Give Your Small Entryway a Welcoming Boost With These 31 Ideas (2024)

Room Design

• 01 of 31

  Panel the Walls

  

  Rather than paint or wallpaper, you can opt for simply adding more texture to your entryway walls, like this small entryway from Blue Copper Design.

  A simple wooden bench with a cowhide throw gives a farmhouse feeling right when you walk in the door.

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• 02 of 31

  Multiply Storage Options in Your Entryway

  

  Having a small entryway doesn't mean you can't have adequate, stylish storage. This entry by Domm Dot Com includes a small peg rack on the wall to hold jackets and purses, while a small dresser provides plenty of surface area and drawers to store other items.

  A painted beige arch detail anchors chunky wood floating shelves, while a round mirror adds a place to check yourself before you walk out the door.

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• 03 of 31

  Hang Staggered Hooks to Maximize Storage

  

  If you aren't a fan of the traditional coat hooks but still need a place to hang your essentials, you have options. This entryway includes pegs staggered on the wall that are perfect for keys, handbags, scarves, and more.

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• 04 of 31

  Add a Farmhouse Feel to Your Entryway

  

  Nothing says welcome home like anentryway decked out in natural light. While the entry is small in this home by Finding Lovely, the decor and storage extend into the hallway, which can be a huge asset if you're working with a small space.

  White walls, wood accents, a display of earthenware pots, and an oversized table lamp add a homey farmhouse feel to the light and bright space.

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• 05 of 31

  Create a Vintage-Inspired Entryway

  

  Create a timeless feel in a small entryway with vintage accents and natural materials.

  Becca Interiors outfitted a wooden bench with neutral throw pillows and a padded seat for comfort. The accordion coat rack and a wicker basket umbrella stand to add storage.

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• 06 of 31

  Choose a Stylish Bench for Your Entryway

  

  A bench adds practical function but can also become a stylish anchor piece in a small entryway.

  In this bright space from Mel Burstin for Emily Henderson Design, a pale wood Scandi-style bench provides both seating and an integrated table that is both stylish and functional. A trio of paintings above the bench helps to define the space.

  See Also

  30 Fun & Trendy House Entrance Ideas We Love in 2024Small entryway ideas – 10 design rules for compact entrances

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• 07 of 31

  Pick a Bold Wallpaper

  

  A small entry doesn't mean you have to go small on style. Sometimes big designs, if done the right way, can liven things up.

  Brexton Cole Interiors did just that by making the entry hallway a gorgeous mural display that greets you when you walk in. A marble side table and mod light fixture give a chic look that doesn't feel small in the slightest.

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• 08 of 31

  Carve Out Space

  

  If your essentiallynonexistent entryway leaves you starved for storage, you have to work with what you have.

  House of Chais made use of the wall space by adding a simple floating shelf underneath a glamorous gold mirror.

  Flower-shaped wall hooks add a touch of whimsy without going overboard, and every decor choice works perfectly with the herringbone wallpaper on the walls.

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• 09 of 31

  Incorporate Some Color

  

  Don't be afraid to add some color, even if you are working with a smaller entry. This entryway is drenched in a rich shade of royal blue that evokes a sense of calm without feeling dreary or dark.
  

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• 10 of 31

  Add Rustic Touches

  

  Fans of Southwestern style will love the natural materials and rustic accents found in this small entryway from Milk and Honey Life, like the decorative tree branch.

  The simple wooden bench has plenty of space beneath it for storage while also being long enough to accommodate seating and decor options.

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• 11 of 31

  Try Midcentury Style

  

  This minimalist entry designed by Emily Henderson only features a few items, but they all work together to make an impact.

  The blue patterned rug, midcentury modern dresser, mirror, and mod light fixture overhead all capture your attention without a ton of extra decor, demonstrating that sometimes less is more.

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• 12 of 31

  Hang a Vertical Gallery Wall

  

  This home designed by House 9 Interiors turned the bare walls in the entryway hall into a vibrant gallery wall that maximizes vertical space. The eclectic feel is a burst of energy right when you step foot through the door.

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• 13 of 31

  Maximize Wall Sapce

  

  Tired of looking for your house keys? It's a common problem when you're a member of the "nonexistent entryway" club.

  Lucky for you, a strategically placed shelf or wall hooks will do the trick. In an apartment, you can opt for Command hooks or other easily removable solutions that won't damage the space once you're gone.

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• 14 of 31

  Scale Down With a Chair

  

  No room for a storage bench? You can opt for a chair instead, like this casual entryway from Emily Henderson Design. The mirror above matches the wood on the chair, creating a warm contrast with the white walls.

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• 15 of 31

  Decorate With Plants

  

  Chic, white interiors never go out of style. To create some ambiance like this entryway by Martina's Cosy Crib, add string lights, a wall-mounted coat rack, framed art, and a few plants.

