How small can an entryway be?

While home entrances are getting larger, space is a precious commodity and there must usually be a balance between the space allotted to the foyer and your living spaces. A rule of thumb is that 36 square feet is a small foyer, 80 is a medium-sized entrance and 120 is considered quite large.

How do you make a functional entryway?

An ideal entryway has three basic components, though achieving even one or two of these could be sufficient: a designated place to store necessary items; a way to hide unsightly items; and a place to sit while removing shoes .

What do you call a small entryway?

A vestibule (also anteroom, antechamber, or foyer) is a small room leading into a larger space such as a lobby, entrance hall or passage, for the purpose of waiting, withholding the larger space view, reducing heat loss, providing storage space for outdoor clothing, etc.

What should an entryway look like?

This could involve using a small area rug just for the entryway, using a different paint color or wallpaper, or even adding a screen, divider, or bookshelf between the entryway and the rest of the home . For something even more subtle, consider adding a floor lamp or plant to mark the divide between the spaces.

How do you fill space in an entryway?

When your front door isn't open, the space behind it can look bare and awkward. Deck the wall behind a door with a short console table and a tall mirror to stylishly fill up the empty space. The area will also serve as a spot to do a final touch-up on your way out or drop your keys and purse when you walk in the door.

What color scheme for narrow hallway?

If you're dealing with a narrow hallway, you'll want to dispense with boring paint colours and darker hues . To keep things simple, use timeless shades like light grey with a white trim, or experiment with more fiery hallway paint colours. You can always contrast effectively.

What colour is best for a small hallway?

Narrow hallways A bright white paint or even off-white can bring a fresh, modern appeal, especially when contrasted with black or dark grey paint. White hallway colour schemes are timeless and traditional, and having white walls is a great way to introduce light and space to a narrow hallway.

How do you style a modern entryway?

If your front entrance is set back from the facade of your home, try using a lighter or brighter color palette, and adding potted plants and a welcome mat to make it stand out .

How do I make my entrance door beautiful?

Use Analogous Colors A quick DIY front door idea is to refresh your front stoop with colorful accents, such as plant pots, patio furniture, or a welcome mat. An analogous color scheme (made up of side-by-side colors on the color wheel) creates a high-energy, attractive entryway.

How can I make my entryway more welcoming?

You can do this with tables, seating, lighting, closets, and storage in your entryway if space allows . Impress your guests with a well-dressed entry, grounded by a beautiful and functional round hall table. You can really make a statement with a round table in the center of the space, or a console table against a wall.

Small entryway ideas – 10 design rules for compact entrances (2024)

Small entryway ideas are often overlooked, despite setting the decorative tone for the rest of your home. Whether its the first space any guest sees when they enter the house, or a circulation zone between rooms, all the entryways, hallways and landings in your home demand serious design attention.

As well as looking inviting in its own right, an entryway should set the tone for the rest of your home – and should be considered alongside entryway ideas and hallway ideas to ensure a coordinated feel.

So when you're looking for inspiration for this compact space, think big. Whatever the size, shape or configuration of yours, these small and narrow entryway ideas showcase how to take decor to the next level – because, after all, it’s the space that creates a first impression on your guests.

Small entryway ideas – maximize your entrance with clever interior design tricks

From interior details to inventive suggestions for hallway storage, these design-led small entryway ideas will inspire your scheme, no matter the size.

1. Plan the lighting first

(Image credit: Future)

As small entryways tend to be lacking in natural light, considering your artificial lighting is key.

‘Rather than using strong overhead lights which have a pool effect, we suggest opting for wall and table lamp combinations to layer light levels,’ advises Rohan Blacker, founder of Pooky.

Materials used in your lighting choices require consideration, too. ‘Narrow hallways can feel cramped so it is a good idea to use glass shades to make the most of any natural light and create a sense of space,’ suggests Sheena Lawrence, co-director of Jim Lawrence. ‘The reflective quality of hand-blown glass is second to none, adding delicate and inviting layers of light whether switched on or off. Clear glass shades bypass the visual imposition that can happen with weightier lighting, allowing light to pass through.

