Transform your home’s first impression with these easy entryway styling ideas. Learn how to choose colors, lighting, furniture, and accents that make your entryway feel instantly warm and welcoming.
How to Style Your Entryway So It Feels Instantly Welcoming
The foyer and or entryway is the first impression you and your visitors have of your home.
It’s the first space that you see…and it essentially establishes the mood for the entire visit.
Your entryway is probably the first and last thing people see when they visit your home, so why settle for it to be drab?
Just imagine what you could do with this first impression space, especially to welcome your guests into your home for a fun night filled with great hospitality.
The more welcoming you can make your entry, the more it will evoke a warm “hello” and ensure that all who step foot into your home feel special and welcome from the start.
Here’s how to turn your entryway into a really welcoming and inviting space!
SEE ALSO: How to Use Wallpaper to Give Your Bathroom a Whole New Look
PHOTO: @houseandhomemag, Photo by @maxdesb, Design by @akbdesign on Instagram. This entryway is an excellent example of design.
Make the Space Work for Real Life
Before you choose pillows or paint, consider the primary function of your entry.
Is someone just going to walk in here, throw a bag down, and sit? Most transitional foyers require seating, especially in a rainy climate.
You can’t fight that comfort, otherwise, the style will feel like a costume rather than something you live in.
If your entryway is large enough, place a bench or chair near the entry to make it easier for you and your guests to transition from outside to inside.
Install hooks at the appropriate height, as well as baskets for shoes, and of course, don’t forget umbrellas.
With those carefully chosen pieces, you’ve already made the space more comfortable!
PHOTO: @architamoda on Instagram. This entryway is an excellent example of design, if one were so lucky to have that much space!
SEE ALSO: Beautiful Bright Sunroom Design Ideas for Blissful Shine-Filled Days!
Choose Paint and Tone That Invite, Not Push Away
Color and light play a big role here.
If your entryway is narrow, dark, or lacks natural light, use surfaces that gently diffuse the darkness.
Lighter walls, warm tones, and surfaces that reflect light are all good choices.
On the other hand, if in a small foyer you blast neon or cold white, then it’s likely to be off-putting or turn your stomach. The rule is to go warm, faint, and peaceful rather than loud and shocking.
Figuratively, your entrance should be a friendly handshake, not a glare. Warm beiges, muted greens or blues, easy terracottas all say “come in” as opposed to “run out.”
Don’t Forget to Follow Everything Abode on Pinterest!
PHOTO: @circawdm on Instagram. This entryway is an excellent example of design with books and wooden furniture.
SEE ALSO: Front Porch Decor Ideas That Instantly Elevate Curb Appeal
Layer Texture, Light, and Life
It’s all in the details.
Texture, light, and plants!!
We mean, if you really want to make your entryway feel inviting and make people think “WOW” when they first walk in, then you have to add these three components.
PHOTO: @cozycottagebythesea on Instagram via the If I Lived in a Cottage by the Sea Dreambook (spring edition). This entryway is an excellent example of clean, well-designed lines.
These are the things that make an entryway feel homey.
One designer discussed the value of layered lighting, including ambient light and table and wall lamps, to combat the gloom that often greets you in an entryway.
If you have just overhead lighting, add a table lamp to a console and/or a wall sconce. Allow the light to feel soft.
At the same time, there is plenty of character added by natural materials and greenery. A woven basket for a plant, a wooden bench, and a tactile rug say comfort and welcome.
Plants are not optional either. They embody life. They create rounded edges and encourage that feel-good, inviting feeling that you are going for!
PHOTO: @circawdm via Instagram. This entryway is an excellent example of design.
SEE ALSO: Stylish Front Door Entrance Ideas to Create an Inviting Welcome
Let the Space Reflect You
This is where personality comes in. The entryway is more than just a functional space; it also serves as a reflection of your home and personal style.
That could be a striking piece of art, a personality-filled mirror, or a runner that draws the eye in.
According to design coverage, a well-chosen mirror not only visually expands the space, but also provides a final look before leaving.
Choose pieces you adore, ones you’ll see them frequently, and so will your guests.
You don’t need dozens of decorative items.
One or two meaningful items, strategically placed, establish presence.
A clean console with a tray for keys, a statement mirror, and perhaps a small sculpture or framed photo is sufficient. Simplicity and purpose outperform clutter.
PHOTO: @akindofhome on Instagram. This entryway is an excellent example of design.
Stay on Top of It (Really)
Everything looks good right now, but will it still feel good tomorrow?
Maintenance is important. If coats pile up and shoes scatter, the space becomes cluttered, and you lose that welcoming vibe.
One blog emphasized “keep it clean and clutter-free” as the foundation.
Having a place for everything helps you stay ahead of that.
PHOTO: @housinginfo on Instagram. This entryway is an excellent example of design.
Also, consider seasonal change.
Even a minor seasonal update, a new rug, a change in greenery, or a new accent indicates that the space is alive.
And when your surroundings are alive, you feel better when you see them on your way in the door!
There you have it!
When you combine thoughtful function (bench, hooks, storage), welcoming color and light, layered texture and greenery, you get more than just an entryway!
You end up creating a warm welcoming hug every time you walk through the door.
The goal is to walk in, take off your coat, drop your bag, and breathe.
The space should read, “Welcome home,” and do so effortlessly.
SEE ALSO: Stylish Front Door Entrance Ideas to Create an Inviting Welcome
UP NEXT: Stunning Outdoor Fireplace & Firepit Ideas You Have to See
Author: Everything Abode
Welcome to Everything Abode, your daily inspiration for every activity at home!
Our goal is to inspire you to live an elegant and chic lifestyle from the comfort of your home.
We’ll help you express yourself through authentic style, aesthetic beauty, and stylish home decor.
38 Asymmetrical Mirrors That'll Create a Visual Impact
Living the Cottagecore Life: Beauty in Simplicity and Nature
Gorgeous Green Kitchen Ideas That Will Stand the Test of Time
12 Outdoor Garden Shelves for Plants to Make Any Garden Look Gorgeous
19 English Cottage Decor Ideas For The Coziest Cottage Home
7 Brilliant Ways to Create a Relaxing Home
Subscribe to Get the Tools That Make My Blog Successful!
When you join my newsletter, I'm going to send you insider advice and tools that I use to grow my blog! I only save the BEST for my email list so don't wait!