30 Ways to Make Your Small Entryway Unforgettable

We’re passionate about innovative small-space design, always on the hunt for ways to make the most of limited square footage—from living rooms to, crucially, the entryway.

As Jessica Bunge, editorial director at Emily Henderson Design, wisely notes, “Small entryways can be tricky, so take advantage of your walls.” Her go-to solutions? “Affordable and stylish hooks and hook rails… a floating shelf for keys and mail, and also adding a wall mirror.”

Beyond the practical “presentable check,” a mirror “will make your space feel bigger and brighter.” While “making holes in walls is scary,” Bunge assures us, “it is so worth it”—a sentiment we fully endorse.

Get inspired by these 30 small entryway decorating ideas, guaranteed to create a memorable first impression.

Create a Bohemian Welcome

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Using wooden accents and soft colors creates a lovely sight for anyone who walks through the door.

Bohemian styles do a great job of using all of these aspects to create a stunning space.

A wooden circular mirror with light wood floating shelves, hooks for hats, and an arrangement of plants can turn any blank space into a warm welcome.

Can’t Go Wrong With a Bench and an Oversized Mirror

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An oversized mirror can take up the perfect amount of wall space and make smaller spaces feel larger.

Purchasing one that is unusually shaped, like the oblong one pictured here, becomes an artistic statement.

Add in some circular golden wall hooks that are as aesthetic as they are functional, and complete the look with a neutral fabric bench.

Bring On the Blue

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Blue is considered a calming color, and what better place for it than in the entryway?

Large artwork takes up the small wall space but creates a big impact.

Adding some texture, like the velvet blue and silver bench with accent pillows, is the perfect elegant entryway.

Add Interesting Designs to the Wall

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Rather than adding one or two pieces of wall art to your entryway, turn the entire wall into an artistic display.

Whether you paint it by hand or go the removable wallpaper route, the results are stunning.

Add a simple table on the opposite side to display a few additional personal items.

Maximize Your Space with Practical Furniture Solutions

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The practical furniture will help with space utilization. Every square inch matters! A bench with drawers for storage will put an order in the shoe mess.

A wall rack will allow usage of the vertical space in the best possible way and neat storage of hats, scarves and coats.

Combine Mirrors and Tables to Enhance Entryway Aesthetics

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via At Home In Love

As mentioned already, mirrors have decorative and very practical value.

Placing them to reflect an empty wall or an open space will create the illusion for the entryway to be wider.

A stylish table with drawers can become a stand for decorations and storage of keys and other items.

Create an Inviting Space with Comfort and Charm

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via Sarah Joy Blog

An entryway affected by the rustic style will make the entrance informal and extremely welcoming.

An old armchair embellished with the signs and prints of the usage in the past will ensure comfort and will spread warm vibes.

Combine with simple storage accessories like a plain metal or wooden rack and a crate.

Decorate a Small Room with an Remarkable Element

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via Grandville Life

When a small room is being decorated, there is one basic design rule- choose an element that will draw attention from the size of the area.

A mirror split in squares will become an eye-catcher and will serve its standard application at the same time.

Small Entryway with an Area Rug

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An area rug will protect the floor from the foot traffic and dirt that comes through an entryway.

A rug will warm the room and pull the space together, giving a small entryway a unified look.

Mix Bold Patterns

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A tiny entryway doesn’t have to be tiny in style. Big, bold patterns can liven up the space if done the right way.

Mix patterns but stick to a limited color palette, like this wallpaper, area rug, stair runner, paint, and accessories in black and white.

Even the black wall hooks against the white wall keep to the black-and-white scheme.

Small Entryway Bench

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Tuck a narrow bench into an entryway too small for a table or hall tree.

You’ll provide a place to sit while take off your shoes and to display pillows, art, and plants.

Add Multiple Storage Options

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Place built-in cabinets along the wall of a small entryway to provide a place to stash coats, books, and other clutter at the doorway.

Install wall hooks in between and a counter on top so you’ve got a spot for every item, from art to book bags, without a square inch of wasted space.

Choose a Front Door with Windows

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A front door with windows will let in natural light that can brighten a small entryway and make it look larger.

This entryway also has a transom window and a sidelight that will wash the small space in sun.

Small Entryway Hall Tree

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Hall trees tend to be gigantic pieces of furniture that won’t fit in a small entryway.

Look for a small one with an open design, like this one made of bamboo, to hang hats, satchels, and purses. Put a dish on the hall tree shelf to hold keys, change, and sunglasses.

