Your home’s entryway is often an afterthought and can become a dumping ground for coats, bags, and shoes. As the first thing visitors see, the entryway sets the tone for the rest of your house. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or staging your home to sell, it’s worth spending time creating a welcoming entrance. Not only will it help set a great first impression, but a well-designed entryway also ensures proper flow into the house. Read on to discover how to create an inviting entryway in your home.

How to Craft the Perfect Entryway

1. Define the area

The first step in how to create an inviting entryway in your home is to define the area. Look at the layout of your home. Is there a distinct point where the entryway gives way to another room? Is it sectioned off from the other spaces? Is there an open floor plan that provides access to the entire first floor as soon as you walk in? Pay attention to traffic flow, dimensions, and architectural features when planning where your entryway will start and stop.

2. Light it up

Lighting plays a huge role in home décor. It’s always nice to walk into a bright, airy entranceway. Be sure both the exterior and interior are well-lit. Spacious entryways are perfect for statement chandeliers, while smaller ones may benefit from a table lamp to add an extra layer to overhead lighting. If you have windows on either side of your door, try removing window treatments to let the sunshine in. Bright, natural light always makes a space appear more spacious.

3. Create storage

Entryways can quickly become dumping grounds for coats, hats, keys, wallets, and bags. Clutter is the enemy of a neat and beautiful entranceway. Ensure there is adequate storage and a place for everything so it can be tucked away out of sight. If you don’t have a closet in your entryway, a coat rack and multi-functional storage bench can be helpful.

4. Build a focal point

Creating a focal point draws people into the home. A console table, a large piece of art, or a statement chandelier are all good options. Having one area of interest instead of many smaller areas will make the space look more open and inviting.

5. Pay attention to scale

When choosing furniture and décor for your entryway, keep size in mind. Oversized pieces in a small space will make the room look crowded, while small furniture will be lost in the space. Balance is key. If you rearrange your entryway when staging your home, less is more when it comes to furniture to help the space appear open and larger.

6. Keep the style of the house in mind

The entryway sets the tone for the rest of the house. The pieces and colours you choose should work together for a cohesive look. When selecting paint colours for the wall, they should complement the shades in other rooms. This is particularly important if your home is open-concept and you can see multiple rooms from the entryway.

7. Add interest

A rug, a vase of flowers on the table, or a well-placed piece of art will give your entryway some personality. You want people to feel welcomed as soon as they walk in. A mirror is another great addition, as it helps reflect light and will make the space look bigger (it’s also handy for a quick peek before you run out the door). If you are staging your home, keep décor neutral to appeal to as many potential buyers as possible.

8. Create flow

You want to be sure you don’t cause a backlog in your entryway. Arrange furniture and décor in a way that allows for easy passage through the space. This is especially important when staging your home to sell. You may have multiple people arriving at once during an open house, and you want them to be able to move into the home quickly and easily.

Entryway Checklist Interior and Exterior  

When creating the perfect entryway, remember the exterior of your home as well. A well-maintained entrance will help make that great first impression you’re looking for. A few tweaks will go a long way toward creating beautiful curb appeal.

• Is the door new or freshly painted?

• Is there peeling caulking around the door or windows?

• Are the door handle and doorbell up to date?

• Are the stairs clear and clean with a railing guests can use?

• How does the home look from the driveway at different times of the day?

• Have you highlighted the best features of your home?

• Do you have adequate lighting to ensure a safe walk up to your home?

• Are there any loose bricks or patio stones?

• Do you have any planters or flowers for added colour?

• Do you need a new doormat so visitors don’t track in dirt?

• Have you kept up with regular maintenance?

• Did you create a focal point in the entryway to help define the space?

• Is it clean and clutter-free?

• Do you have proper storage in place so your entryway won’t become a dumping ground?

• Is the space easy to navigate with proper flow into the rest of the home?

• Are there windows you can open to let natural light shine in?

• Is the area well-organized with storage, hooks, and a place for shoes?

Your home’s entryway sets the tone for the rest of the house and helps you make a great first impression. It should feel warm and welcoming and reflect the personality of the home. With a few minor tweaks, some reorganizing and decluttering, you can update the space and give it a new look. We hope you enjoyed this blog on how to create an inviting entryway in your home!