You’ve heard it before and you’re about to hear it again—your entryway is one of the most important “rooms” in your home.
Why? Because everyone who comes into your home is going to see it.
Because of its prominent location, your entryway needs to look good. But it also needs to be functional. In my opinion, the best entryways offer a taste test of your style. They give visitors a glimpse of what’s to come and create intrigue about what’s to come, while also giving you a place to toss your keys and stash your junk mail.
If you’re like me, living in a small apartment in a big city, you probably don’t have a ton of space to work with. So how do you do it?
Here are five essential elements that come together to create a killer entryway every time.
1. An Entry Table that Fits in Your Space
A table is “the big piece” in almost every entryway—you need something you can put things on right when you get home.
But your entry table doesn’t necessarily have to be a table. It could be a traditional entryway table, but it could also be a vintage dresser, a bookcase, or a metal shoe rack with a flat top. If you only have a corner to work with, maybe you use a stool.
The surface you choose should reflect your home’s style. So, if you’re going for a traditional design, you’ll probably want a formal console. But if vintage eclectic is more your jam, an antique dresser could be perfect.
What matters most is the size of your entryway table.
You want your table to fill the space without blocking the path into your home. You should be able to easily navigate around the piece without having to worry about sharp corners getting in the way.
If you don’t have a lot of space, a piece with open shelving will create an airy feel. For larger entryways that need something substantial, opt for a closed credenza or a chest of drawers.
2. Storage Space
When you walk into your home, you almost always need to put something down.
Your entryway should accommodate this need with storage space.
For me, a drawer is a must. I need a place to throw all the junk I accumulate while I’m out and about, and a drawer lets you store it away out of sight.
But drawers aren’t the only way to get storage out of your entryway.
You can also slide baskets underneath the table, or use a sleek shoe rack as your main piece. If you want to make some extra room in your closet, a few strategically placed hooks can display your favorite bags, hats, or jewelry as art in your entryway.
3. A Catchall Dish
Every entryway needs a catchall dish and I will die on that hill. If you don’t have one, you’re going to end up with keys, coins, wallets, and sunglasses scattered all over your beautifully styled table.
Your catchall could be anything—a really beautiful bowl, a decorative tray, a vintage ashtray.
It doesn’t matter what you use as long as it works with your aesthetic and gives you a designated place to toss your keys.
4. Ambient Lighting
The right lighting has power. The soft, moody glow of your favorite restaurant? That’s not magic. That’s just good lighting.
Having a lamp right in your entryway makes the space more pleasant to come home to and more welcoming for guests.
Like your entryway itself, lamps can do double duty by providing form and function. A sculptural lamp can be displayed like a piece of art, and it will also keep your entry well-lit. If you don’t have a lot of surface space, opt for wall sconces. There are a ton of renter-friendly options out there that don’t require wiring.
5. A Signature Scent
Smell is almost as powerful as lighting and can be a defining feature in your home.
You can use candles, incense, or a diffuser to greet guests with a nice scent as soon as they walk in the door.
If you stick to the same one, your friends will soon start to associate it with your home the same way we associate certain stores with their signature fragrances.
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