Entryway Transformation Before and After Decor Ideas

The Story of Our Entryway “Before”: A Blank Canvas Awaiting Transformation

When we first moved into our house, it was a vibrant canvas of primary colors, a bold statement chosen by the previous owners. The living spaces, including the entryway, were painted in lively shades of yellow, blue, and green. Our entryway, in particular, featured a rather dated yellow wallpaper that, while once cherished, had definitely seen better days. It housed a small console table and mirror on the main back wall, complemented by a longer console on the adjacent left wall, offering just a hint of its presence.

While we might have tolerated the wallpaper for a few years if it were in pristine condition, its age had become apparent through discolored patches and wear. It was clear this wallpaper had to go. Thankfully, my wonderful in-laws were visiting around the time I decided to tackle this project and generously offered their help. And who was I to refuse such a kind offer? Their assistance proved invaluable, as this particular wallpaper seemed to have been applied with industrial-strength adhesive; it came off in frustratingly tiny, stubborn pieces!

After what felt like an eternity of scraping and peeling, the walls were finally bare. I painted them in a crisp, inviting shade of Benjamin Moore White Dove, a beautiful neutral that instantly brightened the space. We then brought in a chest from our previous home and placed it on the back wall. While it looked fresh and clean, I must admit, it also felt a bit “blah.” It lacked personality, warmth, and that essential welcoming factor a true entryway deserves. It was functional, but certainly not a space that made a memorable first impression.

Life, as it often does, got in the way. Almost seven years flew by, filled with larger, more demanding projects like our kitchen remodel, a master bathroom transformation, and countless other home improvements. The entryway, despite my initial intentions, remained in its “blah” state. But then, a moment of clarity struck – it was finally time to address this neglected space and transform our boring entryway into a truly stunning and welcoming area. These are the seven entryway decor ideas and design principles I used to create our refreshed, inviting space.

1. Add New Life and Character with Entryway Wallpaper

While the freshly painted white walls provided a clean base, they just weren’t cutting it for our entryway. The challenge was finding a color or treatment that would seamlessly connect with the five different rooms branching off this central space. I needed something more than just paint; I needed character. That’s when I discovered {this gorgeous wallpaper}. Its subtle yet impactful pattern immediately spoke to me, promising to tie all these disparate spaces together beautifully, creating a cohesive and elegant flow throughout our home.

In a true testament to my project procrastination, those wallpaper rolls sat in their boxes for a full two and a half years before I finally made hanging them a priority! It’s amazing how long some home projects can wait, but the moment I carved out the time, the transformation began.

Some of you might think I’m crazy for choosing wallpaper again after the ordeal of removing the old, stubborn kind. However, the secret to stress-free wallpaper application and removal lies in proper wall preparation. By coating your walls with a high-quality wallpaper primer beforehand, removal becomes infinitely easier when you’re ready for a change down the road. I highly recommend {this Shieldz wallcovering primer}, which primes, seals, sizes, and hides imperfections all in one coat. It makes a world of difference! (For more detailed tips, check out my post on how to remove wallpaper.)

The actual hanging process was a three-day labor of love, but every moment was worth it. The subtle pattern and sophisticated texture of the new wallpaper instantly changed the entire ambiance of our home, creating a soft, welcoming embrace as soon as you step through the front door. It truly transformed a formerly “blah” space into an elegant and inviting entryway.

2. Create a Focal Point with a Stunning Entryway Console Table

With the wallpaper gracefully adorning the walls, it was time for the truly fun part: decorating our newly refreshed space! My goal was to find an entryway console table that would serve as the anchor of the space, a true focal point that commanded attention without overwhelming the area. To maintain the light and bright aesthetic established by the wallpaper, I specifically sought out an entryway console that was open in design, avoiding closed cabinetry or drawers, and featured a light, airy color palette. I meticulously scoured various retailers, compiling a list of my favorite finds:

1. Cabot console  |  2. Byron waterfall console table  |  3. Modern minimalist console table  |  4. Folsom console table  |  5. Geometric framework console  |  6. Belmont shore curved foot console  |  7. Capri console  |  8. White curved leg console table  |  9. Blake raffia console – no longer available  |  10. Hamilton rattan console table

Beyond aesthetics, versatility was a key factor in my decision-making. As this isn’t our “forever home,” I wanted a console table that could effortlessly transition to a future residence, adapting to different styles and spaces. After much deliberation, I settled on a beautiful raffia console in a natural finish. Its texture and understated elegance were perfect for the entryway. Unfortunately, this specific model has since been discontinued, but its timeless appeal serves as a wonderful example of thoughtful console table selection.

