10 Ways to Enhance Your Entryway

You only get one chance to make a good first impression, which is why the entryway of your home should not be neglected as you decorate.

Entryways serve all sorts of purposes. Some homes have an entire open space complete with a beautiful winding staircase. Others, like mine, only have a teeny-tiny space past the doorway that opens up into the living and dining area. Yes–believe it or not, even those spaces can be considered an entryway.

Thankfully, there are all sorts of smart solutions that exist for remedying the various entryway challenges we face. We just have to figure out what will work within the space we’re given and make the most of it. The ultimate goal is to create an area–big or small–that makes you feel happy, comfortable, and welcome as soon as you walk through the door.

Here are 10 tips that can help you accomplish that:

1. Paint a bold color on the wall. White walls can be just as captivating in an entryway, however, if you like a splash of color, now’s your opportunity to do it. If there’s a color you love, but aren’t quite keen on using it throughout the house, the entryway is the perfect place to feature it. A rich, warm color in the entryway can make a home feel very welcoming, whether you paint it on or add it via wallpaper. Have kids? Consider throwing up some chalkboard paint! Not only is it different, it’s a great place to write family notes or draw pictures. 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.
2. 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.
3. Add a runner (or rug). A runner (or area rug) 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. Since entryways tend to deal with high traffic, consider purchasing a rug that’s a little darker in color. It’s a pretty way to disguise the dirt that the area collects. Don’t like to deal with cleaning it regularly? Paint a faux runner instead or do some cool tilework that will draw the eye.
4. 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 really make a big statement. If there’s room, balance it off with an small table or bench for aesthetics and functionality. If you are really low on space, opt for floating shelves with hooks. This will give you a place to hang items such as coats and purses, while also providing a flat surface for displaying some pretty trinkets.
5. 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 or wallpaper the exposed risers in a friendly color or exciting pattern. Greenery or something seasonal on the banister is also very welcoming.
6. 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 room allows, consider a small dresser. Not only does it make a great drop spot, it provides ample storage for keys, mail and coins, playing cards or other small games, winter gear, and even dining room linens. A bench, or even a pew, is also a nice option since a spot where you can sit down to take off your shoes always comes in handy. 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. Or, at least top off the seating with some decorative pillows that will tie into the rest of the house. We have some chairs that would be perfect for an entryway. Be sure to browse them here.
7. 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 or go full-on bold, hanging something that’s unique, vintage, or colorful. Not sure how low it should hang? Shoot for the bottom being no more or less than six feet eight inches above the floor.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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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