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marska12

How do I create a WOW entryway?

2 years ago

My entryway is 4ft 1in wide and 184" long (with an opening on the right to the BR corridor and left to the LR).
I've tried a narrow bench, a small coat tree, a cabinet, a mirror, different rugs, art, etc. But nothing sticks.
I'd love to create something special in this small, awkward area.
I've purchased and returned several items. I'm fine with buying new items!
Please, please provide some ideas that might actually work!!! Thanks.

Comments (56)

  • 2 years ago

    Our home is contemporary/transitional.

    Furniture ideas?

  • 2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    I don't understand the need for a rod and curtain in the entry, but if it works for you, don't hang in on the hall wall; do hang it on the bedroom corridor side. As is, it looks like a shower curtain.

    To make a "wow", it has to happen the second the front door is opened. Unfortunately, there only is about 1 foot to make the wow.

    Suggest inches only wall shelf and art.



    Bring in some of the green of the front door. I wouldn't put anything else on the walls.

    Choose a rug (even if you have to custom the size) to run the length of the hallway. Chose horizontal stripes to give the appearance the hall is wider.

    Abby Marshall thanked elcieg
  • 2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    I think I might paper all the walls of the entry. I like this scale.





    Here‘s another pattern to consider.




    This is a good photo showing all walls papered.


    Abby Marshall thanked ffpalms
  • PRO
    2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    I would place the main focus on the walls.

    If you wallpaper, you'll just be back here asking us what to place on top of the wallpaper.

    I have placed a console table and canvas at the end of the hall & a 'found' tree branch on the intersection wall. Scale your items a bit larger than you currently have considered.






















    Abby Marshall thanked BeverlyFLADeziner
  • PRO
    2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    Take a picture of the wall that has the window but pull the drapery panel back so we can see the window, please.


    Your other option is to focus on the intersection of the two walkways as the location for the console table. Then place the less important object down the hallway.





    Abby Marshall thanked BeverlyFLADeziner
  • 2 years ago

    Is this the door you use every day? Do you need coat/shoe/boot storage? I would start with the needs first and then add the decor.

  • 2 years ago

    Looks like the curtain is disguising a closet?

  • 2 years ago

    I think the wow should be the wall that’s between the 2 hallways, much like the pic Debbi showed of large art I’ve slim table. The deep rich wall colt helps a lot but might not work in relationship to other walls. This wall focus idea is because I don’t think people entering can have the wow factor just 2 feet from their faces— instead , they step in and naturally turn toward Left, then have opportunity for that view a feet ahead.

    Wallpaper is a great idea because it’s all-over pattern and richness which is cohesive in a small confined space , rather than lots of focal points.

    These ideas might be combined, with wallpaper in the hall and not much more, the ahead at end is wall with large art, can’t recall from photos but that might be painted it’s own color.

    I think the rug doesn’t work, because it’s very busy and it detracts from your flooring, and makes a “ look down” focal point instead of, look ahead once you step in.

    I don’t know how to give very specific “ this paper, this art, this rug because they need to work together. I’d think about the rug’s being the quietest, though, probably solid, if you do wallpaper, and so perhaps have lots of choices for a runner in a solid or tweedy color.

    I do a lot of pattern mixing but in a traditional/ English cottage type vibe so stripes, florals. I’m not sure how to mix patterns in contemporary but not as well I think. But some of the wallpaper suggestions are more subtle prints, also can get tone on tone stripes, something that functions as a “ false plain”.

    Since rugs however are on the floor, hence less competition, you might find an Oriental runner, somewhat subtle though, which goes with everything, looks great with modern art.

  • 2 years ago

    Wow! Great suggestions! Ok- focal wall is the short wall - I like the cabinet and art idea -its just tough finding the right pieces. I've had a couple combinations there and they didn't work.


    Rug also - again, a bit difficult to find something that can take some abuse- if it's rainy or wet I place Ikea rag rugs there. Don't like it but....this is the main entry other than through the garage or the garden door . also the front door clearance is very,very low. 


    Behind the curtain is an alcove that is used for hanging coats etc in the winter. There has been much discussion with friends, family, and contractors as to how to place some type of door but nothing has come to fruition. Hence the curtain. Certainly far from ideal. I tried a nicer curtain and a solid color curtain but it just draws more attention to an embarrassing spot.

  • 2 years ago

    Bev - I'll add some pics shortly

  • PRO
    2 years ago

    As for the rug........ It's a difficult size. Most of the runners are too narrow for your space. You could have something cut to fit the space from carpeting, or you could simply place matching rugs end to end.

    This would be the layout options for your hallway.

    Abby Marshall thanked BeverlyFLADeziner
  • 2 years ago

    Bev- here are is "behind the curtain"

  • 2 years ago

    Here is the short wall with a CB2 cabinet - I bought the cabinet for this space but it doesn't work. Too short (even though I added legs)

  • 2 years ago

    And I removed the Moment rug ,; replaced with neutral runner

  • 2 years ago

    Different runner with a canvas piece I'm storing for my daughter

  • 2 years ago

    For your closet, just sharing my project I'm still working on that maybe you could consider for yours and paint them a fun color. I didn't want a typical door because it cut into the small laundry room. These are those decorative panels people usually buy to lean against a wall with their decor. I converted them to swinging doors but they can stay propped open in either direction. I'll be adding fabric to hide the view.


