How to Decorate a Foyer

If you have a foyer, no matter how small or big it is, you would want to put enough attention for it to be as welcoming as possible for your guests. A foyer should be decorated in things that speak about you, and should set the stage for your home.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Console table
• Bench or chairs
• Throw pillows
• Area rug
• Mirrors
• Framed artwork
• Family pictures
• Vase
• Flowers
• Plants
• Sculpture
• Lighting
• Paint
• Other accessories (clock, travel treasures, collectibles, knick-knacks and candles)

1. Paint your foyer with a color that would blend well with the rest of your home. If your foyer is closed off from the rest of the house, you can be as creative as you would want to be with it. Try using bold or dark colors then paint the wall and ceiling to give the space more depth. You may also opt to just paint an accent wall that would be a backdrop for your artwork.

2. Pick out the main furniture that will be your staging ground. This can be a console table, a round hall table or a bench. This should be big enough to make an impact yet should not be too overbearing. Put an antique dresser with intricate carvings right in front of your entry door to give a good first impression. Choose the right size that would fit in your foyer.
   
   You may also choose to add a rug or a welcoming mat. Just make sure that the rug or mat has a rubber lining to avoid skidding that can cause accidents.

3. After choosing the staging ground, locate the best angle and location for your main furniture. If you have a narrow hallway right at your entrance, you should lean your console table against the wall so as not to block the way. On the other hand, if you have a foyer that is wide enough, you can place a round table at the center to break the flow and make the space more interesting. You can see this often used in bigger estate homes.

4. Choose your lighting well. You need to make sure that your foyer is well-lit so that your guests will not stumble in the dark when they visit at night. A chandelier for a grand foyer would look lovely in front of the main entrance.
   
   You can also put wall sconces or track lights on long narrow hallways. Track lights can also be used to highlight your wall, framed photos and artwork.

5. Start putting accessories. You can start by placing artwork or a mirror on the wall. A mirror is not only beautiful but it is also utilitarian. Your guests can do one final glance or check up on their outfit before they proceed to walk inside your home. You can strategically put a big mirror on top of the console or put a very tall mirror on its own leaning on the wall on a very narrow hallway.
   
   You can add sculptures, knick-knacks and other collectible items that can be great conversation pieces. Avoid using too many items that will give the space a cluttered look.

6. For your foyer to look more welcoming, add flowers and plants. Fresh flowers can appeal to your guests' sense of smell.
   
   You can also add a bench with throw pillows for your guests to sit on.

Tips & Warnings

• Add a coat rack and an umbrella vase that can hold winter coats and umbrellas.
• If you live in an apartment that you have a very narrow or small entrance, you can still have a foyer by adding a small table or simply adding framed photos or artwork on the wall.
• A rug can be used to break the space or as a welcoming mat.
• Avoid placing too much items in your foyer that people would have difficulty in navigating the space.
• Keep your foyer clutter free at all times. It is your first chance to give that good first impression by keeping the space clean.

[AmyJaine]

on 5/9/2008 Interesting.