8 Entryway Must-Haves You Should Always Include in Your Home, Designers Say

It’s officially peak guest season and if you’re like us, you’d want your entryway to look swoon-worthy from the minute guests step in.

Whatever the occasion may be—whether a Thanksgiving dinner, a Christmas party, or a book club gathering—nothing beats a well-designed entrance that leaves a lasting impression. 

If you’ve been itching to update your entryway but aren’t sure where to start, here are eight staples that make an entryway according to the pros. 

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Statement Lighting

Statement lighting is often reserved for the living room and dining room, but not for designer Isabel Runsewe. According to her, the foyer is a great place to update your lighting and make the space feel high-end. 

“It can be as simple as swapping out bulbs for a more appropriate hue, to replacing fixtures and adding medallions,” she says. “Selecting the correct lighting hue(s) for your space adds a level of warmth and sophistication and sets a relaxed atmosphere for you and your guests as soon as they arrive.”

Depending on your style, you can go big with sculptural light fixtures, make a subtle statement with some vintage sconces, or maybe even invest in stylish table lamps that double as conversation starters.

Any Mirror, Simple or Show-Stopping

For interior designer Laura of Laura Solensky Design, no entryway is complete without a mirror.

“Any size entry can accommodate some type of mirror so that you can check your appearance before you leave the house,” she notes. 

What’s more, mirrors help brighten up the space, making it a must-have for any pint-sized, gloomy entrance.

Curated Artwork

Besides instantly elevating the space from bland to design-forward, artwork creates a welcoming mood that would make anyone feel at ease.

And if you think that dressing up your entryway walls has to be a huge investment, you’re wrong. Simply frame your existing family photos or print out some snaps from your phone to make the area feel more personal without breaking the bank.

Oversized Pieces

If there’s one guaranteed way to make a lasting impression on your guests, it’s to add large-scale pieces.

“I love adding large pieces of decor around the entryway because it allows for style to be in this space without overcrowding,” interior designer and lifestyle influencer Chantelle Hartman Malarkey explains. Think oversized lanterns, candles, and vases. 

Her rule, though, is to avoid overpacking the space with a bunch of knick-knacks. Doing this will only make your entryway feel cluttered and cramped. Instead, she suggests keeping this space open so as to create a flow through your home.

Storage Solutions

In addition to looking pretty and put-together, your home's entrance should, most importantly, serve your family’s needs daily.

Malarkey swears by a stylized entryway table or console. Not only does it make for a great place to add decor items that give a good first impression of your style choices, but you can also use it to store grab-and-go items.

Prints and Texture

For a dose of fun, you can’t go wrong with textured walls and statement wallpaper—just ask Malarkey.

“I love a good print and good texture! Anything that will make the space pop and get your guest's attention straight away,” Malarkey says.

Runsewe is also very team wallpaper but advises keeping the general aesthetic aligned with the rest of your home.

“Depending on the client, it can be fun to use a bright and bold wallpaper, but I also enjoy using more subdued tones to accommodate seasonal decor changes,” Runsewe tells us.

Stylish Floor Treatments

Just like your walls, your entryway floor deserves attention too. If your floorboards are looking a little old and tired, give them a nice refresh with a coat of varnish—or perhaps floor paint if you’re feeling bold.

Of course, a runner or rug is always a welcome addition to the entry and for two particular reasons according to Solensky. One: it’s functional to wipe feet and contain mess. Two: it aesthetically infuses color, pattern, and personality into the space.

And if you have the budget to replace your flooring, why not turn them into a dramatic feature? Malarkey’s suggestion: fun graphic tiles.

“I love adding something unexpected to bring on the drama of the space and really create a great first impression with guests,” she says.

Personal Items

Lastly, what’s a home if it’s not personal? Let's say you love reading. You could line your long entry hall with a built-in bookshelf.

Or perhaps you’re an aspiring plant parent. In this case, add trees, flowers, and plants—and maybe even drape some vines around your mirror for a jungle-esque look. 

“Customizing the space with something unique about you or your family is always a great way to start a conversation when guests arrive,” Malarkey shares. “This may be honoring your heritage by showing off family heirlooms such as paintings, and dishes, or even showcasing something you love and are passionate about!”