8 ideas to improve your entryway

When it comes to giving your home an interior design makeover, the entryway or entrance hall is often overlooked – despite this being the first thing you see when you step inside the front door.

Whether it’s narrow, small, or awkwardly shaped, it can be difficult to know what to do with an empty or messy entry space. It can quickly become somewhere you simply pass through without a second thought.

However, if you want to leave a good first impression on guests and feel calm once you enter your home after a busy day, you should take steps to elevate your entrance hall design.

Here are several ways to style your entry space that can help you set the tone for the rest of your home – upgrading your hallway to create a practical yet luxurious-looking entrance.

1) Console table

A classic console is a must for any contemporary entrance hall. This sleek and narrow table shouldn’t take up much floor space, but should have enough surface area and internal storage to help you keep your entryway organised.

Everyone needs an elegant tray on top for keys and mail instead of a ‘drop zone’ in disarray, plus a splash of decorative colour like a vase of flowers or an ornamental piece that expresses the overall character of your home.

2) Bench seat

If space allows, a padded bench seat is also a must-have for combined style and comfort. Why try to squeeze a bag onto the console to avoid putting it on the floor, or hop around on one foot while you try to put on your shoes?

Placing a side bench against a wall helps to define the entrance area, while giving you somewhere to sit and set down your bag comfortably when you’re on your way out or coming back in. Bonus points if it doubles as storage, like an ottoman.

3) Smart storage

Entryways often have a tendency to become cluttered quickly – be it with shoes, umbrellas, coats, or bags. If you want to elevate the space and give it a more luxurious feel, you need to edit what’s left on display with integrated storage.

There are plenty of options for consoles or bench seats with drawers, and slim shoe cabinets that won’t cause visual clutter. Adding floating shelves or hooks to a wall can also save more space than using freestanding racks.

4) Large mirror

Hanging a mirror on the wall perpendicular to the front door has the double benefit of allowing you to check how you look one last time before heading out, and reflecting light around the entryway for an open and airy feel.

This could be a full-length mirror for the ultimate spacious effect, or a wall mirror anchored above the console or bench seat with a unique shape or decorative frame that makes a statement about your décor tastes.

5) Statement wall

An accent wall becomes an especially bold statement in a smaller space like an entrance hall, and can draw the eyes inwards in a welcoming way. If your staircase is part of your entryway, why not add patterned wallpaper along the stairs?

Alternatively, if you want to keep the walls the same and introduce a smaller focal piece that’s more colourful than a mirror, this space also provides an opportunity to display some wall art – like a painting, wall hanging, or photo print.

6) Fresh flooring

Some people find that too much focus on the walls makes a space feel smaller and a little chaotic, in which case, you might prefer to introduce colour or pattern via the floor instead – laying down new entryway flooring.

Of course, this part of the home will see a lot of foot traffic, so it’s essential to choose flooring or floor coverings that are as hardwearing as they are chic. Popular choices include monochrome chequered linoleum or herringbone tiles.

7) Lighting fixture

Ambient lighting fixtures are essential in living spaces for creating a welcoming glow and adding textural details, and the entrance hallway is no different. Don’t just rely on plain overhead lights – invest in new lighting fixtures!

Pendant or chandelier lights are ideal for hallways with high ceilings, but if your entryway is on the smaller side, wall sconces either side or a small table lamp will look fashionable while generating a welcoming pool of warm light.

8) Glass partition

Some homes might have an entrance that opens to the staircase and a narrow hallway, which feels dark and cramped. Others may not have a separate entryway at all, with the front door simply opening right into the main living space.

In cases like these, glass partitions can transform the area into a bright and trendy boon for your home. Interior glass walls for houses can enclose a separate entry room without blocking the light, while toughened glass partitions can also be used as glass stair panels to keep your stairs safe and elevate their style.

If you’re interested in glass partition installation for your entryway, contact the Glass Interiors team on 0203 793 5455 to discuss what we can do for you – or email enquiries to info@glass-interiors.co.uk and we’ll get back to you.