Do This to Your Entryway for an Instant ‘Wow’ Factor

Your entryway makes the first impression of your home, and you want it to count. But here’s the thing: most people focus on the living room or kitchen while their entryway sits plain and forgotten. 

The good news? You can turn this overlooked space into the most impressive part of your home with these simple changes. Do this to your entryway for an instant ‘wow’ factor.

1. Install Statement Lighting

Want to know the fastest way to transform your entryway? Look up. Your ceiling light fixture can make or break the entire space. 

Skip the basic builder-grade fixtures and go for something bold. A large pendant light or small chandelier will instantly draw eyes upward and create visual interest.

The trick is to pick a light that’s big enough to command attention but not so huge it overwhelms the space. As a rule of thumb, add the length and width of your entryway in feet. 

That number in inches is your ideal fixture width. For example, if your entry is 10 feet by 8 feet, look for an 18-inch wide light fixture.

2. Create a Focal Wall 

The wall directly across from your front door needs special attention. It’s the first thing people see when they walk in. Here are some foolproof ways to make it stand out:

Install a large mirror with a striking frame. Not only will it bounce light around and make your space feel bigger, but it also gives guests a chance to check their appearance as they come and go. The key is to go big, about two-thirds the width of the wall.

Another option is to create a gallery wall with black and white family photos in matching frames. The uniform color scheme keeps it from looking cluttered while still adding tons of personality. 

Start with five to seven frames and add more as you collect meaningful photos.

3. Pick the Perfect Console Table Size

A console table is your entryway’s best friend. It serves multiple purposes: it’s a landing spot for keys and mail, a surface for decor, and it anchors the whole space. 

But here’s what most people get wrong: they buy one that’s too small or too shallow. Your console table should be at least half the length of your wall. 

For depth, you want at least 12 inches to hold items comfortably. Any smaller and things will keep falling off the back. Add two table lamps at either end for symmetry and extra lighting. 

The warmth from table lamps creates a more welcoming atmosphere than overhead lighting alone.

Choose the Right Floor Coverage

Your entryway floor takes a beating from foot traffic, but it can still look amazing. An area rug is your secret weapon here. 

Choose one that’s at least 2 feet wider than your door on each side. This gives people enough space to wipe their feet and adds a layer of style.

For high-traffic homes, skip the light colors and delicate materials. A dark patterned rug in wool or synthetic fiber will hide dirt between cleanings and stand up to heavy use. Plus, a pattern adds visual interest without showing every speck of dust.

Add Storage to Eliminate Clutter

Nothing kills the wow factor faster than clutter. You need a place for shoes, coats, and bags that keep them out of sight but easy to reach. Here’s how to do it right:

Install hooks at different heights for coats and bags. Space them at least 8 inches apart so items aren’t crowded. Paint the hooks the same color as your wall for a sleek look.

A storage bench serves double duty as seating and a place to stash shoes. Look for one with cubbies or drawers underneath. This keeps shoes organized and gives guests a spot to sit while removing boots.

Include These Small Touches

Small touches can have a big impact when done right. Place a tall vase with fresh greenery or artificial stems on your console table. The height draws the eye up and adds life to the space.

Install new house numbers in a modern font, both inside and outside your entry. This shows attention to detail and adds a custom touch. Choose numbers in a finish that matches your light fixtures for a cohesive look.

Replace your basic doormat with something more substantial. Layer a washable indoor mat over your outdoor one for extra style and function. This double-mat approach keeps more dirt out of your home and looks more intentional than a single thin mat.

Select the Right Paint

Paint is your biggest ally in creating impact. Dark colors can make your entryway feel more dramatic and expensive. 

Navy blue, charcoal gray, or deep green on all walls creates a bold statement. If you’re not ready for dark walls, paint just the door and trim in a rich color.

For small entryways, use the same color on walls and trim, but in different finishes. Flat paint on walls and semi-gloss on trim create subtle contrast without chopping up the space visually.

Layer Your Lighting Properly

Good lighting transforms your entryway from basic to brilliant. You need three types of light: overhead for general illumination, table lamps for warmth, and accent lighting to highlight special features.

Install LED strip lights under a console table or along stair risers for a high-end hotel vibe. These lights are inexpensive but look luxurious. Plus, they work as night lights without being too bright.

Make It Your Own

The best entryways reflect the style of the people who live there. Maybe it’s a vintage mirror passed down through family, or art you picked up on vacation. Include one unique piece that tells your story and sparks conversation.

Keep the rest of your decor simple and let that special piece shine. This balance of personal and polished creates an entryway that wows guests while still feeling like home.

Why Your Entryway Matters

Think about the last time you walked into someone’s home. What caught your eye first? Your entryway sets the entire mood of your house. It’s like a preview of what’s to come, and you want that preview to be good.

Your entryway affects how big your home feels. A well-designed entrance can make a small house feel bigger and a big house more welcoming. 

Your New Entryway Awaits

These changes can transform your entryway from forgettable to fantastic. Start with one or two updates and add more as time and budget allow. 

The key is keeping the space clean and clutter-free, so your carefully chosen elements can shine. Soon you’ll have an entryway that makes you smile every time you walk through the door.