As well as looking inviting in its own right, your chosen entryway furniture ideas should set the tone for the rest of your home – and should be considered alongside entryway ideas and front porch ideas to ensure a coordinated feel and make your entryway more inviting.  So when you’re looking for inspiration for this small entryway space, think big. Whatever the size, shape or configuration of yours, these furniture trends explain how to take decor to the next level – because, after all, it’s the space that creates a first impression on your guests.

Whether you’re on the lookout for modern entryway bench ideas – perfect for putting on your shoes, or a colorful console for your keys, be inspired by our round-up of entryway furniture ideas to suit every style. 

1. Invest in a large entryway bench

‘To create a welcoming entryway, think about the impact the space will have when you first walk in,’ says luxury home accessories maker, Birdie Fortescue. Take inspiration from this space by designing a cozy spot to sit, layered with piles of cushions for warmth and beauty.  Entryway benches are excellent decorative pieces for larger homes, and also fantastic for small entryway ideas for apartments to keep your entrance tidy – and everything close by – for all last minute dashes out of the door ‘If you have space, a rug with a practical texture is a great addition, particularly underneath a well-proportioned entryway table,’ says Birdie.

2. Include a drinks trolley for cocktail hour

In her smart London home, interior designer Nina Campbell has included a drinks trolley in her entryway so she can offer aperitifs to guests as soon as they arrive. Bar cart ideas are the perfect solution for a spot of impromptu entertaining, as it takes up far less space than a built-in home bar.  The bench is upholstered in a fabric similar to Southbank Blackberry by Kirkby Designs.

3. Make the most of an alcove 

You don’t need a big area to create a successful entryway. Even in a small apartment, you can design an effective space in little more than a narrow passageway. Use a nook in your small entryway to create a useful and attractive space to sit and take off shoes. Take inspiration from this space in the home of interior designer Elnaz Namaki (opens in new tab) who paired a playful striped bench with simple but effective artwork and graphic wall lights.

4. Use furniture that blurs the lines between beauty and practicality 

‘One-off unique pieces create interest in awkward entryway layouts,’ notes interior designer Natalia Miyar (opens in new tab), who designed this scheme. ‘I have a few favorite locations for sourcing objects but I also design bespoke pieces that make a statement using interesting colors and textures through furniture.’ If the entryway is large enough, do make sure to include a surface for the practicalities of everyday life, such as a pretty a console for your car keys or a decorative bench or chair for perching.

5. Include storage into your scheme

Trying to fit the best entryway storage ideas into your scheme isn’t always the easiest task, so choose furniture that has more than one function. Furniture that serves a dual purpose makes the most of a space, while opting for a bespoke design ensures tailored functionality and proportions. In this small entryway, designed by Ginny Macdonald (opens in new tab), a built-in white oak bench has been fitted with three drawers as a simple and neat shoe storage idea. As well as drawers, consider an ottoman-style bench where you can open the top for easy access.

6. Put the focus on materials

Wood sideboards, cabinets and consoles are nothing new – they have been a popular choice for years because of their timeless appeal, not to mention the fact wood is a durable material that gets better with age. But if you think that wooden entryway furniture ideas will feel too traditional in a contemporary home, think again. In recent years, there have been a number of new techniques which have reinvigorated wooden furniture, and made this old staple a very modern interior design trend.  For a modern aesthetic, pair your sideboard with a striking backdrop. ‘It’s easy to forget about entryways as they are thoroughfares rather than places we spend time,’ says Sarah Peake, founder of Studio Peake (opens in new tab). ‘It’s therefore crucial to be bold with pattern and color.’ 

7. Don’t forget about storage in an entryway

Keep your entryway clutter-free with practical storage ideas, from bespoke fitted joinery to flexible freestanding furniture.  Fitting a bank of built-in cabinets along a hallway provides ample storage while seamlessly linking the spaces together. ‘If built-in joinery can be incorporated into the design, then consider using the space under the stairs or creating a run of cabinets along one wall. Not only will this provide storage, but it will keep everything organised and out of sight,’ says Emma Deterding, founder and creative director, Kelling Designs.

8. Opt for a statement console

As an entryway staple, a console table offers surface space for items such as table lamps, letter racks, keys and memo pads, but it can also be used to display decorative items and plants to welcome guests as part of a styled display.  If you need extra storage space for keys, magazines or other household items, then go for a design with open shelves beneath, this is a great way to create extra storage, while keeping the space feeling airy and spacious. 

9. Maximize space with slimline furniture

Storage is essential in a entryway. This area tends to be a casting-off spot for everyone’s coats, bags, shoes and keys, so be sure to find the best solution that makes the most of every available inch, be that built-in or standalone entryway furniture. Another way to create the feeling of space in cramped entrances is to opt for tables with slim legs or wall-hung shelves, says interior decorator Charlotte Hughes of Sutton House Interiors. 

10. Introduce casual seating

Introducing casual seating will provide a useful place to sit while pulling on shoes or simply makes a nice spot for relaxing. Look for a bench with in-seat storage for a hard-working solution, or an upholstered, French-style sofa or chaise if you want to create a sense of glamor.

What furniture should be in a foyer?

When deciding which furniture should be in a foyer or entryway, you should think about design and function as a joint venture.  ‘You do need to consider the practical elements, then design around them so you don’t detract from the beauty,’ says interior designer Charu Gandhi. ‘Things like where coats, shoes and keys are going to go. If there’s space, I think doing a seat or a entryway bench that incorporates hallway shoe storage is great.’