Updated: June 17, 2024 I HOME DECORATING
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“What should I put in my foyer or entryway?”
Want to spruce it up but don’t know how? We can help you out! But before we give you our simple foyer or entryway tips, let’s discuss the basics first.
What’s the difference between a foyer and an entryway?
By definition, a foyer means the room in an apartment or house leading from the front door to other rooms, where things like coats and hats are kept.
The entryway is basically the entrance or “passage” to the inside area of the house after the front door that leads to other rooms.
Because these two terms are somewhat similar, they’ve been used primarily to describe the part of your home that receives visitors.
You can see many variations of a foyer or entryway like:
- the area leading to or where you can view the stairway; the space beneath the stairs
- the space or wall opposite or at the side of the front door
- a large area in the middle leading to the living room or other rooms in the house
- the hallway after the entrance door
Both the foyer and the entryway can be narrow, long, or spacious, depending on the structure or design of the house. But don’t worry, you can still make your foyer or entryway gorgeous even if you have a small space.
What’s the purpose of a foyer or entryway and why do you need to decorate it?
Since the foyer or entryway leads to the other parts of the house, it’s very special. The moment a guest enters your house, it’s the first thing that they’ll see. It should create what kind of atmosphere or mood you want your guests to feel!
According to Brooke Wagner Design “Entries are the first impression of your home so it is important to make them warm and welcoming.“
“We like to think of the foyer as the handshake of a home. It’s truly the first chance you get to introduce your house, your style, and its uniqueness to your guests…” as explained by Bria Hammel Interiors.
So if you want your guests to receive a more remarkable “welcome”, I suggest you begin with the foyer or entryway.
17 Simple steps to decorate your foyer or entryway
Here are several simple and easy steps to decorate your foyer or entryway. You can start with 3 pieces of furniture or décor and add more if you need to. The look should be well organized and look uncluttered because it’s the first area that guests will see.
Now, let’s get started!
1. Create a fresh look with a white bench
One simple step is to place a white backless bench near the entrance to create a fresh and inviting atmosphere. The purpose of the bench is for people to sit on when they take off their shoes or coats. Thus, it’s not just nice to look at, but functional as well.
A bench is also great if you have a small space or there’s a staircase right at the entrance. Measure the space/ back of the staircase where you intend to put the bench and find a small or narrow bench that can fit there (otherwise, have it customized).
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2. Place an oversized bench or sofa for larger spaces
If you’ve been blessed with a larger space, you need bigger furniture to create a balance; consider an oversized or long bench or sofa.
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3. Make your foyer or entryway more comfy with pillows and a throw
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Because a foyer or entryway is meant to give a comforting atmosphere, add 2 to 4 soft pillows in different shapes and sizes along with a throw. This is also a great way to decorate the entryway bench and sofa.
4. Light it up with a wall sconce
A wall sconce is a perfect way to bring additional light to your foyer or entryway. Choose a unique and stylish wall sconce, such as this rattan sconce with gold details.
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5. Add in a vintage runner or rug
If you want to have a more classic or traditional feel for your entryway, throw in a vintage runner or rug in the foyer or entryway as they give your space a warm, inviting feeling. How to decorate a long entryway? You can choose a rug that can occupy the majority of the floor area of your hallway (photo below). Runners and rugs vary in size and design, so you can choose which one will match well with your theme. Neutral, earth-tone-colored runners and rugs are the most commonly used. Muted purple or lilac works well too!
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6. Add a versatile console table
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One of the best furniture to use for your foyer or entryway is a console table. I can honestly say that the console table is one of the most versatile furniture you can buy for your home since it can also be used in other areas of the house like the living room, dining room, laundry room, etc.
Have a small foyer or entryway? You can still consider putting a console table even if you have a limited space. Look at this unfinished but adorable small console table that matches the Dutch door and the cottage design of the room; it’s relatively the same size as the window.