Looking for more console table inspiration? Explore my comprehensive guide on behind-the-couch tables, featuring options for every style and budget, perfect for any room in your home!

3. Art is a Great Way to Showcase Your Style and Personality

With the console table in place, my attention turned to art – an entryway decor idea that truly makes a significant difference in defining the space’s personality. Art is not just decoration; it’s a reflection of your taste and can evoke emotion the moment guests arrive. I embarked on a quest for a large vertical art piece to gracefully adorn the wall above our new console table. Simultaneously, I needed a similarly sized art piece for a bare wall in our bedroom. Given the harmonious color palettes in both spaces, I decided to order two stunning options and choose their final placements after seeing them in person.

My first choice was “Grace in the Winds” by Emily Jeffords, available {here} (shown on the left), an ethereal piece that exuded tranquility. My second option was “Marathon” by Laurent and Leif, found {here} (on the right), offering a more vibrant and dynamic composition.

Both pieces were 30″ x 40″ Minted art prints, framed in a classic white wood. Minted has become one of my absolute favorite sources for art, and for good reason. They boast an enormous selection from independent artists, offer most prints in a vast array of sizes, and provide an invaluable visualizer tool. This feature allows you to preview exactly how your chosen art will look with various size, frame, and matting combinations, ensuring you make the perfect selection for your space. It was a tough decision between the two, but ultimately, I opted for the more calming “Grace in the Winds” for our bedroom, creating a serene retreat. The more colorful and energetic “Marathon” found its perfect home above the entryway console, adding a pop of life and personality to our welcoming space.

4. Consider Adding Practical and Stylish Entryway Seating

While often overlooked, integrating seating into your entryway can dramatically enhance its functionality and comfort, making it a truly welcoming and practical space. Whether for lacing up shoes before heading out, kicking them off upon arrival, or simply having a spot to set down a bag, entryway seating is a big plus. If your entryway boasts ample space, a narrow hall bench can be a fantastic addition, offering both seating and often a bit of hidden storage. For those with more compact entryways, consider versatile options like ottomans, poufs, or elegant X-base stools, which can be neatly tucked under an open console table when not in use.

For my entryway, I selected two of {these chic cube ottomans}. They proved to be an absolutely perfect fit, sliding effortlessly beneath the console and providing comfortable, stylish seating without visually cluttering the space. Their compact design and elegant aesthetic were exactly what the area needed.

Not only do they serve as convenient quick seats, but the thoughtful details, like their gorgeous brass zippers, add an unexpected touch of luxury and visual interest. These small details truly elevate the overall design, proving that even functional pieces can be stylish statements.

If you’re looking for similar options, there are many other stylish cube ottomans available, which you can explore {here}. For those seeking entryway seating that ingeniously doubles as shoe storage, be sure to check out my dedicated post on creative entryway shoe storage ideas, designed to keep your space tidy and functional.

5. Soften the Space and Define Zones with an Entryway Rug

Beyond aesthetics, a thoughtfully chosen entryway rug or runner plays a pivotal role in enhancing comfort, defining the space, and adding an essential layer of texture and warmth. This often-underestimated entryway decor idea can instantly soften hard flooring, absorb sound, and provide a welcoming tactile experience underfoot. For an entryway, durability is key, as it’s a high-traffic area. Look for rugs made from resilient materials like wool, jute, or performance synthetics that can withstand daily wear and tear while still looking beautiful.

