12 Small Entryway Ideas — This is How Top Designers Maximize Space for Function and Style

Small entryways require thoughtful design to make the most of their compact square footage. But, whether your entryway feels tight because it’s narrow or opens directly into a larger room, there are a host of smart strategies to help you make it functional and stylish.

As high-traffic zones, small entryways often become a drop zone for incoming and outgoing items, but they also serve as a first impression for guests, making it essential to design them in a way that minimizes clutter, maximizes space, and sets a welcoming tone for your home.

Before you start, consider what you want from your entryway ideas. Is it a practical spot for storing outerwear, a chance to make a design statement, or an opportunity to create the illusion of more space? Whatever your goal, we’ve gathered a range of design ideas to help transform your small entryway into a welcoming, functional space that sets the tone for the rest of your home.

1. Decorate with functional accessories

"Often small entryways are tasked with doing too much — they become the repository of shoes and coats and umbrellas and scarfs," says Tal Schori and Rustam Mehta, partners at Brooklyn-based architect and interiors firm, GRT Architects. "They can quickly become a dumping ground instead of a peaceful transition from the outside world to your home within."

Well-thought-out entryway storage ideas that account for flow, convenience, aesthetics, and the available space in your small entryway are key to keeping it clutter-free and functional. Incorporating tailored solutions ensures that every inch of your space is utilized efficiently without sacrificing aesthetics.

Built-in storage, custom shelving, multifunctional furniture, and decorative baskets or trays all serve dual purposes, helping to organize keys, shoes, and other essentials while adding charm to the space.

Keep only essential or frequently used items in the entryway for easy access, and swap out seasonal items when they're not in use to make the most of your small entryway.

2. Impress with a beautiful hardwood floor

A small entryway can impress with a spectacular floor, and wood flooring makes for the most dramatic entrance. Timber is a material that is suited to the space and any wear and tear from being in constant use only adds to wood's charm.

There are many different kinds of wood available for hardwood flooring, but according to Reena Sotropa of the Reena Sotropa In House Design Group, the best are maple, walnut, and white oak.

"Oak is a classic natural hardwood material that has been used in residential interiors for many years. Now more than ever white oak is having a 'moment' in terms of current design trends. While natural white oak has been the most popular choice over the last few years, darker tones are slowly making their way back into the mainstream."

White oak takes any color of stain beautifully and is, therefore, a popular choice with homeowners.

"We love taking advantage of open floor space opportunities to introduce a chevron or herringbone pattern that matches the stain and size of the hardwood used everywhere else in the home," adds Reena.

3. Get clever with paint

Think outside of the box when painting a small entryway space: a bold lick of paint or a clever color contrast can go a long way to add real impact and drama, in particular to narrow entryways where there's little space for impactful furnishings.

Hallway paint ideas might range from a monochromatic look, with a coat of paint going up and across the ceiling, to color blocking, as used in this example.

Here, doors and walls are painted in Golden Square No.131 and Burlington Arcade No.216 on the walls, both from Mylands, and the impact is an embracing of the tight space, rather than trying to make it feel airier and larger than it is.

4. Embrace minimalism

In a small entryway, less is more, but that doesn’t mean you need to stick to neutral colors or avoid accessories altogether. Instead, embrace a minimalist design by focusing on key essentials, such as a sleek console table, a simple tray for keys, and a few well-chosen decorative accents. Keeping the space free of things minimalists never have in their entryways, including clutter and unnecessary items, ensures it will feel open, airy, and welcoming.

This approach also allows the few design elements you choose to really stand out, making a subtle but impactful statement by utilizing negative space.

5. Create a beautiful arched entryway

Sarah Solis of the Malibu-based interior design company encourages embracing bold design moments and highlighting key interior or architectural features in small entryways.

"Figure out what this bold moment is, and then accentuate it. If it's a small area with tall ceilings, use a small but tall entry table. Leaving the walls light and bright is always going to open up the space, but you can also lean into architectural details such as molding and arches to give it more interest. Bringing in natural elements through free greens and flowers is always welcoming and can create a great mood and artful inspiration."

She adds, "These clients were art collectors and travelers, so one of the biggest challenges was editing how the art connects with the spaces I was designing. For the home itself, the restoration of the 1920s Mediterranean was a rewarding challenge as we wanted to preserve all the architectural details with careful thought."

6. Add a large statement mirror

If you're looking to make your small entryway look bigger, try the simple addition of a large-scale mirror. Decorating with mirrors can create the effect of more space, reflect light to make the space feel more airy, and act as a beautiful focal point. It's also pretty handy for checking your appearance on your way out the door.

