How to Decorate an Apartment Entrance

foyer

An apartment entrance can be a cold and institutional looking space and doesn't do much to make a guest feel welcomed into your home. Often painted a plain white and including unattractive metal doors for coats, an apartment entrance takes a little creativity and thought to make it a true expression of the apartment dweller and his or her own taste and style.

Things You'll Need

• Vintage white picket fence piece Antique tricycle or bicycle Bicycle basket Mirror Up-light Narrow table Table lamp Small plant Artwork Bench Coat rack Area rug Religious icons Fish tank

Instructions

1. 

   Use a little country chic to create a homey feeling in your apartment foyer. Place an old piece of white picket fence, some potted plants, and maybe even an antique tricycle or bike to create a small town feeling in what can be a style-less space. A vintage bicycle basket works great to hold mail and keys and doesn't take up a lot of valuable space in the entryway. Collect your pieces from antique malls and flea markets.

2. 

   Add light in a dark foyer by using mirrors and up lights. Apartment entryways are usually windowless and can be a dark and cold space but a large mirror will help bounce light around the hall and provide a needed space to check your hair and make up before leaving the house. Add a small up-light to provide indirect lighting in the space to help brighten it up.

3. 

   Place a small narrow table or corner table under a mirror in the entrance way to serve both form and function. Place a small table lamp to provide a warm glow in the space and a colored glass bowl to receive keys and mail. Add a violet plant under the lamp to finish off the classic foyer.

4. 

   Create drama by painting the foyer a different color to create a warm entrance. Whether you paint the entire hall or just an accent wall, a little drama color will go a long way in an apartment entryway. Start by selecting a large piece of artwork to hang on the entrance wall, then choose a coordinating color to paint the wall. This ties the entrance together and creates a pleasant entrance to the rest of your apartment home.

5. 

   Make it functional by placing a narrow bench and coat rack in your apartment entrance. Especially important if there is no coat-closet available in the area, your guests will appreciate a place to sit down and remove shoes and stow coats. Use a kitschy park style-bench or go country with a heavy oak pew to create interest and style. Add a small area rug for people to drop shoes on rainy days.

6. 

   Use your entrance as a prayer or altar space. Place a narrow table along the hall wall and dress with candles, photos and religious icons. Hang a large Madonna print or Buddha image to set the tone or mix religious elements to create a unique and interesting space.

7. 

   Add some life with a large fish tank. A fish tank and stand fits well into most apartment entrances and can bring warmth and interest to an otherwise forgotten space. Purchase a narrow "flat screen" style tank of about 10 -20 gallons and set up against the wall in your entryway. The sound of the water and the indirect tank lighting will set the tone for a restful respite in your apartment home.

Tips & Warnings

• Add color to the walls by hanging a large tapestry or piece of artwork on the wall. Many apartments do not allow residents to paint so put up temporary color with artwork.

• Don't clutter up your entryway. Measure your space and use the most narrow tables and benches you can find to ensure plenty of room for people to walk past.

References

• pioneerthinking.com
• how to decorate a small victorian foyer

Resources

• tvlessons.com decorating a foyer