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.

natural entryway

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.

moody entryway

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.

classic entryway

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.

sunny entryway

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.

traditional entryway

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.

pink entryway

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.

modern entryway

Photo by Ryan McDonald for Hilary Matt Interiors

Adding artwork and playful light fixtures can add even more intrigue to the space.

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.

classic entryway

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.

traditional white entryway

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.

minimalist entryway

Photo by Lauren Miller for Sam Sacks Design

classic entryway

Photo by Aimée Mazzanga for Lauren Elaine Interiors Styling by Benjamin Reynaert

vibrant entryway

Photo by Brantley Photography for Ellen Kavanaugh Interiors

open entryway

Photo by Justin Thomason Photography for West of Main

classic entryway

Photo by Lauren Miller for Parris McKenna Design build by Alair Homes Toronto

mini entryway

Photo by Sam Frost for Katie Martinez Design

pattern entryway

Photo by Greg Premru for Digs Design Company Styling by Karin Lidbeck

Modern entryway

Photo by Michael Hunter for Ashley Goforth Design

vintage entryway

Photo by Malcom Brown for Katie Martinez Design

sunny mudroom

Photo by Greg Premru for Digs Design Company, Styling by Karin Lidbeck

mudroom entry

Photo and Design by Laura Sima of Sima Spaces

Space of Week, Black and White Entryway

Design by Gina Gutierrez

elegant lighting in entryway

Courtesy of Lights.com

Space of the Week, Hallway Kids Zone with white cubbies and artwork on wall

Photography by Emily Followill

entryway table decor design by jonathan rachman

Jonathan Rachman

Close up of under stairs reading nook with bookcase

Design by Bria Hammel / Photography by Aimee Mazzenga

arched mirror in entryway by stairs

JOINERY AND DESIGN CO.

runner rug in entryway

Getty Images

entryway table decor

Devin Shaffer

staircase with artwork on walls

Photography by Suzanna Scott

Closet with dark paint and moody wallpaper, brass hooks and woven baskets

Renovate 108

Entryway ideas - Make it bold

Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams

Entryway ideas - Try built-ins (mimicked or otherwise)

Courtesy of MasterBrand Cabinets

Entryway ideas - Choose wainscoting

Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams

Entryway ideas - Call it utilitarian-chic

Courtesy of Formica

Entryway ideas - Mix utility and aesthetic

Courtesy of Pottery Barn

entryway artwork

Getty Images

family photos on wall

Getty Images

Painted staircase

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

Floral patterns in a living room

Lucas Allen

entryway storage

Getty Images