How to create a welcoming entryway
Your home has one chance to make a good first impression—and the entryway is it.
The transition space between indoors and out is important for a host of reasons: It creates a sense of welcome and establishes your style. It serves a practical purpose as a place to drop things off, and it foreshadows rooms to come. This is true whether you’re lucky enough to have a bona fide foyer with room to spare—or your “entryway” is technically part of the first room you enter.
One of our favorite ways to make the most of an entry is to spotlight a single piece of furniture, work of art, or especially, a thoughtfully styled vignette. A focal point immediately draws the eye into a space, giving a guest pause—in a good way!
This vignette gets its no-nonsense industrial vibe from the Bruckner zinc-top table, and its mesmerizing appeal from Wood Camp Light, a striking giclée from our custom art collection.
It’s nearly impossible to divert your attention away from this minimally furnished entryway thanks to the Kronos demilune chest, with its gorgeous starburst and Greek key veneers.
Greater than the sum of its parts, this sweet spot features the artfully antiqued Eastgate chest with an engaging trio on top: a graceful, lifelike floral and two coral-design lamps.
An elegant arrangement with a nod to the sea: The shapely Donatella table is a spellbinding way to greet guests; classic accents, like gorgeous porcelain ginger jars, complete the look.
The gold standard in winning entryways, this vignette stars the exquisitely beveled Sunburst mirror and antiqued Beacon table. It’s carefully composed and positively captivating.
What makes this entry shine? It’s what seemingly different elements (from zebra-striped ottomans to a chinoiserie-inspired painting) have in common: elegance, pure and simple.
Here, bold, swirled-pattern wallpaper sets a colorful stage for the focal point: a Ming media cabinet in an aged teal finish. A mirror framed in swirling golden branches adds shine.
Need more eye-catching entryway ideas?
Visit a Design Center—ideally with a photo of your space. Our designers will show you dozens of ways to say welcome; with our 3D room planner, you can even see what it will look like before you buy. And remember, our design service is always free.
