Your entryway is more than just a space you pass through—it sets the stage for the rest of your home. Have you considered what your walls say about your style? Maybe you’re drawn to timeless classics like wainscoting or the clean lines of a modern wood accent wall. These choices don’t just look good; they can also serve practical purposes. A gallery wall, for instance, can let you display art in awkward spaces like staircases, while shelving can provide much-needed storage. With a little creativity, your entryway can make a lasting first impression.
4 Quick Tips for Decorating Your Entryway
- Gallery walls are great to hang around staircases since they don’t have to be a defined shape.
- Vertical art is well-suited for small spaces, drawing the eye upward.
- Mirrors enhance light, make small spaces feel bigger, and are a practical way to make last-minute outfit checks.
- Match the style of practical elements like lighting with your more decorative decor for a cohesive, well-curated look.
What Type of Art Should You Put in Your Entryway?
Choosing art for your entryway depends on the overall style of your home and the statement you want to make when welcoming guests. Here are some tips to guide your selection:
Match the Space
If your entryway is wide or has a staircase, a curated gallery wall with a mix of frames, prints, and personal items can make the space dynamic while following the shape of the available wall.
For narrow or small entryways, opt for tall, vertical pieces to draw the eye upward and enhance the space.
In two-story foyers, you have a lot of room to play with, but much of it is higher than the ideal picture-hanging height. Consider a display for ground level and a display viewed from the top of the staircase, a vertical gallery, or oversized art. Whichever you choose, hanging your wall art a few inches higher than normal can help make things feel more proportional.
Think About Function
Your entryway is a functional space, not just an aesthetic one. Plan your wall art choices to fit around functional items like coat hooks, shoe cupboards, and other storage items.
Often, an entryway calls for a console table. Consider art that complements decorative items like mirrors, vases, and floral arrangements. You could also use the console table to lean a collection of frames against the wall, creating a small gallery effect.
Consider the Colors
Coordinate the art’s colors with your entryway’s decor or walls. Neutral tones work well for minimalistic homes, while vibrant hues can energize the space.
Your entryway will flow into the rest of the house, so you’ll also want to consider the colors of rooms viewable from the entry. A whole-house color palette makes this job easy.
Don’t be afraid to use bold design choices in a small space—in fact, a small entryway could be the perfect spot to indulge in bright colors or accent walls. Large prints and unique patterns can turn a plain wall into a statement piece, while textured wallpaper, like rattan-inspired designs, adds depth and interest. With the right design and a bit of daring, bold choices can make a small entryway feel intentional and vibrant.
Make a Statement
Like a first impression, your entryway sets the tone for the rest of your house and reveals a lot of your personality. Use wall art with florals or landscapes to create warmth, or greet guests with bold, oversized abstract artwork for pizazz. Black-and-white or landscape photography can add a timeless and personal touch, while mixed-media or three-dimensional art adds depth and interest.
One large, impactful piece can add sophistication and drama as a focal point, while a collection of small ones acts like a trail of crumbs, leading guests to form a better picture of your style. Choosing art that has personal meaning, such as travel souvenirs or family heirlooms, allows you to introduce yourself as well as your home.
Lighting Matters
Enhance your chosen art with proper lighting. Wall sconces or picture lights can highlight the artwork and elevate its impact—in addition to making sure you can see where you’re going whenever you come back to a dark house, of course.
Layering light sources is a key part of decorating a home. A table lamp on a console table or sconces near a mirror creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Dimmable fixtures give you the flexibility to adjust the brightness depending on the time of day. Natural light can also be a game-changer—strategically placed mirrors can reflect light and make the space feel more open. Whether you’re highlighting architectural features or creating cozy vibes, the right lighting can elevate both the style and functionality of your entryway.
Mudroom Design Essentials
If you need to plan your entryway wall decor around practical concerns, what should you be planning around?
Mudroom storage is all about practicality, even if it can be stylish. Think about built-in benches with hidden space for shoes or hooks for coats and bags—it’s the kind of setup that keeps everything organized.
You can integrate these elements into your wall decor with vertical storage. Display hats and scarves on hooks to add textural elements. Use tall shelves to take up vertical space in a practical way, and use decorative baskets to keep things organized and chic.
Choose lighting elements that can double as sculptural elements, such as vintage wall sconces. Pair these with mirrors—not only will they bounce the light around the space, but they also give you a way to check your hair and outfit on the way out the door. Mirror frames also come in a wide variety of sizes and styles, so you can find one to fit just about any style.
In addition to these, you can sneak practical elements into gallery displays. Calendars, corkboards, and chalkboards fit right in among a collection of frames, and multiple people can leave reminders, messages, inspirational quotes, or even just doodles on their way in and out of the house. It’s interactive, functional, and fun!
Transform Your Entryway Into a Warm Welcome
Your entryway is the first impression of your home, so why not make it unforgettable? Whether you’re drawn to abstract art, creative DIY projects, or bold design choices like patterned wallpaper or accent walls, there’s no shortage of ways to make the space truly yours. Add functional storage, layer in lighting, and don’t shy away from mixing patterns or textures. With a little effort and imagination, your entryway can be transformed into a welcoming, stylish space that tells your story as soon as guests walk through the door.