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• 16 of 31

  Add Simple, Modern Touches

  

  Creating a cute and comfy entryway doesn't have to be expensive. This small entryway from Esther Schmidt features a few affordable on-trend ideas, such as a small wooden bench, a simple mirror, a vase of preserved grasses, and a single wicker basket to create a warm welcome.

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• 17 of 31

  Consolidate Entry Storage

  

  If you are someone who prefers all-on-one solutions, then consider multifunctional furniture like this freestanding wood and metal storage bench from Home and Spirit.

  Not only does the coat rack hold hats, jackets, and handbags, but includes a small seat and shelves for shoe storage.

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• 18 of 31

  Display Seasonal Branches

  

  If you only have room for a few entryway ideas, you can't go wrong with a stylish mirror and small side table.

  It creates the ideal place to park keys and other small grab-and-go items in this small entry from Emily Henderson Design.
  

  Tip

  Use your small entryway to display seasonal branches or flowers that will change throughout the year.

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• 19 of 31

  Add a Full-Length Mirror

  

  While not all entryways provide a ton of space, this one from Home by Polly makes the most of what it has.

  The wall-mounted plants and art are a nice touch, but it's the full-length mirror that has our attention.

  Rather than a smaller option that only shows the face, this mirror allows you to check your entire outfit before leaving. As a bonus, mirrors always make a smaller space feel larger, so it's as functional as it is stylish.

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• 20 of 31

  Work With Wallpaper

  

  Another way to add some style? Wallpaper is always a reliable option. Turning a plain entry into a dazzling one can easily be accomplished by selecting a tasteful pattern and color, like this entry from Michelle Berwick Design.

  A few decor accents, like the white rounded bench and dark wood side table, can help complete the look.

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• 21 of 31

  Hang a White Board

  

  This entryway nook from Kate Marker Interiors has a small dresser with storage drawers that hugs the space. A whiteboard on the wall above is perfect for writing reminders or greetings for guests as they walk in.

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• 22 of 31

  Use Mirrors to Double Space

  

  While we've already established that mirrors can make or break a space, small entries can benefit from going bigger.

  Framed mirrored panels or a supersized wall mirror can allow the area to feel doubled in size without painting or covering the walls in several smaller decor items, like this space from Kate Marker Interiors.

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• 23 of 31

  Add Patterned Floor Tile

  

  Define a small entryway with patterned floor tile, like this space from Kate Marker Interiors. As a bonus, striking tile will ensure your entry makes a great first impression, especially if you don't have a ton of room to add extra features.

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• 24 of 31

  Throw Down an Area Rug

  

  If your small entry lacks the space to add tables or hang items on the wall, define the it with an area rug, like this space from Kate Marker Interiors.

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• 25 of 31

  Define an Open Entryway

  

  Define a small entryway with a tall floor plant, an earth-toned, patterned area rug, and an oversized mirror.

  Cathie Hong Interiors added wood detailing on the ceiling to create a room-within-a-room feeling in an open space.

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• 26 of 31

  Use Traditional Pieces

  

  An antique, vintage, or thrift store chest with a DIY aged patina will add a warm and timeless feel to a traditional entryway.

  Becca Interiors styled a weathered blue chest of drawers with an oversized table lamp, neutral decor, and black-and-white photography to create a stylish first impression in this small entryway.

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• 27 of 31

  Float the Furniture

  

  Float the console to maintain a light and airy feel in a small entryway. Brad Ramsey Interiors kept it chic with a wooden wall shelf that mixes open and closed storage and display space.

  A pair of extra-tall silver candlesticks draws the eye upward to the tall ceilings, while a wall mirror and transparent vase filled with white flowers makes an impact without taking up too much visual space.

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• 28 of 31

  Use Sunny Wall Paint

  

  Brighten a narrow or natural light-challenged entryway with sunny yellow paint. Studio Peake contrasted the warm color in this London home with white trim and blue accents.

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• 29 of 31

  Add a Stool

  

  This cozy white stool adds a dose of texture to this modern entryway design by Desiree Burns Interiors. Not only that, it's functional as well, as it is the perfect place to put on your shoes. The vase filled with flowers adds extra liveliness and color to the neutral-styled entryway table.

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• 30 of 31

  Finesse a Quirky Layout

  

  If you live in an older home or a space with an unconventional layout, your small entryway may consist of disjointed hallways or other narrow spaces.

  Connect them visually with paint, like this space from Caitlin Higgins for Emily Henderson Design that has sage green walls and a pink ceiling.

  Then work around the layout by hanging a gallery wall and highlighting a custom niche in one section, and hang a slim coat rack on a wall farther away from the door if that works best.

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• 31 of 31

  Paint the Ceiling

  

  If your entryway consists of a pony wall separating it from the main room, consider storing coats and shoes elsewhere and turning it into a purely decorative feature instead.

  Erin Williamson Design added personality to this small entry with a painted ceiling, a pendant light, and a small piece of framed art on the wall.