Styling an entryway to perfection is so important because that’s the first impression for anyone who walks into your home. A beautifully designed entry gives an inviting and welcoming sensation to not only your guests, but to you when you arrive home after a long day. This space not only serves as a decorative vignette to set the tone for the rest of the home’s personality, but it is essential for an entry to also be functional.
We don’t all have the luxury of having a grand foyer right as you enter through the front door, and some entryway layouts can be a little trickier to style in comparison to the open spaces that you see on Pinterest. If you’re stuck on how to decorate your entryway, don’t give up and leave the space empty. Below you can find our advice and ideas for how to style your entryway to fit your layout.
Narrow + Hallway Entry
For those of you with a hallway or long, narrow entryway, I suggest embracing that length in one of two ways. One option is using a bench to keep the entry feeling open, without adding too much clutter vertically. Pair the bench with a few decorative pillows, a throw, and a cute basket to serve as a ‘drop-all’ bin for shoes, umbrellas, etc. And don’t forget about a rug! A runner is the perfect way to lead the eye down the space and tie the look together.
Design by Shannon Wollack of Studio Lifestyle | Photography by Stephen Busken
Design + Photo by Z Design At Home
Another option for narrow entries is incorporating a wide console table. When choosing a console table, look for something that has a shorter depth so that it doesn’t stick out too much into the walkway and make it feel stuffy. Jazz up the space by adding some tabletop decor, a mirror or piece of artwork, and light fixtures. I recommend using sconces over table lamps so that the narrow space doesn’t appear clunky.
Design by RH Interior Design for Kerry Washington | Photography by William Abranowicz for Architectural Digest
Slim + Short Entry
This could be a small landing near the stairs or tight wall right when you walk in. There are still solutions to zsush up the space! If the wall has enough room to allow you to walk by without feeling crammed, then I suggest using a chest so that it still serves as a console table (but with extra storage – boo ya!) and fills the area. Add a mirror or piece of artwork centered above the chest to create a focal point for guests to see right as they walk in. As for lighting, I would pass on table lamps here since the space is already lacking width and is filled up by the chest. Opt for sconce lighting instead to take advantage of the vertical space and draw the eye up.
Design by Bria Hammel Interiors | Photography by Spacecrafting
If there isn’t enough room to place a chest on the wall without making the walkway feel crammed, then use a slim console table so that the space still feels open while having a piece to make it feel complete. For example, in our Rollingwood New Build project the entryway was a little tight, so we used a console that attached to the wall with only two legs as the base to keep it stylish and functional without impeding on the limited amount of space. The same rule for art and wall sconces applies here as mentioned above, so that the vertical space is used rather than the vignette feeling clustered.
Design by BANDD Design | Photography by Ryann Ford
Design by Athena Calderone of Eyeswoon | Photography by Sarah Elliot
Open + Large Scale Entry
This is for those of you with a large, open entry that doesn’t have a distinct center wall for a console. I love the sophisticated look of having a round table or ‘tulip’ table in the center of the entry! If you have enough space for a walkway around the table, then I would definitely go for this option because it brings such a luxurious, hotel-like element for your guests to wow over when they walk through your front door.
Design by Brooke Wagner | Photography by Ryan Garvin
If you have an open entry space but there is a staircase mixed in, then go for a smaller tulip table. Feel free to dress it up with a stool or oversized vase. If a table doesn’t feel right, opt for a trendy chair next to a large vase, plant, or basket.
Design by Emily Henderson | Photography by Sara Ligorria-Tramp
The Nonexistent Entry
Not every home comes with a distinguished entryway, and it’s actually very common, especially for townhomes and apartments. Although you might not be able to add a furnishing to the space to make it look like the classic entries that you see on Pinterest and Instagram, there are still many ways to make the space feel inviting and polished.
Lighting always plays a key factor in making an area feel cohesive. Add a chandelier or pendant light centered with the door right as you walk in to create a bright and welcoming setting. The right rug can also help define the space and make it feel separated from the surrounding areas; plus it adds texture and helps cozy up the space. And just because you can’t incorporate a console table or other accent furnishing here doesn’t mean that you should neglect decor. Toss in a basket, plant, or small stool to bring in an extra touch.
Design by Studio McGee for McGee & Co.
There might not be a ton of floor space in your nonexistent entryway, but don’t forget to take advantage of the vertical space and add some life to your walls! Wall hooks or floating shelves are a great option if your needing some extra storage and functionality. My personal favorite way to spruce up the area is adding in some wallpaper. This will really define the space and set the tone for the rest of the home.
Design by Banner Bay Interiors | Photography by Colin Price