Designing a Beautiful Entryway
A well-designed entryway is the first impression of your home. It blends style and functionality to wow people when they arrive. Key components like a mirror, a table or bench, lighting, and personal touches such as trays, baskets, or art are essential. The mirror often serves as the centerpiece, reflecting light, creating an illusion of space, and offering practicality. Here’s how to style these elements to craft a stunning entryway, enriched with insights from interior designers.
The Mirror: A Reflective Focal Point
Mirrors are transformative in an entryway, enhancing both aesthetics and utility. Designer Nate Berkus says, “Mirrors are a decorator’s best friend—they bounce light, add depth, and can make even the smallest spaces feel grand.” Here’s how to style them:
- Shape and Size: Opt for a large, oversized mirror to create drama and visually expand a narrow space. Kelly Wearstler advises, “Don’t be afraid to go big with your mirror—it can act as a window, opening up the space.” A beautiful choice is the 60 Inch Round Mirror for striking scale. Alternatively, a cluster like the Set of 3 GL Mirrors adds an eclectic vibe.
- Frame Style: The frame defines the mirror’s character. A sleek, minimalist frame like the Round Mirror Black Frame suits modern or Scandinavian styles, while an ornate, gilded frame like the Gold Fancy Mirror brings vintage glamour. Joanna Gaines suggests, “Choose a mirror frame that complements the style of your home—whether it’s rustic, modern, or somewhere in between.”
- Placement: Position the mirror at eye level, reflecting something visually appealing—like a light fixture or artwork—to amplify the space’s charm. This not only brightens the area but also makes it feel more dynamic.
Tables and Benches: Functional Style
A table or bench anchors the entryway, offering both utility and elegance. The choice depends on your needs—storage, seating, or a surface for decor.
- Tables: A slim console table is ideal for tight spaces. Emily Henderson notes, “A console table is like a blank canvas—you can style it with trays, lamps, and art to make it uniquely yours.” Choose glass or metal for a light, airy feel, or wood for warmth. Add drawers or shelves for hidden storage.
- Benches: For a welcoming touch, a bench works wonders. Sarah Sherman Samuel says, “A bench with a cushion or woven seat adds comfort and texture, making the space feel lived-in.” Pair it with a storage-friendly basket tucked underneath.
Scale is key. Bobby Berk advises, “Make sure your furniture fits the space—too big, and it feels cramped; too small, and it gets lost.” A small entryway might favor a narrow console, while a larger foyer can handle a bold bench.
Lighting: Illuminating Ambiance
Lighting sets the entryway’s mood while serving practical needs. It’s an opportunity to blend function with flair.
- Statement Fixtures: A chandelier or pendant can steal the show. Lindsey Brooke suggests, “In an entryway, lighting is your chance to make a bold statement—don’t shy away from something sculptural or unexpected.” A geometric pendant suits modern spaces, while a lantern adds timeless charm, beautifully reflected in mirrors like the Round Gold Bathroom Mirror with Light.
- Layered Lighting: Combine overhead lights with table lamps or sconces for warmth. Amber Lewis emphasizes, “Layering light creates depth and makes the space feel more inviting, especially in the evenings.” Place sconces beside a mirror like the Arched Mirror Gold or use a lamp atop a console.
Match the fixture to your ceiling height—dramatic chandeliers for high ceilings, flush-mounts for lower ones—to maintain proportion and impact.
Personal Touches: Trays and Beyond
Personal touches like trays, baskets, and art infuse character and keep the space organized.
- Trays: A tray like the Contemporary Mirrored Gold Tray corrals keys and mail while adding style. Marie Flanigan says, “A tray is both practical and pretty—it’s a small detail that can make a big impact.” Pick a material like marble for luxury or rattan for a relaxed feel, tying it to your decor scheme.
- Baskets: Stash shoes or accessories in baskets for a clutter-free look. Leanne Ford notes, “Baskets add texture and warmth, and they’re a lifesaver for hiding clutter.” Use baskets underneath a console or bench setup.
- Art and Decor: Complement the mirror with art, sculptures, or flowers. Shea McGee advises, “Incorporate pieces that tell a story or reflect your style—whether it’s a vintage find or a family photo.” Frame the scene beautifully with mirrors like the Scalloped Gold Mirror to create an effortless, layered entryway look.
