Turn an Empty Wall into an Entryway in 4 Easy Steps

We don’t all have the luxury of a dedicated entryway, but that doesn’t mean we can’t all try carve one out using ingenuity and design elements. Start with the where — the obvious location is the wall right beside the door you use daily — and then add these things in. Below: your easy entryway checklist.

This stylish yet simple entryway is from Michael’s ’80s-inspired boho glam rental apartment. He was on a serious budget when decorating, so he had to use creative thinking and killer thrift shopping skills to outfit his whole home. And, he did it fast. Like, finished-furnishing-after-a few-months-moved-in fast. And thankfully, his decor recipe for an entry wall is both affordable and quick to steal:

The first things you may like to add to a wall to turn it into an entryway is some type of furniture piece. Choose something that you can sit on while you put on and take off shoes, like a bench. Or, pick a thin console or shelf that can act as a landing spot for your keys and wallet. Alternatively, even something as simple as a wooden crate can be a catch-all for that pile of dirty shoes. The point of this starting step: Pick an element that will anchor your “entryway.” And a rug will help define the area.

Michael chose a dining bench from West Elm and a neutral rug from Simons. There are a wide variety of affordable benches out there to choose from.

Wall hooks are a bit magical, no? They’re incredibly easy to install, they come in a wild variety of sizes and styles, and they do so much. From hanging your collection of tote bags, to keeping your jackets off the floor, to being the perfect spot to grab your pup’s leash from before a walk — hooks are about flexibility. You can choose to have as many as you want (or perhaps as many as your space’s size will allow). The point of this step is about organizing those “things” that tend to pile up around the entryway — or would just be really handy to have by the front door. Wall hooks like the one in Michael’s entry can be as affordable as $3.99 a piece.

→ Off the Hook: The Best Modern Coat Hooks

Like a mirror…any mirror. A big one, if you have the room, will reflect light, too, making your entry wall shine. But the purpose of this element is to give you an opportunity to do a last-minute hair, outfit and face check before heading off to work or a hot date. Round mirrors are particularly trendy right now, and would look lovely in an entry space.

→ Why You Need a Round Mirror In Your Life & Where To Get One

Don’t skip this step; it’s an important one. Sure, plants and pillows might seem like superficial, unnecessary items, but they serve an important function. They add life and coziness to an entry area, not only completing “the look” but also making leaving — and returning to — your home an extra pleasant event. In Michael’s entry area, two bold blue throw pillows add a cheery burst of color, and hanging plants save on floor space and add fun greenery to the vignette.