How to Style an Entryway

The beauty of an entryway is in its subtlety. Consider it one way, and it’s nothing but the sum of its perfunctory parts. But for all its form and function—its call to hang your coat and wipe your shoes—the foyer is, above all else, a first impression. Done right, and it exudes warmth, comfort, and effortless style; it welcomes friends and family and offers repose.

A good entryway should be well-edited. It should allow for quick dashes out the door, keys in-hand, make-up checked, sunglasses at the ready. It should restore you after a long day away and invite you to leave your troubles at the door.

But if your entryway is nothing more than a thoroughfare, a revolving door you rush through in your day-to-day, then this one’s for you. Be prepared to make a statement. Get organized. Let yourself be surprised by the details.

Styling a welcoming entryway is an easy feat if you follow these five simple tips:

Invest in a proper-sized table
Add adequate lighting
Hang a mirror for touch-ups on the go
Use a small dish for corralling keys
Bring decorative accents into the mix

Go slowly. Find the pieces that complement your tastes and echo the aesthetic of your home. Once you’re there, you can say hello to elevated style, tidiness, and the peace of mind that you’ll never lose your keys again.

Danielle Moss
Alaina Kaczmarski
Elizabeth Duszynski

Cynthia

Great post! I think entryways are oft overlooked; especially in tiny apartments!
Will @ Bright.Bazaar

L.O.V.E. this post, ladies. My favourite yet on The Everygirl!
mackenzie

this is something i desperately need to work on. excellent tips!
http://darlingnotes.blogspot.com/ Jen @ Darling Notes

I wish my entryway allowed some space to be styled – there is barely any wall space on other side of the door. Even a tiny table wouldn’t do, because the pantry doors would get in the way on one side, and the laundry doors would block the other side. I love this post though, and can’t wait to have an entry that I can style!
Jenna

Love this! And I feel so ahead of the curve, having my West Elm gilded mirror in the second entryway feature.
http://www.figandsage.com Fig+Sage

Gorgeous entryway!! Totally inspired. Would love to know what the name of the dark paint color is. Keep up the good work!
Drew {Coral Cafe}

These entryways are just gorgeous, eclectic and spot on!
Great work!
http://katie-likes-blue.com/ Katie

I love them all, but 2 & 3 are my favorites.
The Everygirl has seriously become my new favorite daily read, thanks for the amazing site!
Marine

Love, love, love this post. The styling is amazing.
Kristina Gulino

Right up my alley – that lamp is so my style! If our entry had room for a table, I’d love to stick one against the wall. Instead, we opted for a half-moon unfinished shelf and a little white Anthropology bowl to catch all the keys among a monogrammed candle. It simple and works for now - but to do something like this would be dreamy!

Kristina
Nook & Sea
nookandsea.com
http://jostwrite.blogspot.com/ AdeOla @ JostWrite

I love this post. It is simple and easy to follow. I immediately thought of my own entry way right after I graduated and moved out to DC for my first job…it was blah and this simple tips would have made a HUGE difference. Thanks again TEG!
http://jostwrite.blogspot.com/ AdeOla @ JostWrite

Do you have ideas for styling a barely-there entry way that would not allow for a table? That would be useful for a lot of us with tiny entry way…a mirror would be a definite yes. What else would you recommend?
Nicole Newman

This is a great set of tips, you inspired me to use a languishing gift card for a mirror for our entryway– much better than dashing to the powder room at the last minute all of the time! And I just love the lacquered boxes in the second entryway, I use similar ones all over the house and am always looking for more!
http://wheneverythingcomestogether.blogspot.com/ kelly

great ideas! Where are those pink lacquered boxes from? Thanks!

The Everygirl

Hi Kelly! They are great – aren’t they? They are from the Container Store. You can click on them in any of the images and it will link you right to their site where you can find the price or purchase!

http://wheneverythingcomestogether.blogspot.com/ kelly

Thank you!

http://twitter.com/CaitPBrown Caitlin Brown

amazing tips. Definitely a favorite feature thus far . I can’t pick a favorite out of the three!
Anna Hecksher

My biggest pet peeve is entryways that don’t have a mirror. In one of my college apartments we didn’t have one, but I still stopped and looked for one all the time. There’s nothing like one last look before you head out the door to assure yourself that you’re presentable.
http://www.theshortandthesweetofit.com/ Alexa

I love this. And I love the look of bricks. I wonder…if you didn’t have a brick wall…could you still style with bricks…maybe more as decor? Hmmm…may have to give that a try. Lovely as always. xo
http://www.extraordinarywonders.com/ Becca

Love this post! Where can I find a brass lamp like the one in look # 2- I need that!
nbarbier

Love. This!
http://www.blog.graceniu.net grace

they’re all lovely, but i especially like the first one! this is a great feature, girls
Emily

Love this! Who knew an entryway could be so poetic? The writing is beautiful. I think the third space might be my favorite too.
Jolie Jouel

Where is that grey floor plouf from in the first setting? Love!

joliejouel.blogspot.com

Jolie Jouel

Nevermind, I just clicked on the photo – genius!

Annabelle

Thank you for the great ideas and fabulous photos….I never thought of how inviting and warm an entry way could and should be. I have a new project!
)
Rebecca

Great post! It’s funny how an entryway is so often overlooked…even though it’s your home’s “first impression. Better make it a good one! Loving the site, btw!
Brittany

literally found your blog all of five minutes ago, and i am already in love! i can tell you put a lot of hard work into this site, and, as a reader, it is much appreciated. wishing you the best in all of your endeavors!
http://www.trendrighter.com/ Trendrighter

Grrrreat post. love it!
Colleen / Inspired to Share

This is so great, I love the tips!
http://artsyforager.wordpress.com/ Artsy Forager

Fabulous post! It seems like everyone has entrys on their minds! Just posted about using art to make a big entry impact today!

http://artsyforager.wordpress.com/2012/02/29/the-artsy-home-entre-vous/
http://twitter.com/MommonSenseBlog Elizabeth

Thank you for breaking it down into 5 easy steps. Makes it seem a lot more possible to achieve the entry way I desire!
Christa

Where is the gold leaf dish from?
http://www.sweetnicks.com/ Cate O’Malley

I’ve been looking for a disco ball for mny daughter’s room – where is yours from?
Emilyregan

For some reason when I click image 3 can’t get the purchase info. Where is that table from? I love it!
http://design-that-inspires.com/ Blair @ Design That Inspires

what a great post! I recently moved into a new apartment after moving to Chicago and I’m working on making it homey — wonderful inspiration!
Bree

What color is that deep navy in Entryway 2? I am looking for that exact color! So far I haven’t been able find one I’m keen on, and bam there it is!
Arlene Assalone

Love the Lacquered boxes with the lids for storing keys and sunglasses. Where are they from?

Arlene Assalone

I just found your response to an earlier comment.

Shavonda

Love this article! Entryway #3 is my favorite! My entryway is pretty similar to it actually. My front door opens right into the house without any real “dedicated foyer” space so creating some type of entry area has been a challenge. I love the use of a non foyer/console table in the space. So eclectic and fun! I think I’ll incorporate some of those ideas into my own space. Thanks for the inspiration.