Living with a small entryway isn’t always ideal, nor is it the easiest to make functional. We currently live in our third home with a small entryway space, but this isn’t our first so I’d say were familiar with the territory. Our first home had a very similar set up so we got creative and made it work. To my surprise, that little entryway got noticed and made it’s debut in a magazine. Such an exciting time!
You can shop this space at the bottom of this post!
Here we are again, working with a small entryway, the one big difference is this entryway does come with the tiniest little closet perfect for keeping our shoes oraganized! I shared all about our shoe storage that’s keeping this closet tidy on my Instagram stories here. Outside of that, I have found a few things that makes a small entryway work and look good on the job! I think these tips and tricks will work no matter how big or small your space is!
Affiliate links are included. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Make use of wall space!
Where we lack in square footage we can make up for in wall space. Think vertical! The wall right next to the front door is about 3 feet wide and since we use the little coat closet to keep our shoes organized, we put wall hooks on the wall for guests to hang their sweaters (we’re in the Bay Area so not much coat action over here) and hats.
Create a focal point
Because the entryway space is small, what more reason to spotlight it. Creating a focal point helps define the space and says “hey every one, it’s me, Entryway”. It’s the perfect moment to add a statement pendant light. Or if your ceilings are low, a statement flush light works also. Here’s a few cutie pendant lights and flush lighting that I think would look great in the entryway.
Create a landing for people to be able to drop their things
I have a basket at the front door for bags and larger random items to go and I use this console under the stairs for guests and us to drop our keys, phones, iPads, etc. But here’s my favorite part, this table is also our tv cabinet. Well kind of. That artwork on top is our Frame TV and I thought it would be perfect to make this space work double duty. Sure enough, it works like a charm! If you can’t extend your entryway to a nearby space like this, you can totally use a floating shelf, and it can work just as great!
Put some personality into it
It’s so important for me to add a little character into each space. Something that makes you smile. For me, I loved adding this ceramic “stay awhile” sign that Jason just bought me for our anniversary. It’s quirky and simple and perfect for this space. In the last house I used this shelf to hold our keys, but in this house, it’s strictly to add a few items to style and to just have a little fun with. The little woven canisters currently are holding spare keys in one and the other just has pencils ready and available for when we play board games in the living room.
I also added that cute vintage rug from Rebecca and Genevieve in here because it also adds a little fun and pop of pattern into this small entryway. You can totally add whatever makes you smile to your space!
Make sure the entryway flows nicely with the design and style of the living room
In most cases, a small entryway will be right up against and open to the living room. While it’s important to create a space that’s its own, it’s equally important to stick with a nice flow into the living room. So keeping with the same finishes, colors, aesthetic.. all of that is so important. It’s just easier on the eyes, and doesn’t emphasize how small the entryway is. Of course, in my case, there’s no hiding it, haha!
No matter how big or small your spaces are, embrace them and make each space yours!
Where ever you are with your home, whether it’s your forever home (what does that even mean? We don’t even know how many days we have, let alone how long we will have a home) or a for now home.. Your ideal or not so ideal, make it yours! Make each space a place that’s welcoming, inviting and a blessing to everyone who comes in, especially your family, and it will instantly feel less like a house and more like a home!
Shop our entryway
entryway light | clock | floating shelf | wall hooks | “stay awhile” sign | floppy hat | curved basket | peace sign | similar vintage rug | similar vintage rug 2 | console table | two tone basket set | hat 2 | hat 3 | hat 4 | frame tv |wood frame for tv | speckled vase | reed diffuser | linen tray |
Michelle
October 21, 2019Hello, I love the flooring in your living room. Is it real wood? Luxury vinyl? Could you share the brand/color if you know it? Thanks so much!
Kristie H.
August 6, 2020Hi,
Where did you buy the plant in the corner?
Thanks!