5 Pro-Approved Tips for Decorating an Entryway So It Makes a Lasting Impression

Your entryway is truly your home's chance to make a first impression and serves as an opportunity to teach visitors about your personal design style.

"Your entryway will set the stage for the rest of your home, so it should absolutely be a reflection of you," Emily LaMarque, the founder of Emily LaMarque Design Studio, says.

LaMarque recommends selecting furnishings, colors, and materials that represent who you are and inspire you. Melanie Millner, founder of The Design Atelier, echoes these sentiments and encourages homeowners to go bold.

“I like to incorporate pops of color into an entryway to immediately make guests feel welcome and comfortable," Millner says.

If you're wondering just how to design an entryway that will charm your guests and make a lasting impression, keep reading. We've spoken with a handful of interior designers who share their top five tips for designing a memorable entryway with ease.

Style a Table

If your entryway is spacious enough to fit a round table, placing one front and center is sure to make a major impression. Breegan Jane, an interior designer, notes that a well-styled entryway table is one of her favorite ways to make an instant impact.

Jane likes to incorporate books, decorative objects, and florals as part of such a display. She recommends mixing together objects of various heights and shapes for a well-curated, sophisticated look.

Invest in Statement Lighting

The specific pieces you choose here are entirely up to you, but make an effort to replace those generic builder-grade light fixtures in your entryway with lighting that is elevated and reflects your aesthetic. Renters, you can do this, too—just keep the original fixtures somewhere safe so that you can reinstall them before moving out.

"Whether that means adding architecturally-interesting wall sconces or going big and bright overhead, statement lighting will leave your guests talking long after the party is over," Sara Malek Barney, the founder of BANDD/DESIGN, says.

The exact fixtures you select should be based on your entryway size and layout.

"Consider whether the ceiling height is good for a beautiful chandelier or would the space be better served with one or two table lamps," Grey Joyner, the founder of Grey Joyner Interiors, says.

Prioritize Function

While your entryway should be eye-catching, you'll want to make sure that this space also serves a practical purpose, particularly if your home doesn't also contain a mudroom.

"Make sure your entryway can also act as a safe haven for personal belongings in an aesthetically pleasing way," Barney says. Whether that's baskets, storage, or coat hooks to tidy up your space.

You can always tuck aesthetically placing baskets under a console table or make a statement with a grand-looking coat rack in order to corral everyday essentials without sacrificing style.

Decorate the Walls

According to Christine Vroom, the founder of Christine Vroom Interiors, one way to differentiate your home's entryway from all of the others is to go big with art. The designer's top pick is a piece that has vibrant colors or sparks conversations when guests come over.

"Nothing leaves a bigger mark than a special piece of art," Barney says. "One way to really get some attention is by having fun and adding a playful piece in your entryway."

Wallpaper is another excellent option for the entryway—and going bold is encouraged. Samantha Tosti, the founder of Tosti Design, explains how the entryway is the perfect place to pack a design punch since it's the gateway to the rest of your home.

"It's the perfect opportunity to use that wallpaper you love so much but worry it might be too bright or busy," Tosti says.

Include a Mirror

In addition to hanging artwork, you'll want to be sure to incorporate a mirror in the entryway, too.

Joyner explains how hanging a mirror will help any entryway space appear bigger than it really is (perfect for small spaces), add visual interest, and allow you to check your appearance when quickly heading out.

The style of mirror you select should complement the other pieces in your entryway. Here, a mixture of antique pieces pair together beautifully, resulting in a storied vignette.

Read Next: 28 Inviting Entryway Bench Ideas to Welcome Guests

Read the original article on The Spruce.