7 Things Every Entryway Needs

Whether spacious or cozy, the home entryway holds great importance in our everyday lives. It's both where we prepare to greet the day and where we are welcomed home in the evening. A well-appointed entryway can determine whether we leave the home in an anxious scramble or totally collected. What's more, this humble setting gives visitors their first glimpse into our homes and an idea of our personal style—so why not focus our full attention on making it look its best?


The entryway is a space that’s often overlooked, but just a few basic design ideas can help to integrate this transitional area into the rest of the home. The entryway is a “landing area,” so a place to sit while shedding and donning shoes and coats is a great comfort both to those who live in the home, and those who visit. Entryways can often be small, and even dark. So, it’s a good idea to strategically place mirrors and lighting in a way that opens up and brightens the space.


Use your home’s entryway as an introduction to the whole house. Integrating a few features of your home’s color and artwork into your entryway will serve to orient guests to the surroundings of your hospitality. For more ideas on how to flesh out the form and function of your entryway, familiarize yourself with these seven essential entryway elements.

By Marie Proeller Hueston | Updated Jun 08, 2016 10:26 AM

Seating

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Seating

A place to sit as you slip your shoes on or off is perhaps the most important element in an entryway. More than simply a convenient (and practical) addition, the type of seating you choose can set the tone for the whole space—be it a rustic wooden bench, an upholstered settee, or a curvaceous side chair.

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Storage

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Mudroom Cubbies

Think of all the items your family needs to leave the house for the day: shoes, keys, hats, scarves, and bags... It's no wonder entryways can become overrun with clutter! To avoid this common problem, incorporate as much storage as the space can allow while staying within your overall design plan. Units that combine seating, cubbies, baskets, or hooks are especially practical.


Related:  10 "Zero Dollar" Storage Hacks

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Table

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Table

Positioned near the front door, a narrow entryway table can become command central for the entire house. Car keys, pocket change, and mail frequently find their way here. Keep it all organized with a catch-all spot, like a pretty glass tray, ceramic bowl, or decorative basket. Tables with drawers are another smart option.


Related:  8 Unique Ways to Build Your Own Table

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Mirror

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Mirror

More than the dramatic design it adds to a space, a mirror offers you one last look at yourself before leaving the house. You might pick an oversized mirror with a thick wood frame, an ornately gilded design, or a coordinating mirror-table combination.


Related:  Mirror Magic - 10 Ways of Using Mirrors to Your Design Advantage

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Lighting

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Lights

And what good is a mirror to check your appearance without proper lighting? There are a number of choices optimal for entryway lighting, like overhead fixtures and chandeliers, wall sconces, and table lamps. Select a style that complements the space's style and be sure to install soft light bulbs to emit a flattering glow.


Related:  Trending Now - Pendant Lighting

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Umbrella Stand

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Umbrella Stand

Rainy days are bound to happen, so it's best to prepare your home's entryway for soggy shoes and soppy umbrellas. In homes that lack a mudroom or coat closet near the front door, you can store umbrellas in plain sight with great panache by placing them in a decorative holder. Traditional umbrella stands will do the trick, but also think outside the box and consider large unique containers that can be repurposed for the job.

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Style

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Entryway Decor

While it may seem rather intangible, extending your style to the entryway can be as simple as positioning an object or two that echoes the overall decor of the house. For example, if you collect antiques, why not place a prize possession on an entryway table? If your home is filled with bold color and modern furnishings, pull a few items out to hang on the door and sit on the table.

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