Our 5 Tips for Designing an Entrance Hall!
Designing the entrance to a home is not always an easy task. Often overlooked and challenging to organise and decorate, the entrance is the underappreciated space in many households. Yet, there are countless ways to make the most of this area, whether it’s large or small—adding a piece of furniture or several, creating decor to your taste, and even making it truly useful. Today, Embrin shares five tips to make your entrance practical, comfortable, and welcoming.
Define the Space
In some homes, the entrance is a room in its own right—sometimes spacious and well defined, offering a functional area for welcoming guests and storing belongings. However, in many modern or smaller homes, there isn’t always a clearly defined hallway. It then becomes essential to create a practical and attractive area to prevent coats, shoes, and bags from piling up in the middle of the living space.
There are several simple and effective ideas for structuring this zone without major works. A curtain in neutral or colourful tones can instantly create a visual separation between the entrance and the rest of the interior, while adding a decorative touch. Installing a multifunctional piece of furniture, such as a wooden console with integrated baskets or a storage bench, optimises the layout by combining practicality and style.
Wall-mounted storage solutions, like shelves or designer hooks, help keep a hallway tidy without encroaching on available space. A mirror can also visually enlarge the entrance while adding a touch of refined decoration. Thus, even in a small area, it’s possible to create an elegant and functional entrance, perfectly integrated with the rest of the home.
The little extra: Curtains hung at the entrance of the home can also help limit draughts through the front door. Many restaurants and hotels use this technique to block cold air when guests enter and leave.
Dress the Room
The entrance hall is often a space where decoration is neglected… Yet it’s the first room you see when you arrive home and the first visual connection guests make with your interior.
So, don’t hesitate to decorate this area: plants, frames, family photos, attractive storage furniture, a stylish pendant light… Create small shelves or wooden shoe racks. Don’t hesitate to paint them—it will instantly add more texture to the entrance.
If your entrance is small or extends into a corridor, opt for a mirror: as well as brightening the space, it will visually enlarge the room, avoiding any sense of narrowness. Pair it with discreet shoe storage for a clever combination of comfort and smart organisation. A thoughtfully designed entrance then becomes a real asset to your home’s decor.
Our tip: Dress the front door with a colourful curtain to hide an unsightly or cold-looking door.
Hide Your Belongings
The entrance to your home is a key space that should be cleverly arranged to combine practicality with harmonious décor. The hallway or entrance hall is often the first glimpse you get of an interior, so it deserves careful decoration and clever storage to avoid clutter.
To make the most of this area, opt for smart layouts with multifunctional furniture. A wooden storage bench, for example, is an excellent solution: it provides a seat for putting on shoes while offering discreet storage for footwear. Consider wall-mounted coat racks or elegant hooks for hanging jackets and bags without crowding the space. If you want to hide these elements while maintaining a clean atmosphere, a light curtain or decorative screen will structure the area with style.
Wall shelves and built-in cupboards are also effective ideas for making the most of ceiling height and freeing up floor space. For a decorative touch, play with natural materials like wood, add a mirror to visually enlarge the space, and include a few decorative accessories to personalise the look. In this way, your entrance will be both functional, attractive, and perfectly integrated with your interior.
Our tip: If you have light-coloured walls, choose a brightly coloured curtain to add vibrancy and personality to your entrance. Opt for a more neutral shade if you wish to draw attention to another part of the room.
Add a Touch of Cosiness to This Raw Space
If, despite all your efforts, the entrance still lacks warmth, decorate it. Add frames of different sizes, materials, and colours to create a cosier atmosphere.
You can also place a linen throw or cushions of various sizes on an entrance bench. This makes the space feel more inviting.
Our tip: You can change the cushion covers according to the season. Choose warm tones such as ochre and chocolate in autumn, and pine green and terracotta in winter. Conversely, opt for pastel and cooler shades from spring through to summer.
Furnish the Entrance
If you’re lucky enough to have a proper entrance, don’t forget to add a piece of furniture—or even several if space allows. The entrance should then become a room in its own right, with its own charm. Take the opportunity to define a decorative style for this area: what atmosphere do you want to feel every time you walk into your home?
And why not use a soft, patterned quilt, warm and comfortable, on a vintage bench for taking off your shoes or sitting while waiting for the family to be ready?
Our tip: Choose an upholstered armchair to add a comfortable and cosy touch to your entrance! If not, dress up your chair with a throw or a sheepskin.
Images: Pinterest