Last Updated on July 4, 2023 by lindseymahoney
I fell in love with the entryway of our house from the moment we stepped through the door. The architecture of our front entryway speaks for itself, but I am ready to give it some personality and add some function. I have compiled functional and stylish entryway ideas to reference as I plan our foyer updates.
Our large foyer has a cathedral ceiling, a beautiful winding staircase, and custom wainscot molding throughout. I can’t wait to turn this beautiful entryway into a space that functions and feels like our family!
Regardless of your entryway size, these ideas will help you create a welcoming foyer for your family and guests.
Modern Entryway Design and Decorating Ideas
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1 | Determine the Entryway Design Aesthetic
Aside from the front elevation of your home, the front entryway is where the first impression of your home is given. While this area can easily be forgotten when decorating your home, it really should not be overlooked. When considering various entryway ideas, consider a color palette and design that represents you and the rest of your house.
2 | Include Storage for Coats, Hats, and Shoes
Including functional storage options in your front entryway is key! It is important to have a place to put your guest’s coats, shoes, and other personal items.
Coat Rack
A coat rack is a quick and easy option for corralling a handful of coats and bags. Chris Loves Julia included this simple coat rack in their lovely modern cottage foyer.
Hooks
Hooks are a fantastic idea for smaller entryways. You can choose simple hooks or add personality to the space with unique shapes. In our mudroom, we hung brass hooks in the shape of labradors and pheasants. They are a fun detail that adds function without taking up too much space. You can also add hanging baskets on a hook to collect small odds and ends.
Storage Basket
Baskets are perfect for gathering stray shoes. Whether they are standing alone or tucked under a console table, this simple solution will declutter your entryway fast!
Umbrella Vase
Live in a location that rains and snows often? Include a cute porcelain stand to hold all of the umbrellas.
3| Add Entryway Seating
Entryway Bench
Including a spot for guests to sit down and put on their shoes is an entryway design element that should not be overlooked.
4 | Upgrade Lighting
Natural Light
If your entryway has any natural light, let it shine in! Front doors with sidelights or even windows on the door should let in as much light as possible. While the idea of letting visitors see inside your home can feel unsettling to some, I think it is worth it, especially if you cannot see the main living areas from the entryway.
Chandelier
In large foyers, the chandelier really is the statement piece. The size and style should reflect the overall design and aesthetic of your home. The entryway sets the tone for the rest of your house so it is important to put some thought into the overall design.
The chandelier at Brian Patrick Flynn’s mid-century Atlanta home fits perfectly with the aesthetic of the house. On the walls, he created a gallery wall in the French salon style, from the floor to the ceiling.
If your home has a smaller entryway that does not require a chandelier, there are plenty of overhead lighting ideas.
Table Lamps
The warm glow of lamp lights in the evening creates an extra cozy entryway.
5 | Soften the Entryway with a Rug
Of all the functional entryway ideas I have shared here today, a rug is a must! Regardless of the weather, visitors will have shoes with dirt on them and they need a place to wipe them. Entryway rugs are also important for safety purposes because you don’t want anyone to slip on the floor if they have wet shoes.
6 | Add Personality with Artwork
Hanging unique artwork throughout your home is a great way to add interest. When your artwork tells a story, it is a great conversation starter with your guests.
Wildflower Home hangs a personal drawing of her father and sheep that has special meaning to her family in their small entryway. If I visited this home, I would absolutely ask where the drawing was from – it is totally a conversation starter!
7 | Hang Wallpaper
I have saved dozens of entryway wallpaper ideas for my inspiration board, particularly scenic murals. The mural in the large foyer below is just a dream! While I love scenic images in a foyer, any wallpaper design can really make an entryway feel special.
8 | Paint the Door an Accent Color
Painting the interior of your front door a fun accent color is a great way to add interest and an element of surprise. A black interior door can instantly modernize a space while still blending with different architectural styles.
9 | Paint the Walls
A fresh coat of paint is the easiest way to freshen up any room in your house, including the entryway. The cool thing about paint is that the possibilities are endless with how you can use it.
10 | Hang a Mirror
Everyone appreciates the ability to check themselves when first arriving at a house or as you walk out the door. If you are stumped on what to hang on the wall in your foyer, a mirror is a no-brainer.
11 | Add Decorative Wall Treatment to Walls
Decorative wall trim has the ability to make a room feel extra special and is a great option for entryways.
Vertical Shiplap Walls
For more casual-style homes or cottages, shiplap walls look wonderful in an entryway. To draw the eye up, consider shiplap on the ceiling.
Wainscot Picture Frame Molding
Our front foyer has a chair rail and picture frame molding wainscot throughout the entry, including the winding staircase and open hallway on the second floor. This custom molding feature gives formality to the foyer and always wows our guests.
Board and Batten Entryway
Board and batten molding in a large foyer is a great way to add interest to otherwise flat walls.
12 | Console Table or Accent Table
A place to set your keys or place to set a vase of flowers is a lovely and functional addition to front entryways.
I have long been a fan of circular tables with floor-length tablecloths in a foyer. Along with adding a traditional design element, it also provides a secret spot to tuck away items under the tablecloth! As Southern Living puts it, “Tablecloths are really storage capes.”
*Check out more stylish skirted table ideas in my latest round-up!
Depending on the size of your entryway, console tables look great, especially with a mirror or artwork hanging above. Console tables come in all sizes including different lengths and depths. For smaller entryways, a table with a shorter depth is a good option.
13 | Bring Life into the Space with Plants
Whether the plant is large or small, bringing greenery and life into a foyer instantly brings energy into the space. If you have a black thumb, faux plants work as well.
14 | Entryway Decor Items for Styling
Once you scroll through all of the inspiring entryway ideas, I am sure you notice common themes within each image. Below is a quick roundup of decor elements that add function and style to an entryway.
- Books
- Pictures
- Lamps
- Sculpture objects
- Bowls
- Flowers and plants
- Candles
Sarah from Room for Tuesday designed this small entryway table with books, candles, a small lamp, flowers, and a small bowl for keys.
Studio McGee’s console styling also includes a lamp, a book, a sculptural object, a candle, a plant and a hanging mirror.
I hope these functional entryway ideas inspire you to give this area of your home some love! This year I can’t wait to finally tackle this space in our home and most of the design elements are pulled from my ideas shared today.