7 Small Entryway Ideas
Your home's entryway is the first impression guests get of your style and personality. If you're tight on space, don't worry! There are plenty of ways to make your entrance look polished and pulled together. From clever decorating tricks to storage solutions, we've got you covered. Take a look at these seven practical ideas for making the most of your small-space entryway.
1. Light Colors
If your goal is to make your small entryway feel bigger, light colors are your best friend. Light hues reflect lots of sunshine, making the space feel brighter and more open. If your small entryway doesn't get much daylight, give it a boost by painting the walls a light color. If you're not ready to commit to painting your walls or you’re in a rental space, consider using removable wallpaper or wall art that makes use of fair color palettes.
Neutrals like white, grey, and tan can provide a great base for the rest of your palette or serve as a monochromatic color scheme of their own. Pale woods like maple, beech, and ash are great for adding lightness and some texture. But neutrals aren’t the only option for brightening up your doorstep! For the colorful among us, buttery yellows, pale pinks, and airy blues will all have a similar effect.
2. Mirrors
To create the illusion of more space, hang a mirror in the entryway. Mirrors not only serve as a practical tool for checking your appearance before you head out the door, but they can also create the illusion of more space. One of the best ways to do this is by hanging an oversized mirror. Some, like this rectangular mirror, even include hooks for practical storage.
When placed in a strategic location, such as opposite a window, an oversized mirror can reflect natural light. This will make the area appear more spacious and can even feel like an extra window. Alternatively, hanging a mirror on a wall that is adjacent to a doorway can create the illusion of another entrance, making the room appear larger.
3. Storage Furniture
Minimizing disarray prevents your small entryway from feeling too crowded. Since the entryway is the first thing you and your guests see when you walk through the door, thoughtful organization will foster a serene first impression. To keep clutter at bay with the most efficient use of space, choose multipurpose furniture that includes storage features.
A console table can provide a place to set down keys or mail, while also offering cabinet space for hats or dog leashes. A coat rack or slim hall tree can be a landing spot for jackets, hats, and umbrellas. A bench can be not only a place to sit while you tie your shoes, but a place to store them. Tall pieces that travel up instead of out, like narrow shelves and coat racks, are also great for maximizing storage in small spaces. Organizational furniture designates space for all your on-the-go essentials, so your entryway will be spick and span.
4. Wall Storage
If your square footage is too limited for furniture pieces, you can instead make great use of your walls. Wall hooks, floating shelves, and wall organizers bring both style and function to your entryway without taking up any extra floor space. You can even make use of the front door itself by using over-the-door hooks on the inside of your home—like you might use for a wreath—to hang jackets and bags.
5. Rugs
With a little bit of planning, a small rug or runner can make a big impact. By defining a specific area, the rug creates the illusion of a larger, more intentional space. This is an especially great trick if your front door immediately opens into other parts of your home and you want a stronger delineation between the entryway and living room.
In addition, the right rug can add color, pattern, and texture to an otherwise muted environment. When choosing a rug for a small space, it is important to consider the scale of the design. A busy or bold pattern may overwhelm a small area, so it is often best to choose something simple and understated. In terms of size, we advise leaving at least eighteen inches of bare floor around the perimeter of the rug. This will help to create the illusion of a larger space and prevent the room from feeling cramped.
6. Plants and Flowers
There's nothing more welcoming than being greeted by a splash of greenery. The calming effects of nature will refresh your entryway and put guests at ease as they walk through the front door. Whether you want to put your green thumb to the test with living plants or prefer to stick with immortal faux plants, there’s always room for some flora.
A string of hearts cascading from a basket planter hanging from the ceiling or vines around your door frame breathe life into your entryway. If you have a bit of floor space to spare for a potted plant, choose plants that will grow up instead of out, like a narrow snake plant or tall and fluffy Dracaena Lisa Delta. A classic bouquet of flowers on your console table does wonders for softening the area and adding a splash of color. Still not sure which plant to get? We’ve got a houseplant for every personality.
7. Art and Photos
When it comes to personalizing your entryway, hanging framed art or photos is a great way to add a touch of your own style. A few well-chosen pieces can easily transform a small entryway into a warm and inviting space. When choosing what to hang, keep in mind the size of your entryway. You don't want to overcrowd the space with lots of tiny pieces, but you also don't want the artwork to get lost on a large wall. Consider one large piece, or an edited-down gallery wall with a few of your favorites.
Also consider the overall theme of your home and any first impressions you want to convey. For example, if your décor is more traditional, you may want to choose classic black-and-white photographs or oil paintings. Or if your style is more eclectic, you could opt for colorful abstracts or vintage posters. Whatever you choose, be sure to hang the pieces at eye level so they are visible as soon as you walk in the door.
Do you have big ideas for your small entryway? Tag @walkeredisonco on social media to show us what you’ve done with the space. For the rest of your home, check out our 8 Ways to Make a Small Space Feel Bigger blog!