I’m not sure what your design esthetic is, maybe pics of adjoining rooms would help. But what about a vintage gateleg table against the stair wall. They don’t take up much space & leaves space to display & dump keys etc.

Some ideas ....

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Two floating shelves on the thermostat wall would function as a drop off spot and leave room for some welcoming décor. Yours would be shorter than these depicted but the concept would work on a smaller scale.

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Maybe a table in a half moon shape.

You could put a tree there. It would literally put some life into the space. It would have the added virtue of taking attention off the thermostat. Plus, fresh green against the dark wood would be stunning.

What is the overall dimension of the space? Please take dimensions, indicating the openings and wall space. It would be very helpful.

Also, please post more pics: Looking to the front door, coming down the stairs, Is there a ceiling fixture, looking towards the living room.

You have gorgeous floors. This could be so beautiful. I would love to help.

Consider adding a small round table w/tall thin lamp and medium white shade.

https://www.wayfair.com/furniture/hd0/monica-end-table-with-storage-l442-k~dbyh7460.html?refid=GX245086974943-DBYH7460_29337474&device=c&ptid=450673426721&network=g&targetid=pla-450673426721&channel=GooglePLA&ireid=40867840&PiID%5B0%5D=29337474&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8bKWjcPz3QIVk0wNCh0sWgrlEAkYBCABEgJkO_D_BwE

An entry foyer is so important as it is the first area that invites you into your home. Your entry could be stylish and practical. Here are some suggestions:

Another poster on houzz had a shabby telephone table in her entry. She cleaned it up and we pushed her to get a very special discounted designer fabric. It's so good. Telephone tables are out there on craigslist and thrift stores and the size is perfect for you, as it was originally used in narrow halls when you only had one telephone in the house.

On the living room wall look for a narrow console table 12" deep.I have purchased consoles for clients and cut off the back to make it the right depth and anchored it with angles on the wall for support.

Consider a big mirror over the console, a narrow lamp and a key box. A big basket under the console will hold scarves, gloves, hats, slippers.

The rug should be living room wall to staircase and jog in wall straight ahead to where it won't interfere with the front door. A smaller rug would work also, but I love larger rugs so that it does't look like a postage stamp.

Install wallpaper like a color grasscloth with a silver background. Adding depth and layers are what design is all about!

Here's a quick sketch:

Some inspiration pics:

Here's other ideas:

Ikea has a very practical "shoe storage", but it is fantastic in a foyer. The drop down drawers can hold everything and each person gets his own bin. Go all the way and go to your local marble supplier, find out what they have to get rid of and cut to size, even have three side with an ogee edge. It makes the console very special and hugely useful.

The other idea is to install a large plain mirror and glue and install moulding on top of it to create an interesting frame.

You need the console table that the other lady wants to sell or paint??-?? It is long enough and narrow enough, all the rage 15 -20 yrs ago!! And beside that, a slipper chair, perhaps? Both those go below the stair rai! Opposite that, you could really use a pretty mirror, not a console table in the floorspace? Show me someone going out or arriving who wouldn't use a mirror? Keep a pretty bowl of peppermint, and some sugarfree gum on the console as well as a pretty hand mirror, box of tissues and hand sanitizer, and a small ivy or other green ? In the drawers you can stash some loose change, flashlite, some small hair combs, and in baskets below, some umbrellas and such.. Hardest working room in the house?!

The foyer should introduce you and your style, plus hint at what to expect in the adjoining spaces. Keep that in mind as you search for just the right piece.

Your home looks lovely and those floors are incredible. You must be in the northeast.

The trick with this space is the scaling of the furniture. That's why I love telephone tables. Here is one I found on craigslist with perfect dimensions 29"wide x 19"deep x 32"high. These are great little pieces and enormously practical.

With that being 19"deep, you have 45" side to side to work in the console. Go for something 10" deep and as long as you feel is the right length. Console bases can be made from anything and tops in wood/glass/stone. In your space, consider a mirror as large as possible to open it up. Carefully curating everything is the key for a well designed small space.

I posted this pic to show you that even with many items in an entrance, it works and still looks open. I personally like classic contemporary, but layering interesting items looks welcoming and exciting.

more pics

A great vintage persian area rug/runner for your entry Size- 3 1/2' x 9"

Reasonable price-it's on craigslist-Philadelphia

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Lindsey D, don't forget to post what you did with that great entrance foyer! We always love to see the results.

I would just put a rectangular skinny console table with a lamp on it there. I don't think there's enough room for a chair.