9 Best Hallway Decorating Ideas for Entryway Style

September 18, 2025•6 min read

9 top hallway decorating ideas: Entryway decor for a stylish welcome

When it comes to designing a house, entryway decor is often overlooked. But it shouldn't be. Your hallway sets the tone for the rest of your home—it’s the first thing you see when you walk in and the first impression guests will have. Here are some simple tips and hallway decor ideas to help you create a space you love.

Whether you’re dealing with a long and narrow hallway or a small, square and dark hallway, these hallway decorating ideas will help you create a warm, inviting space that reflects your personality and complements your house.

Dark narrow hallway before makeover showing minimal decor and lack of lighting

Gloomy and lacking inspiration, this dark and narrow hallway is in desperate need of some style.

Entryway before: Gloomy, narrow, and uninspiring

In my latest project, I helped a homeowner refresh a gray-painted, narrow and rather dark hallway that lacked both natural light and personality. With minimal decor, a basic ceiling light, and limited storage, the space felt dull and lifeless. However it did have potential, since the hardwood floors offered warmth and there were plenty of empty walls to work with. My mission? Add function, style, and warmth without disrupting the flow.

Hallway decor ideas that work

1. Paint the walls & ceiling

A fresh coat of light-colored paint can create an airy, welcoming atmosphere in even the narrowest, dark hallway. I used the paint color “Snowbound” by Sherwin-Williams—a soft, creamy white—to brighten both the walls and ceiling. This instantly made the entryway feel more open and welcoming.

Wall-mounted hooks in hallway entryway for organized coat and bag storage

Place a stylish clothes rack with hooks to hang your items by the doorway.

2. Maximize storage with hooks or a closet

If your entryway includes a closet, great—use it to keep coats, bags, and shoes organized. If not, wall-mounted hooks are a smart and stylish alternative. They keep essentials tidy and within reach without crowding the narrow space.

Large round mirror in hallway reflecting light to make entryway feel spacious.

A large round mirror not only adds visual interest but can also serve as design inspiration for the rest of your entryway decor.

3. Add a statement mirror

Mirrors are a classic entryway decor element for a reason. A large round mirror not only adds visual interest but also reflects light, making the hallway appear larger and more inviting.

Narrow hallway console table with drawers styled with lamp, plant, and photo frame

A narrow console table will keep the space from feeling crowded.

4. Choose a narrow console table

A slim console hall table is a perfect addition to a long hallway. The console table we chose for this hallway decor project included drawers for storing keys, mail, and everyday items out of sight. The surface was styled with simple decor elements like a lamp, a plant, and a framed photo for a personal touch.

Upholstered storage bench in hallway providing seating and hidden storage

Include a bench so you and any guests have a place to sit while removing your shoes.

5. Include a bench for comfort and storage

A hallway bench provides a place to sit while putting on shoes and can also offer hidden storage. We chose an upholstered storage bench that complements the overall style while serving a functional purpose. When choosing a bench for this project, we were between two options. I list both here from my Amazon store:

50” long Storage bench

55” long storage bench

If you’re looking for a similar look, consider how the bench color and texture work with your color palette for a cohesive design. A bench is also a great place to add throw pillows or a small blanket for extra comfort and style.

Framed wall art and family photos decorating hallway for personalized entryway style

Some wall art, pictures, paintings or other gallery wall artwork will personalize your entryway space.

6. Personalize with wall decor

Personalizing your entryway with framed photos or artwork makes it feel truly yours. In this project, we displayed three framed vacation photos and coordinating artwork for a dose of personality and positive memories. Here are a couple of my favorite options for picture frames:

11x14” Picture frame set with white mattes

12x12 Set of 9 Gallery Wall Frame Set with mattes

Adding a gallery wall can transform one room into a focal point while tying in design elements from other rooms. These hallway ideas work especially well when your entryway serves as the connection between multiple spaces in your house.

Picture frame sets with a black frame and white matting.

7. Add accent lighting

Soft lighting makes a huge difference in how your entryway feels. A sleek table lamp on the console brings a cozy glow that enhances the ambiance while tying in with the ceiling light and the home's other metal finishes.

Sleek table lamp and ceiling light entryway decor

Minimal lighting on the console table and the ceiling lamp.

8. Bring in some greenery

Plants—real or artificial—can instantly add life and texture to any hallway. A small vase with eucalyptus branches, paired with a candle and photo, gave our console a fresh and modern feel. Adding plants can create visual interest while bringing life to your entryway decor. In a dark hallway, greenery can help brighten the atmosphere and make the space feel more inviting. Consider placing plants near the walls alongside other decor accents to create a cohesive and welcoming entryway.

Small vase with eucalyptus branches on console table and a tall plant next to the bench add greenery to hallway decor

Placing a tall plant next to the bench or console table adds height and balance.

9. Ground the space with a runner

A long, washable runner (or rug) for your hallway floor, not only defines the space but also adds warmth and softness underfoot. I chose one with muted blues, greens, and taupe's to coordinate with the rest of the home’s color palette. Pairing this runner with complementary hallway decor, such as a gallery wall of framed prints, can further enhance the space’s charm and cohesion.

Long hallway runner rug with muted colors adding warmth and definition to space

A runner or long rug in the hallway.

Before and after: A hallway worth coming home to

What was once a gloomy and cluttered hallway is now a bright, functional, and stylish entrance. With just a few smart hallway decor ideas, you can create a welcoming entryway that makes you happy to come home.

Final thoughts: Start your home off right with entryway decor

Don’t underestimate the power of a well-designed hallway. With the right hallway decor ideas, you can turn even the smallest or narrowest space into a warm welcome. Focus on lighting, storage, and personal touches—these tips will help your hallway decor ideas feel both practical and beautiful. Look for inspiration in your favorite colors, textures, and memories to make the space truly personal.

What’s your favorite way to decorate an entryway? I’d love to hear from you. Share your own hallway decorating ideas in the comments below.