Small entryway ideas don’t have to be complicated or expensive to make a big difference. A colorful rug, a pretty pillow, fresh flowers, and a few carefully chosen accessories can completely refresh a tiny foyer without changing the furniture or starting from scratch. This little entryway is proof that even the smallest space can feel welcoming, useful, and pulled together with just a few simple updates.

Some spaces in a home tend to sit unchanged for a long time, and my foyer was one of them. Since finishing the board and batten project almost two years ago, I had added a few seasonal touches here and there, but nothing that truly changed the look of the space. It was ready for a simple refresh. This little makeover didn’t involve many updates, but the changes were easy, affordable, and made a noticeable 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. 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.

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Start With A Rug
A rug is one of the easiest ways to add color, pattern, and function to a small foyer. It helps catch dirt and moisture at the door, but it also makes the space feel finished. In this entryway, everything was very neutral, so the navy rug added just the right amount of color. It brought in my favorite shade of blue, gave the room some pattern, and made the whole space feel more pulled together.

Add a Table, Chest, or Dresser
A table or chest in 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, or a few of your favorite photos to make the space feel 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.

Use Wall Decor to Add Personality
Wall decor is a simple way to make a small foyer feel personal and finished. You can hang artwork, family photos, plates, or a mirror, depending on the look you want and the space you have. Art adds color and pattern, while a mirror can help the area feel brighter and a little more open. I like choosing pieces that reflect the season, tell a family story, or bring in colors I already love. In a small entryway, even one thoughtful wall display can make the whole space feel more welcoming.

When we added the board and batten to our foyer, I had a hard time deciding what to hang in the space above the wall treatment. I wanted something that would issue a warm welcome, and at the same time, I knew I had to choose wisely because it would be, together with the vintage chest, the focal point of the room. I considered a simple mirror, but in the end, I hung a collection of plates that brought in more blue to the space. Not only do I love them, but I thought they were the best solution for the size and shape of the wall space.

Add Pillows if You Have Seating
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. Choose pillows that match your home’s decor or use them as an opportunity to introduce new colors, patterns, or textures. I adore 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.

Finish With 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.
Shop & Source
- Navy blue rug
- Similar chairs
- Pillow covers (Available in more than 20 colors.)
- Wood candleholders
- Pillar candles
- Farmhouse pitcher
- Linen books
- Elements of Family Style book
- Framed bird print was found in my mother-in-law’s attic.
- Chest is a family heirloom.

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. Want more tips and ideas for enjoying summer? See Simple Living in Summer for more inspiration.


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Hi Ann,
Your foyer looks lovely and I love everything about it. I use a lot of plates on the wall too, and I really enjoy that look as well. I am trying your BLT salad tomorrow for Father’s day, so hoping my Hubby and Son like it……….which I am sure they will, what guy doesn’t like bacon…..lol
Thanks for sharing your pretty foyer, I am really crushing on royal blue this last year, so trying to add a lil bit of that in with my Spring decorating to make it look a lil more like Summer. Oh and Happy Summer, it is officially here tomorrow. Course, it’s been here for us in Florida a lot longer. lol
Have a great day tomorrow.
I love your foyer and all the blue and white. I’m working on collecting plates for a plate wall. You are inspiring me. I’m about halfway there. I realize now that I’m missing some oval platters.
Your entry looks so inviting. I absolutely love the tone on tone wall and trim colors. Please share which colors and brand of paint you used. I would love to duplicate the look in my 1867 home.
Thank you for all your inspirations.
You did a wonderful job decorating your entry and making it feel welcoming!
Looks perfect! And those blue chairs make it so.
Everything is beautiful. Can you provide links to all your items. Particularly the art, chairs, and pillow covers?
I see the links now. Thank you!
Everything looks perfect and I love that your using an heirloom piece and plates on the wall. Gives me ideas for our new downsized home we are going to in July.
Love the makeover. I need to do the same. Nice touch on painting the inside of the candle holders! All the blues you put together are beautiful! Thank you for sharing all the links.
Looks refreshed!!
That framed blue jay pic is beautiful!
Would.like to find the print!
Any suggestions?
Did you reveal it?
Hi Nan…I mentioned in the Source section that I found it in my mother-in-law’s attic. Unfortunately, I have no idea where it came from. It was already framed, and I just added the blue mat. Wish I could be more helpful!