These Thrifted Finds Are The Perfect Decor For A Cozy Entryway

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Your entryway is your home's first impression on visitors, giving them a peek at what they can expect from your haven. When it comes to styling the area, it can be tough to strike the perfect balance of functional yet homey and welcoming. There are always potential issues — limited space or the struggle to create a look that's cohesive with adjacent rooms, both of which can be a challenge. Then, there's the cost. From artwork to decorative accents, entryway decor can quickly add up, giving you sticker shock.

So, enter one of the budget-shopper's best tools: the local thrift shops. These secondhand retailers are treasure troves of potential decorating finds, and this is especially true if you're trying to make your entryway feel more inviting. While modern, mass-produced decor may look nice, there's nothing like a vintage storage chest or antique wall clock to inject warm vibes. These thrifted items are perfect for curating your own entryway look that's comfy, cozy, and all your own.

You want to make your entryway functional as well as welcoming, and you need a spot to store your AirPods, spare change, or your wallet. So, to create a catchall that also has tons of character, browse the thrift store aisles for a vintage dish to hold your essentials. Thanks to the wide variety of materials available, this can work with lots of different aesthetics. Everything from a vintage metal gravy boat to an antique wood bread bowl can house your items while giving off comfortable vibes.

Make sure any thrifted dishes are thoroughly cleaned before you put them to use. Resist throwing them in the dishwasher, and simply let them soak in soapy water for about half an hour. Then, rinse and dry them thoroughly before setting them on your entryway table. To make the look even more stylish and cozy, layer a dish on top of a stack of books or wrap a strand of wooden beads around the base. Of course, if you have the space and can find a cohesive assortment of vintage dishware (like a set of clay serving bowls), set them up to sort your everyday items like keys, sunglasses, and outgoing mail.

Decorating your home with nature makes it feel more welcoming, and stone pots and planters are a common thrift store item that you can often find in many sizes. So, they make ideal entryway containers to conveniently store a variety of items while adding inviting texture and character. Look for sturdy pieces in warm or deep colors with matte finishes that read more cozy than glam.

Once you find the perfect pot, put it to work storing entryway essentials like umbrellas or a few throw blankets in style. If you'd like to protect your new container against the high-traffic area and moisture (hello, wet umbrellas), seal it to give it a little extra durability. Coat both the interior and the exterior with a product like MasonryDefender All Purpose Sealer, allow it to dry, and place it next to or under your console table.

Finding a charming vintage clock allows you to add both style and functionality to your entryway. First, decide if a tabletop design or a wall-mounted one will work best in the space. Then, head out on your search with your aesthetic in mind. Do you want a wood design with intricate details to fit your rustic space? Or, do you have a more industrial vibe where a metal model would fit best? Either way, you'll infuse plenty of comforting, nostalgic character.

When you're browsing, don't be surprised if many of the options on the thrift store shelves aren't functioning their best. Some may just need a good cleaning while others might need a bit more TLC. Fortunately, if you find a clock that you love the look of, there are a few things you can do to bring it back to life. Make sure none of the moving parts like the hands or the pendulum are bent, preventing it from moving freely. If they are, carefully straighten them out. 

If the clock's mechanism seems broken, swap it out with pieces from a DIY Clock Motor Replacement Kit. However, if you just like the look of the clock and you're not worried about it telling the actual time, allow it to serve solely as decor. Set the clock to the time of your child's birth or another special moment to make it a meaningful addition to your entryway.

When shopping for wall decor in modern home stores, you'll find a lot of airy pieces, mirrors, and grayscale photographs. However, thrift stores are the best place to buy art if you want moody oil paintings, detailed textiles, and dramatic photographs. You'll also likely find frames in interesting textures or with ornate details that elevate a piece's cozy vibes.

Before browsing artwork, measure your entryway so you know what size range of pieces you're looking for. You can opt for one large statement piece or display several for a gallery-like effect. When browsing pieces, check for tears in the canvas and major issues with the frame that can't be fixed. If you come across a piece you love, but the glass is broken, keep in mind that you can replace the glass or display the piece without it.

Once you find a piece you love, it's time to figure out your display. If you're installing a large piece or hanging a gallery wall above a console table, leave about 4 to 6 inches between the bottom and the tabletop. Or, lean several overlapping pieces on the table for a casual and comfy look. If your entryway gets a lot of direct sun or you'd just like to add a little protection for the high-traffic area, give it a coat of Krylon's Gallery Series UV Archival Spray Varnish.

