Your entryway sets the tone for your entire home, creating that crucial first impression for both you and your guests. This transitional space deserves thoughtful attention since it’s where the outside world meets your personal sanctuary.
Ready to transform your foyer from forgettable to fabulous? Let’s explore what top interior designers recommend adding to your entryway—and what items should be banned forever!
1. Stylish Console Table
Walking through your front door should feel like a warm embrace. A slim console table provides the perfect landing spot for everyday essentials without crowding the space.
Choose one with drawers for hiding clutter or an open design for a more airy feel. The right console anchors your entryway while offering both style and function.
2. Statement Mirror
Mirrors aren’t just for last-minute appearance checks! A gorgeous statement mirror doubles your entryway’s visual space by reflecting light throughout the area.
Hang it above your console table for a classic pairing that feels intentional and polished. Beyond its practical benefits, the right mirror acts as artwork that elevates your entire entrance.
3. Durable Area Rug
Imagine stepping onto a soft, beautiful rug instead of bare floors when you enter your home. A well-chosen area rug defines your entryway while protecting your floors from outdoor elements.
Look for durable materials like wool or indoor/outdoor blends that can handle heavy foot traffic. The right pattern can hide dirt between cleanings while adding color and texture.
4. Proper Lighting Fixture
First impressions happen in seconds, so why not illuminate them beautifully? Overhead lighting transforms your entryway from shadowy to welcoming with the flip of a switch.
Consider a pendant light or small chandelier that complements your home’s style. For larger foyers, a statement fixture becomes the room’s jewelry—catching eyes and setting the tone for your entire home.
5. Functional Coat Rack
Guests shouldn’t have to wonder where to put their jackets when visiting. A well-designed coat rack offers immediate convenience while adding vertical interest to your entryway.
Choose between wall-mounted options for tight spaces or freestanding models for more flexibility. The best designs balance form and function, turning everyday items into an organized display rather than cluttered chaos.
6. Storage Bench
Multi-tasking furniture deserves a special place in your home—especially in the entryway! A storage bench provides a comfortable spot to put on or remove shoes while concealing seasonal items inside.
Look for sturdy construction that can handle daily sitting. The perfect bench complements your decor while offering practical benefits, making it a designer favorite for entryways of all sizes.
7. Umbrella Stand
Rainy days happen to everyone, but wet umbrellas dripping across your floors don’t have to. A stylish umbrella stand corrals wet accessories in one designated spot, preventing water damage to your floors.
Modern options range from sleek ceramic vessels to architectural metal designs. This small addition shows attention to detail that guests will appreciate during unexpected downpours.
8. Wall Hooks
Sometimes the simplest solutions make the biggest impact on daily life. Strategically placed wall hooks offer grab-and-go convenience for frequently used items like keys, dog leashes, or light jackets.
Install them at different heights to accommodate everyone in your household. Unlike bulkier storage options, decorative hooks add function without sacrificing style or precious floor space in tight entryways.
9. Table Lamp
Harsh overhead lighting isn’t always welcoming after a long day. A table lamp creates a warm, inviting glow that makes your entryway feel like a true homecoming rather than just a pass-through space.
Place it on your console table for ambient lighting that’s perfect for evening arrivals. The right lamp adds a layer of sophistication while providing practical illumination for finding keys or checking mail.
10. Decorative Bowl or Tray
Keys, wallets, and sunglasses need a dedicated home to prevent the dreaded morning hunt. A beautiful bowl or tray creates a designated drop zone for small essentials you’ll need when heading out again.
Choose materials that complement your decor style—perhaps hammered metal, carved wood, or colorful ceramic. This small addition prevents countertop clutter while keeping important items right where you need them.
11. Indoor Plants
A strategically placed plant softens architectural lines and adds organic texture to what might otherwise feel like a purely functional space.
Low-maintenance varieties like snake plants or ZZ plants thrive in variable light conditions. For smaller entryways, consider wall-mounted planters or small potted specimens that don’t crowd your limited floor space.
12. Artwork or Gallery Wall
Why wait until guests reach your living room to showcase your personality? Thoughtfully chosen artwork immediately communicates your aesthetic and creates a memorable first impression.
For narrow hallways, a single statement piece works wonders. In larger foyers, consider a curated gallery wall that tells your story. The right art transforms your entryway from merely functional to genuinely personal.
13. Shoe Storage Solution
Scattered footwear creates instant visual chaos in any entryway. Smart shoe storage—whether a dedicated cabinet, rack, or cubbies—keeps pairs organized and out of the walking path.
Consider closed storage for a cleaner look or open options for grab-and-go convenience. The best solutions accommodate seasonal rotation while maintaining your entryway’s style factor rather than looking purely utilitarian.
14. Seasonal Decor
Your entryway offers the perfect canvas for celebrating changing seasons without overwhelming your entire home. A simple wreath, vase of seasonal blooms, or holiday-appropriate accessories create instant atmosphere.
Keep these elements proportional to your space and cohesive with your overall aesthetic. Refreshing just a few key pieces throughout the year keeps your entryway feeling current without requiring a complete redesign.
15. Small Bench or Stool
Balancing on one foot while removing shoes isn’t anyone’s idea of a graceful entrance. A small bench or stool provides practical seating that makes the transition from outdoors to indoors more comfortable.
Even compact entryways can accommodate a slim profile design. Look for styles that complement your decor while offering sturdy support—garden stools, ottomans, or purpose-built entryway benches all work beautifully.
16. Bulky Exercise Equipment
Nothing kills entryway vibes faster than a treadmill greeting your guests! Despite space limitations in many homes, exercise equipment should never find its way to your foyer.
These bulky items create awkward navigation and send the wrong message about your home’s organization. Even compact equipment belongs in dedicated exercise spaces, bedrooms, or basements—anywhere but your home’s first impression zone.
17. Overflowing Shoe Collection
While proper shoe storage makes sense, your entire footwear collection doesn’t belong in the entryway. Displaying dozens of shoes creates visual clutter and often produces unwelcome odors in this high-traffic area.
Keep only current-season essentials by the door. Store special occasion shoes and off-season footwear elsewhere. Your entryway should facilitate smooth transitions, not become a chaotic footwear museum.
18. Fragile Collectibles
Save your precious figurines and delicate mementos for more protected areas of your home. The entryway’s high-traffic nature makes it hazardous territory for fragile items that could easily be knocked over.
Between rushing children, guests with bags, and daily comings and goings, breakable treasures face constant risk. Choose sturdier decorative elements that can withstand occasional bumps without shattering into a thousand pieces.
19. Oversized Furniture
That gorgeous antique armoire might be a family heirloom, but your entryway isn’t its proper home. Disproportionately large furniture pieces overwhelm entry spaces and create awkward traffic flow for everyone entering and exiting.
Scale matters tremendously in these transitional areas. Choose furniture specifically designed for entryways—pieces with slim profiles that facilitate movement rather than blocking pathways or dominating the visual space.
20. Unpleasant Odor Producers
Items that generate strong odors should never live in your entryway, where they’ll greet every visitor who crosses your threshold.
This includes pet litter boxes, hampers with dirty clothes, or trash bins. Even scented candles can overwhelm in this space. Keep your entryway smelling neutral or lightly fragrant with subtle reed diffusers instead of odor-producing functional items.