Entryways are not generally the first space someone dreams of renovating — after all, you’re not lounging there at the end of the day or inviting friends over to sit near the shoe storage.
But here’s why what's considered a pass-through is worth your creative juice: it’s an affordable makeover project that packs a serious punch. For one, an entryway sets the tone for your entire home, and often occupies minimal square footage, which means a refreshing update can be executed relatively quickly. Lift yours from simple to oh so chic with a few smart, budget-friendly additions from a one-stop spot, like The Home Depot.
It’s what you see when you leave, and the first thing of which you (or your guests) get a glimpse when stepping inside. And finally, a good-looking and organized departure point can help you put your best foot forward when you head out the door.
Here’s how to craft an entry point that sticks.
Set the tone with a graphic wallpaper.
Forget what you may have heard about patterns overwhelming small spaces, or making the room feel tighter. On the contrary, entryways are the perfect place to deploy a punchy print on the walls. A colorful pattern adds energy and one that's vertically-oriented draws your eye up—this can, in fact, make a space feel larger or taller if used on every wall, not just one.
In the entryway, opt for a wallpaper in a welcoming or warm color scheme, like blue and white, a fruit or floral pattern, or subtle line drawings. A versatile repeating arrow pattern lends a modern vibe that works with a variety of styles, and best of all? It’s a peel-and-stick option. Easy application, and easy to swap styles when the mood strikes.
Arrow in Denim Removable and Repositionable Wallpaper
Orange Grove in Forest/Orange Removable and Repositionable Wallpaper
Pablo Portraits Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Peonies Noir Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Make it functional — add a bench with open storage.
Make your entryway more than just a way in and out by adding a relaxed landing pad with storage, like a wooden bench with a slatted shelf. Unlike a hinge-top bench, which requires a cleared surface to access stored goods, this style's breezy shelf is a perfect home for baskets filled with hats, gloves, scarves, and anything else.
The woven rush top seats two, is durable enough to withstand a wet raincoat or soil-covered garden gloves, and the simple white base blends well with just about any poppy wallpaper. Pair it up with a glazed ceramic umbrella stand and a chunky jute runner to keep natural materials front and center.
Dorsey Ivory Wood Entryway Bench with Rush Seat
Natural Fiber Indoor Runner
Hang a mirror that'll pop against its background.
Rustic Hanging Rope Round White Decorative Mirror
Rustic Hanging Rope Round White Decorative Mirror
A mirror is as close to essential as you can get in the entryway — one last look before walking out the door is necessary after your everything bagel.
Beyond being practical, a mirror doubles as a piece of decor that can seriously dress up your space. A round mirror is timeless, and hanging one with a weathered strap adds contrast to richly-colored wallpaper and a neutral bench. A simple wood frame would work well, too, and there are options out there that lend personality with subtle adornments, like a brass frame or smoked edge.
Alternatively, if you choose a wallpaper with more of a glam, jewel-tone print, a statement mirror with gold geometric detailing would add an elevated touch.
Stylist pro tip: Park plants for the transition from inside to out.
Here’s a stylist secret that will make your entryway feel particularly put-together: Add plants. Not only will greenery make any space feel more inviting, but plants help make the transition from inside to out a little smoother.
If your entryway benefits from abundant sunlight, let a leafy bird of paradise be the first thing that greets you when you walk through the door. Rubber trees, ZZ plants, or Pachira aquatica can all liven up a lower light space.
4 ft. Travelers Palm Artificial Tree
72 in. Artificial Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree
Artificial Sansevieria with Black Planter
Real Touch 48 in. H Green Dracaena Silk Plant
No green thumb? Never underestimate the power of an artificial plant to even fake out a gardener. Home Depot has dozens of options that look very much like their living counterparts (in fact, the one pictured here is just that!).
Add hooks (and a ledge!) for hanging and displaying.
A spot to hang coats, dog leashes, and hats keeps things off the floor and out of the way, and can turn your everyday items into their own kind of adornment. Hooks also offer an opportunity for personalization, depending if you like a look that leans a little farmhouse or more modern.
An array of knobs in a variety of shapes or colors can be arranged to provide storage at various heights, and to create a fun display even when not in use. Or, you could opt for a hook and shelf combo, like in this entryway. The dark charcoal hue puts a modern spin on the beadboard backdrop, while the high shelf offers space for more plants, artwork, or a catchall dish for less often used keys and knick-knacks.
Prop styling by Olga Grigorenko.
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