The entryway comes into its own in the fall. More guests come through your door, going into cozy season, and unlike summer, where it's straight into the backyard, people mull, taking off coats and boots. Therefore, it pays to get your entryway looking more beautiful going into the autumn.
But learning how to improve your entry is about more than merely deciding what looks good. You want to create a feeling, especially at this time of year. You want the space to be cozy and welcoming.
So we asked designers for their best tips on how to make an entryway feel more beautiful for fall and winter. How can you create a space that feels like an elegant entrance but also makes guests feel welcome?
1. Bring in some new furniture
The key thing that can turn an entryway from feeling like a corridor into a proper room in the home is furniture. You should never overcrowd an entryway but it only takes one or two statement pieces to transform your entrance from a boring thoroughfare to a proper living space with character. Just be sure to pick out slimline furniture that won’t create a bottleneck but will provide storage opportunities and that all-important creative touch.
‘I think entryways should always make an impact, and furniture is such a great way to achieve it,' explains designer Sarah Vanrenen. 'I wanted the console used here to really stand out, which is why I used a strong red. I thought the impact would be even better if we also used red lamps and shades, which makes it modern but really looks dramatic alongside the ornate gilt mirror.’
And bringing furniture into an entryway can be a quick and inexpensive switch if you shop secondhand for vintage pieces, or look out for good quality bargain pieces. This cast-iron bench with a beautiful velvet top from Shea McGee's collection at Target would be a perfect quick addition to an entryway. Or the lacquer console table from the same collection will add that impact that Sarah talks of.
2. Always create a space for a seasonal vignette
Another really important tip for making an entryway feel more beautiful is to ensure you have some surface space to create vignettes. If you have the space, a table in the center of the room is the perfect spot.
‘A well-styled center table as you walk into a home has the power to instantly lift the entrance space and create a welcoming vignette for guests,’ says Emily Carlisle, director of Stuart Carlisle Interiors. ‘It gives the homeowner the opportunity to style up their entryway throughout the seasons with differing foliage and bring some warmth and personality into a space that is often dominated by harder materials and practical storage solutions.’
If a table in the center of your entryway isn't an option, adding some foliage to a console table will always look lovely. And style it up a bit more, just as you would a coffee table, adding some books and trinket trays that will make even the smallest space feel considered.
The trend for tiny tables this fall also opens the opportunity to add a teeny surface to your entryway, which you can style up just as you would a larger center table. This tiny brass cocktail table from Pottery Barn could squeeze into any size entryway.
3. Switch out your lighting
Lighting in an entryway is key to creating a soft and inviting space, and it can, of course, make the space instantly more beautiful. In this space, designer Juliette Byrne added drama to this traditional space using the Cloud Chandelier by Apparatus, creating an amazing contrast with the period features.
‘We would always recommend oversizing the light fittings in entryways as this adds a dramatic element to your entrance,’ explains Juliette. ‘We chose this fitting as we wanted to contrast contemporary decorative lighting with the original Georgian staircase. We used a polished plaster in dark grey on the walls so the white opalescent of the light remained the main feature.’
If you are looking for a quicker fix, wall lighting can add interest too, and with so many battery-operated designs out there now you don't need to call the electrician. Pooky is the master of the cordless wall light and its creative yet classic collection would be ideal for updating an entryway.
4. Invest in pretty but practical storage
Entryway storage is an essential all year round, but this space just seems to get more cluttered in the fall and winter. There are suddenly more coats, more shoes, more stuff. And a cluttered space does not a beautiful entryway make.
So use your storage to both corral the clutter and add something stylish to the space. Large wicker baskets, like these round chunky designs from Target, are perfect as they are spacious for hiding bulky items, and they have a lid, so no stray shoelaces. An ottoman that opens up so you can use it as both storage and seating (like this one from Wayfair) is also a good idea.
5. Add softness underfoot
Want to instantly make your entryway feel more beautiful and more cozy? Throwing down a rug or switching out your current one to something that feels more apt for fall is probably the quickest thing you can do.
An entryway is a high-traffic area, so you'll want to pick something that looks stylish but can also handle a bit of wear and tear. You could go for a really durable fabric like jute – Rugs USA has a checkerboard design that has a bit more to it than a plain jute rug, and the darker colorway feels right for fall. Or you could broaden your options and go for a washable rug that's designed for spaces like entryways. Ruggable has a huge selection; there's even a fall collection filled with autumnal motifs.
Getting your entryway ready is one of the first jobs on your list when it comes to switching your home around for the changing seasons. And not all these switches need to be big or costly to make an impact. You could even try shopping your own home – is there a storage bench in your bedroom that could have a new life in the entryway? Or a tiny table in the living room going unnoticed? You could bring in books and artwork, too. And don't forget a big vase of fall foliage.
