The Entryway Detail That Can Make Or Break The Design Of Your Home

Whenever someone steps into your home, whether it's a guest or your family member, their first encounter with your entryway sets the tone for what they can expect inside. That moment, that space, and everything in it can build either a positive or "meh" feeling that the visitor will carry right into your living area. Though many things in the entry space can contribute to that first impression, what you put on the floor is particularly important. If the floor is bare, not only will the entryway feel cold and empty, but you've also missed an opportunity to add your personal style — two problems that a well-selected entry rug can solve.

No matter what size your entryway is, whether a tiny lobby or a spacious foyer, adding a rug will make it feel warm, as opposed to open hard flooring. If chosen thoughtfully, the texture and pattern will support your home design, but if done wrong, a rug can create a mismatch of colors, character, and style, which is one entryway decor mistake to avoid. Besides setting the tone for how you want your guests to feel as they enter your home, having a rug also is a great tip for making your entryway more functional. It adds protection to the entry hall's flooring so staining and scratches can be avoided. Additionally, the rug will catch any moisture, dirt, or mud from the outdoors and prevent it from being carried into your living area.

There are several factors to consider when deciding on the ideal rug for your entryway. First, consider the material used to make the rug. Due to the expected high traffic in the entryway, you should select a material that's durable. It should also be low-pile and easy to clean, since dirt and mud will be tracked through here. The most common materials that fit these two-fold criteria are jute, sisal, wool or cotton, although some synthetic materials can also work. Many natural materials will also give a welcoming, textured effect ideal for this space.

After the material, consider the rug design you want. As mentioned above, the entry rug should set the stage for the rest of your home's interior design, so make your choice with that in mind. However, it's a great idea to go for a rug with lots of patterns as they make a unique statement in the bare space and are also good at hiding dirt.

The shape of the rug also matters a great deal. Pick one with a similar shape to your entryway. A long hallway entrance goes well with a runner rug, while a square entryway would need a square-shaped rug. A large foyer will do well with either a large rectangular piece or the more elaborate circular or oval shapes. Lastly, know how to choose the right size rug for your space. An entry rug should fill the center area of the entryway while leaving at least 18 inches of space between the rug and the wall on all sides.