A front entryway can say a lot about a home! When guests walks in, they know what to expect by the mood you create. Is it elegant or casual? Is there a spot for them to put their shoes and coats, or do they leave them on? Is it well-lit or is there a moody ambiance? No matter the mood you choose, make sure you’re intentional about it!

With a few tips and some inspiration from us, your entryway can say classy, comfortable, modern, or fashionable. They say not to judge a book by its cover, but if we were allowed to judge houses by their entryways, the rest of the rooms would be sure to deliver on beautiful design.

1. Rethink Your Furniture

One of the trickiest parts of styling a front entry is using the space effectively. If you have a roomy entryway, you may have room for a lot of furniture. With a smaller entryway or hall, however, you’ll have to be careful what pieces you choose to include – each one will count!

Benches

A bench is an entryway staple! It provides you and your guests with a spot to sit down while putting on shoes and can even offer storage (depending on what you get). These benches are just as pretty as they are practical.

This furniture has a small footprint that would fit even the smallest space! Since the bench doesn’t have built-in storage, there’s a basket for storing shoes or other outdoor accessories. The matching coat rack is functional and space-saving. Throw in a circular mirror for a quick hair check before you walk out the door, and you’re done!

This entryway couldn’t be any cozier! Adding a soft pillow and a blanket to a seating area is a simple trick to make any space feel homey. The only things we’d add are some hooks above the bench for coats and a spot for the shoes that are guaranteed to end up everywhere.

Entry Table

After adding a bench, next on our priority list is definitely an entry table. They can give you extra storage, show off your style, and are a great place for some accent lighting.

This entry table will fit in any space and the baskets give you some storage for your kids’ mess of winter accessories! Adding a couple of lamps on top is always a smart choice, too. They’ll light up your decorations and make them a focal point. The coordinating runner and artwork in this entryway are worth highlighting!

We love the clean lines and neutral-toned wood of this table. The decor is amazing and there’s tons of storage! Neutral books, a vase, a lamp, and a couple of knick-knacks are proportionally perfect.

This entryway is dripping in originality. Instead of using a traditional table, this homeowner chose a small dresser – genius! When you have less space to work with, every piece of furniture matters. Choosing a dresser with drawers ensures you have a place to toss any mess without going to any extra effort.

Built-In Furniture

If you’re looking for a storage solution that’ll contain any mess, creating a mud room-style entryway with built-in furniture will give you more storage than you’ll know what to do with!

When you’re coming back from a long day, the last thing you want to do is take a trip all the way to your room to put away your things. Instead, create a one-stop shop for your everyday items. Hooks can hold backpacks, purses, hats, and jackets. Shoes can be stored under the bench and anything else can go in the baskets above.

Built-in furniture doesn’t have to take up tons of space to be effective! This entryway has all the room you need for storing your essentials. This modern entryway is gorgeous, but we’re obviously giving our gold medal to the stunning light fixture that completes the look.

2. Update or Add Lighting

Speaking of lighting, no entryway is complete without it! From chandeliers to lamps, we have all the styling tips you’ll need to make your entry shine.

Chandeliers

A big entryway with high ceilings calls for a chandelier – the space will feel empty without it. This chandelier will wow your guests from the moment they walk in the door!

This entryway’s door coordinates perfectly with the chandelier they hung! Because the door and chandelier have such warm tones, the gray and brown hexagonal tile was a great choice to cool off the look, while still tying in the warmth. The huge mirror on the wall is also a smart choice because it’ll reflect light, giving this homeowner the most possible lighting for their dollar.

Your entryway doesn’t have to be 16 feet tall to hang a chandelier! This front room’s fixture makes the space ornate and delicate – like something out of a Jane Austen book. Chandeliers can make a statement in any space – just be sure to hang them properly so you don’t run into them!

Chandeliers make any space feel luxurious, but there’s something especially stunning about the way this one hangs over a baby grand piano. You can picture a family gathered around the piano singing carols on Christmas Eve with chandelier’s light twinkling on them – pure magic!

Lamps

A floor lamp is a great way to add dimension and height to your design. This one provides focused lighting for putting on your shoes and coat before you rush out the door. We also love the organization of the shelves in this entry.

Lighting doesn’t have to be complicated! Adding a basic table lamp is a low-effort way to make a big difference in your design. It flows seamlessly with the other tabletop knick-knacks, but it’s also practical.

Sconces

The indoor sconces in this entryway are a smart solution for lighting that won’t take up loads of extra room. This homeowner even added a mirror that will reflect some of that gorgeous light!

This creative entryway’s sconce is modern, chic, and well-placed. Accent lighting is key to making your life easier. No more fumbling around in the dark to tie your shoes or buckle the strap on your heels!

3. Get a Rug

A rug is an anchor for furniture that would otherwise float! Since the entryway is a heavily-trafficked area, a rug can also help protect your floors. They’re easily replaced while flooring is, well…not. 

This brown rug makes this home’s entry area feel cohesive. Without it, the room would feel more like a collection of random furniture! Its neutral color makes it a great piece to keep around even if you switch out furniture.

This jute rug brings warmth and texture to a room otherwise lacking both! It also adds a flair of bohemian that we’re loving.

4. Hang a Mirror

Mirrors are one of our favorite design hacks. They reflect light, make a space look bigger, and are perfect for entryways.

You can’t go wrong with a big round mirror! The black finish on this ties in with the basket and pillow nicely. It’s a piece you won’t regret buying.

This pretty floor-length mirror is in the ideal place for a last-minute outfit check! Do those shoes really work with your outfit the way you thought they would? A quick glance in this mirror and you’re set to go.

A check-the-outfit station is a must-have in an entryway. This arched floor-length mirror is also perfectly placed to reflect natural light from the window and light from this cute pendant.

