How to Decorate a Small Foyer Entryway: 25 Design Ideas to Try at Yours

If you’re wondering how to decorate a small foyer entryway successfully, the ideas in this post have you sorted. And they’re tried and tested, too. As an interior designer, I’ve furnished this zone of the home for clients a lot, so the tips and inspo below are made for the real world. 

Honestly, decorating a small foyer doesn’t mean letting go of style. Not even a bit. Good things do indeed come in small packages, I promise. Except for piccolos of prosecco. That’s just a tease and I demand a full bottle!

I also happen have a small entryway in my own apartment, so this advice is coming straight from the horses own abode. Scroll on as we explore the following small entryway ideas, and drop me a comment at the end of the post if you need more design help.

1. A Small Entry Table is a Good Place to Start

A small table just inside your front door acts as a great dumping ground for things like keys and mail as you step inside the house. You want the entryway table to be narrow though, ideally. Under 40cm in depth is a good measurement to hover around. 

A narrow console table allows the foyer to remain a place you can move through easily, and it’s even better if the edges or the table are curved, not sharp. Nobody wants to bang into a corner as they enter the space. 

​If you need to the perfect entry table for your space, you’re in luck. Here’s a small console table roundup with 25 options you can shop.

2. Add Storage Baskets Under the Table for Shoes

Shoe storage inside the front door is a bug bear for many of us. We need to access a few pairs all the time, but we don’t want them all lined up and on show for the world to see.

The remedy here is to pop a few baskets under your console table for the shoes to live in. A material like jute or rattan is nice idea if you want to add some texture to the area.

And when it comes to size, ideally you don’t want the baskets to jut out too far, so look for ones around the same depth as your console table so everything remains orderly.

3. Two Ottomans Tucked Under a Console Offer Versatility

It’s likely that a small foyer entryway is the first room in what is a small home overall. And what do we want in a small footprint home? Furniture versatility! By having two smaller ottomans tucked under an entry table, you get a few noticeable benefits.

The first is somewhere to sit and put shoes on. The second is somewhere to hide the shoes if the ottomans have storage inside. And the third is the ability to use them across the rest of your home as seating, in a space like a living or dining room should you need.

4. Add a Mirror in an Interesting Shape

When considering how to decorate a small foyer entryway, think about shape. Because items need to be slimline or minimal to ensure enough space is left in this zone, shape becomes something you can (and should) play with.

When selecting a wall mirror to install above a console table in your entry, try a round or oval or arched mirror instead of the stock-standard rectangle types. 

An unexpected shape like this for a great first impression all without dominating a lot of space. It’s one of those the-devil’s-in-the-detail moments.

5. Let An Oversized Mirror Be the Star

If you’re not keen on the console table with small mirror combination, why not go big or go home by installing a large mirror that takes up most of one wall inside your foyer?

A full-length mirror like this gives you usability, of course, but it can also make a statement if you opted for one in tinted or aged glass, or one with an interesting frame.

In a narrow space I wouldn’t suggest you have one wall all-mirror and then have the opposite wall just as covered with items, so think about what wall will do the heavy lifting. The other one should be left pretty bare. 

6. Add a Wall-Mounted Coat Rack in Your Foyer

I dream of a coat closet inside my entryway, where I can hide my jackets and coats away each day. But in a small foyer this is rarer than hen’s teeth, so we need to think of alternatives. 

The workaround is a wall-mounted rack with multiple hooks on it than can hold handbags, jackets, scarves and hats. ​They’re easy to install too – just ensure it’s high enough that longer coats aren’t dragging on the ground. 

7. Consider a Cluster of Randomly-Placed Wall Hooks

The benefit of placing singular hooks on the wall is that you can include more of them at different heights. Think a zig zag sort of orientation.

If your foyer is more of a narrow hallway that leads down to your living room, you could dot the hooks as far along the walkway as you like.

Be careful not to turn the entire space into a wardrobe though. You still want to keep the zone as minimal and uncluttered as possible.

8. A Floating Shelf as a Console Table is Genius

Some of you have an entryway that’s so small you can barely even claim it’s an actual  entryway. If this is where you’re at, a small floating shelf with a soft edge on it is a godsend.

I’ve used these ones for clients with small entryway walls before and they look fabulous. 

