How to Decorate a Long Entryway

Decorate your long entryway with objects and items that reveal your decorative taste and welcome guests into your home. You can include a variety of things in your entryway to keep your guests' interest piqued along the long hall, though the items should be related so the entry flows in a logical manner. For example, don't start with a beach and seashell theme and end up with an Oriental flair by the end of the entryway. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Paint the walls in the entryway or put up wallpaper that complements the decor in the rest of your home and makes you feel welcome as soon as you step in your home. Use light colors, such as light blue, cream or yellow, that open the entryway if it's closed in, or a deep color, such as charcoal gray or chocolate brown, if there's a lot of natural light and you want to accessorize with a bright piece, such as a turquoise floor vase or chair. Use a vertical pattern if you want a pattern, as a horizontal pattern will draw attention to the length of the entryway and make it appear even longer.

2

Place furniture along the entryway that complements your theme or style and functions for your family. If the entryway is primarily used for welcoming guests, a long, narrow table might work best. If the entryway welcomes small children on a daily basis, try a long bench with storage cubbies for the children to store their shoes, backpacks and other daily items.

3

Hang a series of artwork, photographs or wall sculptures on the wall. Only decorate one wall if the entryway is enclosed on both sides, or stagger your pieces by alternating between the walls without hanging anything directly across from another piece to avoid overwhelming or overstimulating your guests. A long entryway typically provides at least one long wall that could be used to create a gallery of family photos. Use the same colors or tones to keep the pictures related, such as black-and-white pictures or red picture frames.

4

Keep the entire entryway hall related by placing a runner or creating a design on the floor, such as with tiles or wood flooring.

5

Install lights along the entire entryway to keep it from appearing dark or dingy. A fancy chandelier can hang above the door, while wall sconces or recessed lighting can line the entryway. Put the secondary lights on dimmers so you can control the mood of your foyer.

6

Accessorize your long entryway with plants, vases, flowers, pottery, coat racks, sculptures, candles or any other decorative piece that complements the colors and style of the foyer.