How to Decorate a Foyer

A foyer's decor reflects the personality and taste of the homeowner.

If you have a foyer, no matter how small or big it is, you want to make it as welcoming as possible for your guests. You should decorate the foyer with elements that speak about you and set the tone for the rest of your home.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Paint
• Console table or round table
• Bench or chairs
• Antique dresser
• Area rug
• Chandelier, wall sconces or track lights
• Mirrors
• Artwork
• Family pictures
• Sculptures, knickknacks and other collectible items
• Throw pillows
• Vase
• Cut flowers
• Plants

1. Paint your foyer with a color that blends well with the rest of your home. If your foyer is closed off from the rest of the house, you can be more creative with it. Use bold or dark colors to paint the walls 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 as the starting point. This can be a console table, a round hall table or a bench. The furniture should be big enough to make an impact, yet it 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. You may also choose to add a rug or a welcoming mat. Just make sure that the rug or mat has a rubber backing, to avoid skidding that can cause accidents.

3. After selecting the main pieces of furniture, find the best angle and location for them. If you have a narrow hallway right at your entrance, 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 do not stumble in the dark when they visit at night. A chandelier for a grand foyer works well in front of the main entrance. You can also use wall sconces or track lights on long narrow hallways. Track lights can also be used to highlight your wall with framed photos and artwork.

5. Add 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 place a tall mirror leaning on the wall on a very narrow hallway. Add sculptures, knickknacks 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. Add throw pillows if you have a bench, for your guests to sit comfortably.

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 decorate the space with a small table, or just framed photos and artwork on the wall.

• Avoid placing too many items in your foyer -- people should not find it difficult to navigate the space. Keep your foyer clutter free at all times. It is your chance to make that good first impression by keeping the space clean.