They blend into white walls seamlessly, unless you want them to act as a bold pop of colour in the space (as seen above). They also act as a ledge to put things down on, and you’ll never knock into the corner of them because they have none. I love them, and I reckon you will too.

9. A Small Rug Can Bring Warmth to Your Entry

Every small foyer or entryway is unique. Some are long and narrow, some are square, some have almost no free walls to mount anything. If you’re in the latter category, think of the footprint beneath you as a surface you can add depth and dimension too.

A floor rug in a small entryway is definitely something I’d recommend you consider. It adds instant, literal warmth. But on the visual side, it can dazzle the eye as well, making a small and boring foyer feel vibrant and welcoming.

In a linear foyer, feel free to use a hall runner on the floor. A few of them in a row with some small gap between can work well also, leading your eye all the way down the hallway.

10. Mount Shoe Storage Units on the Wall

A shoe storage unit in your entryway is a great idea because it gives you two-in-one functionality and it doesn’t take up any floor space because it’s attached to the wall.

IKEA has a great shoe storage system (pictured above that you can shop here) that’s perfect for a narrow entryway.

The added bonus is that you can still use the top of it as a console table of sorts, to pop mail and keys on top of when you arrive home. Adding this one to-cart immediately.

11. A Bench Seat with a Minimal Profile Works Well

A small entryway bench in your home’s foyer can bring a softness to the room if you choose one that’s upholstered in a fabric. Boucle is having a moment right now if you want to jump on that material trend.

​If you choose one that’s raised on thin legs it can give the feel of air flow underneath which gives the illusion of a more open space.

A design like this will allow you to kick off shoes and have them sit underneath it should you not mind the look of exposed footwear. You could also put a few cushions/throw pillows on top if you wanted to add some softness.

Here’s 30 of our fave bench seats for your entryway if you’d like to explore them.

12. Introduce a Bench Seat with Storage to Your Foyer

We all have a family member that’s a dump-and-run type. You know… they drop shoes and bags at the front door and then run like they’re Usain Bolt in the men’s 100-metre sprint.

At least if you have a storage bench inside the front door it might allow them to stop, flip the lid open, pop their things inside and then dash down the hallway.

Storage space in something like a bench seat is a good double-duty solution. You get the function but it can also make the space feel cosier.

13. Baskets on Walls Are a Great Idea

In a small foyer entryway, you have to think outside the box. You need as many things off the ground as possible, so wall space becomes king.

I mentioned wall hooks earlier, but consider hanging soft baskets on the hooks so different members of the family each have their own space to store things.

This is a good idea for parents with young children especially, but the concept can extend to those of you with pets. Store dog leads in the baskets and they’re ready to go when you need.

14. A Niche in the Wall is a Good Space-Saver

​If you can’t fit a piece of furniture into your small foyer, you may be able to cut a niche or recess into the wall. This takes a bit more work to pull off, but it can look rather refined.

Consider if you can borrow some space from whatever rooms border your entry to cut a niche in the wall. This gives you a small space to put things that can become an understated focal point in the zone.

A niche is a perfect place to install some LED strip lighting as well, creating a warm welcome when you arrive home at night.

15. A Slim Table Lamp is a No-Brainer

A floor lamp in a smaller space like a foyer or entry I would not recommend. You don’t need another thing on the floor getting in the way. Small items mounted on walls or styled on consoles – that’s something I can get on-board with. And a table lamp is a must.

The key here is to find a lamp that gives you proper lighting but without the large shade. The thinner the better. The image above is a lovely solution; so chic, but so minimal. You get the beauty of a shade without it being so wide that you’ll knock into it.

16. Wall Lights in a Small Entryway are Iconic

Light fixtures on walls are a bit of an obsession of mine. I want them in every room. In a small foyer entryway they get top tier-status because they provide both form and function.

They don’t clutter up the floor, they make the foyer a design destination, and they provide light. What more could you want?

The best lights for an entryway that’s on the smaller side would be ones that are easy on the eye (not too bright) and minimal in profile (don’t let them jut out from the wall significantly).

17. Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Large Artwork

Sadly, you can’t put much wall decor in a small entryway. It becomes quite visually overwhelming. But what you can do, and should do, is embrace the power of one large artwork.

This idea works if you don’t need furniture like a console table in the space to store things. But a bench seat is a winner when paired with artwork and is something worth considering.

It’s all about balance. If the wall art is the hero and features a bright colour, let the seat be the supporting player by keeping it in neutral colours or a cleaner profile.

