First impressions can count for a lot, so if you want to make a good one then the entryway is a beautiful way to inject some luxury. As they are often small rooms, entryways can be a challenge to inject personality but there are plenty of ways to make yours stand out from the crowd. If you love the luxury look and are looking for ways to elevate your entryway ideas you’re in the right place, below we’ve rounded up an array of tips and ideas from interior designers and industry experts on how to make your entryway look more expensive.
How can I make my entryway look more expensive?
There are many ways to make an entryway look more expensive, from lavish light fittings to hanging original artwork and embracing statement wallpaper. However, when designing an entryway many interior designers agree that the key is not to overcrowd the space. Indeed many suggest that a clean, uncluttered entryway is essential to achieving a classy feel. Unlike other rooms, there’s limited scope to make an impact with furnishings, so it’s essential to get the basic elements right and ensure that the walls, floors, fixtures, and fittings are high quality. ‘Space can be limited in an entryway, so you really want to keep it clean. That’s why the best way to add luxury to the space is by focusing on the walls and the floors,’ says Camilla Stannard, founder of Lilla Rugs (opens in new tab). ‘Think bespoke artwork and a gorgeous handmade rug. Something truly unique that nobody else has in their home.’ ‘I think lighting and flooring details are the easiest ways to make the space feel more welcoming and look more expensive,’ adds interior designer Evelyn Pierce (opens in new tab). ‘Making the entryway a different floor material makes it feel more significant and it will provide a statement when you walk into the house. Adding a nice light fixture helps to warm the space up and add a little jewelry to the entry. I like to stay with bright whites in entryways – Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace is a go-to of mine.’ For those looking to give an entryway a five-star feel below we’ve rounded up our favorite ways to inject instant luxury into these small practical spaces including expert advice and beautiful schemes guaranteed to inspire.
1. Choose luxurious surfaces for floors
Opting for a luxurious entryway floor is a great way to bring texture and interest to an entryway without cluttering the space. A statement marble floor is guaranteed to create a five-star focal point, but it will also have the benefit of being enduringly popular and hugely durable. In this space designed by Shalini Misra (opens in new tab), the interior designer has embraced marble alongside richly-grained timber and foxed mirrors on the walls to create an area brimming with quality and class. Real marble floors can be hugely expensive, however, there are plenty of porcelain floor tiles designed to look like real marble which cost a fraction of the price.
1. Keep the space clutter-free
While they may not be the most glamorous design features, entryway storage ideas play a vital role in the look and feel of an entryway and continually came up when we asked interior designers for their tips on making entrances look expensive. ‘First impressions are so important and ensuring that the entrance to your home is clean and tidy might seem like a simple thing but as every parent knows, this is much easier said than done,’ says British celebrity interior designer, Naomi Astley Clarke (opens in new tab). ‘My trick is to make it as easy as possible by creating throw-in storage – think tall cupboards and pull-out drawers under benches – for coats, bags, kid’s sports equipment, and everything in between. If nothing else, it makes the last minute clear up before guests arrive that bit quicker to manage.’
3. Carefully consider your lighting
Getting your entryway lighting ideas right is crucial to creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, but it is also a wonderful way to make a decorative statement and bring a touch of opulence to the space. To make an entryway feel more expensive, think about oversized light fittings suggests interior designer Penny Morrison (opens in new tab). ‘If the entryway is spacious then a central lantern is wonderful, especially if it can be positioned above a central table and a vase of colorful flowers. Alternatively, try wall lanterns – if they are large it will make the entrance appear grander. If the hall is a more traditional, long space then two oversized lamps with colorful silk shades placed on a console table will give a statement pop of color even during daylight.’ ‘Small wall lights are best in passageways rather than ceiling lights and if you have pictures in the entryway always add picture lights.’
4. Fit a statement pendant light
A large pendant lamp is a fabulous way to create a luxurious focal point in an entryway without taking up valuable floor space and there are designs to suit all properties and tastes, from minimalist ornate crystal chandeliers. ‘Lighting is a great way to brighten up an entranceway, creating a striking focal point when you walk in the door. Using a hanging pendant light will make the space look bigger and give it an instant uplift and can be used in place of art, suggests Angela Murray, UK manager at Hadeland Glassverk (opens in new tab). This oversized wire hallway lighting idea doubles as a piece of functional artwork while keeping the space feeling bright and open. A statement red velvet sofa adds to the feeling of opulence.
