Let's be honest – your entryway probably isn't living its best life right now. Mine certainly wasn't until recently. Like most of us, you've probably walked past that space a thousand times, dropping keys and kicking off shoes while mentally adding "fix up entryway" to your ever-growing to-do list.
But here's the thing: your entryway is basically your home's opening act, and just like any good Netflix series, you want that first episode to hook people right away.
After helping countless friends transform their entryways from chaotic dumping grounds to Instagram-worthy welcome zones (and making plenty of mistakes with my own), I've noticed that certain crucial elements keep flying under the radar.
Here are 8 often-overlooked aspects of entryway design that can make or break your home’s first impression – and how to fix them!
1. The Forgotten Upper Half
Picture this: you've got a gorgeous console table, a perfectly positioned mirror, and a stylish doormat. But when you look up, there's... nothing. Just endless blank wall space staring back at you like an awkward silence at a dinner party.
Most people completely ignore the upper half of their entryway – probably because we’re too busy looking down at our phones while juggling groceries.
✔ Fix it with vertical design elements:
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Wall-mounted coat hooks – go for stylish ones in brass or matte black.
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Art pieces or a gallery wall – make it a conversation starter.
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Tall statement plants or hanging decor – adds dimension.
Pro tip: If your entryway feels small, hanging art higher draws the eye up and creates the illusion of more space – like the interior design equivalent of wearing vertical stripes.
2. The Lighting Layer Game
Here's something that would shock your electrician: most people think one overhead light is enough for an entryway. That's like trying to take the perfect selfie with just your phone's flash – technically possible, but not doing anyone any favors.
✔ How to fix it:
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Ambient lighting (your basic overhead fixture) – sets the foundation.
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Task lighting (near a mirror or console table) – perfect for last-minute touch-ups.
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Mood lighting (table lamps, wall sconces, LED strips) – creates warmth and depth.
The goal? A cozy, welcoming atmosphere that makes your entryway feel like a boutique hotel rather than a cave.
3. The Storage Solution Nobody Talks About
We all know about shoe racks and coat closets, but here’s what nobody mentions: the "transition zone" storage – a place for all those awkward, everyday items that don’t belong anywhere else.
✔ Fix it with smart storage solutions:
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A shallow cabinet with drawers for small essentials (emphasis on shallow – you don't want to create a black hole where things disappear forever).
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Look for furniture pieces that pull double duty, like a bench with hidden storage – stylish and functional.
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Wall-mounted organizers disguised as decor.
The key is to create designated spots for these everyday items without making your entryway look like a storage unit. Think of it as creating a backstage area for the props of daily life – not a cluttered mess.
4. The Sound Factor
Here’s something you’ve probably never considered: how your entryway sounds. Yes, sounds. That echo when you close the door? The way your heels click-clack on the bare floor like you're starring in your own noir film. Acoustic issues can make an entryway feel cold and unwelcoming, even if it looks perfect in photos.
✔ How to fix it:
The solution isn't to carpet everything (please don't). Instead, think strategic sound absorption: a runner rug with a proper pad underneath, fabric wall hangings, or even acoustic panels disguised as art. Natural materials like cork or textile wall coverings can help dampen sound while adding texture and visual interest. Your entryway should whisper "welcome home," not shout it with a megaphone.
5. The Seasonal Switcheroo Setup
Most people design their entryway for one season and then suffer through the others, like they’re serving time.
Remember last winter when your entryway looked like a ski lodge exploded? Or how about summer, when flip-flops multiplied like they were having a party while you weren’t looking?
✔ Create flexible storage that adapts year-round:
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Adjustable shelving for boots in winter and sandals in summer.
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Baskets for seasonal accessories – swap them out when needed.
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Furniture on casters – easy to move when more space is required.
Your entryway should be as adaptable as your wardrobe.
6. The Mirror Placement Mistake
You’ve heard every entryway needs a mirror – but most people place them all wrong.
The mistake? That giant mirror facing directly across from the front door. It bounces light (and energy) back out the door, not to mention gives neighbors a direct view inside.
Instead, think about placing mirrors where they'll actually serve a purpose beyond making the space look bigger. Position them where people naturally pause to check their appearance – near the coat area or beside the door, not directly across from it. Consider using a collection of smaller mirrors arranged artfully instead of one huge piece. And please, for the love of good design, make sure your mirror doesn't reflect anything awkward like the bathroom door or that pile of shoes you're pretending doesn't exist.
7. The Plant Predicament
Let me guess – you tried putting a plant in your entryway because every Pinterest photo has one, and now you're the proud owner of a very expensive fake ficus? Or worse, you've got a graveyard of real plants that couldn't survive the dramatic temperature swings every time the door opens?
✔ Choose tough, entryway-friendly plants:
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Snake plants – practically indestructible.
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ZZ plants – handle neglect like a champ.
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Pothos – thrives in low light.
If your entryway is a plant death trap, consider preserved moss walls or high-quality artificial plants instead.
8. The Personal Touch Paradox
Here's the biggest mistake of all: creating an entryway that looks like it could be in any home, anywhere. You know the type – perfectly styled but personality-free, like a hotel lobby that's trying too hard. Your entryway should tell visitors something about who lives there, but that doesn't mean displaying your entire family photo collection or every souvenir from your last vacation.
Strike a balance by incorporating one or two meaningful pieces that spark joy (yes, I'm channeling Marie Kondo here). Maybe it's a vintage map of your hometown, an art piece from a local artist you love, or a quirky coat rack that makes you smile every time you hang up your jacket. The goal is to create a space that feels curated but not contrived, personal but not overwhelming.
Final Thoughts
The best entryways evolve with you, adapting to your needs while maintaining that perfect balance between function and style. They're like good friends – they welcome you home without judgment, help you stay organized without nagging, and make you look good without stealing the show.
Remember, transforming your entryway doesn't have to happen overnight. Start with one element that's driving you crazy (maybe that pile of shoes that's becoming its own art installation?) and work your way through the list. Before you know it, you'll have an entryway that not only makes a great first impression but actually works for your daily life.
And isn't that what good design is really about? Creating spaces that look beautiful while making our lives easier – even if it means admitting that maybe, just maybe, we don't need that giant mirror facing the front door after all.