Create a Vintage Entryway

Pin Becca Interiors

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.

Choose a Stylish Entryway Bench

Pin Mel Burstin for Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Tessa Neustadt

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.

Try Midcentury Style

Pin Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

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.

Hang a Vertical Gallery Wall

Pin House 9 Interiors

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.

Maximize Wall Sapce

Pin Esther Schmidt

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.

Declutter With a Chair

Pin Design by Emily Henderson/ Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

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.

Decorate With Plants

Pin Martina’s Cosy Crib

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. 

Add Simple, Modern Touches

Pin Esther Schmidt

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.

Consolidate Entry Storage

Pin Home and Spirit

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.

Add a Storage Bench

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Make sure to make your limited space count. While shelves are a step in the right direction, you can take it further with other decor aspects.

Try adding a bench that has a built-in shoe rack underneath, as Jenn Pablo did here.

Not only does it look stunning, but it helps keep shoes and other items out of the way, keeping your floor hazard-free and stylish.

Try Your Hand at Symmetrical Frames

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A small yet longer foyer has its advantages–such as hanging multiple pieces of art along the path.

Whether the art is connected or distinct, ensure you hang them the same distance apart and have them all at the same height to create a gallery effect.

A simple rug and colorful seating is a perfect finish.

Make the Most of Hidden Space

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Hidden nooks can sometimes feel inconvenient, but only if you don’t know how to utilize them.

Adding a sleek and sophisticated backsplash draws attention, but to give it purpose, add some silver hooks and some simple shelves at the bottom for storing shoes and other items.

Now you have a stylish hidden space!

Consider Your Stairs

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If you have a startlingly small entryway, you may feel as though you can’t do much.

However, a little perspective and can show you unused space that you can work to your advantage.

If your entryway leads directly to a set of stairs, try using the space underneath to display a small table or dresser, like this classic and timeless styled one above.

Given your guests will likely walk past this area immediately, it works as an extension to the entry you already have.

Create a Small Gathering Space

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An easy way to create a memorable entryway is to design it as a gathering space to sit and talk with your guests.

This wicker bench and chair combo hosts plenty of seating room and looks aesthetic in the process, so anyone feels welcome the moment they step foot in your home.

The stylish shelves behind it with small dećor items only add to the charm.

Keep Things Simple and Sweet

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The truth is, you don’t have to go overboard decorating every inch of your foyer –just stick with some simple basics.

An oversized plant, a simple rug, and a woven basket for any catch-all items can go a long way in keeping the space clear and clutter-free, yet still stylish. Sometimes, less truly is more.

Think Light Colors

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Decorating and accenting with white can allow a small space to appear larger–a perfect trick for your small entry.

The bright white walls and doors are paired with stately modern farmhouse decor in light shades of wood and blue, which gives the area an airy, spacious feeling.

The benches and baskets tucked away under the stairs make great use of additional space.

Add an Oversized Mirror

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Rather than opting for the traditional smaller mirror, opt for a full-length one instead.

Not only do mirrors help create the illusion of a smaller space, but it’s also a great addition to check out your full outfit before you head out the door.

Work in some small hanging plants and even a floating shelf to keep the decor simple and functional.

Go For a Minimalist Take

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If you don’t want to go crazy with color and dećor then don’t worry–there are other routes to take.

A minimalist mindset can make a big impression without doing much at all: a simple mirror and floating light, a wooden bench without much fuss, and a pillow or two can make a statement without trying very hard at all.

Start with a white and light wood color scheme and you’re well on your way to creating an effortless entry.

Bring in Cubbies

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Never underestimate the power of stylish storage options. Adding a dresser with open drawers–or cubbies– allow you to display various items as well as keep important ones close by.

Adding a few baskets as drawers, like the wicker ones shown here–can allow you to keep some items out of sight and out of mind.

Adding a floating shelve that contains hooks for basic items truly ties the other items together, making the most of a small space.

Incorporate Your Stairs

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Figuring out how to work with a small space can be difficult, which makes it vital to scope out what else you can work with.

If you have stairs near the front door, try using them as shelves to display items instead of squeezing in an additional table.

While this can vary depending on how your home is designed, it can be a unique entryway option.

Mix Patterns

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A simple way to create interest and depth to your foyer is by mixing different styles and textures together.

This entry is a great example with the woven rug on the ground, floral accent pillow, ruffle white cotton pillow, and the metallic gold mirror hanging above.

All the pieces work seamlessly to create a delightful sight, even though there are only a few items present.