If you have the space, a wooden bench is an ideal foundation for an inviting entryway. New solid wood benches can be pricey, and it can be tough to find one with unique character and details without paying a premium. However, you may get lucky and find one at the thrift store for a steal. Look for pieces that are sturdily built and have solid joinery points. A few small cosmetic defects can add character or be easily fixed. Just make sure to check for major issues like termite damage before purchasing.

Take your new bench home, wipe it down, and use a product like Howard Restore-A-Finish to get rid of subtle blemishes. If you don't love the color but it's in good shape and you're up for a DIY, a custom-finished thrifted bench makes a great statement piece. Sand it down and stain it in a cozy hue like deep brown or warm gray. To give your bench an inviting look, add some textiles. For extra seating comfort, order a just-right-sized seat cushion like Rofielty's Custom Bench Cushion. Or, drape a throw over the bench and arrange a few throw pillows on top.

Thrifted lanterns come in so many styles. You can find old-school camping lanterns in various metal colors, ornate decorative pieces that have a more eclectic feel, and rustic wooden ones that are designed to house candles. So whatever your current entryway aesthetic is, you'll likely come across a lantern to cozy up your space. If your thrift store has a decent selection, mix and match ones in the same materials to create a unique display.

Candles are undoubtedly one of the best ways to make a space more inviting, especially at night. To light up your lanterns safely, opt for LED versions. They won't damage the material and you won't have to worry about forgetting to blow them out or them being a fire risk. Nancia's Flameless Tea Lights are a budget-friendly version that flickers for a realistic look. Or, for a festive touch, switch up the decor in open lanterns. Small items like bulbs for the holidays and moss balls for spring allow you to easily create a seasonal touch in your entryway.

No entryway is complete without a light source. So, why not add on that also boosts the welcoming feel and character of the space? Vintage lamps are a great thrift store find, as many simply donate them as they stop working instead of making the effort to fix them. From deeply hued glass table lamps to ornate wooden floor lamps, look for one that fits the style and dimensions of your entryway.

Thrifted lamps may have solid bases, yet the shade might not be in the best shape. Luckily, these can easily be replaced. Just stick with a warm hue, like beige, rather than a not-so-cozy stark white. If you find that the lamp itself doesn't work, try replacing the light source with a Lamp Socket Rewire Kit. However, if you aren't ready to tackle the process, simply pop a wireless option, like Brightown's Rechargeable Light Bulb into the socket. If your new lamp does work, and you'd like to up the moody factor, make it dimmable. The Lutron Plug-In Dimmer Switch is simple to install between your lamp's plug and your wall's outlet. Then, you can adjust the brightness of the lighting to give your entryway that just-right ambiance.

An area can't be cozy with cool, hard floors. So, scour your thrift store and choose a durable entryway rug to serve as the perfect foundation. Ones with jewel-toned patterns can add welcoming color. However, don't count out solid-colored pieces with textural designs to add inviting dimension. Look for quality pieces that are tightly woven, and check both sides for damage. Keep in mind, you want around a foot of clearance on each side of the rug. So, measure first and shop with your entryway's dimensions in mind.

It's likely that your thrifted rug isn't going to smell the best and will be harboring a bit of dust. So, before you take it inside, lay it out and vacuum both the front and back of it several times. To refresh the scent, sprinkle it liberally with baking soda and allow the powder to work on the rug overnight in a protected area like your garage. Then, vacuum it thoroughly again and arrange it in your entryway. If you'd like to give your new floor covering an even softer feel and to keep it from sliding around as people walk through, add a layer like Gorilla Grip's Felt and Rubber Rug Pad underneath it.

Entryway storage is a huge perk, especially if it can also add a welcoming warmth to the area. Look for vintage suitcases and antique trunks to add functionality in the high-traffic area. These spacious options are great spots to house items like yoga mats and other sports gear conveniently yet out of sight. Wooden options work great in rustic homes while leather-covered chests look right at home in classically styled spaces. If you want something a bit more playful, seek out a stack of retro suitcases for a quirky look.

These are common finds at thrift stores, so you'll likely find something that matches your current decor. Before shopping, measure the spot where you intend to place the trunk or chest. Then, bring a tape measure along with you to see if potential finds will fit. Before you buy, make sure the pieces function properly, open and close easily, and don't have any noticeable flaws or major damage. If you find that the hinges are squeaky or that they make the piece tough to open, clean them and lubricate them with a bit of WD-40 Original Formula.