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Make even the smallest, most narrow entryway feel large and grand with these simple tips.
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Your entryway sets the tone for the rest of your home as it is the first space guests see when they enter your home. Whether you’re working with a narrow hallway, a petite vestibule, or a simple spot just inside the front door, thoughtful styling can turn your small entryway into a space that feels curated, collected, and welcoming.
This guide covers everything from flooring and rugs to lighting, table styling, and smart storage. You’ll also find clever ideas to help your small space feel much larger, all while staying true to your personal aesthetic.
My own entryway has always proved a bit challenging to decorate (it has a small footprint, but high ceilings) so I’ve made sure to include tips that I’ve found helpful when decorating mine.
Flooring That Sets the Tone
When working with limited square footage, your floors do more than just serve a functional purpose. They help define the look and feel of your entry.
Consider classic tile patterns such as checkerboard marble, herringbone brick, or penny tile for vintage charm. These styles offer visual interest and durability in high-traffic zones. For old homes, restoring or refinishing original hardwoods can add warmth and character.
If you’re on a budget or are in a rental, try peel and stick flooring for a quick fix. We went this route in our entryway because we wanted to be certain we liked the look before putting in something more permanent. Here are the peel and stick tiles we chose. They still look great a year later!
Layer in a rug or runner that’s scaled to your space. A rug anchors the area and softens acoustics, making the space instantly feel more inviting. Traditional rugs with natural fibers are a great option in terms of durability. You could also try washable rug for easy cleaning. I personally love the look of oriental rugs in entryways because it is a timeless look.
Impactful Lighting for Small Spaces
Lighting is essential in an entryway, especially if the space doesn’t get much natural light.
Overhead fixtures like small-scale lanterns, vintage flush mounts, or mini chandeliers bring drama and elegance without overwhelming the room. Choose warm bulbs (2700K–3000K) to create a cozy glow.
If you have a console table add a table lamp or, if you don’t have enough space for a lamp, add wall sconces to provide layered lighting and a decorative touch. A brass or ceramic lamp with a pleated shade can elevate the space instantly.
Just a reminder – holiday weekends, such as this one, are a great time to score discounted lighting!
Wall Treatments that Add Character
Don’t underestimate the power of vertical space in a small entryway.
Paint or wallpaper can really work wonders when it comes to adding character and defining small spaces. In tiny foyers, color drenching, which means using a single color on walls, trim, and ceiling, can make the room feel larger by eliminating visual breaks. For added texture and interest, consider beadboard or picture frame molding.
To select the best color paint or wallpaper for your entryway, you’ll want to consider both the sources of natural light (i.e. whether light is predominantly received from north, east, south, or west) and the tone of light you’ve chosen for artificial light. The source of light in a space affects the way we perceive color.
Furniture and Styling for Impact
You may not have room for a full-sized closet or large furniture, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style and storage space.
If your entryway is very narrow, look for wall-mounted tables, vintage demilune pieces, or even floating shelves that can serve as functional landing zones for keys, mail, and décor. Small, decorative bowls and boxes are a great option to keep these everyday items hidden. Look for furniture no deeper than 10–12 inches to preserve walking space.
If your space is a little wider, a chest of drawers or a bench with hidden storage can serve as a multifunctional piece, without overwhelming the space.
Hanging a mirror above your entryway table will not only look beautiful, but help brighten the space and make it feel larger. If you don’t have space for a table lamp, install wall sconces on either side of the mirror.
Smart Storage for Small Entryways
In tiny foyers, every inch counts. Functional storage solutions can help keep clutter at bay without sacrificing style.
- Woven baskets and boxes tucked under a bench or console table are great for storing shoes or seasonal accessories.
- Wall hooks or a vintage coat rack offer vertical storage for bags and outerwear.
- Slim benches with hidden storage can be used for both seating and keeping shoes and other items hidden.
If your entry is part of a hallway, consider installing built-in cubbies or open shelving to maximize functionality in a small space, while maintaining its charm.
Visual Tricks to Make a Small Entryway Feel Larger
The key to making a small entryway feel larger is keeping the space cohesive and uncluttered, while adding thoughtful layers.
Stick to a consistent color palette throughout the space that will help achieve your design goals for the space. If you want to brighten a dark, north facing entryway, use colors with a high LRV (light reflective value), with warm undertones. If your goal is to make the ceilings to look higher, consider color drenching or painting the ceiling a darker shade to make it visually recede. Or, if you want to experiment with bold colors, a small entryway is a great place to do so, just ensure the color palette you choose is cohesive and complements the rest of your home.
Use mirrors to reflect light and visually expand the space. An antique gold mirror or oval convex mirror can add charm without overwhelming the walls.
Go vertical by hanging a gallery wall or a tall mirror to draw the eye upwards, creating the illusion of height.
Avoid bulky furniture, and select smaller, but highly functional pieces that won’t overwhelm the space.
A small entryway doesn’t need to be a design challenge. With a thoughtful mix of lighting, storage, styling, and color, you can transform even the most petite vestibule into a welcoming space that sets the tone for your entire home.
I’ve linked some entryway decor for you to shop below. If you’ve enjoyed this post, I’ve shared similar home decor posts below the shopping section for you to read next.
If you’re interested in following along with my Victorian home renovation or garden projects, please visit my Instagram and TikTok pages.
Shop Entryway Decor
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