21 Ways to Enhance an Entryway
Credit:
Paul Whicheloe
Define the space with a bold color like this red, which exudes a warm welcome.
Credit:
Paul Whicheloe
A runner draws guests into your home. Keep it clear of the furniture so the space has a feeling of openness. And don’t let it extend the entire length of the hallway: You want to be sure that the front door can open freely.
Credit:
David Prince
Here’s a clever trick if you don’t want the hassle of cleaning a runner: Paint one on the floor instead (a simple, creative way to mask wear and tear, too).
Credit:
France Ruffenach
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Engage visitors immediately by creating an eye-catching wall display. Here, unused pieces of wallpaper are framed eclectically.
Credit:
Ditte Isager
The same principle works beautifully with a grouping of ornamental mirrors, which has an especially dramatic effect on a dark wall.
Credit:
Victor Schrager
For a more pared-down version of the idea, try filling a series of shadow boxes with family memorabilia, such as report cards, photos, luggage tags, and postcards.
Credit:
Lucas Allen
Even a single piece of art can give a vestibule punch if it’s the right one, like this hanging scroll with a large-scale floral print.
Credit:
Ditte Isager
Another simple idea: Position a mirror to catch the light and bring the sun into a darker hallway. Paint the mirror a clean, crisp white for added brightness.
Credit:
Mark Lund
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A mirror also works to create the illusion of extra space by visually expanding a contained area. Just make sure that it is in proportion to the dimensions of the foyer.
Credit:
Paul Whicheloe
Lining a staircase with family photos is a classic tactic, but you can really give them impact by making a tight arrangement in frames of the same style and color, in three or four sizes.
Credit:
Frances Janisch
Paint stair risers a deep, vibrant color to greet all who enter. Bonus: A dark tone with a glossy finish will also camouflage scuff marks.
Credit:
Justin Bernhaut
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Or try adding a seasonally appropriate note to a banister, winding it with a garland of silk flowers for spring or fairy lights for the holidays, or―as here―adding autumnally colored trim.
Credit:
Ditte Isager
If you have a little nook in the foyer, tuck in a table and a chair (or even just a chair) to give it a cozier feel.
Credit:
Aya Brackett
Give the chair a bit of pop by covering it with fabric in a lively pattern. You could even recycle a length of tablecloth you no longer use.
Credit:
David Prince
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For overhead lighting, suspend a pendant or a chandelier so that the bottom is six feet eight inches above the floor. If you hang it much higher, you’ll lose its visual effect. And if you hang it much lower, you’ll truncate the space.
Credit:
William Waldron
A table lamp casts an inviting glow, too. Keep the base slim so the lamp doesn’t feel overwhelming, especially on a slender console table.
Credit:
Andrew Bordwin
Maintain order in your foyer in ways big and small. Here, a rack originally made for line cooks keeps shopping lists, to-do notes, and other see-it-before-you-leave papers under control.
Credit:
David Prince
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Say good-bye to muddy floors. Stow dirty or wet shoes and boots on plastic trays, which will also prevent puddles from damaging hardwood floors.
Credit:
Mark Lund
Give kids a place to sit and take off their shoes instead of kicking them off. A bench like this one has the built-in benefit of extra storage space.
Credit:
David Prince
Keep the multitude of belongings that seem to accumulate in a hallway in check with a variety of hooks, racks, and bins. Assign each family member one of the latter for mail or school papers.
Credit:
David Prince
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The focal point of this back entryway/mudroom? A spacious dresser specifically devoted to storing hats, gloves, scarves, and the like.
Credit:
John Gruen
