Do you have a small entryway but want to spruce it up? No matter the aesthetic you’re going for, these front entryway decorating ideas will help create a space you’ll love.
When we first moved into our new home I knew that I wanted to keep the design minimal but add pops of color throughout our home. Our plan for decorating was to complete one room at a time to avoid being overwhelmed and overspending. Before we began decorating, we sat down as a family and considered what we wanted the aesthetic of our home to be. With younger kids at home it was important to us that the design elements we chose were practical and functional for our family. First, we completed our family room since that’s where we spend most of our time. Once that was complete we moved onto our entryway, the focal point of our home.
Our entryway is the first thing guests see when they are welcomed into our home. We wanted it to be bright and inviting without being overdecorated. The goal was to make it reflect our family’s personality and style as a whole. I definitely think we accomplished that. Every detail in our entryway design reflects a member in our family.
In addition to our entryway being a pretty space, I wanted it to serve a functional purpose as well. Though our entryway is small it packs a punch and exudes a grand yet welcoming feeling.
Front Entryway Decorating Tips
When you’re trying to decide on the aesthetic for your entryway it can be so overwhelming. I toyed around with so many ideas for weeks before we even moved into our home and a few more weeks after that. It really is hard to narrow down the perfect design especially if your entryway borders two other rooms in your home like ours does. Our kitchen and living room border our entryway and I wanted to make sure that the aesthetic in all three rooms complimented each other.
1. Paint the door a bold color.
Sometimes a simple change is all you need if you’re entryway is small and is lacking that wow factor. Painting your front door a bold color is a quick and easy way to make your entryway pop. To define and draw attention to the space, choose a bold color that will be a conversation starter with anyone that enters your home. The best way to find a paint color that works for your home is to go into a store and shop for colors in person. Narrow it down to 2 or 3 colors that you really love and get samples to take home. Once your home, swatch them on the door so you can see what they’ll actually look like in the space.
2. Bring in plants to add some life.
I’ve never been much of a plant person but when we moved into our home, plants became a part of the decor somehow. At first I was determined to only use faux plants here and there but then I decided to try my hand at keeping a few plants alive with the motivation from a few friends. Plants can make a huge impact in any space. You can choose to put them in a floor planter, on a table, or even hang them from the wall.
3. Add a small console table.
A console table can double as extra storage and the focal point of your entryway. Opt for a console table that has drawers or a bottom shelf. The drawers can be used to store things like mail, keys, or trinkets around the house. Sometimes we even use our drawers to hide presents around Christmas time since it’s the last place our kids will look. We placed fabric baskets underneath our console table for additional storage. Baskets are a great way to quickly declutter your home when you’re in a pinch. Since our entryway borders our living room, we use the baskets to store our throw blankets for our movie nights.
4. Paint the ceiling.
Can you tell that I love paint? It’s such an easy and affordable way to spruce up any space. If you’ve got a small entryway like we do, you’ll want to keep the ceiling a lighter color to make the space appear larger. Darker colors will make the entryway appear smaller and lessen the appearance of natural light. Here’s a couple of tips from the pros on why you should consider painting your ceiling along with some inspiration.
5. Install patterned flooring.
Patterned flooring is super trendy right now. Everything from herringbone patterns to stenciled floors are all the rage. They add an extra design element that is sure to draw attention to your entryway.
6. Abstract artwork
Artwork is a great choice for an entryway if you want to keep things minimal. You can say so much in a space with abstract artwork without creating clutter. Grab a piece like this for your entryway and hang it on your wall above the console table for a simple setup.
7. Create an accent wall.
One of the main reasons we decided to go with this floor plan for our home was the accent wall created in the entryway of the model home. It immediately caught our eye as soon as we walked in. You can create an accent wall in your space with anything from wallpaper to wood. Take a look at these 20 ideas to get you started.
Pieces to Consider for Your Entryway Wall Decor
- Floating shelves
- Family photos
- Abstract wall art
- A large mirror
- Wallpaper
- Wall plants
- Sconces
- Mount hooks
- Canvas prints
- Glass photo prints
Small Entryway Hacks
1. Use mount wall hooks.
Hooks are great options for your guests to hang their coats, handbags or anything else while they’re visiting. It will make them feel like you actually designed the space with them in mind since there’s a space for them to put their belongings while they’re in your home.
2. Define the space using a rug.
Do you have more of a foyer than a defined entryway? If there’s no dividers between your entryway and the surrounding rooms, a rug can help to define the space. Make sure to pick one that’s easy to clean in case of any spills or messes, especially if you have kids or entertain often like we do.
3. Hang a statement lighting fixture.
This lighting fixture was the very first thing that I picked out for our entryway. I designed the rest of the space around this fixture. It matched the aesthetic for the rest of our home and would create the vibe I was going for for our entryway. The pendant light makes a bold first impression with the brass cage design and Edison light bulb.
4. Hang a mirror.
I love a good mirror. How many times have you been getting ready to head out the door but didn’t have a full length mirror nearby to check out your look before you stepped out? A full length floor mirror or even a mirror hanging on the wall is a great addition to any space. It can make a small entryway look slightly larger and brighter, especially if your entryway is far away from outdoor natural light.
Skip the interior designer and give these entryway ideas a try first. Interior design can be intimidating but with these tips, you could probably design your entryway in your sleep. Do you have any front entryway decorating ideas you’ve seen or are dying to try? I’d love to hear them! Good luck with decorating your space.
I love your decorating ideas…I wanted to ask how would you decorate an entry way, where you walk in and have a wall across you…I want my entry way to be cozy…please advise
Hi Susan! Feel free to shoot me a photo via email so I can help you out – hello@biancadottin.com