Article by Damien
If we consider what might constitute traditional Hallway Furniture we would probably find that it raises the whole issue of social class as only those from the middle and upper classes had homes with hallways. In the nineteenth and twentieth century's only large town houses or large country houses had hallways so the traditional furniture that graced those hallways is what we are referring to. In relative terms it would have been quite spartan and functional for the majority of houses whilst on the other hand the aristocracy, merchant classes and landed gentry would have had the most upmarket and expensive pieces of furniture on display in their hallways, symbols of their social status and wealth.
Oak hall tables with brass furnishings and turned legs in Queen Ann style or hall dressers and wall units in less ornate Victorian style are imaginable pieces of hall furniture in many traditional halls. Coat, hat and umbrella stands in dark oak or ebony would also have been popular items for hallways and these have made a comeback as acceptable if not desirable hall furniture in modern houses. Another item that was essentially traditional was the chaise longue and it has made reappearance as an appropriate piece for many hallways. Though the shape has remained fairly traditional new fabrics have been introduced as coverings for them, imbuing them with that chic modern look. Where large hallways permitted, walls were adorned with family portraits and paintings tracing family genealogies and history.
This traditional trend has been cast aside to a large degree especially by the younger generation whose minimalist tastes militate against such ostentatious displays. More appropriately they prefer few if any family pictures or portraiture hanging in the hallway. Of course there are many reasons why householders opt for traditional or modern hall furniture. It could be the age or style of the house that decides either traditional or modern furniture for the hall or it might simply be a case of subjective eccentricity that chooses one or the other. There are normally good reasons for the choice based on architecture, space, light and budget but they are not always obvious to the onlooker.
In some hallways Mexican furniture has become popular especially country cottages where the rustic pine feature seems to fit in perfectly with the surroundings. In this instance you could have this traditional furniture sitting very comfortably against the backdrop of a modern country home. Such items as monk's benches long hallway tables and wall stands would not look out of place in this context. Floor rugs have always retrained an attraction as essential for a hallway as have standard lights and table lamp. Chairs of different styles have also remained as popular as ever in hallways regardless of traditional or modern trends. The choice is always based on individual tastes and a juxtaposition of the two offends no one.