Simple Entryway Ideas and Tips

The entryway is the first sight and last stop in your home. It’s the spot that welcomes in your guests and gives them a good farewell. It’s the space to start unwinding before you walk deeper into the home. So why not decorate and design it to be inviting and warm with a touch of see you again soon? If you’re not quite sure how to decorate and design your entryway, you’re in the right spot. I am going to give you simple entryway ideas consisting of must-have items to include, various entryway design options, renter friendly ideas, and personal entryway decor piece recommendations.

Simple Entryway Must-Have Items to Include

Bench/Seat or Console Table

You’ll want to include a spot for people to be able to sit down and take off or put on their shoes. Benches are a great option for this as there’s plenty of space to sit and extra room for decorations. A pretty seat or stool will work just as well if you’re low on space. Or you can opt to use a console table. A console table (or sofa table) is a narrow and long table that hugs against the wall. It’s a perfect spot to set things down as you’re coming in the house.

I opted for the bench. There are several different styles of benches to choose from. However, I decided to build my own DIY jute bench. It was a little time consuming, by I love the natural touch it brings to my entryway.

Hooks/Coat Stand

Including some hooks or a coat stand is necessary to have an area for people to place their jackets, purses, bags, etc. Even if you don’t have many guests coming over or have a coat closet for this purpose, adding hooks fills up wall space and allows you to hang items that will add to the ambiance of the entryway.

I purchased a board of hooks but eventually removed those hooks to place them on a longer board to cover up more wall space. We also don’t have a coat closet, so the entryway is our coat closet.

Throw Pillows

This might seem a little odd, but a couple of throw pillows goes a long way in creating a warm and welcoming entryway. I love finding decorative pillows that have a quote or verse on them. I bought my entryway pillow from PCB Home and DIY’ed by other decor pillow. Use one large pillow with decorative qualities, or use two different sized pillows to add layers.

Wall Decor

Your entryway is the perfect space to add a statement wall decor piece. Use a large mirror, add a wood sign with a cozy saying, or a piece of art that coincides with the rest of the decor style. I have styled my entryway walls using a combination of hooks, a sign with the verse Joshua 24:15, and a farmhouse style decor piece to add extra hooks.

Accent Decor Piece

To tie everything together, add an accent decor piece such as a plant (real or fake… personally I’d go with fake because of how much movement is happening at the entryway), a couple baskets, a decorative throw blanket, bowls for keys/accessories, greenery, or anything else you want to add. I use a narrow decorative ladder to fill up the extra space in my entryway nook.

Simply Entryway Design Ideas

Open Concept Entryway

Entry Hall

Entryway Nook

Renter Friendly Simple Entryway Ideas

Use self-adhesive wallpaper or wall decals

If you’re not allowed to paint (and usually renters are not), but want to add some pizzazz to the walls, use self-adhesive wallpaper or wall decals. They’re not permanent and will not cause damage to the walls.

Use 3M hooks

To limit how many nails are put in the wall (if any), use 3M hooks to hang your wall decor and hooks. There are several different sizes and weight limits. If your 3M hooks show, try painting them as if they’re part of the design.

Use a coat stand instead of hooks

If you’re not comfortable using 3M products to hang your hooks (especially if you can’t find a good balance between design and functionality as the hooks will potentially hold heavy jackets), try using a coat stand instead of hooks.

Use a console table to hold your heavy wall decor

Instead of hanging your statement wall decor piece or mirror, use the top of the console table to rest the wall decor piece against.

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These simple entryway ideas are sure to equip you with the tips you need to create your own inviting and warm entryway. Play around with some different ideas. Try different decor pieces to see what you like the best. A simple entryway doesn’t have to be an expensive entryway. But either way, enjoy decorating your entryway!