The entryway might not seem like an important thing to focus on when decorating, but it is. The entryway actually sets the stage for the rest of the home and can make or break a first impression. Here are some great ways you can enhance your entryway.
- Paint it a bold color. A rich, warm color in the entryway can make a home feel very welcoming. If your entryway opens right into the living room, connect the space by simply painting a vibrant accent wall that will soften the transition and define the space.
- Create an-catching wall display. Set the tone and engage your visitors with a display of art in frames of various sizes. Other great ideas are to simply frame pieces of artful fabric or wallpaper for an eclectic, yet put together look. You could even group together ornamental mirrors, which will also provide visual interest.
- Add a runner. A runner serves dual purposes: it protects the flooring in the high traffic areas and it also draws the guests into the home. Be sure it doesn’t extend the entire length or width of the entryway (or hallway): you want to keep an open feeling and have space for the door to open freely. Don’t like to deal with cleaning it regularly? Paint a faux runner instead.
- Hang just a single item. Perhaps you don’t have enough space for a collection of artwork or mirrors. Hanging a single piece of art or even one large mirror can add some punch. Balance it off with an small table or bench.
- Doctor up your stairway. If your entryway contains a staircase, use it to your advantage. Line the staircase wall with family photos in frames of different sizes, yet identical material and color. If you don’t have carpeted stairs or a runner, paint the exposed risers in a friendly color. Greenery or something seasonal on the banister is also very welcoming.
- Add a table and/or chair or bench. A simple table (or small footed cabinet) in the entryway is a nice touch. It’s a great place for a lamp, candles, flower vase, or something else that’s decorative. If it has a drawer, even better, as it can be a great place for things like keys and writing instruments. If you have a bigger space, a bench is nice. You don’t have to have one custom made, but if you do, one that has storage space is extra nice. For any seating, always consider recovering the cushion and/or in a fabric that will compliment the rest of your home. We have some chairs that would be perfect for an entryway. Be sure to browse them here.
- Put in overhead lighting. Lighting is important everywhere, but it’s pretty much essential for an entryway. A lamp on a table is helpful, but decorative overhead lighting such as a pendant or chandelier is ideal. Look for something that sticks with the lighting theme throughout the rest of the house. Not sure how low it should hang? Shoot for the bottom being no more or less than six feet eight inches above the floor.
- Freshen up your front door and flooring. If your door doesn’t need to be replaced, but could use a facelift, a fresh coat of paint in a fun color can do wonders. If you have a large doorway that contains glass, hang some decorative curtains around the door. When it comes to flooring, mend it if it needs fixing or replace it entirely. Carpet isn’t necessarily ideal for entryways but tile and hardwood are great alternatives.
- Incorporate little details. Things like hooks for hanging up coats or an umbrella stand might not be at the front of your mind, but they are definitely details that shouldn’t be forgotten. They will come in handy so be sure to plan them into your entryway design.
- Don’t neglect the outside. The entryway isn’t just what you see when you open the door. It’s what you see as you’re approaching the door as well. As mentioned earlier, a fresh coat of paint on a door can be very welcoming. In addition to that, new house numbers, potted plants and a welcome mat are all things that can make the trek to your front door a pleasant one.
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