrance is about more than looks. It has to be durable, compliant and easy to look after. This guide covers how to choose finishes, lighting and furniture that look good and keep performing.
What this guide covers
Ten steps, from understanding how the space is used to placing the order.
1
Define the function and flow of the space
Knowing how the space is used helps you balance looks, durability and compliance.
| Project type | Key purpose | Design focus |
|---|---|---|
| Residential developments / show homes | Visual impact that flows into the rest of the home | Coordinated flooring, lighting and wall finishes that lead naturally into the living spaces. |
| Hospitality & serviced apartments | Helping guests find their way, brand experience | Signage, seating and lighting that make the route obvious and carry the brand. |
| Landlord & rental properties | Durability and low maintenance | Hard-wearing flooring, washable paint and tamper-proof fittings. |
| Holiday parks & leisure | Weather protection and easy cleaning | Non-slip flooring, covered entrances and moisture-resistant finishes. |
2
Flooring
The floor is the most important surface in any entrance. It has to look professional, cope with heavy traffic and meet safety rules.
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT)
Commercial-grade, scratch resistant and available in wood and stone effects.
Porcelain tile
Durable and moisture resistant, which suits hotels, communal entrances and corridors.
Entrance matting
Traps dirt and water at the door, cutting cleaning and slip risk.
Rugs & runners
Soften a long corridor and reduce footfall noise.
Acoustic underlay
Reduces noise between floors in flats and apartment blocks.
3
Wall & ceiling finishes
Corridor walls take a lot of knocks, especially in shared and hospitality buildings.
Washable paint
Low-VOC emulsion in satin or eggshell wipes clean easily.
Wall panels
Panelling protects walls from luggage and cleaning equipment and adds character.
Texture
Textured wallpaper or 3D panels add depth in show homes and hotel lobbies.
Colour
A neutral base with darker trims makes a narrow space feel longer.
4
Lighting & wayfinding
Lighting sets the atmosphere, keeps people safe and helps them find their way.
General lighting
Even light from LED downlights or ceiling fittings.
Accent lighting
Picks out artwork, doors and signs to guide people through.
Emergency lighting
Required under BS 5266 in corridors, exits and shared spaces.
Smart controls
Sensors and timers save energy in shared entrances.
Wayfinding
Lit signs or floor markers help in larger developments.
5
Doors, hardware & access
Entrances need to look good, be accessible and meet the rules.
Fire doors
Fit FD30 or FD60 rated doors in multi-occupancy buildings.
Door furniture
Stainless steel or brushed brass handles last well and look smart.
Access control
Smart locks, video entry and fob systems improve security.
Thresholds
Level transitions help wheelchair users and keep the weather out.
Acoustics
Solid-core doors reduce corridor noise in rentals and hotels.
6
Furniture & practical features
A few well-chosen pieces make an entrance welcoming and practical.
Console tables
A focal point and a surface for keys, post or information.
Benches & seating
Somewhere to sit in communal and hospitality entrances.
Coat hooks & racks
Wall-mounted options save floor space.
Umbrella stands & boot trays
Keep mess at the door in wet weather.
Mirrors
Reflect light and make the space feel bigger.
7
Branding & visual identity
The entrance is where a building introduces itself.
Signage
Plaques, lit lettering and direction signs build recognition.
Colour
Carry the brand colours through corridors and shared spaces.
Art & graphics
Change artwork by season or theme to keep things fresh.
Scent
A subtle fragrance improves the atmosphere in hotels and show homes.
Digital screens
Check-in or information points help guests in hospitality buildings.
8
Safety, accessibility & compliance
Slip resistance
Entrance floors should achieve an R10 to R13 rating under DIN 51130.
Light levels
EN 12464-1 sets a minimum of 100 lux for corridors.
Accessibility
Follow Part M for threshold heights, door widths and turning space.
Fire safety
Corridors need compliant signs, fire doors and emergency lighting.
Security
CCTV or coded entry suits multi-unit and hospitality buildings.
9
Sustainability & lifecycle value
Recycled materials
Choose flooring and paints with recycled content.
LED lighting
Uses far less energy than older fittings and lasts much longer.
Water-based paints
Lower VOC emissions and less odour during refurbishment.
Long-life finishes
Hard-wearing finishes mean fewer redecorations.
Building controls
Automated controls track and trim corridor lighting and energy use.
10
Procurement, coordination & aftercare
Hallways involve several trades, so coordination avoids costly delays.
Fit-out packages
Flooring, lighting and furniture specified together for a consistent roll-out.
One supplier, several brands
Buyit gives you Furniture 123, Appliances Direct and Outdoor Living through one buying process.
Installation order
Fit flooring and lighting before furniture arrives to avoid damage.
Aftercare plans
Put cleaning, repainting and relamping schedules in the O&M documents.
Fitting out entrances and corridors?
Talk to our B2B account managers about hallway packages and volume quotes.
Contact our B2B team