Deck the halls: eight ways to make a great first impression with your foyer

Whether you call it a hallway, corridor, foyer, or the like, the entrance is a very important part of the home. It’s the space that sets the mood for the rest of the house whenever visitors come knocking and it’s also the first space you see when you get home after a hard day’s work.

This week on The Block, the contestants have showcased some amazing ways to use this often underestimated space, and since first impressions are important, we’ve highlighted some tips on creating a grand entrance in the foyer.

1. Dresser to impress

If you have enough room, a dresser can be a dream for storing things in the hallway like linen, vases and miscellaneous items, helping to keep everything organised while fitting the scale of the space. The surface can be styled to perfection with the use of books, magazines, a tray to place your keys and mail in, and even a fresh bunch of flowers.

Photo: Heather Bullard

2. On the bench

Romy Dankner, interior designer and founder of Homeroom Studio says, “A rustic bench against a wall will create some interest to an otherwise minimalist space.” She recommends a neatly showcase of premium magazines to add a trendy feature. Additionally, a bench can act as a handy spot to rest a coat or handbag on if hanging space is limited.

Photo: 79 Ideas

3. Hang in there

Speaking of hanging space – say goodbye to the typical coat rack and hello to hanging rails. This trend is both fashionable and functional. It provides a home for all those sorts of items that you need on the go for hassle-free entries and exits.

Photo: Vintage Piken

4. Hook it up

A narrow foyer without the space for a hanging rail can be a function frustration, however this is where hooks can act as a great alternative. Simple, practical, and aesthetically appealing, hooks prevent your belongings from getting dumped on the floor as you enter your home even if you have limited room in the hallway.

Photo: Pinterest

5. Mirror mirror

Hanging a mirror within the entry way helps give the illusion of a bigger space and it presents a practical purpose for checking an outfit one last time before leaving the house. As if these weren’t reasons enough, according to Feng Shui, ”Placing mirrors in the hallway offers a feeling of being welcomed.” 

Photo: Amber Interior Design

6. Piece of art

Hallways make great spaces for hanging images. Wether you prefer to showcase art, prints, or photographs of your loved ones, placing pictures in an entrance hall automatically gives the rest of your home a personal and comforting vibe. Show off a singular standout piece, or create a collage of several frames. Work with your existing styling elements and permitted space accordingly. 

Photo: Kara Rosenlund

7. Take a seat

This dual purpose trimming can help you have everything ready as you leave the house, and make things easy when you come home. Adding a chair to the foyer offers a place to slip shoes on and off as well as a place to drop mail and groceries for a moment.

Photo: Nordic Days

8. Magic carpet

The foyer is an area that gets a lot of foot traffic, so adding a rug to the mix softens the wear and tear to a busy floor space. Whether you’d prefer plush, flat woven, round, square or sheepskin, a rug is also a great way to show off your personal style and treat your feet to some softness.

Photo: The Simple Proof