How to Decorate Your Entryway

You only get one chance to make a first impression, as the saying goes. When it comes to your home, that means creating an entryway or hallway space that really appeals – not just to your guests, but to you as well. Read on as we share more about styling a practical entryway that transitions smoothly from outside to in, with a welcoming presence that receives both you and your guests into the home.

As with any other room, the secret to a successful entryway decoration is planning. Choose your color scheme and set out clear goals for what you want to achieve. Think about the available space and how you can make any entryway feel less cramped while offering ample storage for coats, shoes, umbrellas and other necessities. Styling a functional entryway goes beyond just splashing a coat of paint on the walls and hoping for the best. Read on to learn more!

With a charming oval silhouette and tamboured doors, the Harper Sideboard opens up to sufficient storage for knick-knacks and necessities. Picture credit: @houseofchais

What colors to choose for your entryway?

Color scheme is one of the first considerations when styling your entryway. A light and bright entryway creates a sense of space and a breezy feel that will flow through the rest of the house. However, you also need to remember that this is a high traffic and high use area, so expect walls and floors to get scraped, bumped, and marked. So, is a dark color scheme the way to go? Not necessarily, either – hardwearing material such as wood might be a good idea in such cases.

It’s all dependent on the size and layout of your entryway too. If you have a long and narrow corridor entry space with a small amount of natural light, then try to avoid colors that are too dark. If your entryway is larger and with more natural light, then it is more suited to darker tones. Remember that this space sets the whole tone for your home, so choose a color that works with the rest of the house, inviting guests to step in and feel wholly welcomed in your space.

What furniture do you need in your entryway?

Of course, as we mentioned above, the entryway is not just about style, there are also multiple practical considerations to keep in mind. Entryways are generally a small area of the home, so prioritise functional furniture and accessories to avoid unnecessarily overcrowding the space.

Storage, especially enclosed, can neatly store away shoes and other bulky items. Consider using storage baskets as well to store smaller items while adding textural contrast to the furniture. A console table is essential for housing keys and other necessities. Additionally, you can decorate it with meaningful photos, art or plants. Add a seating bench and accessorize with a couple of cushions. Or perhaps consider using poufs as an alternative seating option.

Pictured: The Kit Stool, as styled by @jessie_khoo. Enhance your space with a stool for putting on shoes and a mirror to check your reflection before leaving the home.

As well as furniture, you can also dress your entryway with lighting and ornaments to enhance the sense of space and add a touch of design flair. A table lamp, especially one with a sculptural or textured base, not only provides lighting to the area but will add decorative elements to the space. Hang a mirror above the entryway console or seating (or prop up a full length if space allows), to make the entry area appear more spacious and also for a last self-check prior to heading out. On the floor, use a suitable size rug that defines the entry area or a runner that leads you from your doorway to the rest of the house.

Durable and hardwearing, Lilou Runner Rug is perfect for busy spaces.

What should I avoid in my entryway?

The main thing to avoid when decorating your entryway is overcrowding. It might be tempting to try and squeeze more furniture into the space to make it look more stylish but having the room to move around, put on shoes and coats (and take them off again when you come in) is the main purpose of the entryway.

That also means that having the right storage options is ideal. A console table with drawers or cupboard space can help to keep things tidied away. Having a place to put shoes and coats is also a great way to save space.

Picture credit: @diannnnneee. The Miles Mirror placed by the entryway allows light to bounce off and create the illusion of a roomier space.

What should I put in my entryway?

Entryways can often be small and cramped but are usually high traffic areas, with people coming in and going out. So, you need to strike the right balance of having storage and furniture but also having enough space so that you’re not banging into things on your way in or out. A console table is usually a good idea, as is a bench or chair where you can sit and put shoes on or take them off again.

How do you make an entryway look nice?

Try to work with the space and light provided. Your entryway sets the tone for your home but also has a highly practical purpose. Use furniture sparingly but try to maximize your storage options. A mirror and some suitable lighting, with a rug on the floor can add style elements without taking up too much space.

How do you style an entryway?

Remember that your entryway is the first impression you will make on visitors so try and style it accordingly. Use the light and enhance it with mirrors, stylish lighting choices and lighter paint colors (especially if your hallway is on the smaller side).