9 Small Entryway Ideas to Make a Big First Impression

Creating a small entryway in your home gives you a place to welcome guests. No matter how small this space is in your home, you can style it to be functional and beautiful.

Start by measuring your space and knowing what you need to place here. Then look for pieces that will have multiple functions and add to the appeal.

These small entryway ideas will help you with your small entryway makeover project. Add a bench, place to hang coats, table, and decorative elements.

With the right combination, your small entryway will be the perfect place for welcoming guests and getting situated when you come home.

1. Add a Multifunctional Bench

Place a bench in your entryway and give yourself and others a place to sit down. This entryway furniture is a must if you want people to take their shoes off when entering your home.

Minimalist entryway with a wooden bench, textured pillows, and coastal artwork, creating a serene and inviting space — Source: @coastalfarmhousersf via Instagram

Cozy lake house entryway with built-in bench seating, shiplap walls, rustic decor, and a welcoming sign for a warm cottage feel — Source: @homesweetlakehouse via Instagram

Modern entryway with a sleek wooden bench, tufted cushion, wall hooks, and minimalist decor for a clean and functional space — Source: @miixinteriors via Instagram

Stylish entryway with a deep blue storage bench, cozy pillows, a woven throw, and decorative greenery for a warm, inviting feel — Source: @prettyandpolishedfurniture via Instagram

Modern entryway with a wooden bench, black and white accent pillow, wall-mounted mirror with storage, and a woven basket for organization — Source: @the_olive_studio via Instagram

Rustic entryway with a dark wooden bench, patterned pillow, leather bag, framed city map, and cozy decor for a welcoming touch — Source: @thecottonfieldcottage via Instagram

Modern entryway with two wooden stools, a cozy pillow, a fiddle leaf fig, a vintage rug, and a gallery wall with black-and-white photos — Source: @thefontaineflat via Instagram

Boho-style entryway with a dark wood live-edge bench, textured fringe pillow, potted plant, and a cozy nook under the staircase — Source: @tsmaxy via Instagram

Having a limited amount of space means that you should look for a storage bench instead of having an open style with a platform and legs. Then you can hide items inside of it. If you have limited space, try using a storage ottoman instead.

Decorate the bench with a throw pillow or two. You could even choose ones that are seasonal for a festive touch to the space. This will make your home feel warm and welcoming.

2. Innovative Coat Hanging Solutions

Where do you put your coat when entering your home? Where do your guests put their coats when they visit? If you have coat hooks in your entryway, you have a quick and easy place for people to stow their coats. They can slip it off and get comfortable or grab it on their way out.

Bright and welcoming entryway with a black door, coat hooks, a woven storage basket, a patterned rug, and stylish decor accents — Source: @homedecorpassions via Instagram

Cozy winter entryway with a festive wreath, wooden coat hooks, a plaid scarf, and a welcoming sign decorated with greenery — Source: @kristina.roy_ via Instagram

Minimalist entryway nook with dark paneled walls, a wooden bench, modern peg hooks, and a simple coat storage solution — Source: @layertree via Instagram

Rustic entryway with wooden coat racks, black metal hooks, framed artwork, and a hanging plant for a cozy, functional space — Source: @leahsprettythings via Instagram

Farmhouse-style entryway with shiplap walls, a wooden coat rack, a 'welcome' sign, and a fall-themed basket for a warm, inviting touch — Source: @lifewitheverlyandeaston via Instagram

Functional entryway with dark walls, a wooden coat rack, vintage-style framed prints, a patterned rug, and a small wooden stool — Source: @reclaiminghomedecorating via Instagram

A stand-alone coat rack will take up too much floor space. A closet is nice, but if it’s not near your entryway, it’s inconvenient.

Mounting wall hooks directly on the wall is perfect because they’re off of the floor, low profile, and easy to use. Anything that can get hung can get looped over the hooks, making them useful for bags and backpacks too.

3. Choose the Right Console Table

Large entryways have large entryway tables that sit in the center of the foyer with a seasonal display of flowers. Your small entryway can’t support such a grand display, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a table. Instead, look for a small console or foyer table.

