The entryway isn’t the spot where you binge your favorite show or entertain guests, but that doesn’t make it less deserving of design attention. It’s the first space you step into and the last one you see before heading out the door. Although you don’t linger around, well-chosen entryway decor makes an impact — welcoming you back or making you feel a bit more put together before you head out the door. 

In this guide, we’ll share entryway decor ideas that balance style and function. Whether you have a grand foyer or just a sliver of wall next to the front door, this entryway inspiration will help you curate a big welcome.

15 modern entryway ideas for inspiration

Ready to refresh your entryway? Here are 15 simple-to-implement ideas for making this space work for you. 

1. Use a console table with drawers

A console table is the perfect piece of furniture to welcome you home. Use drawers to stash mail, extra keys, and other small essentials out of sight, and place a decorative tray or bowl on top to corral everyday items. 

Pick a console table that matches your home’s style (like a sculptural furniture design for a contemporary home or rustic reclaimed wood for a farmhouse vibe) to create a seamless transition from the front door to your living space. 

2. Install a wall-mounted shelf

If floor space is precious, a wall-mounted shelf is a smart way to add extra storage. Use them to display decorative accents like small plants or framed photos and add hooks to hang keys, coats, and hats. 

For an extra-tidy look, adorn your shelf with small baskets or boxes to hide clutter and keep the entryway organized. 

3. Choose a slim bench with storage

Seating in an entryway or mudroom adds comfort and convenience in busy family homes where shoes and bags pile up by the dozen. A slim entryway bench with built-in storage saves space while keeping everyday items organized and easy to grab. 

Look for designs with cubbies or baskets underneath for shoes and accessories to keep everything tidy. 

Search for entryway benches on Onton

4. Use hooks for daily essentials

Hooks are a simple, budget-friendly foyer design hack that keeps everything tidy and accessible. Decorate with hooks that suit your style, like brass hooks in traditional homes or ornate iron hooks for a boho touch. Pair them with a wall mirror to check out your look before you head out the door. 

5. Incorporate a shoe rack or tray

Shoes are often enemy number one when trying to keep your foyer clean and organized, especially for small entryways. A shoe rack or tray tames this chaos. Opt for a slim rack if you’re tight on space, or pick an easy-to-wash shoe tray that traps mud, snow, and gunk. 

6. Add a seasonal wreath or door decor

There’s no reason to wait until December to decorate your front door with a wreath. Door decor can be a year-round staple as long as you switch up the materials to match the season or your style. Think dried citrus slices and bright green leaves in the spring or woven grass and rattan in the summer. Or skip the wreath altogether and try a quirky door knocker or welcome sign for a personal touch. 

7. Use wall-mounted bins for mail sorting

Mail has a sneaky way of multiplying near the front door, and wall-mounted storage can organize it nicely. Look for decorative options in wood or metal that match your entryway aesthetic. 

8. Apply bold wallpaper as a backdrop

Whether you lean toward charming cottagecore florals or minimalist stripes, wallpaper is entryway wall decor that lets guests know what kind of design sensibilities live beyond the front door. It’s a simple way to add personality to a small space. 

In a foyer, try papering the wall where your console table or coat rack sits to create a decorative focal point. 

9. Define the space with an entryway rug

An entryway rug visually defines the space, which is especially helpful if your entryway opens straight into a living area. A rug also adds texture, color, and warmth from the moment you walk in the door. 

Choose a bold, patterned rug to bring personality to a small foyer or natural fabric and materials like jute for an easygoing, earthy feel. And pick a rug that’s durable and easy to maintain. The best entryway rugs can handle daily comings and goings while still looking polished. 

Find the perfect entryway runner rug on Onton

10. Use a color palette that matches adjacent rooms

Your entryway is your home’s first impression. Curating an entryway design that echoes the style, color palette, and mood of the rest of the home makes the transition from the foyer to the living space feel harmonious. Whether it’s through matching wood tones, complementary paint colors, or repeating patterns, this simple foyer idea makes your home feel put together from the moment you step inside. 

11. Try a narrow bookcase for extra storage

If your entryway has limited space, go vertical with a slim bookcase to maximize every inch. Use the lower shelves for practical storage — baskets for shoes, bins for gloves — and the upper shelves to show off your personality with carefully curated entryway decor. Style with a few favorite books, a decorative vase, or framed photos to make the foyer feel both functional and lived-in. 

12. Make the most of natural light

If your entryway is flush with natural light, use it to your advantage. Skip heavy curtains and keep window treatments minimal to let sunshine pour in. Decorate with reflective accents — a large mirror, a glass vase, or even glossy paint — to bounce light around and make small rooms feel bigger. 

13. Upgrade your light fixtures

A statement ceiling light instantly elevates entryway design. Whether it’s a sculptural pendant, an Art Deco flush mount, or an arched chandelier, the right light fixture brings character to the room. Bonus points if it pairs well with accent hardware or furniture in the rest of the home. 

Learn how interior design AI helps you preview different light fixtures before committing to a purchase. 

14. Create a gallery wall

Family photos, artwork, or sculptural pieces give guests a peek into your world. Don’t stress about a perfect arrangement — mix frames and sizes and play with asymmetrical layouts to create a casual, inviting display that feels uniquely yours. 

15. Rotate decorative accessories seasonally

Swapping out a few entryway decor pieces is one of the simplest ways to keep your space feeling fresh year-round. Trade ceramic pumpkins for evergreen branches in winter, or replace a heavy wool runner with a breezy patterned rug in spring. Small seasonal shifts help your entryway stay in step with the times. 

Explore entryway decor and foyer design with Onton

Is a slim console table or oversized bookshelf the right choice for your entryway? Onton’s AI-powered search engine makes it easy to figure it out. Try prompts like “shoe rack with extra storage” or “floating shelves for entryway” to find items that fit your foyer. 

Once you pick a few favorites, use Onton’s Imagine tool to see how your entryway furniture ideas will actually look. Just upload a photo and start experimenting with the layout and decor. 

Dream up your ideal foyer aesthetic with Onton.