Is your entrance hall swanky or sad? Here's how to upgrade it

You only get one chance to make a good first impression, and for many home sellers, the space that will set the tone for prospective buyers is the entrance hall. 

To you, this may just be a dim, utilitarian place to keep coats, hats, sports gear, dog leashes, umbrellas and schoolbags and prevent them from cluttering up the rest of your home, but that view will probably not serve you well during viewings or show-days.

Instead, what you should be aiming for is a light, tidy, inviting space that makes visitors really keen to see the rest of your home. Some tips for giving your entrance hall this "wow" factor include the following:

*Start by decluttering and cleaning thoroughly. Remove anything that a prospective buyer might trip over such as backpacks, boots or toys, and make sure the walls and any windows are spotless as well as the floor.

*Keep the wall and floor colours neutral or very pale. This will create a non-distracting backdrop that helps visitors to envision themselves as owners of the home.  

*Add light if necessary. A grand chandelier may not suit your home or your taste, but you should consider installing a statement light fixture or a skylight if the space needs more light and warmth to make it feel inviting.

*Also add a mirror if needed to reflect light and make a small entrance hall feel more spacious.

*If space allows, add storage solutions like a coat rack, key hooks or an umbrella stand to keep the area organised and functional.

*However, you should keep other furniture in the space to a minimum, such as a small chest or table and one occasional chair.

*Final touches such as a potted plant, a bowl or flowers or fruit and a piece of artwork will then be all you need to add colour - and make potential buyers feel at home from the moment they step inside your front door.