    Abby Marshall thanked bearbev
  • 2 years ago

    We have not considered swinging doors! Hmmmm

  • 2 years ago

    Beautiful doors!!!

  • 2 years ago

    Not sure if there is enough clearance but I'll check it out with the carpenter

  • 2 years ago

    I'm really terrible at marking up these pics!

  • 2 years ago

    You can find the right decorative panel and convert it to swinging for that closet opening. One that fits the decor, and paint if needed to make it something to see. These are on the Houzz site for ideas and fit the 25" width.



    Abby Marshall thanked bearbev
  • 2 years ago

    I’d look into a bifold door. Lots of sizes and styles available — search ’bifold door’ and ’narrow bifold door’ for ideas. Or have one custom made.

  • 2 years ago

    Bev can you share the source for table, tree, and art?

  • 2 years ago

    Thanks Deb!

  • 2 years ago

    Sorry, didn't read quite all of the answers. Just wanted to say that the front door color is SO pretty, I think you should paint the back of the door the same color! In fact, with the door open and the colorful rug, I assumed that photo was your inspiration photo. I think that door color is a WOW, myself. Good luck! I'll follow along to see how you end up.

    Abby Marshall thanked Mrs. S
  • 2 years ago

    Mirrored bifold…

  • 2 years ago

    Abby, I love your door too. And I love your curtain solution. I agree to place a dresser or console table at the opposite end but would top it with a mirror. The quality of choices will determine the wow level. I would work to find one runner the right length or have it custom made and bound from a carpet store. Place a large wow piece of art or collage of art opposite the opening to your adjoining rooms to visually expand its space. Tie the color of the art to that adjoining space.

  • 2 years ago

    Your coat closet could be made into something prettier. I would want the opening as wide as possible for ease of reaching in.



    Abby Marshall thanked ratherbesewing
  • 2 years ago

    Oh! That's nice! Thanks Rather!

  • 2 years ago

    Bev- thanks for adding the sources. Lens wasn't pulling those for me. The branch table is a little too narrow. But I love it. The space along the back wall can handle a table up to 16 inches  deep (depends on the length of the table).

  • 2 years ago

    I gathered some posters today to sample on the wall- they are small samples but can be ordered in Xtra large sizes and framed. Im not keen about the color but I like the concept.

    Shape? Does the space definitely need a more vertical piece or is square ok too?

  • 2 years ago

    Again, just trying to get an idea of what could work here. I certainly wouldn't install these actual samples.

  • 2 years ago

    And I feel like this wall will need something .... View is from LR/DR

  • 2 years ago

    HU- I very much appreciate your comments! I'm digesting it all...

  • PRO
    2 years ago

    If you don't plan to use a conventional door on the closet, then use some heavy-weight drapery panels, lined, and mount them close to the ceiling as you see below.

    Abby Marshall thanked BeverlyFLADeziner
  • 2 years ago

    Maybe try your daughter's art without the chest underneath for color as well as size.

    Abby Marshall thanked MJD232
  • 2 years ago

    So, you don't want a mirror?

    Abby Marshall thanked kl23
  • 2 years ago

    KL - I don't really know about a mirror. There was an old wall-size mirror there when we bought the house. Everyone who came over hated it - so I removed it. I was very surprised by the strong negative feelings. I was told it was startling to come into the house, turn left, and be greeted by a large mirror. Funny but it didn't bother me....

  • 2 years ago

    Bev- excellent idea about the drapes. Any ideas about the color? Should they blend into the walls as much as possible? What about the drapery rod? Color?

  • 2 years ago

    I purchased this yesterday - it will be a few weeks before it arrives - 

    And I've looked at dozens and dozens of art pieces.And lots of 3x12 runners. 

    I'm wondering if 3 feet is too wide? Would 2'7" or 2'8" be better?

  • 2 years ago

    Referring to the rug size- sorry!

  • 2 years ago

    What rug width works best for the hall?

  • 2 years ago

    With your fun, eclectic style, I think a macrame, jute, woven, or beaded curtain would look great. Etsy has lots of nice ones.







    I’ve had these myself and never found them to be a pain to use.

    Abby Marshall thanked Jilly
  • 2 years ago

    Jilly - Hi! Thanks for the suggestions! It's funny cuz I did try beads- but they were a PIA for me. Always untangling ... But wood might work better.

  • 2 years ago

    Surya has several different iterations of this rug in 3x12, but it's almost impossible for me to determine online the colors in their rugs. I love seeing the corresponding pantone colors on the others.

    What colors should I be looking for?

  • 2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    I love wallpaper and if you are up for the labor and cost of paper, great! How about this idea?

    It's a WOW, for sure. You could fit a fun, funky floor lamp and a green mirror shouldn't be so hard to find.



    Abby Marshall thanked elcieg
  • 2 years ago

    I love the table you bought! It's got personality, it won't block the register, and it's light not bulky. Please look for a mirror over it.  :-)

    Abby Marshall thanked kl23
  • 2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    I like your last rug. Go for color.

    I’m so @#$& tired of neutral everything. You like color and interest, don’t settle for gray and uptight.

  • 2 years ago

    Thanks Jilly & KL! I really appreciate your ideas!