How to Style an Entryway | My Formula for a Gorgeous Entryway

If you follow many different designers on Instagram, I’m sure you know that even among the shiplap and all-white rooms, a lot of us have different design styles and ways of decorating. I always get messages on Instagram for tips on how to style an entryway, especially since revealing my own a few months ago.

I think living rooms are my favorite rooms to design, but entryways are a close second. They’re such an important space, because the look here sets the tone for your entire home. Guests can guess if they’re gonna get a casual experience or something a little more “extra” just by looking at how you present your entryway.

Although my entryway is one of the “extra” ones, right now much of my house is in transition (transitioning from the mess it’s been since we moved in to actually being decorated), but eventually a lot of my bold and eclectic style will show in the rest of my house.

For entryways I have a formula that I like to follow:
fun wall treatment + table/cabinet/bench + mirror + lamp + something tall + tray/bowl + something bold/unexpected = fabulous entryway. Let’s break down how to style an entryway, using for example a recent project I completed for a client.

Fun wall treatment

This could be a paint color that’s different from the rest of the house or a wallpaper. Another fun wall treatment I like to see in entryways is striped walls. Or, you do use a wall stencil like I did in my own entryway.

Table/cabinet/bench

There are so many different ways you can handle this in an entryway. I prefer some sort of hard surface, just because I like to be able to style it with accessories and stuff. But, a bench is great, as well. (You can also combine your bench with a table.)

I love using storage cabinets in entryways or a console table with drawers, because it’s the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the extra storage to help organize your home. You can house shoes, dog leashes, sunglasses, umbrellas, toys – or whatever you need to – in a storage cabinet or a console table with drawers.

The mirrored cabinet in my client’s entryway is not only gorgeous, but also functional with a good amount of storage space behind the doors.

Mirror

I know some people use art pieces in an entryway, and that’s cool. I’ve done it before, but I prefer mirrors. I mean, how else are you going to see that you forgot your earrings before running out to work? You want your mirror to be at least 2/3 the size of the table/bench underneath.

Lamp

The lamp doesn’t have to be a big statement piece, but bonus points if it is. I love a bold lamp that brings in something unexpected. Whether it’s in color or texture, a bold lamp is not only functional, but also can take the place of the “something unexpected” that I like to layer in an entryway vignette.

Also, don’t even think about skimping on a lamp. A table lamp gives cozy vibes that your overhead lighting just won’t do. I like having my overhead light off and the table lamp switched on. It feels much warmer and inviting when I do that. Guests love the ambience.

Something tall

So, your something tall can be your lamp or an interesting sculpture. I love layering an entryway with something tall to bring it some interest and contrast.

Tray/bowl

I put trays/bowls on every surface already, so I might be biased here, LOL. But, a tray is a great way to corral miscellaneous accessories, keys, sunglasses, and wallets. A nice size bowl can do the same thing, but you can also use it to hold potpourri, succulents, moss balls, or whatever else you want to display.

Something bold/unexpected

I love using an entryway as an opportunity to bring in a conversation piece. This could be your lamp, your wall treatment, your “something tall”, or something separate from the list above. It’s an opportunity to get your guests talking as soon as they get through the door. Like the pretty purple mask (similar) I have inside this silver bowl.

BONUS: Something live

I love bringing in plants in an entryway, whether live or faux. My favorite flowers is hydrangeas, so I’m working to keep them in my recycled glass vase on my entryway table.

So, that’s all guys! I hope you enjoyed this post and even more hope you learned some tips on how to style an entryway!

The above images are from a recent completed project shot by Britt Smith Photography. To see more of my work, head over to my portfolio, or go to my services page for info on hiring me.

Till next time,