What Is a Foyer in a House?

The foyer, also known as the entryway, is the space just inside the front door of a house. This space is critical for creating first impressions for your guests. Pay attention to a few areas when designing or decorating your foyer to make a dynamic statement. Does this Spark an idea?

Location

The foyer is located just inside the front entrance to the home. In some houses, it is a hallway, perhaps slightly wider than normal. Other homes have walls, railings or changes in flooring or the level of the flooring that set apart a foyer from the main part of the house. Some homes do not have a foyer at all, but, rather, have a door that opens straight into a room. In these homes, you can set up a table with plants on it or add a room screen to create a foyer.

Function

The foyer is supposed to serve as a transition space between the outside of your home and inside your home. You, your family and your guests should feel relaxed and comfortable when you step into the foyer. People who have never been to your home before should be able to tell your general style just by being in your foyer. The foyer can also serve some practical functions, including providing space to hang coats and hats, and hooks for keys, as well as perhaps a bench for putting on shoes.

Lighting

The lighting in the foyer should be welcoming and cheery. If the foyer has a ceiling at least 9 feet tall, you can hang a small chandelier, being careful to keep it at least 7 feet from the floor for adequate head room. Otherwise, you can install wall sconces or recessed lighting with a dimmer switch to control the lighting in the foyer. If you have a table in the foyer, include a lamp that you can turn on when you are expecting guests in the evening. Add a guest book to the table, as well.

Decor

The foyer should be decorated in a way that fits with the style of the rest of the house -- but includes a few key elements specific to the space. Hang a mirror on one of the walls, ideally next to the door rather than across from it so you aren't greeted by your own face when you walk in. The mirror can help you straighten yourself out when you come and go and will reflect light to brighten the foyer. If there is a wall across from the door, hang a piece of artwork that is meaningful to you or framed photos of your family. A table with plants, flowers, candles, framed pictures or other small decorative items will fill space in a large foyer and create a storage area underneath. A striped rug on the floor can direct people's eyes into the rest of the house.