A Beautiful Entryway: First Impressions Last

by Guest Author

by Miles Dartmouth

Decorating should not only be limited to the main rooms of the house and where guests are entertained. Beautifying the area where you welcome guests is just as important. The entryway is the initial space your guests will see upon entering your house. Making it welcoming and appealing is a good start for what's in store inside.

The most important element of decorating an entryway is lighting. When someone steps through your door at night, they should be welcomed with enough light to come inside. Entryway lights shouldn't be too bright or overwhelming, so choose something subtle such as a flush-mount fixture or sconces. You can find these light fixtures in beautiful designs to match any home's decor.

If you're one of the many people in the world who has a million times forgotten important keys, a small table or a cute chest will help. You can place a decorative container for your keys, so you won't forget them before leaving the house. This furnishing by the entryway will also give an instant welcome home sign, especially if decorated with flowers.

Don't neglect the walls of the entryway. Oftentimes, these are overlooked assuming that they're okay to be plain looking. People don't linger there anyway. Actually, painting it with the same motif as the rest of the house or a slightly different yet inviting shade can make people want to hang out in that part of the house. Seeing the house as a "home" upon entering gives a warm feeling to the guests. They will admire your home's beauty in all angles, in every space.

Mirrors are another great accessory for entryways. Hang a mirror on the wall above the small table, so guests can quickly check their appearance before coming inside. Look for a mirror in a beautiful, ornate frame to add a touch of class and elegance to your home from the moment guests arrive.

An alternative to a mirror on the wall is an artwork. You can hang a painting or a portrait. Photographs are also an option, especially that they give a personal touch. You can have a photo gallery, adorning a big part of the wall (or the entire wall if you have tons of photos) with your best photographs over the years. You can also add a memorabilia or two, such as a signed poster of your favorite rock star. It can be an item from a memorable trip or a prize from a competition you'll never forget. These things are great conversation starters. You wouldn't have to worry about how to entertain your guests.

No entryway would be complete without a place to hang coats. Whether you attach small hooks to the wall or bring in a free coat tree, make sure your guests have a convenient place to store their coats. You might also consider placing a beautiful bench in the entryway, where guests can sit down and remove their shoes when they come in from the snow or rain.

Of course, no guest should have to take off their shoes and then walk across a cold floor. Make sure your entryway is outfitted with a soft, comfortable area rug. Not only will the rug be cozy for everyone's feet, but it also adds another element of design into the space. Choose a beautiful area rug that coordinates with your paint color and wall hangings. An area rug will give your entryway the finishing touch to become a warm, welcoming place for guests to enter your home.

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