How to decorate an entrance hall?

You've decorated all the rooms in your house or apartment, but you're wondering about the suitability of your entryway layout and decor ? Have you spent the last few weeks searching online for the perfect solution without success?

At Lofty Trend, we collaborate daily with artists, painters, photographers, as well as architects and interior designers . We have worked particularly closely with Romain Delmas, an interior designer in Paris, and today we are sharing his advice with you.

To decorate an entrance, we advise you to use a mirror, in order to enlarge the space, to have a coat rack and a bench for taking off shoes, original and not bulky, but also to enhance your walls, thanks to beautiful wall decorations.

In this article, we will see in particular how:

• Decorating an apartment entrance: what colors to choose...
• How to decorate a narrow entryway
• Make use of certain decorations in the apartment's entrance hall
• How to decorate a dark entryway
• Choosing the right mirror for an entryway, etc...

Discover, without further delay, more than 15 years of expertise , concentrated in a short blog article.

I) How to decorate an apartment entrance?

The entrance is an important element of the apartment! An apartment entrance has a vital function. Not only does it allow people to come and go, but it also represents a first impression of your apartment to your guests. The area around the entrance should reflect the atmosphere you want to create in your home.

But many people don't pay attention to this part of the house, due to its small size and lack of resources for decorating it. Despite this, there are always options, such as adding decorations in the form of different wall colors , to make the room appear more spacious.

A) What colors are suitable for an apartment entrance?

Even the smallest entryway could benefit from a fresh coat of paint and a little strategic styling. And because it's a space that gets so much use, it's wise to choose a color you love , but also one that can withstand some wear and tear. For a little inspiration, here are our lead designer's top four suggestions.

1. GREEN

Romain Delmas, our designer and collaborator, is a big fan of using neutral and/or warm tones in apartment entryways. Your entryway, regardless of its size, should be welcoming and inviting at first glance. We therefore encourage you to explore greige, a color born from the harmony and blend of gray and beige.

2. OFF-WHITE

For something a little cleaner and brighter, Romain suggests another neutral color. The simplicity of this color makes it a perfect choice for your entryway. Indeed, the lightness of this shade adds warmth and allows light to reflect beautifully in your hallway mirror. Try adding an upholstered patterned bench, a wall with a mini gallery (several framed photos) , or a striking light fixture to contrast with the bright walls.

3. THE BOLD BLUE

If you want your entryway to make a bold statement and serve as a focal point for the rest of your home, then opt for a truly striking blue. To achieve a vibrant paint color in a small space, we suggest layering one or two other bright accent colors in the form of accessories, artwork , or rugs, and then keeping the rest of the furniture neutral for perfect balance.

4. DARK GREY

To create an instant sense of comfort in a home, Romain likes to paint entryways in a deep, enveloping gray . Play with shades of gray by adding accessories in various silver tones, such as decorative plaques mounted on the wall.

B) How to decorate a narrow entrance?

At the risk of sounding repetitive, let's emphasize the importance of your wall color. It's crucial when decorating a narrow entryway . If there are no windows, create a sense of light with your wall color. Choose a neutral tone that complements your decorating scheme, ideally a shade that opens up the entrance and invites you in. White is a neutral tone, and it works well if your decor is contemporary.

A more traditional interior benefits from marigold, a bold blue that casts a glow, or a lighter shade of pink. Paint the trim the same color, in a semi-gloss finish. For an urban interior, paint something bold that extends horizontally down the narrow hallway, drawing the eye toward the rest of the house. Avoid creating color breaks!

If you have wood or tile flooring in the hallway, it's difficult to change it... Use a light-colored runner, such as an oat, sisal, or Berber rug that complements your wall color. An oriental rug with a light background adds visual interest, as does a Japanese rug with an open pattern and a gold design accented with red. Avoid using a rug that looks cluttered. If possible, avoid using a rug altogether. Keep the decor to a minimum!

C) Apartment entrance hall decorations

The importance of lighting... Run a series of pendant lights along the ceiling in the hallway, all with dimmer switches. Track lighting also provides ample light, as do recessed lights. For ambiance, mount wall lights that cast upwards. Avoid using a single chandelier unless your space is very limited. The goal is to visually widen your hallway . Covering the floorboards with traffic light strips gives your hallway a runway-like effect.