When selecting a rug, consider its size and placement. A runner is ideal for narrow entryways, guiding the eye and creating a sense of length. For larger, more open entryways, a small area rug can help define the space as a distinct zone, separating it from adjacent rooms. The color and pattern of your rug should complement your existing decor, echoing the tones of your wallpaper, console table, and art without competing for attention. A subtle pattern can introduce visual interest, while a solid color in a rich texture can add sophisticated depth.

Although I didn’t incorporate a rug into this specific makeover, the principle remains universally valuable for most entryways. Had the space called for it, I would have opted for a durable, low-pile rug in a muted tone that seamlessly blended with the serene wallpaper, perhaps with a subtle geometric pattern to add a touch of modern elegance. A rug would complete the layered look, making the entryway feel even more inviting and cohesive, reinforcing the sense of thoughtful design throughout the home.

6. Add Warmth and Ambiance with 1-2 Entryway Table Lamps

One of the most crucial, yet often overlooked, elements in successful interior design is layered lighting. This principle is especially vital in an entryway, where it can dramatically impact the mood and functionality of the space. Rather than relying solely on overhead lighting, incorporating accent lighting like table lamps creates a warm, inviting glow that welcomes you and your guests. This entryway decor idea instantly elevates the ambiance, particularly during the evening hours, transforming a utilitarian space into a cozy haven.

For my console table, I chose one of {these elegant white lamps}. They come as a pair, offering excellent value, and their simple yet sophisticated design seamlessly integrates with the existing decor. The soft light they emit not only highlights the console and the art above it but also casts a warm, inviting pool of light that makes the entire entryway feel more welcoming and lived-in. When selecting lamps, consider their scale in relation to your console table and the overall height of your art piece. Aim for a balance that feels visually harmonious, ensuring the lamp adds to the composition rather than overpowering it. The right lighting can truly be a game-changer for your entryway design.

7. Layer in the Decorative Accessories for Personal Flair

Last but certainly not least in wrapping up this entryway makeover, we arrive at the smaller, yet incredibly impactful, decorative accessories. These are the elements that inject personality, texture, and visual interest, truly completing the space and making it feel curated and lived-in. Think of them as the finishing touches that tell a story and reflect your style. The key is thoughtful layering and selecting items that complement each other in terms of height, texture, and form.

Next to my elegant table lamp, I added a decorative wooden box, perfect for tucking away keys or small essentials, and {this charming decorative snail}, a whimsical piece I “swiped” from the floating shelves in our kitchen. This brass snail, with its unexpected touch, quickly became one of my favorite accessories, proving that sometimes the best decor pieces are ones you already own or find in surprising places.

On the opposite side of the console, a beautiful piece of faux wave coral, a lucky HomeGoods find from years ago, adds an organic, sculptural element, bringing a touch of the ocean’s tranquility indoors. It introduces a contrasting texture and form to the arrangement.

The lower shelf of the console table provided a perfect opportunity for more styling. It became the ideal home for a curated selection of my favorite coffee table books, adding a personal touch and a sense of intellectual curiosity. These were artfully arranged alongside {this shallow wooden bowl}, which provides another textural layer and a grounding element, and a strand of glass beads similar to {these}, draped artfully to add a delicate sparkle and movement. Together, these accessories create a balanced, inviting vignette that enhances the entryway’s overall appeal.

And with these thoughtful layers, our entryway makeover was complete! Are you ready to witness how all these elements harmonized to create a stunning and welcoming space?

It’s truly a remarkable transformation from the dated, “blah” “before” state:

to this bright, elegant, and welcoming “after”:

I deliberately chose not to add any additional large furniture pieces to our entryway beyond the console table, as my primary goal was to preserve an open, airy feel in this central thoroughfare. However, to enhance both visual interest and functionality, I did incorporate {this large woven wall basket} on the wall to the right. It adds a beautiful textural element and a subtle nod to natural, global-inspired decor, while also offering a practical spot for mail or small items.

And with that, our entryway makeover is officially complete! This journey, from procrastination to a truly stunning reveal, has been incredibly rewarding. It underscores the power of a well-designed entryway to transform the entire feel of a home. I’m already brainstorming and scheming my next home project, which I hope to kick off in just a few weeks. Stay tuned for more design adventures and transformations!

XO,