2. Embrace the size of a small entryway

3. Make the most of wall space

(Image credit: Davide Lovatti)

With plenty of wall space on offer, entryways are an ideal place to layer up favorite artwork. ‘There are two really effective ways to make a statement with art in a hallway,’ notes Camilla Clarke, creative director at Albion Nord. ‘The first is to play with scale. Make the most of the wall space and choose a large-scale artwork that spans the full height of the wall. It will feel bold and impactful. Another interesting way to make a statement is to create an art wall. Play with a mixture of work in different sizes, colors and genres.’

4. Add intrigue by color drenching

(Image credit: Anna Stathaki / Future)

One hallway trend which is currently being adopted in entryways is color drenching. ‘This contemporary, cohesive approach delivers high impact by painting woodwork, radiators, the ceiling and doors the same color as the walls,’ says Ruth Mottershead, creative director, Little Greene.

‘This will create a complete scheme, treating each element similarly, and will deliver a design statement when entering or viewing the entryway from other rooms within your home.

5. Create personality –and depth

(Image credit: Natalia Miyar)

If your diminutive entryway is large enough, do make sure to include a surface for the practicalities of everyday life, such as a pretty catch-all for your front door keys or a statement coaster if you always have a coffee cup in your hand. Another way to add interest, and distract from the small footprint, is to draw the eye up with a piece of contemporary art. A strong piece of art is also a great way to draw focus to a space – and create a talking point.

6. Provide a place for perching

(Image credit: Rachael Smith)

Provide a place to put on and take off shoes in a small entryway. Here, designer Elnaz Namaki made the most of the space in an alcove to include a narrow bench, which fits perfectly in this tight nook. Make it a design feature in its own right with wall lamps and artwork.

7. Bounce light around the room

(Image credit: Davide Lovatti / Future )

Mirrors are a wonderful addition to any room, but as small entryways can often have limited natural light, they are calling out for reflective surfaces. This room by Studio Indigo also shows how choosing a decorative mirror can help it appear as its own artwork, too.

8. Don't shy away from color in a small space

(Image credit: Jody Stewart)

It can be all too easy to choose a neutral for an entryway, but by selecting a bold shade you instantly elevate the impact of your space.

A bright wall color, like Stone Blue by Farrow & Ball used in this home owned by interior designer Tor Vivian, will add a boost of joy as you open the door. As these areas tend to be busy and susceptible to walls getting knocked, choose a paint with a durable finish. And pick your shade thoughtfully.

‘If your hallway is light and airy, you can play with any color you’re drawn to,’ says Patrick O’Donnell, brand ambassador of Farrow & Ball. ‘If your entryway is narrow and poorly lit you can either use warm tones, which have red or yellow in them, or venture into darkness with a deep navy or almost black for drama, which will make rooms leading off the hallway feel lighter and brighter.’

9. Introduce a burst of joy

(Image credit: Alexander James / Studio Peake)

‘It’s easy to forget about small entryways and hallways as they are thoroughfares rather than places we spend time,’ says Sarah Peake, founder of Studio Peake. ‘It’s therefore crucial to be bold with pattern and color – something to lift the spirits when you walk in.’

'We love using tapestries in entryways as they add richness and warmth to a space that may not have much furniture. They also come in huge sizes which makes them great for long space,' says Camilla Clarke, creative director, Albion Nord.

10. Link your entryway to rest of the home

(Image credit: Paul Massey / Paolo Moschino for Nicholas Haslam)

If your entryway is on the smaller side, use color and pattern to link the space to the rest of the home. Here, the taupe-colored wallpaper – this is the Haruki wallpaper in Oatmeal by Schumacher – ensures the room does not appear too clinical. Helping to link the two styles are smart dark frames, which echo the trim on the wallpaper (French grosgrain ribbon by Samuel & Sons).

What can I do with a small entryway?

Think of your small entryway as a room in its own right and not just as an interim space. Once you’ve made the most of its natural features, consider how to personalize it from a decorative point of view. Though very dark colors can be tricky to incorporate, avoid the opposite approach, which can result in a bland magnolia finish. Instead choose a hue that harmonizes with the rest of your scheme and try highlighting skirtings and doorframes in a stronger shade for definition.