A console table also can hold many things like décor, keys, books, etc. I personally love wooden console tables with drawers because they function as extra storage space! Plus you can even put baskets under them for more storage.
7. Accessorize or decorate the console table
Now that you have a console table, you can mix it up with different accessories. For example, you can place two identical lamps on both ends of the console table to create balance. Then, include books, a vase, and a decorative tray at the center. However, don’t overdecorate the console table.
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In addition, put stools or square ottomans (two would be great) below the console table so that your guests can easily pull a seat while taking off their shoes.
Take for example this gorgeous entryway from Bria Hammel Interiors – “For our Dryden Road project, we wanted to go with a neutral color palette but incorporating textural pieces like the stone lamp or a set of rattan stools added the perfect amount of warmth and visual interest.” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
8. Find a gorgeous cabinet
Aside from a console table, a cabinet can be a great alternative to store important stuff like mail and keys because of its multiple drawers. It also adds charm and fits well with any design, from classic to modern. Moreover, a shoe cabinet is a smart way to hide unwanted shoe clutter (honestly, I hate shoes lying on the floor!).
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9. Make a statement with a mirror
Place a mirror above the console table to be the focal point of the foyer or entryway. We all know that mirrors make a room seem spacious, so I suggest a large mirror that will occupy ¼ of the wall space. Make sure that it’s cohesive with the other elements of the console table. For example, the large round mirror stands out but its dark border is in harmony with the black base of the lamp, chandelier, drawer handles, and door hinges.
A rectangular mirror creates an illusion of length and makes your space appear taller.
This look gives off a sleek modern vibe for the foyer or entryway.
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10. Give your guests a grand entrance with a large round table
A large table instantly transforms a large empty space into a breathtaking scene/ masterpiece. Don’t forget to match it with a large rug, a vase, and tall flowers to magnify the space even more.
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11. Create a lovely cozy window seating
In this post by Bria Hammel Interiors, “Love the charm that the window seat brings to the space while still creating a functional area for guests to kick their shoes off and set their things.” We couldn’t agree more!
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12. Achieve your coastal dream foyer or entryway by incorporating beach elements
The seashell-shaped chandelier, pale blue pillows and throws, and white interior bring a serene vibe the moment you enter the door.
Credit: Gathered Group; Photography: Andrew Sherman
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13. Show off your beautiful artwork pieces
To make the foyer or entryway more interesting, you can showcase different artwork or place vintage wall décor.
Bria Hammel Interiors explains, “Combining old and new or vintage with modern can create a space that looks lived-in, as though it has evolved over many years. In our Baltimore project, our client had the most incredible selection of collected pieces that made our job a breeze. We love these little moments, like the foyer, that showed those pieces off.”
I also love how they include pineapple candle holders here!
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14. Bring in natural elements inside your home
The main element here is wood, and this beautiful entryway makes use of logs and plants to emphasize nature.
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15. Create drama and contrast
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Dark wood and dark paint colors combined with intricate detailing of wood paneling on a wall and crown molding give an unforgettable sophisticated look to the foyer or entryway.
16. Make it super functional
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We not only want a foyer or entryway that looks great but we want to make it useful as well. Install different kinds of shelves (e.g., standing shelves or shelves underneath the window seating) and pin hooks on which to hang bags, coats, umbrellas, and other items.
17. Create an unforgettable aroma
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Do you remember the sweet smell and lingering feeling when you step in a hotel? It’s because we tend to associate sensations with past experiences, especially memorable or significant ones. For example, all Westin Hotels and Resorts use their signature White Tea scent, which is a combination of “woodsy cedar and vanilla”.
Thus, our last simple but important tip is to add a scent diffuser in your foyer or entryway. Lavender, jasmine, vanilla, and lemongrass evoke a calm and relaxing long-lasting impression in your home.
Are you ready to decorate a beautiful foyer or entryway? Let us know if you used any of our tips here. If you like our tips, don’t forget to share this blog!
Published: October 31, 2021
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