15 Small Entryway Ideas That Make a Tiny Entry Feel Welcoming
So your front hall is small. Perhaps, it’s just a hallway. That doesn’t mean that it needs to be a shoe barn or junk mail depot. A cramped rental hall can in fact look neat and tidy as well as still function when you are picking up your keys at 8am.
The majority of these ideas are less than $100. There are also a lot of them who work in rentals. No contractors, no gut work.
1. Wall Hooks for Coats and Bags
SaveA small entry can’t hold as much furniture as hooks can. At eye level, you have a real coat or purse hook! No loss of floor space.
Hooks with a backplate are the way to go (they are quicker to put up and aren’t an afterthought). Command large utility hooks, rated to 7.5 lbs, work great for rentals and adhere to smooth painted walls. Used it myself.
2. Slim Shoe Storage Cabinet
SaveThis tipping-door shoe cabinet conceals all the shoe mess with just a slight projection out from the wall. The depth of most slim ones is 10 to 12 inches deep and can be installed in a small hallway.
A small plant or a tray can be placed on top to make it look like a piece of furniture, and not just storage.
3. Floating Bench with Hidden Storage
SaveFloating bench allows to sit down to put on shoes. Mounted on a wall so as not to block the floor below. That’s enough to create the illusion of a narrow hallway appearing longer.
If possible, get one that has a hinged seat. Inside go shoes, gloves, seasonal items. It’s a much more costly appearance than it actually is.
4. Console Shelf Instead of a Table
SaveA console shelf mounts on the wall, eliminating the need for a large entry table. You have a space for keys, mail and a candle – but nothing is on the floor collecting dust and making the space feel smaller.
Limit it to one or two items on top, or it will become a junk pile very quickly. The small shelf lip keeps items in place.
5. Mirror to Open Up the Space
SaveEntryway mirrors are nothing new. They add an extra roominess and, of course, you need one before you leave the house.
If drilling isn’t an option, lean a larger one against the wall, or use adhesive mirror panels from Target. Round or arched frames eliminate the boxy hall look.
6. Runner Rug to Define the Space
SaveThere are two things a runner does. It shields the floor and also it makes the entrance hall look like its very own area. Long and narrow is ideal as it extends the line of vision down the hall and makes everything seem less confined.
Low pile is the ideal option. It can be vacuumed more easily, and does not tend to roll at the edges. And get a pattern, not a solid. Patterns are much more accepting dirt (this is literally the first spot inside your front door).
7. Woven Baskets for Quick Catch-All Storage
SaveA basket located at the door. That’s it. Put scarves, hats and reusable grocery bags in there as you come inside. It actually appears to be a deliberate selection and things stop moving to every other surface.
Both HomeGoods and World Market have seagrass and rattan ones for less than $30. Pick up two of different sizes and pile them up if you have more space but don’t wish to attach anything on the wall.
8. Pegboard for a Customizable Wall
SavePegboards are terrific since you can rearrange the items whenever you want. Change the location of the hooks from season to season, add a small shelf, whatever! It is a good choice if you are changing your workout routine from season to season, as you can simply rearrange things.
When it is painted the same color as the wall, it does not appear like something that is utilitarian. There are lots of pegboard kits available and they can be installed with a few screws.
9. Wall Pegs for a Minimal Look
SaveIf a whole pegboard is too much, simply do single wall pegs. Same function, cleaner look. There is no dearth of shaker-style ones out there now. They pair with just about anything.
Just attach them to a small painted board (from Home Depot, 1×4 or whatever) and it will appear much more purposeful. It is very possible in a rental with heavy duty wall anchors.
10. Umbrella Stand for the Corner
SaveAn umbrella stand will help address a common small entryway dilemma: What to do with damp umbrellas. They are supported by something slender in the corner rather than hanging down and dripping on the floor.
Purchase one that has a drip tray. Or at minimum a removable waterproof liner. A plastic bucket looks like a million times worse than either rattan or ceramic.
11. Key Tray or Wall-Mounted Key Holder
SaveThe frantic, 7:55am key search you know? A dedicated location corrects that. Place a small tray on console shelf. Or mount a simple rack right next to the door.
Wooden trays, small bowls, ceramic dishes. Any of it works. It is the choice of the one spot and its actual use that matter.
12. Better Lighting Makes a Real Difference
SaveEntryway lighting is a thing that no one considers. It’s always one of those sad overhead fixtures or literally nothing. However, a plug in wall sconce (no wiring required) or even a battery operated puck light will make a huge difference.
Try this: Warm-toned bulbs (2700K) will help to make a narrow hall feel cozier instead of clinical. A small lamp on a console shelf is helpful.
13. A Plant to Add Life
SaveJust one plant near the door transforms the atmosphere. Does not have to be substantial. A 4″ pot is ok. Both snake plants and pothos are good options for low-light entryways.
If you have a small area, place a small pot on your console shelf or shoe cabinet rather than on the floor. Faux plants are great here as well – no one’s going to test your entryway plants for water.
14. Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper for a Feature Wall
SavePeel and stick wallpaper is a hugely underutilised rental idea. Simply close the wall you encounter when you enter. This is all it takes to make a focal point.
Consider a small-scale pattern as it won’t dominate so confined a space. Geometric prints seem to be effective. Subtle textures too. Plus, it comes off easily when it’s time to move out.
15. A Budget Refresh with Paint and New Hardware
SaveThis one is really easy. Paint one wall. Replace existing hooks. Done. The entire entry is like a different room with a soft sage or warm white instead of builder beige.
Choose a hook finish you really like the way it looks. Matte black is okay. Brushed brass is a little warmer. One or the other is effective in most apartments. If you already have a roller and a drop cloth, total cost could be less than $50.
How to Pull the Look Together
Before you begin purchasing items, consider how the items fit together. Unplanned additions only add to a cluttered little area. Here’s an easy way to create a unified small entryway:
| Element | Easy Option | Budget Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | Wall hooks or slim cabinet | Adhesive hooks for rentals |
| Seating | Floating wall bench | Fold-down seat from IKEA |
| Surface | Floating console shelf | Narrow shelf from any hardware store |
| Lighting | Plug-in wall sconce | Battery puck lights |
| Decor | Mirror, plant, runner rug | Thrift stores and discount home shops |
Don’t attempt to fit in all 15 concepts in a single entryway. Three or four is plenty. Think about the storage issue that you’re most frustrated with and toss in a surface if necessary, then throw in something that looks cute. Function first. Decorating second. This is more important if space is a concern.
Final Thoughts
To be honest, a small entryway could be the best thing that can be fixed in an apartment. It’s something you see every day. Sometimes twice. Even just adding some hooks and dropping down a runner rug from Target makes a difference when you enter your front door. No need for a major investment. Simply determine what you are really upset about with the space and begin with that. If you saw something you were interested in on this list, pin it for later to easily locate when ready to start. And let us know in the comments what you’re trying first.