Put your best foot forward with these smart entryway ideas.
Entryways are often the forgotten spot in the homerarely redecorated or shown some design love.
A stylishwelcome matis a good start to usher you indoors.
Photo by Lauren Miller for Parris McKenna Design Build by Cottage Country Builders
One of the inherent difficulties of pulling together some nice entryway ideas is balancing utility and aesthetics.
Fortunately, there are plenty of smart foyer ideas to organize the entryway and make it cute too.
Forsmall spaces, a hall tree is one great option.
Photo by Lauren Miller for Sam Sacks Design
If you really want to turn heads, consider papering the space in a bold pattern.
A great rug or runner.
Not only will it add softness underfoot, but it’ll protect your floors from scuffing and staining.
Photo by Molly Smith Watson for Liz Mearns
Add a Floating Bench
Photo by Studio Thanasis for Wills Design Associates
Prefer a minimalistic look?
In this space byMarea Clark Interiors, wall-to-wall zellige tiles add easy-clean functionality and an extra dose of shimmer.
In this modern entryway byHilary Matt Interiors, a curvaceous black and glass piece makes for a museum-worthy display.
Photo by Studio Thanasis for Wills Design Associates
For a more inconspicuous take on organization, hide a few open baskets beneath an entry table.
A bit of non-transparent glass, as seen here in a home bySam Sacks Design.
If you have the room, focus on creating an entry that hints at your hobbies.
Photography by Adam Macchia for BHDM Design
Maximizing floor space while also including functional additions.
Case in point: this petite entryway fromKatie Martinez Design.
“For lower ceilings, always go with a flush or semi-flush light fixture,” she says.
Photo by Paul Dyer for Marea Clark Interiors
“If you have higher ceilings, something adjustable with a rod or chainwould be best.”
Build a Cozy Reading Nook
Have some extra space to work with under the stairs?
It’s the perfect invitation to settle in and relax as soon as you walk through the front door.
Photo by Ryan McDonald for Hilary Matt Interiors
Adding artwork and playful light fixtures can add even more intrigue to the space.
Create a Staircase Gallery Wall
Are the stairs stealing all the thunder in your entryway?
But, you could still make the space attractive with luxe-looking details that are durable, too.
Photo and Image by The Rinfret Group
With coordinated decorative accents, the furniture looks absolutely intentional, not just functional.
Hang Easy Art
Entryway wall space is the perfect place to value aesthetics over utility.
Add Family Photos
A personal touch is always a nice way to enter a home.
Photo by Dan Cutrona for Firefinish Interiors
Paint Your Entryway Staircase
Paint stair risers a deep, vibrant color to greet all who enter.
A dark color in a high-gloss finish will help hide scuff marks.
Assign each family member a space or bin for their gear, so they know where to find it.
Photo by Lauren Miller for Sam Sacks Design
Photo by Aimée Mazzanga for Lauren Elaine Interiors Styling by Benjamin Reynaert
Photo by Brantley Photography for Ellen Kavanaugh Interiors
Photo by Justin Thomason Photography for West of Main
Photo by Lauren Miller for Parris McKenna Design build by Alair Homes Toronto
Photo by Sam Frost for Katie Martinez Design
Photo by Greg Premru for Digs Design Company Styling by Karin Lidbeck
Photo by Michael Hunter for Ashley Goforth Design
Photo by Malcom Brown for Katie Martinez Design
Photo by Greg Premru for Digs Design Company, Styling by Karin Lidbeck
Photo and Design by Laura Sima of Sima Spaces
Design by Gina Gutierrez
Courtesy of Lights.com
Photography by Emily Followill
Jonathan Rachman
Design by Bria Hammel / Photography by Aimee Mazzenga
JOINERY AND DESIGN CO.
Getty Images
Devin Shaffer
Photography by Suzanna Scott
Renovate 108
Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams
Courtesy of MasterBrand Cabinets
Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams
Courtesy of Formica
Courtesy of Pottery Barn
Getty Images
Getty Images
Gates suggests using a polyurethane-based porch and floor enamel here, as it’s durable enough to withstand high traffic. Alternatively, try paint with a semigloss finish, which is easier to wipe clean and doesn’t hold on to dust, grime, and scuffs like a flat finish can. Line the top and bottom edges of each riser with painter’s tape (such as Frog Tape, $8 per roll; lowes.com) to protect the stair landings. Remove the tape before the paint is dry to help ensure a clean line.Pick Your Paint: If you have a “shoes on” house, opt for a darker shade to mask scuff marks (above: Teal Ocean in satin, $53 per gallon; benjaminmoore.com for info). If your heart is set on a lighter color, says Petersik, pick a medium gray or tan to hide the debris that collects in the crevice between step and riser.Jonny Valiant
Lucas Allen
Getty Images