Make the Most of Your Entryway

By Madison White on November 15, 2019

This article is brought to you by CORT Furniture Rental. We take the hassle out of furnishing your new place so you can do more important things like read this article. Learn more about why furniture rental is the best way to get a great looking apartment.

Because of its small size and limited usage, the entryway may be the most overlooked area in the house. Don’t be thrown off by the amount of space, though, because the design opportunities are almost unlimited. Dressing up your entryway can make a huge difference in how you feel about your home when returning to it and stepping through the door. With a few simple tricks and ideas, you’ll be well on your way to making the most out of your entryway.

1. Use it for outerwear storage

This may seem like a given for some people, but for others, their entryway may be completely bare and devoid of any use. It is easy to overlook this space as it really only exists when you are going between areas and never spend any solid amount of time just in your entryway. This means that people will almost always prioritize other rooms like the bedroom or kitchen over decorating this space.

Entryways, however, can be extremely useful and are a great place for putting objects that don’t really make sense anywhere else. Many people will outfit their entryways with shoe racks and coat hooks. These are perfect because they’re often the last thing you put on before leaving the house, and this way, they won’t take up precious closet space. Also, taking off your shoes before entering your house can be a great way to keep your floors cleaner.

How much you want to spend on these items is up to you. You can go for some really basic wooden racks or upgrade to some cooler, fancier ones.

2. Add a bench or chair

Because entryways are often small areas, many people forget about putting furniture in them. However, placing a proportionate piece of furniture can really transform your entryway into an area that feels homey and inviting. Especially if you have added a shoe rack, it is a good idea to have some area to sit down so that you can properly put on your shoes, otherwise you’ll just be doing an awkward dance by the door.

What furniture you choose to add is up to you. There are lots of great options when it comes to entryway seating. Many people choose a small bench because the shape allows a lot of room in a tight hallway. For people with larger entryways, you may want to add a decorative chair or stool. Once you’ve picked out your entryway furniture, don’t be afraid to decorate it a little. You can add throws and pillows to add some color and texture to the space.

3. Add a rug or change out your current mat

Entryways are a common place for flooring wear and tear. Because so many people are walking in and out, sometimes in dirty shoes, the floor in your entryway can often look rather drab and dirty. Rather than replace your entire floor, which is expensive and time consuming, most people choose to decorate it with a rug or a mat.

You may already have a rug or welcome mat, but you may want to ask yourself if it is really working in your space. Sometimes people view these kinds of mats as utilitarian and just settle for something boring. However, your welcome mat doesn’t need to be boring. You can easily jazz it up with some color or with a cute phrase and design. If you’re looking to step up your decorating game even more, you may want to even try a nice, colorful rug!

4. Try a mirror

It is a well-known design secret that an easy way to make your space appear bigger is add a mirror on the wall. You can often see hotels and restaurants use this technique to make their space feel more open rather than cramped. You definitely don’t need to be a professional interior designer to use this trick!

Placing a mirror can really open up a cramped entryway. There are so many options when it comes to mirrors from shape to size to accent details. Make sure that you are choosing a mirror that suits your wall and space. You don’t want something that will be too overwhelming, but you also don’t want something that will look undersized and out of place.

Beyond just the aesthetic appeal, mirrors are also great to have for functionality. You can have a quick glance in the mirror before heading out the door to check your hair, makeup, and hat.

Of course, your entryway doesn’t need to follow the standards that everyone else often attends to. Feel free to get creative with what furniture you add (or don’t add) and what you choose to hang on the walls. It really is just another space to show your personal style and add touches of what makes you happy and unique.

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