The best statement-making entryway ideas to impress any house guest

Photographed by Felix Forest and interior design by Robson Rak. From a playful Melbourne family home with a twist

Entryways are one of the toughest areas of the home to perfection. With long, awkwardly shaped hallways to contend with, staircases to conquer, and blank space to fill, they can quickly overwhelm and undermine one’s styling skills. But, of course, the threshold of the home sets the tone for what’s to come; it’s the first chance to impress as it’s the very first thing guests see, so to discount it seems like a shame.

There are, however, a variety of clever and easy ways to overcome these obstacles, especially for those dealing with tricky areas, big or small. Consider tapping a muralist to paint something across space and bring it to life, or how a well-placed light fixture might make the area pop. If you want to make a bold statement, ruminate over what colors might suit the space but also complement what lies beyond within the rest of the home. Perhaps it’s worth infusing hints of the colors found elsewhere in the home here to make things simple for yourself.

Accents like artwork, mirrors, and furniture are reliable ways to fill the space too. A bench or side table can add both a functional and aesthetically pleasing finish to a hallway. Or find a home for a hard-to-place piece from your art collection in the entryway and work around it, allowing the colors or textures to dictate the mood and feel of the space. Just don’t let the pressure of feeling like you must get this area perfect this first time stop you from experimenting, as often our greatest ideas come from these tricky conundrums.

Here, Vogue Living rounds up some of the most ingenious entryway ideas to execute now.

*Photographed by Felix Forest and interior design by Robson Rak. From* *a playful Melbourne family home with a twist*

If your entryway is feeling lackluster, install a mise-en-scène that sparks joy to ensure every time you walk in the door you’re greeted with what makes you happy. It could be as simple as installing a side table and stacking it with your favorite treasures or installing a new artwork over the top.

From sideshow to show-stopper, our side tables will be a stunning modern accent to your space. Selecting from our wide array of artist’s designs printed with a satin finish on birch wood, you’ll take any room from zero to a hundred. Available in a square or round table top, and black or gold leg colors.

*Interior design by Alexander Waterworth. From* *the revival of a rustic Italian farmhouse in Puglia*

Lining your staircase with candles will make for a dramatic entrance, just be sure to practice fire safety. If your interiors already veer towards rustic or New Mediterranean this could be the perfect way to welcome guests at your next dinner party.

Our welcome mats are constructed from a looped vinyl which makes them easy to clean and durable enough to stand up to the elements. Whether you want to showcase your refined decor style or get funny with it—they’re a must-have for your home.

*Photographed by Dave Kulesza and interior design by Miriam Fanning. From* *a beachside family home designed around the art collection*

If you’re working with a lot of space, consider stocking the entrance or the underside of a staircase with a comfortable armchair, plush carpet, and plant life. Creating a cozy nook will instantly give your home an inviting feel or, at the very least, provide guests with somewhere lovely to pop shoes on and off.

Find somewhere soft to land. Our outdoor floor cushions are the super comfy and style-forward option for the boho side of us all. They’re UV coated to protect against fading and water-resistant so you can avoid scrambling to bring them inside whenever there’s a touch of weather. Grab a few to have on hand whenever seating is hard to come by or for a fun option for kids to use out in the yard.

*Photographed by Dave Kulesza and interior design by Mim Design. From* *a beachside family home designed around the art collection*

Those with glass-front doorways may want to experiment with placing an expressive or bold artwork by the door to give passerby or guests a peek of what to expect inside should they be lucky enough to cross the threshold.

Square now means trendy and stylish. (We’ve updated Wikipedia and have the word out to Merriam Webster… they’re getting back to us.) With our wood wall art’s multi-square design, you have the power to adjust the spacing between each section to form exactly the right look. Available in three sizes.

*Photographed by Sean Litchfield and interior design by Crystal Sinclair Designs. From* *a sumptuous Manhattan apartment that could easily pass for Paris*

Nothing is more striking than a bold black hallway. If you’re keen to amp up the startling moment, throw in a chandelier and you’re good to go.

Get the look: Mini Art Prints, Framed Mini Art Prints, Art Prints, Framed Prints, Canvas Prints, Metal Prints, Wood Wall, Art Posters, Wall Hangings, Wall Murals, Wall Tapestries, Wallpapers.

*Photographed by Laure Joliet and interior design by Chloe Warner of Redmond Aldrich Design. From* *a modern reimagining of a historic San Francisco home*

What might have been an awkward or lackluster space in this San Francisco home has been turned into an arresting work of art. Artist Judith Braun was tapped to create a mural for this space, which animates the room and proves an entryway is a perfect place to get creative.

Park it in style on this incredibly versatile bench, upholstered with vegan leather featuring all the designs you love. The perfect indoor bench, it will give any space an instant upgrade. Dress it with plush blankets or throw pillows to keep it elegant, but super cush.

*Photographed by Nicole Franzen and interior design by Athena Calderone. From* *the chic Brooklyn townhouse of chef, designer, and lifestyle guru Athena Calderone*

If all black everything is too much for your tastebuds, take cues from Athena Calderone’s Brooklyn townhouse and wash your hallway in bold accents offset by fresh white. Hints of navy, black, grey, or even a dark forest green painted around window or door frames, across stairs and handrails will tie the space together without dragging it down.

What is our thing? Allowing you to express your style all over your home with a feature-worthy rug. They’re made from a woven, polyester chenille for a soft and textured look. Plus, choosing from our wide array of designs, you’re sure to find just the rug to match your decor. Available in two sizes.

*Photographed by Roger Davies and interior design by Jamie Bush. From* *a modernist home infused with happiness*

If struggling to come up with a creative solution for your entryway, allow a standout rug and striking light fitting to do the heavy lifting. Once you have a pairing you’re happy with, mix and match the finer details (think: art, plants and mirrors) until you find the right formula.

*Photographed by Anson Smart and interior architecture by Travis Walton. From* *the Melbourne mansion with Gucci in almost every room*

While not everyone has such a palatial space to play with, there are undoubtedly pointers to be picked up here and trialled within your own home. Consider a golden finish to your doorway, or sticking a plinth with a beloved artwork or vase in the corner rather than a side table. The options are endless.

Our blackout window curtains are a denser alternative to your standard window curtain, blocking out most light and proudly featuring your favorite designs. Whether you live in a busy apartment or a peaceful neighborhood, it’s always nice to have the option to shut out the sun and relax inside by candlelight. Available in either single or double panel options.

If your stairs are feeling drab, a new bold runner could be what you’ve been searching for. Even those averse to color will be able to see that a stark white entryway can be instantly warmed up with an arresting swathe of color.

Add throw pillows to whatever room needs an extra dose of comfy. Filled with a fluffy faux down insert, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for style. Available in four sizes and all measurements are made without pillow insert.

*Photographed by Anson Smart. From the sprawling Laurel Canyon home steeped in rock music history*

Never underestimate the power of some beautiful tilework. In this stunning Californian home, interior designer and house owner Brigette Romanek created a stunning entryway by adding grey-and-white marble tiles sourced from a French chateau.