Decorating an Entryway Foyer

An entrance into your home is a transition area that allows you to close off the outside world and get your bearings inside.  This typically narrow space, where people and their gears tend to congregate, should be welcoming, attractive, and functional.  Here are some suggestions to help you streamlined your entryway.

1. Ceiling light fixture:  Install a pendant lamp or a chandelier so that the bottom is six feet eight inches above the floor.  You will lose its visual impact if the light fixture is hung much higher.  And the space will feel closed-in if you hang it much lower.
2. Console or a chest of drawers:  Choose a modest and narrow console, about 18 inches deep, that won’t impede foot traffic.  Chest of drawers is great to store everyday items so you can find things fast and keep this area neat.  You can select from many styles when choosing a chest of drawers, but keep the furnishings proportional to the size of the room.  Leave some blank wall space at each end so the room doesn’t appear cramped.  It is nice to have a place that is wide enough to put down your mail and keys. 
3. A row of hooks:  Add a row of hooks to hang keys, hats, artwork, or the dog’s leash.
4. Framed photos:  For a unified looked, mounted small framed photos about an inch apart and large ones about 2 inches apart.  Balancing between the color of the photos (light and dark colors), the size of the mats (large and small), and the thickness of the frames (wide and narrow).
5. Mirror:  The mirror visually enlarges a space and allows you and guests to check our appearances as we go out or come in.
6. Table lamp:  A taller than normal lamp about 18 to 20 inches high will make a tight space appear to have higher ceiling.  Select narrow lamp shade so the shade does not stick out beyond the edges of the console or top of the chest of drawers or it might get knocked over.
7. A stool, a bench, or a trunk:  Add a stool, a bench so you can sit and place your belonging.  An antique trunk or chest can serve as a bench style seating and provide a storage space.
8. A decorative clock:  Hang a clock to make sure you are heading out the door in time.  Clocks for the foyer should display the time clearly and have nice clean lines.  Go for innovative shapes, a playful designed or fun color.
9. A runner:  Rug softens your floor, adds color, and collects dirt before it spreads to the rest of the house.  In a foyer, it is best to see some of the floor and to keep the runner clear of furnishing so the space has a feel of openness.  The runner should be about 20 inches from the wall and should not extend the entire length of the hallway.  The front door needs to swing open freely.
10. An umbrella stand:  If you live in a rainy area, an umbrella stand in the corner is a nice touch.

The foyer area needs to be free of clutter; it is crucial to maintain a streamlined setup.  Keep scale in mind:  Oversized pieces will overwhelm a small foyer; delicate pieces will be lost in a grand one.  By furnishing your foyer with a few stylish, practical, and well-proportioned pieces, it is easy to have an inviting entryway that is sure to make a good first impression.