How to decorate your entryway

Featured item: Console Tables

You’re all tapped out.

Another manic day running errands between chasing deadlines. Your feet are killing you and your throat feels like you’ve just crossed the Sahara with no supplies. As you step through your front door, a switch flips. You can breathe again. You feel human again. You’re home.

This is what a well-designed entryway should do for you. Decorating your entrance hall or foyer might seem like a small project in the grand scheme, but it serves a crucial purpose. Not just for giving your guests a warm welcome, but for YOU to feel like you’re back in your happy place.

Featured item: Console Tables

If you’re starting from scratch, or looking for ideas to improve and beautify your entryway, you’ve knocked on the right door. We’ll start off with some essential items for a practical and welcoming entrance hall. But why stop there? You also want your entryway to look beautiful, and make an impression that’s uniquely you.

Whatever you’ve got to work with, whether your entry space is large, small, or practically non-existent, we’ll walk you through some practical and inspiring ways to transform any entryway into your homecoming oasis.

Featured item: Console Tables

Not sure where to start? Here are some must-have entrance hall items

Table or shelf

A console table is a staple of entrance halls. But you could also use a book case, a cabinet, or a simple shelf. All you really need is a surface of some kind that can be decorated to your tastes while also providing a drop off point for all your last-minute paraphernalia. Wallets, handbags, keys, glasses, masks, remotes, grocery lists… Do yourself a life-hack and have one designated drop-zone where thou shalt find whatsoever thou seekest on thy way out.

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Not just a hat rack

Whether or not you’re a hat-loving family, it’s always smart to have some form of hanging or storage space for those outdoor accessories that would otherwise get tossed on the nearest couch or countertop. Nifty hooks and catchall baskets are a win in our book.

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Mirror

Don’t forget to check your teeth on the way out! Mirrors are certainly a must-have for entryways, and you can either stick with a simple design, or choose something striking to be your statement piece. You could also create a grid of plain square mirrors above your entryway table to create an eye-catching display while opening up your space in a big way.

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Rug or runner

Give all those weary feet a soft welcome in from the tough outdoors. A stylish rug or runner will introduce some of your personal style, as well as helping define the space. The advantage of a runner is that it creates a natural flow to the next room, while also visually lengthening the area and making it feel more spacious. Just make sure the rug you choose can take a lot of traffic without collecting or showing too much dirt and wear – natural fibre rugs are a practical and stylish choice.

Shoe depository

Doorways are a natural gathering place for shoes of all flavours (just ask your dogs), regardless of whether you actually ask people to remove their shoes or not. Save your soles and your sanity with a designated shoe rack, mat or closed storage where rejected shoes can go to find solace until they’re reclaimed.

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Bench or chair

There’s always someone waiting for someone else to get ready when it’s time to leave, so at least give them a convenient place to sit and stew. This is also a sensible pair-up for your shoe depository, so guests have somewhere to sit down while removing or putting on shoes, hence avoiding the awkward bend over, or the hop-around-with-finger-stuck-in-shoe-and-fall-over routine. Wooden and leather or faux leather upholstered benches are particularly homely and practical, offering a durable and easy cleaning option. Add your choice of fun or homely scatter cushions for a comforting and stylish finish.

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What to put on your entryway table

Whether you decide to use a table, bench, bookcase, shelf or storage solution that doubles as surface space, be sure to choose a piece you love that can provide the anchor and focal point of your entryway display.

For starters, you want to designate a spot for your grab ‘n go items – be it a drawer, a lower shelf, or a bowl or basket on top – just be sure it’ll keep your things handy and organised in one place. You may also want to add a separate catchment solution for all your snail mail.

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Keep the rest of your table décor simple and uncluttered – a few favourite accessories, natural objects, a flower arrangement or a pot plant or two are all you really need. Fresh greenery also helps create a natural transition from indoors to outdoors, and vice versa.

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How to make your entryway interesting & beautiful (without going overboard!)

One way to think about decorating your entryway is making it a small preview of the rest of your home. It’s always a good idea to start with the practical stuff, but with the key elements in mind, you can focus on turning your entryway into a ‘vignette’ that you’ll be proud to have as the first thing your guests see when they enter your home. You don’t need to spend a fortune on trendy items – rather focus on a few key pieces that help tell ‘the story of us’.

Featured item: Sideboards

Once you’ve picked out your storage solutions and table décor, focus on the space above the table (or shelf, or bench). As mentioned above, a single mirror or mirror arrangement can create an effective focal piece. You could also inspire your guests with a unique gallery wall that shows off your personal or family interests and creativity.

Of course, you might just want to feature a single art piece. Now, you could hail your guests with that striking modernist portrait you found at a flea market, but maybe you should keep that as a living room conversation piece. Abstract art may just be the perfect hallway art – it adds interest without stealing the show, plus you can more easily choose a piece that plays on colours and shapes you want to highlight in your décor.

On that note, remember that the more dynamics you can create with different shapes and textures playing off one another in your décor, the more balanced, visually rewarding and interesting your space will be.

Finally, it’s time to cue the lights. We all know that light is one of the crucial factors in making a space feel warm and welcoming. So whatever you do, don’t let your entryway feel dark and gloomy! Stick to lighter pieces of furniture – both weight and colour-wise. If the space is short on natural light, add a pretty lamp or some wall sconces. Your well-placed mirror(s) will also help amplify the light and depth of the space. Soft lighting at the entrance will help create a cosy atmosphere, and help your eyes adjust if you’re coming in from the dark.

What to do with a foyerless entryway

On the other hand, maybe you’ve got the opposite issue – no foyer at all! Perhaps your front door feeds your guests slap bang into your living space, or practically sends them up the staircase. Don’t worry, you can still create a mini entryway that helps you and guests transition into your home, with a few simple touches that provide the practical convenience of an entry hall.

You don’t need to include all the items on our ‘must-have items’ list above – just think about which ones will be most appropriate for your needs. Perhaps you don’t need a place for coats and hats, and it probably doesn’t make sense to have a seat or bench when you’re already in the living room. For most homes, a table or shelf, and a hanging or storage solution for keys, handbags and other drop ‘n go items are the two essentials you’ll need to create a practical entryway. Hang a mirror on the wall, drop a small rug or doormat, and add a touch of personality with a couple of interesting items like an unusual doorstop or knocker. And, voilà – mini-entryway complete!

At the end of the day, walking through your door should remind you why you love coming home to the space and the people you love. So, go ahead and make it your own.

For quality furniture and stylish décor to help inspire your unique entryway design, browse Cielo’s wide online range or visit your nearest Cielo showroom.

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