Orlando Soria sums it up: “The entryway is your home’s handshake—it should feel welcoming, not overwhelming.”
Creating Cohesion
For a beautiful entryway, these elements must harmonize. Pair a bold mirror with a sleek table, or a rustic bench with a simple mirror, balancing style, color, and scale. Justina Blakeney reminds us, “Your entryway is the first chapter of your home’s story—make it a good one.” With thoughtful styling and designer wisdom, you’ll craft an entryway that’s both functional and a true reflection of you.
Why the Entryway Matters
As designer Shea McGee of Studio McGee puts it, "The entryway is your home's first impression. It should feel inviting and collected, giving a hint of what’s to come inside." A thoughtful mirror sets the tone, instantly making your home feel more welcoming and polished.
Entryway Mirror Ideas to Welcome You Home
Start with a Statement Piece
First impressions matter. Choosing a mirror that feels substantial can instantly make your entryway look considered and complete. A stunning option is the Antique Gold Leaf Mirror, which brings a vintage-inspired charm with its aged finish. If you want something lighter and more coastal, the Mirror with White Wooden Frame gives a relaxed, welcoming vibe.
Play with Shape and Texture
Switching up the typical rectangular mirror can add a playful and modern edge. Try the Round Gold Scalloped Mirror for an elegant yet unexpected silhouette. If you prefer a more organic feel, the Woven Coastal Mirror introduces texture that softens the look of a more structured entryway.
Design Tips: Picking the Right Entryway Mirror
Layer in Coastal and Nautical Touches
Entryways often benefit from a relaxed, vacation-like feel. Mirrors like the Nautical Mirror or the Round Coastal Mirror create a casual, breezy atmosphere that instantly puts guests at ease. These styles work beautifully with woven baskets, driftwood accents, and soft neutral rugs.
Double Up for Bigger Impact
If you have a wider entry wall, consider hanging two mirrors side-by-side. The Set of 3 GL Mirrors can be grouped or spaced apart depending on the look you want. Doubling up mirrors not only makes the area feel larger but also creates a chic, gallery-like effect.
Use Mirrors with Functional Features
Entryways often need to be practical as well as beautiful. Mirrors like the Entryway Mirror with Shelf and Hooks give you a convenient spot to hang coats, bags, or keys while still offering the reflective quality that opens up the space.
Choosing a Mirror Style That Matches Your Home
Bring in a Hint of Glamour
Mirrors can also be an opportunity to bring in a little sparkle. Pieces like the Scalloped Gold Mirror or the Gold Fancy Mirror introduce a subtle shimmer that feels both chic and inviting.
Choose Darker Frames for Modern Drama
If you lean toward a modern or industrial look, black-framed mirrors like the Round Mirror Black Frame or the Arched Mirror Black offer crisp, architectural lines. Darker frames help ground the entryway and work especially well with sleek console tables and bold lighting.
Think About Full-Length Options Too
For narrower entryways or apartments, a full-length mirror can be a smart and stylish choice. The Silver Full Length Mirror or the White Frame Full Length Mirror both allow for quick outfit checks while helping bounce light through tighter spaces.
Highlight Texture with Unique Frames
Sometimes it’s the frame that makes the mirror feel special. The Sea Coral Mirror, White offers intricate detailing perfect for coastal homes, while the Coconut Shell Mirror introduces an earthy, handmade feel that sets your entryway apart.
Final Touches to Complete the Look
Let Lighting Complete the Look
Pair your mirror with a sconce or a small table lamp to finish the entryway beautifully. Mirrors like the Round Gold Bathroom Mirror with Light already have built-in lighting, making it even easier to create a polished entry moment without the need for extra installation.
Create a Personal Moment
Layer a few favorite objects like a ceramic bowl for keys, a vase with greenery, or a small stack of books under your mirror to tell a story about your home. Entryways are small spaces, but they leave a big impression.
Let's Get Designging
Ultimately, your entryway mirror should make you smile every time you walk through the door. Whether you opt for a sleek black frame, a timeless round mirror, or a modern brass piece, it’s all about creating a space that feels personal, functional, and inviting.
