How to Decorate a House: Entryway Furniture

The entry area is the first area that guests to your home --- and you --- see when you come in the door, so it is important to make the area welcoming as well as useful. Tripping over a pile of shoes and bags, or not having anywhere to place your keys, cell phone and pocket change can be frustrating or even dangerous. Even if your entry area is small, you can still add furniture and accessories that will say "Welcome Home" at the end of a long day. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure the entry area with the door open before you shop for furniture. It's important to know how far the door opens into the room, as you do not want to purchase furniture that will block the door or be damaged every time the door opens.

2

Purchase a table that fits in the space. If you have a large, grand entryway, look for a substantial piece made of heavy wood that suits the space; if your entry is smaller, such as an apartment, a small garden table will still give you a place to leave your keys and mail at the end of the day.

3

Place a bench or chair in the entry, next to the table, to provide a place to sit to put on or remove your shoes. If space is tight, or you have a busy family, a bench with extra storage may be an ideal solution, as it offers seating and a place to stash shoes and bags.

4

Add a coat rack if you have space, or attach hooks to the wall for hanging coats. If you have many coats, hang those you wear less often in a closet to keep the rack or hooks tidy.

5

Hang a mirror over the table for quick last-minute appearance checks. Mirrors have an added benefit of reflecting light, making the space feel brighter and, in some cases, larger.

6

Add lighting. A small table lamp offers enough light to keep you from tripping when you come in to a dark house.

7

Place a durable rug on the floor. If your entry enters directly into a carpeted area, add a durable welcome mat to catch dirt and mud before it enters the house. Choose a rug that can stand up to regular cleaning, or an inexpensive rug that you can replace on a regular basis.

8

Add accessories. A bowl or basket on the table can keep keys and pocket change organized. A slotted mail organizer, available at home goods or office supply stores, can keep your incoming and outgoing mail separated, and a small trash can is useful for sorting mail or catching the gum wrappers or other trash when you empty your pockets. Keep a basket near the door to hold umbrellas, dog leashes and other items you use regularly.