Foyer decorating ideas to making coming and going more beautiful than ever.

Whether you’re rushing home after a long workday or ushering in guests for an evening of fun, your home’s foyer is the space where welcome takes place. If you’re looking for a quick, easy and cost-effective way to boost your home’s value and personality, your foyer is the perfect place to start. Update your front entry with inviting details and intentional functionality to make a first impression that lasts.

Evaluate your existing foyer

Before jumping all in on redecorating your foyer, take a minute to step back and asses your current space. First, take note of the foundational elements you have to work with: square footage, flooring material, natural light and the general flow of traffic. Then, decide how you want your foyer to function. Is it a high-traffic space where clutter gets dropped in the hustle and bustle of daily life or is it a more formal entrance to your home used primarily by guests? Answering these questions before you begin will help you design a foyer that meets your specific needs and has lasting beauty. 

Top trends for foyer decorating

Seamless transitions

A great way to get your creative wheels turning when redecorating your foyer is to open your front door wide and then take a few steps out front to look back in. This is the first view guests will have when you open the door for them, so it is helpful to envision their experience. Designing a seamless transition from your front porch to foyer creates a relaxing and welcoming first impression. We love how @lexi.pratz incorporates similar colors, natural materials, and greenery on both her front porch and in her foyer to ease the outside to inside transition. And nothing makes coming and going more effortless than a smart lock from Schlage. Our Schlage Encode™ family simplifies home access, making it possible for you to control and monitor your home from anywhere with built-in WiFi. Updating your foyer with the best smart lock for your needs will make your home smarter, safer, and more stylish.

Think practical – foyer rugs & furniture

In general, it is easiest to pick your largest décor elements before narrowing in on smaller details. A beautiful entry rug and intentional furniture pieces will be the anchor for styling your foyer. When choosing an entryway rug, don’t forget that it is likely to bear the brunt of bad weather – think snowy boots, soggy sneakers and dirty sandals. For this reason, we recommend a washable and durable entry rug pushed right up to your front threshold like this cheerful example from @missjustinamarie. If you live in a wet or snowy climate, you may want a waterproof rug that will really protect your floors from moisture damage – or simply layer a rubber mat under the entry rug that best shows off your personal style. 

 

For furniture, at minimum you want a seat where guests can easily take shoes off and on. If your foyer tends to be a clutter magnet, consider a bench with cubbies or a lidded chest that can keep daily use items off the floor but still easily in reach. Wall hooks are a cost-effective way to both beautify and add storage space to your entryway. 

 

If you’re stumped on how to style a small entry foyer, use a rug, small chair or stool and coat hook to define a welcome area. Even if you just have an odd corner of a multipurpose room, these elements work together to define a location for coming and going. This way, shoes, coats, purses and the like won’t always end up strewn about your greater living space. 

Foyer décor for self-expression

Now for the fun part! Our favorite foyer decorating tip is to incorporate unique items that express your personal style and interests. Look for antique pieces that you can blend in with more modern finishes to create a welcoming, on-trend entryway. @iamyvetteb’s foyer décor is a lovely example of adding unique touches to give your entry personality – we love how she pairs coastal elements with bright chrome and weathered wood to create a fresh, inviting space. If you want to really spice things up, consider bold paint colors or wallpaper to make a graphic statement in your foyer. But if a paint project sounds like a hassle, use a large piece of artwork or create a sophisticated gallery wall to make your foyer look expensive and interesting.  

Think practical – foyer rugs & furniture

Using materials and colors with high contrast will give your foyer an effortlessly chic vibe. As your experts in door hardware and finishes, some of our favorite pairings include matte black and satin brass. Not only do these two finishes play elegantly off each other, as @smt_designs and @craven_haven demonstrate, but creating high-contrast moments will also give your foyer a designer, high-end look. 

Calm curves

Using materials and colors with high contrast will give your foyer an effortlessly chic vibe. As your experts in door hardware and finishes, some of our favorite pairings include matte black and satin brass. Not only do these two finishes play elegantly off each other, as @smt_designs and @craven_haven demonstrate, but creating high-contrast moments will also give your foyer a designer, high-end look. 

Think practical – foyer rugs & furniture

The right finishing touches can transform your foyer to be distinctly inviting. @driftwood_decor thought of every detail to decorate a foyer that welcomes people into the home with genuine hospitality. Fresh or faux flowers instantly brighten the entryway and can easily be changed out for a seasonal touch. And if you like to entertain, a petite receiving table with refreshments goes above and beyond to show guests that they are appreciated. The key with these finishing touches is to have a few small details that bring you cheer and highlight your personality. 

Giving your foyer a makeover is a small project with a big impact. Use these entryway decorating ideas to transform your foyer, making the simple acts of coming home and welcoming guests more effortless and beautiful. A home should make a lasting first impression. Make your statement at the front door with Schlage. Check out our blog, Instagram and Pinterest for more inspirational design tips!