:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1389952247-8bcfd588879346e2821cbd7c5f03bcbb.jpg?ssl=1 "7 Entryway Mistakes Designers Instantly Notice When They Walk Into Your Home")
Key Points
- Clutter, lack of storage, and dim lighting make entryways feel chaotic and uninviting.
- Skipping seating, rugs, or a mirror misses easy chances to add style and function.
- A well-designed entryway sets the tone for your home and creates a strong first impression.
Your entryway is a small but mighty part of the home, and you’ll want to make sure that you’re designing it so that it lives up to its full potential. As a result, you’ll want to be sure to steer clear of these common mistakes that pros often notice in other people’s homes.
Below, they share some common entryway pitfalls along with advice on what to do instead.
No Plan for Clutter
Louis Duncan-He Designs
Do not let your entryway fall victim to excess clutter. It’s important to prioritize organization during your entryway design process and select furniture pieces that will help to streamline the space.
“Having a surface to corral the bric-a-brac of life is essential,” interior designer Lindsay Speace says.
She recommends utilizing an antique chest to house all kinds of day-to-day essentials—place a tray on top to hold mail and use the drawers for items such as dog leashes, reusable grocery bags, and the like. It’s also important to neatly tuck away items such as shoes and clothes as well.
If a closet isn’t an option, shop for a shoe storage bench that will do the job. There are various styles and sizes to fit your specific space.
“By adding some decorative pieces and a lamp on top of it with a mirror on the wall above it, you’ve now achieved a functional and aesthetic space,” says interior designer Madison Massaro.
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Complex Storage Systems
On a related note, keep in mind that in the entryway, simple storage is key—the more straightforward, the better.
Hooks, baskets, and possibly a bench are on our designers’ lists of must-haves.
No Entryway Design
Erin Williamson Design
A home’s entryway is more than just a pass-through and deserves a little love.
“The entry to your home is the first thing people see when they walk in—first impressions make a big difference,” Massaro says. “This space should evoke a welcoming and thought-out vibe to whoever walks in your house, including yourself.”
Use the entryway to showcase your unique aesthetic; entryways are often the first glimpse into your style and home, which is why making a good first impression is important.
No Entryway Seating
If you have the space, make an effort to incorporate seating into your entryway.
“This adds functionality, while also mixing in an opportunity to add personality to a small space with texture, pattern, and color,” interior designer Andrea Taylor says.
A pair of chairs, a bench, or a console table with some stools underneath will make it easier for guests (and yourself) to put on shoes or bundle up for the weather outside. Taylor recommends treating the entryway more like a room in your home instead of a corridor.
No Mirror
Victoria Bell Design
It’s always useful to be able to quickly check your reflection before heading out the door. Not only this, but a mirror will make your entryway appear more spacious, too.
Poor Lighting
Don’t skimp on your entryway lighting; go big with a statement piece.
Our designers often see grand foyers and entryways with high ceilings being paired with a small light fixture that don’t do it justice. Don’t be afraid to go bold—it is a first impression, after all.
No Entryway Rug
The Spruce
An entryway rug is the perfect opportunity to add a pop of pattern or texture, anchor and define the space, and keep dirt and dust at a minimum, our experts say.
In terms of size, try a 3 by 5 foot rug for a wider entryway or a runner for a long, narrow entryway.