The Best Furniture and Decor to Spruce Up Your Entryway

Don't overlook your entryway. Strategically placed entryway essentials, like benches, storage, lighting, and decor, can brighten the space and act as an introduction to the whole house.
Wide shot of coats bags and shoes in entryway of home with a red front door.
Photo: Thomas M Barwick Inc for Getty Images Thomas M Barwick INC

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Your entryway is the gateway to your home, welcoming guests with style and flair. Yet, it’s easy to overlook your entryway when buying furniture and decor. Consider adding these entryway essentials to make your space more welcoming and practical for the whole family.

Seating

Alaterre Furniture Newport 40 Inch Solid Wood Entryway Bench

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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 like the Alaterre Furniture Newport 40 Inch Solid Wood Entryway Bench, an upholstered settee, or a curvaceous side chair.

Storage

HOOBRO Hall Tree with Bench, Shoe and Coat Rack

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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, and racks (like the HOOBRO Hall Tree with Bench, Shoe and Coat Rack) are especially practical.

Table

Furologee Entryway Table

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Positioned near the front door, a narrow entryway table like the Furologee 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.

Mirror

XRAMFY Circle Mirror

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More than the dramatic design it adds to a space, a mirror like the XRAMFY Circle 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.

Lighting

AKLMXCG Black and Gold Chandelier

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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 (like the AKLMXCG Black and Gold Chandelier), 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.

Umbrella Stand

Hacaroa Metal Round Umbrella Stand

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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 (like the Hacaroa Metal Round Umbrella Stand) will do the trick, but also think outside the box and consider large unique containers that can be repurposed for the job.

Decor

Carrot's Den Donut Vase

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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, you could place the Carrot’s Den Donut Vase on your entryway table for a welcoming look. 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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Marie Proeller Hueston

Contributing Writer

Marie Proeller Hueston is the author of several books on home design and is the former Arts & Antiques Editor of Country Living.


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