Small entryway ideas – 10 design rules for compact entrances

Small entryway ideas are often overlooked, despite setting the decorative tone for the rest of your home. Whether its the first space any guest sees when they enter the house, or a circulation zone between rooms, all the entryways, hallways and landings in your home demand serious design attention.

As well as looking inviting in its own right, an entryway should set the tone for the rest of your home – and should be considered alongside entryway ideas and hallway ideas to ensure a coordinated feel. 

So when you're looking for inspiration for this compact space, think big. Whatever the size, shape or configuration of yours, these small and narrow entryway ideas showcase how to take decor to the next level – because, after all, it’s the space that creates a first impression on your guests.

Small entryway ideas – maximize your entrance with clever interior design tricks

From interior details to inventive suggestions for hallway storage, these design-led small entryway ideas will inspire your scheme, no matter the size.

1. Plan the lighting first

As small entryways tend to be lacking in natural light, considering your artificial lighting is key. 

‘Rather than using strong overhead lights which have a pool effect, we suggest opting for wall and table lamp combinations to layer light levels,’ advises Rohan Blacker, founder of Pooky. 

Materials used in your lighting choices require consideration, too. ‘Narrow hallways can feel cramped so it is a good idea to use glass shades to make the most of any natural light and create a sense of space,’ suggests Sheena Lawrence, co-director of Jim Lawrence. ‘The reflective quality of hand-blown glass is second to none, adding delicate and inviting layers of light whether switched on or off. Clear glass shades bypass the visual imposition that can happen with weightier lighting, allowing light to pass through.

2. Embrace the size of a small entryway

In dark, narrow entryways, decorating choices make a big difference. ‘There are two approaches to narrow or small hallway ideas,’ says Ruth Mottershead, creative director, Little Greene. 

‘Embrace the size and go for deep dark colors and patterned wallpapers, or opt for a trick of the eye and elongate a long narrow space by using a lighter, warmer color at the end of the space, with a slightly darker shade of a similar tone on the walls to create depth.’ 

Ann Grafton, creative director of Mulberry Home also notes that, ‘using a large-scale design on all walls in a hallway can blur the illusion of where one wall stops and another one begins, making the space feel wider.’

3. Make the most of wall space

With plenty of wall space on offer, entryways are an ideal place to layer up favorite artwork. ‘There are two really effective ways to make a statement with art in a hallway,’ notes Camilla Clarke, creative director at Albion Nord. ‘The first is to play with scale. Make the most of the wall space and choose a large-scale artwork that spans the full height of the wall. It will feel bold and impactful. Another interesting way to make a statement is to create an art wall. Play with a mixture of work in different sizes, colors and genres.’

4. Add intrigue by color drenching

One hallway trend which is currently being adopted in entryways is color drenching. ‘This contemporary, cohesive approach delivers high impact by painting woodwork, radiators, the ceiling and doors the same color as the walls,’ says Ruth Mottershead, creative director, Little Greene. 

‘This will create a complete scheme, treating each element similarly, and will deliver a design statement when entering or viewing the entryway from other rooms within your home.

5. Create personality – and depth 

If your diminutive entryway is large enough, do make sure to include a surface for the practicalities of everyday life, such as a pretty catch-all for your front door keys or a statement coaster if you always have a coffee cup in your hand. Another way to add interest, and distract from the small footprint, is to draw the eye up with a piece of contemporary art. A strong piece of art is also a great way to draw focus to a space – and create a talking point.

6. Provide a place for perching

Provide a place to put on and take off shoes in a small entryway. Here, designer Elnaz Namaki made the most of the space in an alcove to include a narrow bench, which fits perfectly in this tight nook. Make it a design feature in its own right with wall lamps and artwork.

7. Bounce light around the room

Mirrors are a wonderful addition to any room, but as small entryways can often have limited natural light, they are calling out for reflective surfaces. This room by Studio Indigo also shows how choosing a decorative mirror can help it appear as its own artwork, too.

8. Don't shy away from color in a small space

It can be all too easy to choose a neutral for an entryway, but by selecting a bold shade you instantly elevate the impact of your space. 

A bright wall color, like Stone Blue by Farrow & Ball used in this home owned by interior designer Tor Vivian, will add a boost of joy as you open the door. As these areas tend to be busy and susceptible to walls getting knocked, choose a paint with a durable finish. And pick your shade thoughtfully. 

‘If your hallway is light and airy, you can play with any color you’re drawn to,’ says Patrick O’Donnell, brand ambassador of Farrow & Ball. ‘If your entryway is narrow and poorly lit you can either use warm tones, which have red or yellow in them, or venture into darkness with a deep navy or almost black for drama, which will make rooms leading off the hallway feel lighter and brighter.’

9. Introduce a burst of joy 

‘It’s easy to forget about small entryways and hallways as they are thoroughfares rather than places we spend time,’ says Sarah Peake, founder of Studio Peake. ‘It’s therefore crucial to be bold with pattern and color – something to lift the spirits when you walk in.’ 

'We love using tapestries in entryways as they add richness and warmth to a space that may not have much furniture. They also come in huge sizes which makes them great for long space,' says Camilla Clarke, creative director, Albion Nord.

10. Link your entryway to rest of the home

If your entryway is on the smaller side, use color and pattern to link the space to the rest of the home. Here, the taupe-colored wallpaper – this is the Haruki wallpaper in Oatmeal by Schumacher – ensures the room does not appear too clinical. Helping to link the two styles are smart dark frames, which echo the trim on the wallpaper (French grosgrain ribbon by Samuel & Sons).

What can I do with a small entryway?

Think of your small entryway as a room in its own right and not just as an interim space. Once you’ve made the most of its natural features, consider how to personalize it from a decorative point of view. Though very dark colors can be tricky to incorporate, avoid the opposite approach, which can result in a bland magnolia finish. Instead choose a hue that harmonizes with the rest of your scheme and try highlighting skirtings and doorframes in a stronger shade for definition.