When we create a welcoming entryway, we are making the first impression we give our guests. A warm and inviting entryway serves as an introduction to our homes. Just as the saying goes, “You only get one change to make a good first impression,” our homes also only get one chance to make a good first impression. The entryway is the best place to welcome people into your home. Whether those people are guests, family and loved ones, or yourself, the entryway is all about creating a sweet moment for folks, the moment they step into your home.
Step One | Create The Space
If you don’t have a large formal entry way into your home, it can be challenging to create a welcoming entryway for family and for guests. Our first home did not have an entry way. The front door opened directly into the living room. We struggled for so long to create a way to welcome folks in without feeling as if we had dumped them right in.
We were fortunate enough to have enough space to move the sofa away from the wall about 36 -40 inches. When we made this one simple adjustment, we created the opportunity to move in a small table, a lamp, a rug, and voilà, we created an entry way. Yes, guests still entered directly into our living room, but if felt different. It gave us a moment to take their jackets, a rug to place shoes, and a table for us to lay our keys. It wasn’t a difficult change, it just took thinking outside the box.
Small entryways
We have lived in homes with large entryways and small entryways. Trying to create a welcoming entryway in each one comes with its own challenges. A large entryway needs more furniture, more lighting, and more decor to make it feel welcoming. A small entryway still needs furniture, lighting and decor, but you have to be creative in order to save space.
First, if you don’t have an entryway, carve one out. This can be a simple table, a small dresser, or chest beside the door. It’s a smart choice because it allows space for all of the elements of a welcoming entryway, plus it provides valuable storage space for things like hats, scarves, umbrellas, and all those last minute things you need before you leave.
Second, decide on your aesthetic and set the mood. This is super simple. You don’t need a lot to make a good first impression. Create a welcoming entryway with simple decor, warm lighting, an area rug, and a little greenery.
Step Two | Layer In Lighting
Often entryways can be dark. If an entryway doesn’t have a ton of lighting as part of the architecture, create layers of lighting to give a warm and welcoming ambiance to your space.
There is a rule in our house – we don’t use the overhead light unless absolutely necessary. In fact, we call it ‘the hateful light.’ That means we have to layer in other forms of lighting to illuminate our space.
In our home, we have an entry that opens directly onto our stairs. Literally when the front door is open, we have about 3 square feet of space. There is not room for a table, or lighting, or decor. Then we have a long narrow hallway. When I say it’s narrow, I mean narrow. The hallway measures 33.5 inches wide. If we put a typical width console table that measures between 11 – 14 inches, we leave barely any room to walk. Add in the fact that this long narrow hallway has no overhead light. It’s dark, folks. Very very dark.
Here’s what we did to fix it: I purchased a narrow console table from Wayfair. It measures 9 inches in depth. Now, that’s not a lot of space, but it’s enough for a few small key pieces. Lighting, greenery, a piece of artwork, and a mirror help to give the space life and welcome guests into our home.
We wanted to create a welcoming entryway, and this small desk lamp was our answer. It gives a soft warm light that draws folks into the living room. It also lights a very long dark hallway. When we come through the front door, this little lamp creates such a welcome, it feels like a warm gentle hug.
Step Three | Add Greenery and a Focal Point
Even the smallest of spaces needs a little touch of the outdoors, even if it’s faux. I love fresh flowers and greenery as much as anyone, but sometimes, it’s just not an option. In those instances, I like to have a few faux stems on hand to add a bit of life and to create a welcoming space.
I like to use at least one of the following options:
- Baby’s breath
- Spring stems
- Faux branches
- Moss bowls
Focal points don’t have to be large
When adding in a focal point, it doesn’t have to be large to create a welcoming entryway. A mirror hung on the wall reflects light and enlarges a space. Greenery brings in the feeling of life. A candle gives a warm ambiance and can introduce a signature scent. Carefully chosen decor pieces create interest. All of these items can be a focal point and all of them will help create a welcoming entryway.
On this small entry table in our apartment, we have a wooden box that holds stamps and envelopes for outgoing mail, a couple of black bells, a faux horn magnifying glass, and a vessel with faux baby’s breath.
Step Four | Add a Rug
If you have the space, adding a rug can help create a welcoming entryway. A rug, whether small, large, round, square, or a runner, softens the feel of a hard floor after guests have removed their shoes. It’s a warm way to add character to your base layer, the floor, and to bring in a bit of color or texture.
The runner we chose for this entryway is made of cotton and leather strips. It has a leather fringe on both ends. It’s stunning to look at, soft under foot, and hides dirt like a champ.
Step Five | Keep it Clean and Clutter Free
The last and final way to create a welcoming entryway is to keep it clean and clutter free. That is my most important tip, and it is the simplest way to make your home feel welcoming. Whether you have a large entryway or small, a table, dresser, or just a rug and a mirror, keeping your entry way clean and clutter free ensures guests feel welcome as they arrive. Create a habit to clear away shoes, hang up jackets, and store keys and other items where they belong.
Creating a welcoming entryway is about making your guests feel welcome the moment they step into your home. These five steps will help you create a welcoming entryway, and help you give the best first impression and introduction into your home.
Read Our Story here to find out why we know so much about entryways…
