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This post will show you 17 small entryway ideas to transform your home from the very first step in, even when you are working with limited space!
Entryways are the forgotten child of interior decor. Blame it on their awkward shape, or on their low place on the list of never-ending priorities that come with furnishing a home, they often end up empty and ignored.
However, first impressions matter – and this is true for your home too. Whether it’s to welcome you back after a long day outside, or to make a statement as soon as your guests walk in, beautiful entryway decor can elevate your space and give a first taste of how your home speaks of you.
Keep on reading if you are interested in discovering 17 small entryway ideas to capture all the style and functionality you need right beyond your front door!
Combining Style and Functionality: The Art of Creating a Home That Serves You
Perhaps more than other rooms, it’s crucial that your entryway decor meets all your functional needs, while seamlessly blending into the design you have chosen across your entire home. A small entryway, in particular, should be used as a smart way to leverage otherwise unused space, combining carefully selected items of decor and more functional pieces.
Remember, the keyword when it comes to entryway decor is balance! An empty space will often look smaller than a well-styled one, and at the same time, clutter can be the enemy of small interiors. To help you identify what the happy medium looks like for your entryway, spend some time considering the following points:
- What is the goal you are trying to achieve when it comes to your entryway? If you are looking to gain more storage space, then you might want to invest in larger pieces of furniture. On the other hand, if you are working with very limited space, perhaps it’s better to focus on wall or floor decor that can add a touch of personality without occupying a coming-and-going area.
- What is the budget you are willing to spend on this project? Small entryways can be a great space in your home to experiment with some DIY and antique-market findings by combining pieces full of personality and a smaller budget. If you prefer convenience or design products, then you may be willing to invest a bit more. Based on the size of your entryway, you could be able to completely transform the space by curating a few statement pieces.
- What is the style of your home? Unless you are determined to create a truly eclectic home, I would suggest trying to identify a few key characteristics of your current decor. A small entryway should feel like a first step into the cohesive journey that is your home, not a completely unrelated space you ended up crossing on the way to better things.
Now you’re ready to explore a few different options and choose how to transform your small entryway!
17 Small Entryway Ideas
1. Gallery Wall
The perfect idea for those who are working with a truly small entryway, a gallery wall can add plenty of unique pieces to your space without sacrificing an inch of walking ground.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match frames and art pieces in different styles. A balanced combination of mismatched objects is the ultimate secret to elevated interior styling: curated enough to come across as sophisticated and casual enough to seem effortless.
2. Elegant and Minimalistic Floating Dresser
A great option if you are looking to add some storage space to your small entryway ideas, a floating wall-mounted cabinet can be a game-changer.
I love the modern but classic look of it, and bonus point: the gap to the floor will help to visually open up your space, giving the illusion of taller ceilings and a longer entrance.
Be mindful of the styling: if you decide to opt for an all-white cabinet, especially against white walls, you will need to balance the color palette with additional decor both on the surface and on the wall. This will help your furniture stand out and not get lost in the background.
3. Velvet Bench with Vintage Mirror
The importance of a seating option in the entryway is a hill I will die on. Whether it’s the ability to sit down and take off your heels after a night out, or simply be able to place your purse somewhere else rather than the floor, I am a fan of it.
A vintage-inspired velvet bench, especially in a unique color such as mustard yellow, is a great piece to capture that functionality with style.
Tweak this idea to be a better fit for your small entryway by choosing a bench with built-in storage for your shoes, or use a classic tray for some decorative flowers and a cure spot to store your keys and mail. The possibilities are endless!
4. Clear Console Table
Perhaps one of the best items of decor for small spaces, glass furniture is the key to modern, elegant decor that does not visually clutter your space.
Combine a clear glass console with a few colorful items in upscale materials like velvet or leather for a sophisticated look. Play with this blank canvas to create visual depth and interesting combinations of styles and materials in order to create several focal points and give the impression of a larger space.
5. Traditional Round Table with Flowers
Re-create this photo:
Often, people default to a long hallway when thinking of an entryway. However, it’s common, especially in older houses and apartments, to have a squared entryway often adjacent or leading into your main living area.
This type of space can feel a bit awkward to furnish as traditional options like a long sideboard or console table would not fill it adequately.
I suggest you try a central round table. Choose the most appropriate size for your entryway and use it as a focal point in the space. The curved lines will help balance the squared room while providing a great surface to display items that speak of you: think of your favorite plant or cherished family photos. Now is the time to show them off!
6. Artistic Console Table
If you are looking for an investment piece, then this small entryway idea is for you: an artsy console table that can double as a sculpture.
Keep the decor to a minimum to let this piece shine on its own. Functional items such as a decorative box can help you keep the entryway functional while, at the same time, making sure to limit the risk of clutter as you start living the space.
7. Twin Lamps Decor
One of the most common challenges when it comes to small entryway ideas is setting up good lighting. Raise your hand if you are working with no windows and inconveniently placed outlets.
