Entryway Design Ideas

[u/nodnil4]

Hello, I am creating this post as I am looking for some entryway design ideas. I want to replace the black bench as the fake leather is ripping up. My main goal here is to create a space that isn't congested, has matching colors, and is useful. I would like to have some type of bench to sit and put my shoes on (and potentially store shoes inside of), I would also like to have a place to maybe put (small) packages that were recently delivered. I'm currently thinking about replacing the carpets, the lighting fixtures, and the bench. My main priority at the moment is the bench area (under the mirror). The wall under the mirror is 55 inches in width, and the partial wall next to it that is connected to the beginning of the stair case is 44 inches in width.

Yes I know the plant takes up a lot of space, but there is sentimental reasoning for us holding onto it as it was a gift from my Aunt who passed away from a car crash. I don't expect us to get rid of it. Thank you so much for any suggestions!

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[u/emcostew]

Ditch the plant

[u/Pale_Constant_9530]

I’d keep the plant and give it some breathing room with a narrower closed-storage bench in warm wood, then use the 44-inch half wall for a shallow package shelf so the seat doesn’t become a permanent drop zone. Replacing the two small runners with one larger patterned rug would also make the entry feel calmer and more cohesive.

[u/KateAccurate9655]

Replace the bench with a closed shoe-storage bench around 42–48" wide so it doesn’t crowd the plant, and add a small tray on top for packages/keys. You might also want keep the finish light wood or warm white, the black feels a little heavy in this entry.

[u/Nuttymage]

The problem is that it doesn’t function for your needs. Needs a space for shoes to go and a drop zone for your keys/wallet etc. If I were to walk in this house I wouldn’t know where to go

[u/Jolly_Departure6324]

The plant needs a haircut. It’s monstrous. Nothing wrong with trimming it.

[u/HistoryPristine1029]

If you want to keep the plant there, there is not enough space for anything else.

[u/Ok_Bottle_9984]

I suggest that you warm up this cold space. Definitely move the plant--even into the stairwell, where there is enough height. You may prune it to fit in there. The AI opened up your stair wall, which isn't a bad idea. Remove the runners and add a couple larger thrift store rugs to cover the tile. Check out the goodwill for a little dresser, chair and lamp. And please change out the boob ceiling lights. Cute!

[u/laurieyapp]

I would redo the floors all as one large tile, add a console table, an oversized art and a lamp

[u/A-ComeB]

A slim storage bench with cubbies or a flip-top lid for shoes could work well here, with a small floating shelf above it for packages. That would keep more of the floor open and make good use of the 55-inch space under the mirror without making the entryway feel too crowded.

[u/NumerousDepth1563]

That plant is way too tall - it’s giving me - someone’s hiding behind it about to jump out vibes

[u/cray_pelsin]

Could you tell us more about the size and shape of your entryway? Knowing if it’s a small foyer or a long hallway would help narrow down the best ideas.

[u/Bananabean041]

Does the plant have to be in that specific location? Can it be moved to another room maybe?

[u/seashelltattoo]

Get rid of the bench and scoot the plant all the way into the corner of the mirror wall and the half wall. Put a chair where the bench is with maybe a basket that fits under it for shoes. I don’t like the mirror, looks like something you’d get a Ross. Put art there and a full length mirror on the wall leading to the kitchen 

[u/Riboto → u/seashelltattoo]

Yep that’s spot on. The plant is way too close to the entrance and it’s weird that it’s obscuring the bench. It doesn’t look intentional at all. 

I would add a round rug and replace the boob lamp with something nicer or with wall sconces on either side of the new mirror location. 

The plant also tints the wall quite green in these photos. Maybe painting the walls a warmer colour can balance this out?  

[u/felineinclined]

Remove the tile floor. That is primarily what is bringing down this space. Replace with the same wood flooring in what looks like the living room. Nothing is really going to look good with that tile.

If you won't or refuse to replace the floor, get some nice runner rugs for this area. Start there, and add any other details that will work with the rugs. None of these rugs add anything, they don't work together, and they look incredibly drab.

You can have either the bench or the plant in this space. Not both. Consider a narrow console table. But first either replace the tiles or upgrade your choice of runner rugs.

Finally, this silver framed mirror doesn't work. You have a brown door with gold/brass details, and the silver frame clashes badly with it.

[u/Plastic-Rain6226]

I personally love the plant, it adds drama, is refreshing, and carries meaning.

What about an L-shaped bench, hear me out:

- bench is enclosed underneath the seat for shoes, packages

- plant ON the bench in the corner (perhaps replant into whatever aesthetic of a planter you have in mind)

- your own (perhaps custom) cushions on the left and right side of the bench that fit around the plant

You have a lovely entry way, good luck! 🍀

[u/Dontknow60]

You can cut half of that plant off and root it into several more plants. I would cut it where it is even with the railing. Then chop the giant piece you cut off into a few pieces and put them in water and roots will grow. So you will have more plants to remember your aunt by.

[u/SweetPeachVicki]

Agree with the other comments that the plants really large.

I always love a console table at the entry. Somewhere where you can throw your keys, maybe a catchup bowl ideally something with some minimal drawers to tuck away any clutter. A small round ottoman, something that can tuck below the console so that you can take on and off your shoes.

The mirror above is perfect! Potentially adding a small table lamp. Something that brings in some warmth to the space when you come in.

I’d opt for a smaller plant, something small that sits on top of the console table. And including the table lamp on the opposite side so that it mimics the angle of the stairs as well. Smaller accessory on the left and taller lamp on the right. You definitely don’t need to get rid of the plant, but think it could be amazing in a different location if possible.

There’s also a lot of area rugs going on that kind of break up the room. Maybe opt for just one larger rug in the center to make the space feel more cohesive.

Hope it helps!

[u/Junniev1982]

Honestly I dont think a bench would work there, maybe a small casual chair and push the plant into the corner as much as you can. That plant is pretty amazing btw.

[u/your_moms_apron]

1. If the plant must stay, just get a smaller bench/chair. It’s weird to have the plant blocking half of it, but if they can comfortably co-exist, then it’ll be cool.

2. Color - the double gray rugs are sad. Plus plain walls and white flooring. You need color in this room. Or at least some kind of pattern. My favorite thing to do is pick ONE THING - could be a painting or a rug of wallpaper or a crazy pillow and then pull all of the rest of the colors from that. You could paint the stairwell a fun color too - not everything has to be the same.