5. Make an impact with a designer console table
Rather than clutter an entryway, keep furniture and fittings limited to a few high-quality statement pieces for a chic yet spacious look. In this London townhouse interior designer, Alice Leigh opted for a mix of antique and bespoke pieces with streamlined, sculptural designs to create an impact while keeping this space feeling light and airy. ‘I like to keep the entrance hall quite simple, especially if it is a narrow space. A large mirror is a must. I don’t like to mix too many different finishes, here the sculptural legs of the console table by Tom Faulkner complement both the mirror finish and the antique chair and lantern creating quite a calm feeling as you enter the house,’ says Alice Leigh (opens in new tab). ‘If there is room, some welcoming flowers can really brighten and welcome and here we added a specially commissioned umbrella stand by ceramist George Bronwin, adding some interest to an unused corner.’
6. Add a show-stopping wallpaper
Ornate wallpapers are a quick way to make rooms feel grand and opulent, and hallways are a perfect place to display them. As entryways are transient spaces you can afford to be bold, plus, often the stairway offers a large, uninterrupted expanse of wall that makes a wonderful location for beautiful papers to really shine. For a touch of Eastern elegance, you can’t get more luxurious than a bespoke Chinoiserie design – this sinuous mural in the home of Hannah Cecil Gurney, director of handpainted wallpaper firm de Gournay (opens in new tab), brings added wow factor with its metallic finish that glimmers in the light. Alternatively, there are many printed wallpapers available with metallic detailing. When choosing hallway wallpaper, ‘consider the views into the hallway or onto your stairs from other rooms, how much do you see, how will the design you choose flow into the other rooms?’ says Ruth Mottershead, creative director of Little Greene (opens in new tab). ‘All Little Greene wallpapers are designed to be robust, hard-wearing, and ultimately resist the wear and tear of everyday life. But if you’re looking for an even more durable solution, paint under the dado rail with our Intelligent Matt and wallpaper above.’
7. Try rich colors
‘Create an entrance hall that’s sure to impress by opting for rich hues mixed with luxurious golden tones,’ suggests Sam Hood co-founder of Amara (opens in new tab). Not only will this bring class, but it’s also an easy way to add warmth to an entryway. ‘A console table is a great addition to this high-traffic area as it can be used to store items as well as provide a place for entry table decor ideas to display your favorite entryway decorative accessories and seasonal stems.’
8. Add mirrors to visually enlarge the space
Adding hallway mirrors is a failsafe way to make an entryway feel larger, brighter, and more luxurious. Generally, the larger the mirror the grander the space will feel. For a traditional entryway, try a gilded antique design, alternatively, a large simple circular design can look wonderfully simple and contemporary.
9. Display artwork to add intrigue
Entryway wall decor is an easy way to elevate a space – be it a sculpture on a console table or a fabulous painting, original artwork in particular is guaranteed to add instant individuality and class. ‘There are two really effective ways to make a statement by decorating with art in a hallway. The first is to play with scale. Make the most of the wall space and choose a large-scale artwork that spans the full height of the wall. It will feel bold and impactful,’ says Camilla Clarke, creative director at Albion Nord (opens in new tab). If you have a long entryway, another interesting way to make a statement with art is to create an art wall. Play with a mixture of artworks in different sizes, colors, and genres to create your own personal gallery space.’ If you’re looking to bring warmth and grandeur to the entryway consider a textured artwork like a tapestry. ‘We love to use tapestries in entrances as they add richness and warmth to a space that may not have much furniture. They also come in huge landscape sizes which make them great for narrow halls or entrances.’
What makes a room look expensive?
Opting for high-quality materials, furniture, fitting and fixtures is the best way to make a room feel luxurious, plus they will mean it will stand the test of time. Avoid cliches or trends and instead opt for materials with a timeless feel however reflective surfaces, metallics, and mirrors can be a wonderful way to bring a touch of glamor and sparkle. A well-planned, layered lighting scheme will ensure the space feels warm and welcoming, plus it’s also important to factor in plenty of storage so that the space remains feels open and uncluttered.