"Maximize the wall space by adding in an oversized mirror that will bounce around the light and make a narrow hallway feel much more expansive," say founders of the interior design studio, Jen and Mar. "By positioning it on the opposing wall, a focal point is instantly created, drawing your eye into the home from the entrance."

7. Add a console table

"No matter how small your entryway is, a table is an essential for keys and mail. One of our favorites is only 8in deep," says interior designer, Annie Elliott.

Go for a stylish console table or double up and use your space for an extra bit of entryway storage with a cabinet with drawers or doors. This piece of furniture not only helps break up the space but also serves as a convenient spot for last-minute essentials before leaving the house. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to display ornaments and create a charming vignette.

"Regardless of the size of your entryway, it's a perfect place to create a visual moment in your home," says Shauna Glenn of Shauna Glenn Design. "Practically speaking, an entry table should have a lamp, bowl for keys and change, a rug, and a mirror for last-minute reviews before heading out of the door.

"As a design vignette in your home, an entry table provides an opportunity to maybe have a little fun with design and not worry so much if the favorite table you find goes with the rest of your interiors," says Shauna.

8. Add some tasteful hooks to the wall

If you're lacking in space for storage, you can make your entryway more useful by cleverly adding hooks to your wall to create more space for coats.

They needn't be purely functional either. In this Brooklyn brownstone, designed by Studio Nato, a beautiful arched door welcomes you into the home, and with the lack of entryway space, the designers have created a dedicated area for hanging coats with beautiful hooks on the wall that are both artistic and practical.

9. Welcome guests with an indoor tree

For a beautiful welcome into your home, the perfect statement tree can act both as a focal point and give the space a bit of natural charm. The simple placement of a tree can work to add height by reaching up to the ceiling and as a nice touch of the outdoors to your interiors.

Finding the best indoor tree for a stairwell or entryway will be a nice touch to draw your eye to the space, and give a homely touch. A classic go-to indoor tree for this space is the fiddle leaf fig tree. The tree is known for its large, heavily-veined leaves and sculptural look.

"The fiddle leaf adds an architectural addition to a living space," says Thomas Broom-Hughes, director of Horticulture at Petersham Nurseries. This 10-inch fiddle leaf fig tree from Walmart could be just the thing to elevate your entryway.

10. Add an interesting wallpaper

"Small entryways are thresholds; they are the first space to welcome you home," say Tal and Rustam. "They should reflect something of the character of the home and people that lie beyond."

Make the most of the small space with clever decoration, but don't be afraid of going bold and doing something out of the ordinary with a bold hallway wallpaper idea.

"An entryway is often a chance to have some fun and be bold, but one strong design idea is enough," says Tal and Rustam GRT Architects.

"It should not feel busy or overcomplicated. In our Narrow Townhouse Project, the Aurora wallpaper by Calico provides the perfect embrace of color to serenely welcome you home."

11. Add a beautiful rug

Lead your guests into your home with the simple addition of a rug. Entryway rugs will instantly make your entryway feel cozy.

"An entryway must be the space that welcomes you home at the end of the day," says designer Meghan Basinger. '"We love to use vintage, one-of-a-kind rugs in small entryways. They bring instant character to a space. We think entryways offer a great opportunity for unexpected decor, like a stool with a plant or floral arrangement or a rug. We pass on the more traditional entryway items like coat racks that just add clutter."

12. Create a mudroom moment

If your small entryway is lacking in size, a good way to add some character and usefulness is by devoting a corner to recreating an entryway mudroom. Make the most of the meager space and recreate the cozy boot room look of a countryside home.

"If you don't have space for a full mudroom with cabinets, a great way to get some storage and create the mudroom look in a little space is with a drop zone — a catch-all space for your everyday items," says Libby Rawes from Sharp + Grey Interiors.

"A long table or bench can make the perfect drop zone and add a basket for keys, a spot for mail, and a place for shoes and scarves as you come in so they are tucked away and not taking up more precious space."

This space has been warmed up and softened and given the entryway mudroom look with a textured rug, cushion, and a throw — making the small entryway space feel all the more welcoming.

FAQs

What color is best to paint a small entryway?

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to picking a paint color for your small entryway, but certain choices can make a big impact.

Some of the best paint colors for small entryways include neutral tones, especially earthy shades, and can create an open, bright, and comfortable atmosphere, giving the illusion of a larger space. Adding a few plants can enhance the airiness and bring natural warmth. Alternatively, you can embrace a moody, dark palette for a dramatic effect, or go bold with an eclectic wallpaper to infuse your home with personality and charm right from the entrance.

To make the most of your small entryway, it's crucial to avoid common mistakes making your entryway look smaller. Whether it’s using too-large furniture, over-accessorizing, or neglecting lighting, these missteps can impact how open and inviting a tiny entryway appears.