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Even if you don’t have a grand, classical foyer, these small entryway ideas prove that a tiny space can still provide a palatial first impression. (Besides guests, it’s the first spot that greets you after work in the evening, so it’s good to make it count). To make the get the most out of even the smallest of entryways, designers generally advise incorporating a functional furniture piece into the mix. “We always encourage clients to have at least one piece with storage in an entryway, particularly if it’s the primary access to the house,” explains designer Zoe Feldman of Zoe Feldman Design in Washington, DC. However, there are plenty of ways to think outside the box a bit should your entryway majorly lack square footage. Discover 12 small entryway ideas that will make a great first impression, even if all you have is a blank wall by the door.
Look to the ceiling
For this immediately eye-catching entryway, black accents take the eye upward. “In order to make a dramatic, high-impact first impression, we designed this entryway with an asymmetrical wall and ceiling detail made from flat stock and stained in a deep ebony. The end result is a perfectly balanced, interesting, and welcoming entry into the home,” says Morgan Bratcher, lead designer at Design West.
Define the space using a rug
Especially if you’re dealing with a foyer that’s really just the wall of another room, setting down a rug in that area will make it feel like a unified, separate entryway. Why not introduce a one-of-a-kind option into your space by going the vintage route? Designers share tips on how to source a winning piece.
Say yes to a statement lighting fixture
Why settle for bland entryway lighting when you can go big and hang a piece that has some personality? As designer Phillip Thomas once told us, “A large light fixture can make a room feel larger and taller.” An updated flush mount in a funky shape or modern chandelier also makes a memorable—and bright—first impression.
Mount wall hooks
Having a hook for your guests’ outerwear—and, okay, your own sopping-wet raincoat—will make them feel as if you’ve actually designed the space with their arrival in mind. Just take the time to find the stud before mounting them; you don’t want these falling off the wall when you pile on the coats! “Hooks are ideal in every entry in my opinion, but an absolute must in a smaller space,” says Megan Hopp of Megan Hopp Design in Alexandria, Virginia. “The great thing about hooks is that they fill a space with a nice little dose of dimension and as such have visual value, whether or not they are in use.”
Add a small console table
Consider placing a petite table or chest in the entry. Bonus points if you have a cute nook to utilize. “A stairwell is a perfect place to squeeze in a sweet desk or console so someone can tuck under to write a quick email or a little love note,” notes designer Caitlin Kah of Caitlin Kah Interiors in Palm Beach, Florida.
Hang a mirror
A mirror by the front door isn’t just for checking your outfit on your way out the door. It can also help make the space feel bigger and brighter, which is especially helpful if your entrance is far from natural light. Craft a piece that perfectly suits your style; these six projects are sure to inspire.
Install unique art
Mary Graham and Nicole Salvesen of Salvesen Graham in London, England, chose to hang an oversized piece by the artist Jack Milroy in this hallway. “The Perspex shadow box brings depth to the space while maintaining an open, refined feel,” the designers say of the art, which features a bird motif. Closer to the front door, a simple gallery wall hangs above a wooden bench.
Bring in extra storage
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Upper and lower cabinetry work in tandem in this family-friendly entryway—but that’s not all. “Curated decorative leather hooks handle everything from backpacks and purses to soccer bags, with an extra wall hook dedicated to dog leashes,” explains Kendra Nash, the founder of Nash Design Group in San Francisco. “Open shelves stash kiddo essentials, and built-in outlets mean laptops and tablets wake up charged.”
Paint the door a warm color
Choosing the right paint color for your front door is a significant process, but don’t forget to pay attention to the interior-facing side of your door too. Here, AD PRO Directory Member Colleen Simons, the founder of Colleen Simonds Interior Design in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, coated the inside of the door in a peppy aqua hue. “Your entry sets the tone for your whole house, so make it count,” she says.
Pull up a small chair or bench
A petite wooden and leather bench serves as a spot to lace up and remove shoes while also offering hidden storage. “Scale was equally important,” Jessica Dorling, the founder of Dorling Design Studio in Seattle, adds regarding the piece. “The bench’s low, streamlined profile doesn’t visually overwhelm the small entryway, yet it still grounds the wall and gives the space a strong anchor.”
Hang a floating shelf
Make the most of your entryway’s wall space by forgoing artwork in favor of a floating shelf or two if you crave the additional storage (you can even enjoy the best of both worlds by leaning a framed piece on one of the shelves, as Jessica Stussi Luque did here!) “The entry walks right into the living room, and there were no [nearby] closets to hide things,” the founder of Stussi Luque Design in Boise, Idaho, says of her decision to incorporate a wall full of both shelves and hooks. The setup ensures that her clients don’t have to tuck their everyday essentials somewhere in the living room and can instead easily hang their coats, bags, and the like as they step into their home.
Display plant friends
Why not add some life to your entryway in the form of a tree? “Interior trees are living sculptures, adding texture, life, and whimsy to a space while also tying the interior into adjacent outdoor space,” says AD PRO Directory Member Emilie Munroe, who is the founder of Studio Munroe in San Francisco. She appreciates the pop of color that this ruby rubber tree adds.
Frequently asked questions
How to maximize space in a small entryway?
Really make an effort to pare down any clutter and prioritize as much storage as possible, Simonds urges. “I prefer closed storage if you can, so you’re not looking at all the shoes, jackets, backpacks, mail, and keys,” she says. And skip bulky furnishings, Luque says. “Keep it simple and to the bare essentials,” she says. “Decorative hooks or creative wall mounted storage frees up floor space and can add a fun design element.”
How to decorate a small entryway?
Don’t be afraid to go bold. Simonds is a proponent of patterned wallpaper, statement lighting, colorful tile, and more. Luque agrees that the entryway isn’t the time to hold back. “A bright front door color, wall color, wallpaper, interesting wall sconces, or artwork are all great ways to show off your personality,” she says.
What is the best color for a small entryway?
Just because an entryway is small in size doesn’t mean that it has to be painted white, which many people assume is the case, Dorling explains. In fact, Simonds adds, she’d advise against using the color white. “A soft, warm color with lots of depth could work well, or a bold wallpaper,” she says.
