24 Beautiful Entryway Designs To Make A Stunning First Impression

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Your entryway is one of the first things your guests notice when they visit your home. So, it stands to reason that you'd want to make a good first impression. While keeping your foyer clean and free of clutter will have a positive impact, it's not enough to leave a lasting imprint on your visitors. The reason is simple. This is the basic minimum your guests expect, so they're rarely swayed by the effort you put in to maintain a neat and tidy hallway. But a beautiful entryway design will make a stunning first impression.

Don't worry. You don't have to go all out or spend big to make your home stand out. A mirror with intricate detailing hanging above a simple console table can look great, too, if paired with the right vase fillers, flowers, or catch-all bowls. Similarly, plants framing your front door, dramatic rugs lining the hallway, gorgeous pendant lights hanging from the ceiling, or funny home decor items that make people laugh will all make your entryway memorable. You can even bring in unexpected items like a treasure chest or sideboard to stage a foyer that's hard to forget. Want to explore more ideas for curating a beautiful entrance? Here are 25 designs to help you out.

If you've invested in beautiful flooring around your entryway, don't shy away from giving it the spotlight. This is also a good option if you believe in the "less is more" adage and only invest in items that support a clean aesthetic. Bonus advantage: you won't have to regularly dust any knick-knacks. Just ensure the floor material you opt for goes well with the overall decor scheme of your home. For example, hardwood (both organic and engineered) flooring pairs best with a modern farmhouse and looks elegant.

Although a narrow hallway presents multiple challenges, don't give up on it. Instead, look for slim console tables that will fit in the space and give you ample opportunity to decorate your foyer. However, don't overload the table, or your entryway will look small and cramped. Go with an open and airy concept when displaying knick-knacks so the space seems larger than it is. Also, keep it clutter-free, or your console will turn chaotic, undoing all your hard work.

A floating shelf is another option you can go with when space is limited. You won't have to sacrifice precious floor space or compromise on the decor you'd like to put out. The lack of bulky furniture will also make the room seem more spacious. Pick a no-bracket shelf if you like clean lines and want a sleek finish. Brackets come in handy if the shelf is too heavy (or you plan on placing hefty items on top) and needs base support. Choose decorative ones so they become a part of your entryway decor, too.

Placing mirrors around windows or glass-paneled doors is one of the best ways to improve natural light in your home. And if you have either source letting in the sun's rays, install a large mirror in your entryway to make it seem brighter and larger. Plus, you can always check your appearance before walking out the door or give yourself a last-minute pep talk prior to facing the music. Position accent lighting fixtures strategically so the mirror can reflect its light, too, and amplify its brightness.

If you have a console table in your entryway, chances are you just don't use it to hold decor pieces. You may also store your necessities like your keys, loose change, mail, sunglasses, perfumes, emergency makeup, and the like. While a catch-all tray or bowl will work great for one or two items, it'll be no match for a family's on-the-go essentials. This is where a chest of drawers comes in. Use the top to dazzle your visitors, and take advantage of the drawers to stash away your less appealing belongings.

Do you like donning your jacket, hat, or shoes while standing near your front door? Add a little seating space to make your entryway more functional. Take your foyer's dimensions into consideration and pick a stool, chair, ottoman, or bench accordingly. Brownie points if you can sneak in a little storage so you don't have to constantly go indoors in search of your gloves or sneakers. Sturdy hooks, decorative baskets (preferably with a lid to contain the mess within), or built-in cabinets are all great options. Sprinkle in a few pillows or throws to design a welcoming space.

There are numerous reasons why you shouldn't wear your outdoor shoes inside the house. For starters, you won't invite dirt and germs to your home. Plus, you won't have to worry about tracking mud through rooms. However, removing your shoes in the entryway can soon lead to visual clutter. So, to combine functionality with beauty, invest in a pretty shoe cabinet with opaque doors, like Grusign's Narrow Cabinet with 2 Flip Drawers. This will boost your foyer's aesthetic appeal, minimize clutter, and keep your shoes dust- and pest-free.

Not a big fan of antique furniture or its historic nature? Make your entryway look and feel modern with contemporary furniture, such as a sculptural side table and a stylish chair. We like Obmedin's Mid-Century Modern Accent Barrel Chair. It's available in four colors, so you can pick one that suits your preferences and interiors. Add a knotted, boho, or geometric throw pillow to further accentuate your furniture. If space and budget permit, get a unique-shaped side table, such as Simplihome's Toby Metal Accent one, and decorate it with luxe decor items.

Checkerboard floors are a classic choice and will make your entryway look regal. Stick with the traditional black and white design if you want a neutral backdrop for your bold decor. Otherwise, you can opt for unique color combinations, like white with cream, red, green, or blue, for a dramatic entrance. Try to maintain a balance between the two hues so they don't overwhelm onlookers. You can even try out different materials, like marble checkerboard tiles that are trending in 2025.

Adding an accent wall near your entryway is a great idea to make your foyer stand out. Start by envisioning the design and style you like. Then, pepper in the details, like would you like to add a console table, or would a bench suffice? Or, maybe you want to do away with furniture and let the wall serve as the focal point? Whichever way you lean, pick your accent wall's color and design so it blends well with other elements or draws attention. Worried about the pocket pinch? Recreate accent wall ideas using Dollar Tree supplies.

Hoping to style the perfect boho entryway? Lay down a rug and call it a day. Although the idea is simple in theory, take your hallway's scale into account so the runner doesn't take over your foyer. To elaborate, a narrow space will benefit from a compact rug runner. It'll make your hallway seem longer and add visual depth. The actual size will depend on your hallway, but leave a little clearance on all sides to keep it from looking like a carpet. Pick a neutral shade to ground your foyer, or go with bold patterns for a bold finish.