18. Wall-Mounted Plant Pots for a Fresh Look

By the time you swing open the front door, you don’t have much space for plants on the floor of your entryway. There’s no reason you can’t create a good first impression using greenery though. Just look to wall-mounted plant pots instead.

A dark entry is a great place for a Philodendron or Monstera plant to shine, while foyers with natural light are great for Jade or String of Pearl plants. 

Do your research before buying though; you want a plant that’s not going to get too bushy and obstruct your walkway or caress your face as you move down the hallway.

19. VJ Panelling to Add Textural Interest

I’ve shown you how good VJ paneling can be in rooms before. The first space you see when you enter a home is the perfect spot for it too. It’s one of the best ways to add texture to your wall but in an understated manner that doesn’t feel too high impact. A simple story, if you will.

Run the panels vertically and it’ll lead your eye up the wall toward the ceiling. This will give the impression that the entryway is larger than it actually is. 

​I’ve used VJ paneling in a number of homes and have never had a client not adore it.

20. You Need a Plinth In Your Small Entryway

Plinths are back in a big way. I’m seeing them in so many stores, especially ones made of marble. I’ve used a few of them in client homes recently to showcase a lamp or decorative items. It makes them more of a moment in the space.

You could use this idea in your small entryway, for sure. One tall, thin plinth with a dish and small mirror sat on top could be all you need to make a big impression in a chic, understated way. One made from marble will have weight to it too, so it’s not likely to topple over easily.

Let the material do the talking and enjoy a less-is-more approach.

21. A Gallery Wall is Good, But There are T&C’s

I love a gallery wall. I do them for my design clients all the time. They’re a wonderful way to showcase memories and make for a really welcoming space.

The warning I need you to heed when you place one in a small entryway, is to keep the frames thin and to not use too many of them. Also opt to orient them in a cleaner grid formation as opposed to a random placement. And choose frames in the same colour.

The uniform nature of a grid of frames will make your entry feel less cluttered and crazy. So by all means rock the photos, but just keep it clean and tidy.

22. Use a Bold Colour on the Walls

Want to know how to decorate a small foyer entryway without it being boring? Let me introduce you to a little friend of mine called bold colour! 

Contrary to popular belief, small zones like an entryway or powder room are the best places to experiment with a bold colour – be it vibrant or moody. It creates the feeling of the room hugging you. It’s a way to embrace the fact that the room is small and actually lean into it.

The only thing to keep in mind is that you want furniture pieces to be the supporting player in the zone. Let the colour be the star and keep other design elements simple. And don’t chicken out by painting just one accent wall either. You need to do them all.

23. A Ceiling-Mount Feature Light is Your Friend

You’d never want a long drop-down pendant light in a small foyer. It’s too in the way. But a ceiling-mounted feature light can be a show-stopper if you choose wisely. 

Of course, you want to keep the height of the light to a minimum if the ceiling is low. But also think about the potential pattern it could throw onto the wall if you choose a light with woven or mesh cover/exterior.

Imagine coming home at night and the first thing you see is a pattern of light dancing across the walls of your entry. Now that’s what I call an illuminatingly good impression!

24. For a Really Small Entryway, A Cute Key Holder/Rack

Need some entryway decor ideas for a teeny-tiny foyer? You know… one where there’s barely any walls to use and there’s no space for furniture. This is where you’ve gotta get cute and creative, and something like a key holder/rack is a great idea.

Lean into whimsy with something that feels fun and playful, or keep the look chic. Either way, this is a nice decorating idea that takes up no space but gives your small entry a point of difference, a unique feel.

Places like Etsy are a great resource for an idea like this – full of quirky, outta-the-box creations for your keys.

25. Don’t Forget the Back of the Front Door

Sometimes the obvious solution is the best solution. In a small foyer entry zone, the front door is right there and the back of it is begging to be utilised. 

​Placing hooks on the back of the door, for example, is the best way to hang items if you don’t have enough room to do it on surrounding walls. 

You could even place a shoe storage system on the back of the door. Or, fix a mirror to the back. It’s an easy way to make the room feel larger and you can check yourself out one last time before you leave the house! 

Do you know how to decorate a small foyer entryway now? I hope this post have given you the confidence to assess your space and know what’s going to work. Drop me a comment below if you need more help with it comes to decorating ideas for a small entryway or foyer.