4 Ideas: How to MAKE an Entryway When You Don’t Have One

HOW TO CREATE A FAKE ENTRYWAY OR FOYER

Do you have an entryway that opens RIGHT into your living room or dining room? If so, you’ve come to the right place.

The foyer is undoubtedly the room builders pay the LEAST attention to when building a home. Many builders think that creating an ‘open layout entryway and living room’ is a great idea (with open concept being on-trend) and I’m pretty sure these same builders don’t have kids, don’t wear shoes, and have never tried to put on lace-up knee-high boots without sitting down on a bench.

BTW, I use 100% of my OWN e-design client’s photos on my site, which is why for this particular category, I’m pretty limited. However, I’ve included ‘other’ entryway photos, just to get the creative juices flowing! 

So, what do you do when your entryway is lacking in definition and function? You read this (and drinking wine will also help).

THERE ARE TWO WAYS TO MAKE A FAKE ENTRYWAY

1. THE BUDGET-FRIENDLY WAY

Using pieces that are moveable and not built-in to the flooring, walls or ceiling, such as bookcases, sofas, console tables and the backs of sofas for definition between spaces.

With no room for large-scale function, the small bench and mirror to the right of the front door (above) do the job for guests to take shoes off/on. I might go down to one long rectangle cushion though, to make it LOOK easier to sit on.

2. THE EXPENSIVE WAY

Creating built-in, non-removable pieces that are permanent fixtures.

The key is to choose the option that works best for you, your budget and your skills (or lack thereof). However, the one BIG thing to consider before starting your project is resale value.

People love built-ins. Whether they’re beside the fireplace or in an entryway, built-ins are super desirable in the home-buying world. If you have the skills to build, you’ll add visual value to your home, which usually relates to ‘actual’ value when it comes time to sell. Buyers won’t need to figure out where the heck to put their shoes and coats – you’ll show them where they go (not on the back of the couch or outside the front door).

Anyway, let’s talk about some more ideas, and you can take it from there!

1. THE IKEA DIVIDER

One of my FAVOURITE pieces from Ikea (besides the Raskog trolley) is the Kallax bookshelf. Coming in various sizes and finishes, this piece is not just affordable; it’s also HUGELY versatile. Add doors, drawers, baskets, wheels, wine keg – pretty much anything you need to make your entryway more functional.

You can see this idea and MORE in this link to the Apartment Therapy site.

2. ADD A BUILT-IN BOOKCASE OR BENCH DIVIDER

Legally, I’m not allowed to post other’s photos (good old copyright), but I LOVE to show the love to other bloggers, so please check out this built-in bookcase via Thrifty Decor Chick. Love it. And if you visit Thrifty Decor Chick, you’ll see how she did it from start to finish! Notice how it’s built-in to look original to the home, rather than an afterthought. And while this project isn’t for the faint of heart, it also isn’t rocket science if you’re so inclined!

I also highly recommend checking out what Growing Sound Roots did to separate their entryway from their living room – l wish I were half that handy…

3. USE WHAT YOU HAVE

The most budget-friendly option of all! You can define your entryway simply by positioning your furniture in the right spot. Try placing a longer piece (couch/loveseat) to create a ‘faux’ wall (faux being the super snob way of saying fake). This can help DEFINE the area between your living room and entryway with a visible barrier. You can then do any of the above ideas BEHIND the couch to add some storage and function!

See what House Tweaking did to separate their entryway and living room with a cute lil bench and handy hooks – goes to show you don’t need much room to add function!

I also LOVE what Room for Tuesday did, creating a nice backdrop to her living room area using a gorgeous buffet with home decor and artwork.

4. REPURPOSE A SMALL CLOSET OR NOOK

This one works if you have a small closet and generally use a different entrance (ie. garage/mudroom). Jazzing up a small closet with a bench and hooks is a nice way to create a more DECORATIVE backdrop to your living space, even if it’s less functional than a traditional closet.

5. ADD A WALL OF HOOKS & SHIPLAP

Whether you love shiplap or traditional panelling, even a small wall space can look purposeful with a few hooks on it!

So there you have it my friends – I hope you enjoyed this and found some ideas to try in your own home! Want more ideas? You HAVE to read this. 

READ MORE

How to Decorate a Small Room

5 Ideas to Decorate the End of a Hallway

Making a Grand Entrance: Tips and Ideas to Update your Space 

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Chat soon,

Originally written in 2016, updated in 2022