Modern entryway with a woven cane console, abstract artwork, a warm table lamp, and decorative greenery for a stylish, inviting look — Source: @celinefordeinteriors via Instagram

Stylish entryway with a unique butterfly-inspired console table, a glowing Himalayan salt lamp, and dark hardwood floors — Source: @flooringexperts via Instagram

Elegant entryway with a statement console table, large round mirror, soft pink florals, and decorative accents for a sophisticated look — Source: @jadedecordesign via Instagram

Stylish entryway with a clear acrylic console table, gold lamps, minimalist horse artwork, and woven storage baskets for a chic look — Source: @lobrowning via Instagram

Eclectic entryway with a vintage card catalog cabinet, bold floral artwork, an orchid plant, and colorful decor accents for a retro charm — Source: @maggieclarkeinteriors via Instagram

Elegant entryway with a wooden console table, gold-framed mirror, floral mural, and delicate orchid arrangement for a refined touch — Source: @mokuzaifurniture via Instagram

Welcoming entryway with a mid-century console table, round mirror, potted plant, and a cozy 'home' sign for a warm first impression — Source: @natashabertolozzi via Instagram

A slim and long table works with narrow entry spaces. A triangle-shaped table will perfectly fit into a corner that would otherwise go empty. Skip a round table because they take up too much room. Consider the height of the table; this can affect how cramped your entryway feels.

4. Creative Decorating Tips

You’ll notice that small entryway decor ideas include wall decor. Just because the space is small doesn’t mean you have to accept blank white walls. Try hanging small framed pictures and create a gallery wall.

Stylish small entryway with white floating shelves, greenery, decorative signs, and functional storage for a cozy and organized look — Source: @54moore via Instagram

Cozy boho entryway with a small bench, woven storage baskets, soft cushions, wall-mounted hooks, and greenery for a warm, inviting feel — Source: @dajana_home_ via Instagram

Compact entryway nook with built-in storage, woven baskets, wall hooks, a cozy bench, and a 'homebody' pillow for a welcoming touch — Source: @milkglassjunkie via Instagram

Modern entryway with a wooden pegboard wall, adjustable shelves, greenery, decorative accents, and a leather organizer for a stylish touch — Source: @ourcountryacres via Instagram

Functional entryway with a pegboard organizer, calendar planners, a sleek console table, and storage for shoes and backpacks — Source: @pinpegandhome via Instagram

Chic entryway with a sage green door, minimalist storage, gold wall hooks, a modern face vase with greenery, and a striped rug — Source: @withmilana via Instagram

Other popular foyer decorating ideas advise using a mirror. This trick reflects the opposite wall and tricks the eye into thinking that the room is bigger than it really is. This is also the perfect place to have a bud vase. These small vases are just large enough to hold a single flower or sprig of greens.

5. Farmhouse Charm for Small Spaces

Give your small foyer a farmhouse feel by turning it into a mudroom. This creative entryway idea is perfect for places where your shoes get dirty and muddy.

You can have a boot brush outside or a boot cleaning station just inside of the door. It can also help to have a low tray to place dirty shoes on. This keeps your floor clean and makes cleaning up easier.

Farmhouse-style entryway with a vintage white bench, woven accents, a greenery wreath, wall hooks, and a cozy rustic decor touch — Source: @31girlathome via Instagram

Cozy farmhouse entryway with a wooden storage bench, woven baskets, fall decor, wall hooks, and a welcoming seasonal sign — Source: @faith_family_decorate via Instagram

Vintage farmhouse entryway with distressed wall shelf, antique hand mirrors, potted plants, and stylish hanging accessories — Source: @jemandjayinteriors via Instagram

Farmhouse-style entryway with shiplap walls, a 'Home Sweet Home' sign, a greenery wreath, and cozy wooden bench seating — Source: @kali_weisenberger via Instagram

Farmhouse-style entryway with a distressed wood console, decorative glass doors, vintage accents, and a welcoming 'family' wall display — Source: @katiebettendorf via Instagram

Bright farmhouse entryway with shiplap walls, a rustic wooden bench, floral decor, woven accents, and a cozy patterned rug — Source: @lavenderbrookfarm via Instagram

Farmhouse entryway with a black and gray console table, wood-framed mirror, warm lighting, floral decor, and a welcoming sign — Source: @less_house.more_home via Instagram

Farmhouse entryway with shiplap walls, a vintage-style shelf, greenery accents, a 'welcome' sign, and rustic decor for a cozy touch — Source: @michigangirl7 via Instagram

Warm farmhouse entryway with a vintage wooden bench, cozy pillows, a black front door, wall storage, and woven baskets for a rustic touch — Source: @minnmademama via Instagram

Rustic farmhouse entryway with festive greenery, vintage window decor, string lights, and a cozy holiday-inspired touch — Source: @repurposedecor via Instagram

Place a vintage wooden stool that was once used for milking cows. Hang farmhouse-inspired decor on the walls, such as landscape artwork or traditional farm tools.

