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Entryway Buying Guide

An entryway, also known as the foyer, is considered the welcome area in every home. Other than the exterior, which many people ignore, it creates an accurate first impression of your home.

Entryway Buying Guide

It is therefore imperative that you design your entryway to be attractive yet clutter-free so your family members and guests can move through comfortably while admiring your decor.

If you're unsure of how to style your entryway, we've researched for you and will help you make an informed decision regardless of how small or vast the space is at your home.

What are Entryways?

The hall usually found near a home's front door is an entryway that commonly contains a coat closet and, instead of carpet, linoleum, or tile flooring, making it an easily cleaned section separating the exterior and interior of the home.

The typical size is 6x6 or 7x9, often located off the utility room, kitchen, or carport leading to the most common/entertainment areas in the home. Of course, some places have large entryways or even one leading to their bedroom, and then some have none, but there's always the makeshift option.

Purpose of the Entryway

The house doorway, whether large or small, plays an essential role in our daily life. It's where we get ready for the day and greets us when we go home in the evening. It's also where your guests are welcomed, have their shoes removed, and have a brief look at their face and hair before socializing. Overall, this modest location provides visitors with their first sight inside your home and an impression of your unique style, so why not devote all of your effort to making it seem its best?

We sometimes forget the doorway, but with a few simple design ideas, from accent chairs to mirrors, umbrella stands, mirrors, and more, depending on the size and shape of your entryway, you may seamlessly integrate the transitional area into the rest of the house.

The doorway serves as a "landing location," so having a place to sit while removing and putting on shoes and coats is a tremendous convenience for both residents and visitors. Small and even dark entryways are common. As a result, strategically placing mirrors and lights in a way that opens up and brightens the room is a beautiful idea.

Use your home's foyer as a gateway to the rest of the house. Incorporating a few elements of your home's color and artwork into your foyer will help guests become acquainted with their surroundings.

Familiarize yourself with these crucial entryway aspects for further ideas on how to flesh out the design and function of your entryway.

Seating

The most vital element in an entryway is a place to sit while putting on or taking off your shoes. Whether it's a rustic wooden bench, an upholstered settee, or a curvy side chair, the type of seating you choose may establish the tone for the entire area.

Entryway Cubbies

Consider all of the items your family will require to leave the house for the day: shoes, keys, hats, scarves, and bags, to name a few. It's no surprise that entryways often grow cluttered. Incorporate as much storage as the space allows while maintaining your overall design concept to avoid this typical problem. Seating units with cubbies, baskets, or hooks are advantageous.

Stand for Umbrellas

Rainy days are unavoidable, so prepare your home's doorway for wet shoes and drenched umbrellas. If you don't have a mudroom or coat closet at the front door, you can put umbrellas in a beautiful holder and keep them out of sight. Traditional umbrella stands can suffice, but think beyond the box and consider repurposing large, unusual containers for the purpose.

Decor for the Front Door

While it may appear intangible, extending your style to the foyer can be as simple as placing an object or two that matches the rest of the house's design. If you collect antiques, for example, why not display one on an entryway table? Pull a few objects from your home's intense color and modern furniture to hang on the door and sit on the table.

A shelf or a table

Every entryway should have a surface where you may discard your keys, mail, loose cash, and anything else you pick up or leave down as you enter and exit your home.

If you have the space, a table or chest with storage is always a good option, but if you don't, consider putting a shelf or wall bracket. You may still have a lot of surface area without taking up a lot of room.

Mirrors

When decorating a foyer, it's always a good idea to include a mirror because you might want to take one final glance at yourself before leaving the house in addition to the dramatic style it contributes to a place. You may go with a large mirror with a heavy wood frame, an ornately gilt design, or a mirror-table set.

If you have the space, a full-length mirror is ideal, but if not, a mirror hung over a table or shelf can suffice. Mirrors are also beneficial since they reflect light and open up space. A mirror in a small doorway can make the area appear and feel larger.