Even if your entryway receives ample natural lighting, you still want artificial light sources to brighten the space after the sun sets. However, they don't have to be merely functional. Explore thrift stores or check out home decor stores to find lamps that will not only illuminate your foyer but also look pretty. Jonathan Y's Mini LED Table Lamp is a good option that will suit most aesthetics. Don't have a power outlet nearby? Do away with unsightly wires with rechargeable lights, such as Leroxo's 3-Color Portable Crystal Table Lamp.

Although traditionally used to store dishware and lay out food, a stylish sideboard will go well with your opulent entryway. Store your out-the-door essentials behind the safety of the doors (ensure they're opaque if you can't organize the shelves regularly) and display your busts, vases, and adorable napkin holders on top. Check out home decor stores or go online to hunt down a perfect piece for your entryway. Alternatively, visit estate sales or thrift stores to score a historical piece for a steal.

A simple way to liven up your entryway is to display plants around your front door. To ensure they embellish your foyer instead of looking basic, house them in gorgeous ceramic or plastic pots, depending on your budget and taste. But if you aren't keen to rehome your indoor plants, let them stay in their original pots and put the entire thing in another larger vase. Place two tall sentries around your door or layer your plants in varied levels. You can even go the minimal route and place one or two of your favorites on a tall side table.

Want to add pops of color to your foyer? Display your favorite art pieces above your console table. Play around with the color, style, and frames to find the art that speaks to you. Or, shop your home and change the artwork every few weeks or months. You can even do away with the table and give your artwork the center stage. Arrange them as you would a gallery wall, or hang a standalone piece that grabs eyeballs. Either way, ensure there's ample light around them so they're clearly visible and don't get crowded by shadows.

Choosing two or more colors for your entryway will make for an eclectic yet impactful display. The trick is to match tones that gel together beautifully, with neither shade dominating the space. For instance, there are around three main colors visible in the image above. The green door here is complemented well by the orange accent wall, while the white space around them both grounds the area so an onlooker doesn't feel overwhelmed by the onslaught of these bright hues. The light fixtures, door hardware, and console table round out the room.

Applying wallpaper to the empty walls around your front door will set your entryway apart. Experiment with different textiles, colors, patterns, and designs to finalize a roll that ticks all your boxes. Then, set aside a weekend and install the paper yourself. The only downside? This can be an expensive option, with each square foot costing between $3 and $8. To save costs, pick one wall and only stick paper on it for an accent wall-like finish. Peel-and-stick options will further help save money, especially if you get them from discount stores like Dollar Tree.

Dark-colored wood furniture sporting intricate carvings is a staple of Victorian decor. Pair pieces like this with an antique mirror, and you're ready to wow your guests with your elaborate entryway. Finding vintage pieces can make your entryway feel unique while also saving you money. Comb through your local thrift stores, check out listings on online portals, such as Craigslist and FB Marketplace, and attend estate sales to find the "one."

If you host often and get into long conversations with your guests every time you welcome them in or bid them goodbye, slide in a few stools beneath your console table. After all, why remain standing when you and the visitors can get comfortable in a jiffy? That being said, this idea will only work if you have a spacious foyer and can fit in a table large enough to fit a few stylish stools underneath. Invest in decorative covers to make a good first impression.

Do you want your guests to feel instantly at home? Your cherished family photos will do the trick. A tip to assist you in modernizing an outdated large gallery wall is to pick a theme. This will connect the pictures, so it doesn't feel like a random collection. For instance, if you want to showcase your wedding pictures, start with the couple shot in the middle and place the others with friends and family around it. You can similarly stage a family picture in the center and frame individual shots around it.

The biophilic design trend is all about bringing the outdoors in. But you don't have to just rely on plants to make it happen. Painting your entryway in earthy tones like green, gray, beige, brown, and blue will help, too. To go the extra mile, get furniture in matching shades and commit to a rug that showcases natural elements like florals and foliage. Leaning towards organic materials such as wood or ceramic will allow you to embrace the trend in all its wonderful glory. You can add in a few plants — real or artificial — to complete the look.

Woven baskets aren't just useful for storing essentials. They make for great decorations, too. Simply paint them in a color of your choosing and draw the desired designs and they'll be ready for installation. Hang a single, large basket to set the tone. Or, bring in some playful vibes with multiple baskets painted in differing shades and sporting varied motifs. As long as they all emote a singular emotion — whether it's fun, warmth, or understated elegance — they'll seem connected to each other. If you go this route, draw out your designs on paper first to avoid regrets later.

Need a decor element that doubles as a conversation starter but doesn't feel convoluted? Plop down a bookshelf near your front door. Stack the shelves with your prized possessions, giving your author-signed copies or first prints places of honor. Now, watch as your guests gravitate towards it. To ensure the non-readers don't feel left out, sprinkle in quirky decor items and you'll be all set. This idea is also perfect for people who are running out of space in their library and are looking for other places to house their TBR (to-be-read) piles.

This idea is all about making your entryway seem like you — as you truly are. Bring together elements that speak to you and place them together for a bespoke entryway. Pair larger-than-life candles with tall vases, thrifted sculptures with ceramic tissue holders, a colorful globe with a coffee table book set, and food-themed decor with animals. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination. Nestle in a catch-all dish (the weirder, the better) in the middle for your essentials and use a neutral backdrop or rug to anchor your quirky decor choices.