You could even find vintage farmhouse hooks that are mounted on a reclaimed piece of wood to serve as your coat rack.

6. Modern Entryway Styling

Create a modern feel in your narrow entry by taking a modern approach. Choose a console piece that’s on legs to create visible space below the console. This helps to keep the space feeling bigger. Mount the coat rack hooks above the console to maximize your square footage.

Minimalist entryway with a white storage cabinet, round mirror, neutral decor, and soft natural lighting for a modern, inviting look — Source: @boxwoodbirch via Instagram

Modern entryway with a black console table, round mirror, potted greenery, and a sleek black lamp for a stylish monochrome look — Source: @budgethomeinteriordesign via Instagram

Compact modern entryway with built-in dark cabinetry, a wooden bench, and coat hooks for a sleek and functional storage solution — Source: @fire_at_110 via Instagram

Bright and airy entryway with a clear acrylic console, woven storage baskets, a vintage mirror, and soft neutral decor for a modern touch — Source: @jenniferjhughes via Instagram

Modern entryway with a geometric mirror wall, sleek white radiator cover, neutral decor, and a touch of greenery for a fresh look — Source: @little_house_life via Instagram

Cozy modern entryway with a built-in bench, shiplap wall, overhead storage, hooks for organization, and soft neutral decor — Source: @thelivedinlook via Instagram

Instead of hanging decor on the wall, decorate the small room with bold wallpaper. This similar approach is often done in small bathrooms, but it works just as well in your small foyer too. A bright color with a big patterned design will look welcoming.

7. Rustic Touches for Welcoming Entrances

Give your narrow hallway a rustic touch by choosing pieces that are handmade, salvaged, or vintage.

You could use reclaimed or salvaged wood for the floating shelves. Or use vintage hooks for the coat hooks that you mount on the wall. A salvaged window frame over a large mirror will give your tiny entryway a larger feel.

Rustic entryway with a wooden bench, faux fur pillow, wall-mounted decor, antler accent, and stylish storage bins for shoes and bags — Source: @_angienoel_ via Instagram

Rustic entryway with vintage wall decor, a distressed wooden side table, antique mirror, and wall hooks for stylish organization — Source: @_stacey.jean_ via Instagram

Industrial-style entryway with dark walls, vintage road signs, a wooden coat rack with hooks, and a bold mix of rustic and urban decor — Source: @angela.fahl_ via Instagram

Rustic-modern entryway with black built-in storage, wood-paneled coat hooks, brass accents, and a concrete bench for a sleek yet cozy look — Source: @grassrootsdesign via Instagram

Rustic entryway with a wooden hall tree bench, built-in shoe storage, wall hooks, and simple decor for a functional and cozy space — Source: @hearthappyhomestead via Instagram

Bright farmhouse entryway with a tufted bench, floating wooden shelves, greenery, rustic wall hooks, and a woven planter for a cozy touch — Source: @heedingthehearth via Instagram

Compact and functional entryway with wall hooks, a round mirror, floating shelves, vertical shoe storage, and rustic decor for an organized space — Source: @lamaisondesigns via Instagram

Cozy rustic entryway with a wire basket organizer, black wall hooks, framed floral artwork, and a small hanging plant for a warm touch — Source: @littlesteelehouse via Instagram

Rustic farmhouse entryway with a repurposed door bench, seasonal fall decor, wall hooks for organization, and a Highland cow print — Source: @refreshwithme via Instagram

Warm and welcoming entryway with a wooden bench, inspirational wall signs, a cozy pillow, and greenery for a rustic charm — Source: @rizciencia via Instagram

Rustic entryway decor with a wooden ladder shelf, heart garland, greenery, a plaid towel, and a framed 'I love You' sign for a cozy touch — Source: @themommyaesthetic via Instagram

Don’t try to over-style your entryway design. Rustic interior decor needs to feel relaxed and lived in. Too much styling and faux aging will give your entryway a fake look that doesn’t feel comfortable or welcoming.

