20 Entryway Ideas for a Welcoming Home

Your entryway is one of the most impactful spaces in your home. After all, it’s where you get organized to leave in the morning and it welcomes you home at the end of a long day. Whether you want your entry to feel cozy and relaxed or modern and sleek, we’re sharing our go-to entryway organizing and decorating ideas:

Entryway Features to Consider

Your entry plays an important role in setting the tone for your home. Based on its size, the needs of your family and your home’s style, there are a few key considerations when it comes to decorating this space: 

Assess the Size and Shape

If you have a small entryway, focus on hardworking furniture that is scaled to the space and will make use of every square inch, like an entryway console that has room for a few storage baskets underneath. Leave some room to showcase your personal style—opt for a statement piece like a bold mirror that adds personality and also makes the space feel bigger. Installing a flushmount light or pendant will also provide your space with plenty of light without making it feel cramped.

If you have a larger entryway, you have more opportunities to incorporate statement pieces, like tall shelves or storage cabinets. One great way to create a welcoming space is to include a cozy bench with a couple throw pillows—guests will feel the warmth of your home before they even settle in. 

Focus on the Purpose

How do you use your entryway on a daily basis? Decorate in ways that’ll help your life run more smoothly. For example, if you’re a busy parent, an entryway bench, shelf or cubbies with built-in hooks for work bags, backpacks and keys can make mornings easier. If you’re the resident hostess of your friend group, create ample storage for extra coats, handbags and shoes. 

If minimalism is more your style, opt for clean lines, closed-door storage, no clutter and gentle lighting. Pick a storage bench to tuck your work bag out of sight at the end of the day; it can help you transition out of your work mindset and into zen mode.

Make It Light and Bright

This is one space where good lighting is essential. Choose fixtures that will make a great first impression but also provide good illumination when you’re looking through your tote bag or trying to find your keys.

• PENDANTS Some entryways are extra-tall or even double-height, offering space for a dramatic pendant or chandelier. This is a great way to complement natural light and make a bold style statement, but even standard-height ceilings have room for a beautiful ceiling fixture.   
• WALL SCONCES The ultimate space saver, wall sconces provide a streamlined solution for your lighting needs. Use them to flank a mirror so you have plenty of light for your final touch-ups. 
• TABLE LAMPS Consider placing a pair of sculptural table lamps on a console table to create welcoming light at the end of the day. 
• CANDLES & LANTERNS When you’re hosting guests or celebrating the holidays, soft, romantic candlelight helps set the mood the second people arrive. 

Choose Hardworking Furniture

Consider these key pieces in making your entryway functional and well organized: 

• ENTRYWAY BENCH Whether you need a spot to put on your shoes in the morning or a designated space to dig your keys out of your bag, a bench is a universally useful piece. Opt for one with built-in storage to get the most out of your space and have an extra spot to tuck things away when guests come over.
• ENTRYWAY SHELVING Shelves are the smart storage fix that help in almost any room, especially the entry. No matter what size space you have, there are plenty of options, from floating wall shelves to hall trees, to kick your organization up a notch. 
• CONSOLE TABLE Narrow and with a small footprint, a console table creates a home for everyday essentials, from mail to keys, and sometimes includes drawer space to tuck things away. Add baskets and bins underneath or level up to a cabinet if you need more storage.   
• BASKETS Where would we be without baskets? They’re catch-alls for the whole household and they’re incredibly useful in an entryway. Tuck them on the shelves of a bookcase or underneath your console table to hold scarves and gloves, umbrellas and even sports equipment.
• HOOKS When you run out of floor space, think vertically! Wall hooks are ideal for small spaces—coats, reusable grocery totes, umbrellas, the dog’s leash, you name it. 
• SHOE STORAGE A shoe rack keeps shoes organized and prevents dirt from being tracked into your home. Fit one underneath your console table or tuck it into a corner. 

Essential Accessories 

Great ways to add function and complete your look:

• DOORMAT Either indoors or out, a good doormat will help keep everyone from tracking dirt into your home. Pick a fun pattern or a classic rope weave to add an extra pop of color to your space.
• RUNNERS A hard-wearing indoor/outdoor rug will protect floors, remove dirt and provide a welcoming entry. A long, narrow runner is often a good fit for an entry hall, or choose a 2’ x 3’ rug for small spaces. Showcase a bit of your style and offer the perfect natural transition from the doorway to the rest of your home.
• PLANTERS A little greenery here goes a long way. Opt for a small planter for your console table or a floor planter to hold your favorite bamboo. 
• TABLETOP DECOR Use your console table to hold a vase of fresh or faux flowers, or a candle or diffuser to brighten and freshen up the space.  

Make a Statement

Large or small, let your entryway provide an introduction to your style. Here are some easy ways to give your space a wow factor: 

• ART Bold landscape prints, modern art, geometric lines—there are so many opportunities to showcase your style through wall art. Pick a print that speaks to your adventurous spirit or woven hanging baskets to highlight your love of all things natural. 
• PHOTOS Showcase your favorite memories with a gallery wall of coordinating picture frames, or just add a favorite snapshot in a pretty frame to your table.
• MIRRORS It’s always helpful to be able to take a last look before you head out the door. A mirror with storage will serve double duty in a tight space, while a floor mirror propped against the wall of a grand entryway will add a touch of glamour.
• WALLPAPER If you really want to make an impact in your entry hall, consider wallpaper. It can instantly transform a blah or tight space and it’s the perfect place to experiment with a bolder pattern or color. Paper the entire space or pick one wall as an accent. 

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