Lighting

And, without sufficient lighting, what good is a mirror for checking your appearance?

Many foyers will feature a chandelier or ceiling fixture, which is excellent, but another light source, such as a sconce or a table lamp, is always pleasant to have. It's good to be able to turn on a gentle light without having to turn on a harsh light as you come in from the dark. Soft lighting can also help to create a pleasant environment for visitors.

Choose a style that compliments the room's decor, and make sure to use soft light bulbs to create a beautiful glow.

Large Door Mat or Carpet Runner

Because of its softness, a runner or mat can be an inviting sight. It also aids in the definition of space. However, don't pick something so thick that it is difficult to open and close the door. Choose something that can withstand a lot of use and is appropriate for high-traffic locations.

Mat or Shoe Rack

It's convenient to have a designated area where individuals may leave their shoes when they take them off. If you didn't find a shoe rack that matches your space, a mat that defines where shoes should go would suffice. Shoes get knocked around and end up all over the floor, blocking the entryway.

A Vase

A vase of flowers is a lovely finishing touch. As soon as you step in the door, this gorgeous sight greets you.

Designing Makeshift Entryways

So you don't have an entryway, or maybe you have a makeshift area? You can still make it look stylish without being cramped. Multifunctional decor serves well for a substitute entryway. A storage bench can keep essential items to avoid clutter while serving as a seat for you and guests to take your shoes off. They are usually eye-catching pieces too. Also, get a hook coat rack that can also serve for scarves and umbrellas. Get a small mirror accent table set, if space always, but ensure the table has a drawer for keys, mail, loose change, etc. A lovely large mat will also enhance the space.

Designing Small Entryways

Accessibility must be a significant priority in a small entryway. A simple coat hook and rack for shoes or lift top bench are essential, but a couple of throw cushions on a storage bench adds warmth to the area.

You can also make a compact entryway out of a regular mudroom. Mudrooms are side entrances that only the family use. Even if they're a little smaller than your main entry, storage baskets and shelves keep your belongings in order.

If your mudroom gets a lot of use from dirty boots and paws, a bath towel on a coat rack can come in helpful. A decent outside rug by the door, on the other hand, is a must.

If you don't have enough room for a whole storage bench/ottoman in your small foyer, a pouf or even an accent side table can suffice. With a single dining chair and an accent table, you can create a unique look without too much space.

Designing Large Entryways

Depending on the size of your doorway, you may be able to treat it as if it were a separate room. You can create a charming breakfast nook with a small dining table and chairs or a dining bench. You might even be able to squeeze in a stylish seat like the tufted cocktail ottoman.

If you want a practical drop zone, fill it with storage furniture like the 2-drawer storage cabinet in black walnut and gold. You can use TV stands as a helpful way to store stuff, depending on your needs.

A spacious doorway is an excellent location for office furniture. You can use two-piece options, which include bookcases and a writing desk to create a workspace.

Instead of a runner, a spacious doorway can benefit from a huge area rug to connect the space. Finally, in large entryways, you can use more dramatic lighting such as chandeliers or a statement floor lamp.

Bedroom Entryway Design

Although your front entrance is crucial, you can also create a functional space near your bedroom door. Having a shoe rack to store your most-worn pairs close at hand will make putting ensembles together a lot easier.

Other pieces of storage furniture, such as a hall tree or a tiny bookshelf, can be used to create a mini-drop zone for phones or books. A bedroom bench makes a fashionable discrete spot for your room's entryway if your bedroom is spacious enough.

If positioned as an attractive area amid armed chairs or over a bench, a wall mirror will provide you an additional area to put together an outfit while also distinguishing your bedroom entryway.

Bottom Line

Designing your entryway is all about your tastes but it is important to have all the essential items you want. Everything you need from ceiling to floor, you'll find in various sizes to fit any space right here at LuxeDecor. Avoid clutter, and ensure the colors match or complement your home.

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