A beautiful set of twin lamps can be a great solution to guarantee good lighting, while adding a touch of classic decor to your space. Combine them with rechargeable lightbulbs for full flexibility and a complementary piece of central decor for that ultimate classy touch.
8. Multi-functional Dresser
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Perhaps my favorite option for a small entryway, a classic, solid wood dresser is a perfect statement piece that brings together additional wardrobe space (who isn’t a fan of that?) and elegant lines.
The secret when it comes to styling a vintage-inspired dresser is combining the simple beauty of good quality wood with effortlessly chic decor items such as chinoiserie vases, colorful coffee books, and well-curated art.
For the fellow lazy girls, who cannot keep up with weekly maintenance of flowers, have a look at high-quality artificial flowers. There are plenty of high-end faux flower options that can guarantee a very realistic look without the upkeep.
9. Full-size Mirror
I did not realize the importance of a full-size mirror in my life until I moved into my first big-girl apartment out of college and had to live without one. I promised myself I would never live that life again and, a short 3 months afterwards, I committed to buying a drill and talked myself into the brave act of hanging a mirror wall all on my own.
You now understand why I could not compile the best small entryway ideas, without including a full-size mirror in the list.
No matter how tiny you think your entryway may be, a piece like the one shown above will open up your space and help natural light bounce across rooms. As a result, your entryway will immediately look larger and brighter.
10. Discreet, Elevated Shoe-Storage
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In the words of Jane Austen, it is a truth universally acknowledged, that small apartments come with non-existent shoe storage. Enter: skinny shoe cabinets, single-handedly saving girls all over the world.
A tall narrow shoe cabinet is the most functional piece of decor you may think of adding to your small entryway ideas; something you will use every day and that will take your home organisation to the next level.
If you are a fan of DIYs, explore different color options to upgrade a basic shoe cabinet. You will save plenty of money and create a truly unique piece for your home.
11. Wallpaper & Matching Decorative Plates
Maximalism decor can often be considered too overpowering for small spaces. However, a few selected maximalist pieces can create an original entryway filled with personality even if the space does not allow for larger items of furniture.
A colorful wallpaper can furnish your entryway on its own. Top it with some vintage ceramic plates for a look straight out of an interior design magazine!
12. Small Wooden Table
If there is one evergreen when it comes to interior design, that is vintage wooden tables. A small side table in wood can be the perfect center piece of a small entryway, adding a touch of charm while taking up a limited amount of space.
I love the idea of using the table to frame a stool or a woven basket to create a beautiful composition that completes the delicate wall art.
Bonus tip: scour your local antique market for hidden gems at a bargain. Especially when working with simple, classic designs, it will be very easy to find cute affordable options to choose from.
13. Space-Saving Demi-lune Console
A very functional way to pack plenty of counter space in an efficient way is demi-lune tables.
Their shape allows you to display all your favorite decor items, as well as more functional pieces like a large table lamp or a mail organizer in a relatively compact way.
The rounded shape can also add an interesting touch to the composition of your room, as curved lines are not as common as straight ones when it comes to interior design.
14. Side-Door Decor
It can be particularly hard to come up with good small entryway ideas when you are working with a space that is wider than it is longer.
However, this is your chance to take an original approach to decor and start leveraging an often-forgotten space: the wall beside your entrance door. All real estate is spacious when it comes to small spaces after all!
Opt for a beautiful but functional chair, or a stack of floating shelves to infuse your entryway with personality. Extras touches like a small rug or a classic chandelier can help add more dimension to your space too, making it feel less limited.
15. Statement Tiles
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There are few things as charming as classic tiles. I find they bring effortless character to any room, taking the design of any home to the next level.
Whether you decide to invest in new floors, or go for the renter-friendly option of peel-and-stick tiles, consider tiles as one of the best small entryway ideas to make a chic statement with your decor.
16. DIY Simple Shelf
Re-create this photo:
This one is for the girls who believe in minimum effort for maximum results.
Nothing better than a floating shelf above your radiator to create a simple but effective way to decorate your entryway. Play with different materials and contrasting colors and watch your space transform in just a few minutes.
A perfect example of how small touches can make a world of difference!
17. Side-Bench
Re-create this photo:
If you are trying to carve an entryway out of an open living space, then this idea is meant for you.
Place a side bench against the wall to give the impression of a separate walk-in area. This trick will help you visually extend the space that welcomes you as soon as you step into your home, as well as provide helpful storage and seating.
Be mindful of the style you choose for the bench – you will need to find a balance between a piece that can stand out of the living area decor while, at the same time, complement it.
To Conclude: How To Style The Perfect Small Entryway
When choosing one of these ideas to replicate in your small entryway, always remember that this space in your home should feel like a preview of what your home looks and feels like, while remaining extremely functional.
No matter your interior design preference, or space limitations, be creative and experiment with different solutions: the perfect small entryway is just a few touches away!