8. Efficient Shoe Storage Options

If you require people to take their shoes off when coming into your home, you need a place to put them. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a massive pile of shoes by your door. This is messy and isn’t good for your shoes. You can add a small piece of furniture that acts as shoe storage space in your entry.

Stylish entryway with a sage green shoe cabinet, botanical wallpaper, a tufted bench, and cozy decor for a welcoming feel — Source: @everydaygracedesigns via Instagram

Minimalist entryway with a sleek white shoe cabinet, framed city map, and modern decor leading into a stylish living space — Source: @home_in_cologne via Instagram

Minimalist entryway with a slim white shoe cabinet, eucalyptus decor, hardwood floors, and framed artwork for a clean, modern look — Source: @kris.farah_.willard via Instagram

Modern minimalist entryway with a sleek white shoe cabinet, warm wood door, abstract artwork, and natural pampas grass decor — Source: @le_papillonpetit via Instagram

Modern entryway with a sleek white shoe cabinet, wooden countertop, round mirror, and warm wood door for a cozy yet functional look — Source: @mrsakyhome via Instagram

Boho-style entryway with a white shoe cabinet, macrame-framed mirror, soft neutral decor, and natural light for an airy feel — Source: @simply.living.store_ via Instagram

Minimalist entryway with a sleek white shoe cabinet, warm wooden door, black-and-white artwork, and simple modern decor — Source: @the_minimal_stylist via Instagram

Bright and welcoming entryway with built-in corner seating, shoe storage, wall hooks, and farmhouse-inspired decor for a cozy touch — Source: @the_sweet_chick via Instagram

Narrow entryway ideas will use a small storage bench against the wall. This gives you a place to hide the shoes and sit while you take them off and put them on.

Another option for your narrow foyer is to have a floating shelf mounted low to the ground. Then people can line their shoes on the shelf, and you don’t lose valuable floor space.

9. Keep it Simple and Stylish

One of the best ways to keep your small entry feeling spacious is to keep things simple. All you need is a small table for setting down your keys and bag. Then hang a single piece of art or a mirror on the wall.

Chic entryway with a vintage wall-mounted console, classic mirror, striped wallpaper, modern lighting, and a stylish black staircase — Source: @designbydama via Instagram

Cozy farmhouse-style entryway with a white storage bench, burlap pillows, woven wall hooks, and a welcoming sunflower decor accent — Source: @desty_homediary via Instagram

Farmhouse-style entryway with a white bench, rustic decor, a vintage milk can vase, and a cozy striped rug under a staircase — Source: @happy_decormilly_ via Instagram

Warm and elegant entryway with a black front door, vintage wooden furniture, a woven planter, floral accents, and a cozy area rug — Source: @jansdecordreams via Instagram

Modern farmhouse entryway with shiplap walls, a wooden bench, black metal wall hooks, a floating shelf, and a woven jute rug — Source: @katie_elaine via Instagram

Cozy entryway with a wooden bench, pillows, a plaid throw, pumpkins, books, and a round mirror on a white wall — Source: @raisingtres_ via Instagram

Entryway with a green chair, woven basket, pink wall accent, hanging bags, and framed art; neutral tones and minimal decor — Source: @thevicchicks via Instagram

Another option is to have a floating shelf for small items and a few hooks on the wall behind your door. This removes everything from the floor in the small space and helps it to feel more open.

Choose decorative elements that are open in design to allow the eye to look beyond them.

FAQs

What should be in an entryway?

Every entryway should have a place to hang coats. You also need a weather-resistant rug or mat to protect your floors from dirty shoes. Place lighting in the space, preferably overhead. A small storage area is nice. A simple seating area is also convenient.

How can I hide my shoes at the front door?

The easiest way you can hide shoes is by placing them in a storage bench. This piece of furniture is multi-functional and sturdy. Another option is to have a woven basket for you to throw them in. Cubbies are good if you have children because you can assign them each their own cubby.

How big should the entryway mirror be?

If you decide to hang a round mirror, choose one that’s bigger than 20 inches. Otherwise, you risk creating a pothole look that can create a claustrophobic feeling. Choose a large enough mirror to see yourself in while the bottom is only a few inches above the console.