This idea comes from the late 1940s, when so many small post-War starter homes was being built, and every bit of extra storage was important.
See all the clever ways they found room to make the most of this vintage hallway design, just by using the area adjacent to and underneath the home’s main staircase.
A center hall need not be a waste of space! This center hall pays its way, because all the extra space is turned to good account.
For instance, the bare wall which usually flanks the staircase holds bookshelves that are convenient to both floors. It’s an effective wall treatment that solved the problem of finger-marked wallpaper.
Under the stairs is another good idea. Those three panels pop open to reveal three slide compartments that hold the things which usually clutter up the hall closet. These slide-out bins can hold (1) umbrellas and overshoes, (2) skates, tennis rackets, etc., (3) golf bags and other tall articles.
With such handy storage available, the closet itself is left free for coats and hats.
The floor is a feature that makes a big impression the minute you step in the door. It’s Armstrong’s Linoleum. The smart Chinese Chippendale design looks expensive… but actually it’s simply a background of black Marbelle inset with a pattern of white strips in different widths.