Don't clutter your narrow hallway, as this will only make you feel more confined. Place a coat rack or decorative wall hooks at one end to allow easy access through the narrow space. Mirrors work wonders in a narrow hallway , visually expanding its width. Hang a series of colorful street art prints , all framed in the same style, horizontally in the hallway, but avoid creating vertical depth with your display. A narrow shelf mounted on the wall provides storage for your keys, gloves, and sunglasses.

II) How to decorate a house entrance?

When it comes to decorating your home, the entryway might not be the first space you focus on. All those larger spaces like bedrooms and living rooms usually take priority, and for good reason, since we spend a lot of time in those two spaces.

But designers, like Romain, strongly advise against neglecting your entryway . Not only is it one of the most frequented areas of your home (so you see it a lot) , but it's also the first place guests enter when they arrive for dinner or a casual glass of wine. And you only get one first impression, right? So make sure it's a good one and think of your entryway as a decorative preview of what awaits you in the rest of your home.

A) How to decorate a dark entrance

The entrance hall, the first space to welcome us each time we return home. Ideally, it should be a bright and inviting room, with well-placed storage cleverly concealed from view.

Unfortunately, our entrances are often narrow, poorly lit passages with inadequate cupboards... However, there is hope for perfectly decorating a dark entrance .

Discover 4 ways, from structural modifications to decorative touches, to improve how you can both capture and reflect light in a dark hall of any size.

1. TRY THE MIRRORS

The simplest solution is a strategically placed mirror that will amplify your space and make the most of the available light. Position the mirror so that it reflects both natural light and, if possible, another key element of the space, such as a work of art.

2. ADD GLASS OBJECTS

The best way to address darkness is by letting in more natural light . Even the smallest panes of glass in the front door or side panels will help. Use frosted or opal glass when you have privacy or security concerns.

3. LIGHT THE BALUSTER

A natural wood balustrade can appear to absorb precious light. Painting the balusters white will soften the overall effect of the stairs in the hall and improve light reflection . For those hesitant to paint wooden elements, remember that painted wood is still wood, but with its own unique aesthetic.

4. ADOPT A NORDIC APPROACH

The Scandinavians have certainly mastered the art of maximizing light . They show us how simply painting parquet floors can bring a sense of openness to any space.

B) Which mirror is suitable for an entryway?

If you decide whether or not to install an entryway mirror, here are a few essential things to keep in mind. This mirror can transform the look of your entryway!

1. THINK ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE ITEMS

Mirrors will add depth to your entryway , but consider what you're reflecting back to your guests. If the mirror highlights architectural details your guests might otherwise miss, it's a good design choice.

If your mirror reflects something you don't like, you'll dislike it twice as much. Mirrors are wonderful for doubling the areas of your home that you love . If your entryway is filled with beautiful natural light and gorgeous moldings, a mirror will give you twice the effect. If your entryway isn't in the ideal location, another type of artwork could help you hide the things you don't like. Think of it as giving you twice the effect of what you love.

2. KEEP IT BIG AND SIMPLE

A single large mirror can draw the eye upward and create the illusion of more space. Your entryway mirror should be placed at the front and center , with a few small decorative items beside it to fill the space. However, you must ensure that your mirror isn't too high.

Get a mirror large enough to stretch along the wall, with the bottom of the frame about 1 meter from the floor. Also, match the width of the mirror to the table you have in your entryway, or to about three-quarters of the wall space if you don't have any furniture.

If you can't find a mirror that fits those dimensions, it's best to wait or find an alternative. And if you're unsure, ask someone to hold the mirror in different positions to see how you feel when you enter your home.

Make your entrance a welcoming one!

After a long day at work, what could be better than coming home to relax? Does your home welcome you? With the cold weather still present at this time of year (and many places covered in snow) , it's wonderful to walk through the door and immediately feel comfortable, welcome, and at peace!

Keep your entryway clean and inviting so your home is the one you want to come back to and hate to leave! Light a candle and turn on your lamps to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere when you and your family cross the threshold.

Put on some music when you get home. It could set the perfect tone for a relaxing evening. You can also create the ambiance of your choice with our stunning Street Art wall decorations by Banksy or Alec Monopoly. There's something for every style and every type of interior design. Don't neglect your walls 😉.

See you soon.

The Lofty Trend Team.