Small Entryway Ideas That Make A Big First Impression

Discover easy and budget-friendly small entryway ideas to update your foyer. Fresh summer decor and seasonal accessories included!

We all have rooms in our homes that tend to fall to the bottom of the “refresh” list. Our foyer has been unchanged since we completed the board and batten project almost two years ago. I’ve occasionally added seasonal decor, but nothing that really changed the look of the space. It was high time for an update! Truth be told, this little makeover didn’t include very many changes, but even the small ones I accomplished made a big difference. 

Our foyer is a small space, but the front door lets in some natural light, and it’s the perfect place to greet family and friends. It leads directly into the living room, so even though it’s short on square footage, it feels very open. The antique dresser adds much-needed storage and function, along with incredible charm. A foyer is the first area inside your home that guests see when they enter, so it’s super important for making that good first impression. It’s like the introduction to a book—it gives a hint of what’s to come. If your foyer is tidy, stylish, and welcoming, it makes guests feel comfortable and positive about their visit. It’s a little preview of your home’s style and personality. So, a well-decorated and inviting foyer can really make a big difference in how people view your home right from the start.

A Stylish Rug

A rug in your foyer is a great way to make the space feel cozy and inviting. When guests step in and see a plush and colorful rug, it makes them feel welcome. A rug also helps to keep your house clean by catching dirt and moisture from shoes before they get too far inside. No matter how much floor space you have, a foyer rug sets the tone, and gives anyone entering a taste of the style that will be found in the rest of your home. In our case, since the space was neutral, adding the navy blue rug brought in my favorite color, and some much needed pattern. 

Entryway Table or Chest

Adding a table or chest to your entryway is a smart move because it can add your own personal style, and it can also be super practical. It provides a place to drop your keys, mail, or even your purse when you walk in the door, which helps keep everything organized. It’s also a good idea if your piece of furniture has storage space, such as shelves or drawers. You can choose a piece that matches your home’s style, whether that’s modern, rustic, or classic. Plus, you can decorate the top with things like a small lamp, flowers, a potted plant, candleholders, books, or a few of your favorite photos to make the space feel family-oriented and welcoming. Just make sure the entry table or chest isn’t too big for the area—there should be enough space for it to fit nicely and not block the way. This way, your entryway is both functional and beautiful. 

Wall Decor That Showcases Your Personal Style

Adding wall decor in your foyer is a fantastic way to showcase your personal style, and make a strong visual statement right when people enter your home. Whether you hang up some wall art, family photos, plates, or even a stylish mirror, these pieces can immediately tell guests a bit about who you are, and what you like. Art can introduce color and texture, while mirrors can make the space feel larger and brighter. You can choose decorations that match the seasons, celebrate the story of your family, or just show off your favorite colors and patterns. This makes your foyer not just a pass-through space, but a gallery that reflects your unique style and welcomes everyone into your home with a personal touch.

A Pillow Update

If you happen to have chairs, or an entryway bench, adding pillows is a great idea. They provide softness, an incredible pop of color, extra comfort, and a splash of style. They can literally brighten the entire space. You can choose pillows that match your home’s decor or use them as an opportunity to introduce new colors, patterns, or textures. I am in love right now with block prints, and these new pillow covers look way more expensive than they are! This small touch can make a big difference, showing that your home is not only stylish, but also a place where comfort is a priority. Pillows can be easily swapped out depending on the season or whenever you want a change, making them a flexible decor option. This simple addition helps create a cozy, inviting vibe right from the moment someone steps through the door.

Fresh Flowers

Placing fresh flowers in any well-designed entryway adds a touch of charm and life to your home right from the first moment someone steps in. Flowers bring in natural beauty, and they make your foyer feel inviting and cheerful. Flowers are one of the best ways to take your foyer to the next level. Some types of flowers give off a pleasant scent that can make the whole area smell wonderful. By choosing seasonal blooms, you can keep the look fresh and in tune with the time of year, which is a subtle yet effective way to greet family and friends. Whether you go for a big, colorful bouquet. or just a simple vase with a few elegant stems, fresh flowers are a delightful detail that can make your entryway feel special and cared for.

More Small Entryway Ideas

• Add wall hooks or a coat rack. 
• If there’s room, add a small bench. Some foyers are a drop zone, so if possible, pick out a bench with closed shoe storage, or a shelf to place storage baskets. 
• Add wall mirrors, a floating shelf, or make a design statement by adding a gallery wall.
• Create an accent wall with paint or wallpaper in a contrasting color.  
• Place a pair of tall floor vases with branches or dried flowers in an empty corner.
• Layer a smaller rug on top of a larger one for added texture and visual interest.
• Create vignettes using The Rule of Three.

Small spaces can be easily updated with a few new accessories, some flowers, and a shopping trip through your home. Something as simple as a new rug or updated pillow covers can be a breath of fresh air in a stale room. Starting from scratch just isn’t practical for most of us, so I hope you found some inspiration for refreshing your entryway for summer!