A classic circular mirror is also a great last-minute stop to make sure there isn’t any breakfast in your teeth! We also love the creativity of the shelving unit here.

5. Get Creative

Possibly the most important tip we can give is to be creative! Every space is a little different so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all when it comes to designing an entryway. These spaces radiate creativity and may give you a few ideas for decorating yours.

When your real estate is less of an estate and more of an apartment, you have to use every inch wisely! The bench and hook shelf combo serves the function of a hallway tree, but is a bit smaller and could be partially DIY-ed to save money. To get even more creative, this homeowner could replace the clock with a mirror and a floor lamp for more dimension and lighting.

This adorable entry uses a garment rack to store shoes and coats. Practical, but still pretty especially if you don’t have a coat closet. The wood tones match the bench and frames and the plants bring in some life!

Creativity and boldness go hand-in-hand. If you’re feeling brave, ditch the neutrals and pick a bright color palette that’ll attract some attention. Go bold, go home, or pick door number 3 and go bold at home!

This space is about as creative as it gets! A sideways ladder-like coat rack looks like something a handy homeowner could DIY. This bench looks like it was also DIY-ed – maybe out of old shutters? Whatever it is, it’s a crafty way to give you a bench with storage underneath.

We’ve got one word for this picture: mood. Instead of picking light and bright colors, try out a richer, moodier color. Nothing will take your entryway to luxury faster than picking a darker color palette! We love the contrast of the gold lamp and sunburst mirror against the gray in this one.

Another clever way to create an entryway is to dedicate a corner in your front room as your entry zone. Putting a rug down makes it feel like a cohesive space, then adding an entry table and bench seals the deal. This space also has some built-in shelves we’re obsessing over! They add a trendy touch and the decorations can be switched out whenever you get bored.

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When you’re ready to get started decorating your entryway, we’re here to help. Come visit Illuminations for some more expert advice! With our help and these 5 tips, you’ll have a front entry everyone will envy!

How to Plan, Prioritize, Budget, and Make it Happen

Updating the lighting in your home is one of the quickest ways to give your house a facelift. It’s easy to accidentally overspend on your house’s lighting if you don’t have the right information, but not to worry! With a few pro tips and some help from Illuminations, your home will feel brighter and look better – without breaking the bank.

1. Make a Plan

Before you start tearing lights out, pull up a chair and make a solid plan. When you’re on a budget, prioritizing which spaces need the most love is key. Look in each room and make sure all your spaces have multiple lighting sources to eliminate shadows and illuminate workspaces. 

Once you’ve done that, think about lighting focal points. Where do you want your lights to make the biggest impact? A few places to consider starting are: above the dining room table, in the living room, and in the bedrooms.

Pro tip: Make a list of all the fixtures you want in order of importance–it will come in handy later!

2. Evaluate Your Budget

Do your research and be realistic about your needs and wants. Knowing how much you can spend and being an informed buyer will help you make the most of your money and avoid overspending. 

Take a look at your budget and decide on two numbers – the amount you’d like to spend, and the highest amount you’re willing to spend. Then, put together some ballpark estimates for the fixtures you want. 

When you walk into the showroom prepared, you can put your money where it matters most!  It’ll also help us to know what price range you’re looking at to match you with the perfect fixture!

Pro tip: Don’t forget to include the costs of professional installation and light bulbs in your estimate! 

3. Prioritize Your Needs

If you’re renovating on a budget, ask yourself: Which light fixtures will make the biggest difference in my house? Remember that list of fixtures you made earlier? Pull it out and prepare to rearrange it. 

Prioritize fixtures that give off ambient, or full-room, light. Once you have those at the top of the list, move on to task lighting. Any workspaces will need additional lighting above them (kitchen counters, bathroom vanities, desks, etc.).

If you still have room in your budget, consider adding accent lighting to features in your home you want to highlight. Moving from general to specific will help you narrow your focus to what really matters, and light your house without running low on change.

4. Pick Your Fixtures

It’s easy to get sticker shock when you start looking at light fixtures. When you’re choosing lights for your renovation, you have two options: you can get a cheap fixture that will work for now, or you can get a quality fixture that will work for years. 

While there is a time and a place for inexpensive fixtures, just remember that buying lights that will stand the test of time will actually save you money in the long run. 

You also need to keep in mind how often you want to redecorate. Trendy fixtures will look outdated much faster than classic styles. If you don’t want to be repeating this process again in 5 years, get a classic, quality fixture that won’t need to be replaced when the fads change.

Pro Tip: Selling your old fixtures online can give you a little extra to put towards your next lighting purchase.

5. Remember the Bulbs

While LED lights cost a little more up front, they use at least 75% less energy, and they last up to 25 times longer than traditional light bulbs. To be sure you’ll see savings on your electrical bill, look for bulbs with the Energy Star rating logo on the packaging. 

Don’t make the mistake of buying bulbs that you’ll just have to replace in a few months! Be sure to work LED bulbs into your budget–we promise it’ll pay off!

6. Do It Yourself

One major cost of updating lighting is installation. In many cases, a handy homeowner with the help of a few Youtube tutorials can save money by doing it themselves. You may also consider installing some lights yourself and having others professionally installed–dropping a heavy chandelier would put a dent in your budget (and your floor)!

However, if you’re going to go this route, researching and implementing all the safety precautions is non-negotiable. Being well-educated can save you from causing a fire, burns, or other safety hazards.

If you’re unsure about doing it yourself, no worries. Just make sure to factor the professional help you need into your overall budget!

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Updating and replacing lighting on a budget can feel like a daunting task, but with these tips and our expertise, you can’t go wrong! The step-by-step guide we made will help you have amazing lighting without feeling financially strapped.

If you get stuck on any of these steps, give us a call and we’d love to chat about solutions.