15 Entryway Updates That Cost Less Than $100—but Make Your Whole Home Feel More Inviting

Dress Up a Boring Wall With Millwork

If you have a blank wall in your entryway, consider adding some millwork to the space.

"Any type of millwork or wall treatment can make the biggest impact in small spaces," says interior designer Audrey Scheck. "While there are so many different types of millwork, our favorite for an entryway is tongue-and-groove paneling."

She recommends placing the millwork approximately three-quarters up the wall and adding hooks or pegs at the top for functionality.

Consider a Small Dose of Splashy Wallpaper

If millwork seems like too big of a DIY, but you still want that "wow" impact when guests enter, create an accent wall with wallpaper in a fun print. Opting for just a single wall cuts down on expenses and prevents the space from feeling too busy. Alternatively, use some wallpaper on the interior of built-ins or on the front of an entryway table drawer to infuse just a hint of dimension.

Thrift Some Stunning Art

This is your excuse to hit local thrift stores, flea markets, and antique shops to find a piece of art that speaks to your aesthetic. Measure your space first to ensure you nab something that works, then go on the hunt. You can create a thrifted gallery wall, add small pieces here and there, or opt for a large centerpiece that catches the eyes of all who enter.

Make Your Own Art

If you're crafty but not a thrifter, consider DIYing your own piece of art instead. One option is to paint something abstract that ties the colors of your home into the artwork—just grab some blank canvases and acrylic or oil paint and have at it. Another idea is to have one of your own photographs printed and framed.

Add a Small Entryway Table

An entryway table offers both form and function. It serves as a place to set house keys and other front-door necessities and also creates interest within the entryway itself. 

"Adding a table to your entryway—even if it is small—will allow your space to be more organized and functional as the table can be adorned with storage places for keys, sunglasses, and mail," says Cameron Johnson, founder and CEO of Nickson Living. 

His advice is to select a table that’s narrow enough to fit adjacent to the front door to allow for the most natural and functional placement. A small piece is also less expensive.

Incorporate Some Greenery

You’ve got plants throughout your home, so why not in the entryway, as well? Adding plants infuses life into the space and creates a more seamless transition from the outdoors to the inside. 

"If you have windows providing natural light, we suggest incorporating live plants or trees to seamlessly blend the transition between outdoor and indoor," Scheck says. "If you’re using a faux tree, we suggest putting it in a large, decorative pot positioned in a corner."

Bring in Some Fresh Florals

In addition to (or instead of) plants, employ a beautiful vase and keep it filled with colorful bouquets.

"Fresh flowers make any entry feel instantly more elegant," says Ashley Macuga of Collected Interiors. "My trick is a quick floral haul from Trader Joe's. I choose three bunches of the least expensive flowers—typically a combination of eucalyptus and a seasonal floral. The eucalyptus lasts for weeks, and the seasonal floral adds just a bit of color." 

Spruce Up Your Front Door

It's a small detail, but if your front door is feeling a bit disheveled, then taking some time to spruce it up can have a big impact on your entryway. Swap out the doorknob and any other hardware and clean up the door itself. If necessary, give your door a fresh coat of paint.

Hang a Dazzling Mirror

Adding a mirror helps an entryway feel more grand while also allowing you and your guests to double-check your appearance before leaving the house.

"Ensure the mirror is placed at a height that will allow most people to be able to see their faces," Johnson says. "Placing the mirror too low or too high will result in an immediately awkward interaction."

Update the Curtains or Blinds

If your entryway has a window, swap out the existing window treatments for something fresher. If you like your existing curtains or blinds, take care to launder them or wipe them down so they look polished. New window ties or pulls are a small detail that offers a nice touch, as well.

Lay a Vintage-Inspired Rug

Scheck says that one of her favorite budget-friendly entryway upgrades is to throw a vintage or vintage-inspired rug down. "Layering a rug on top of the flooring makes the transition from the outside world into your home more inviting, and it also helps infuse the space with warmth," she says. 

Since home entryways are typically smaller, try to find a rug that doesn’t overpower the space both in terms of size and print. In her designs, Scheck gravitates towards rugs in earthy, neutral tones that add color and texture without being distracting. 

Install a Shoe Tray

Entryways get a lot of action, which unfortunately means they can quickly turn into a makeshift closet for your family’s shoes and sandals.

"Adding a shoe tray to your space will give your shoes a place to neatly 'live' and will also signal to guests where they should put their shoes if they remove them when in your home," Johnson says. "Add some comfy unisex socks next to your shoe tray to invite guests to get comfortable when removing their shoes." 

Place Some Storage Hooks

On that note, make sure everyone has a place to hang items such as jackets, coats, and hats. A series of playful wall hooks can make this functional necessity feel more whimsical and designed, so don’t shy away from something fun. In lieu of hooks, consider a traditional coat rack or and/or tall woven basket to collect umbrellas. 

Add Some Seating

An entryway bench provides the perfect place for people to sit before leaving or entering the house. It’s the perfect place to wait for others to arrive or depart, and provides an easy spot to remove or put on shoes. "Select a bench that has an integrated storage shelf which can serve double duty as shoe and package storage space," Johnson says.

Repurpose Existing Items

The best way to save money on upgrading your entryway is to not spend any money at all. Take a look around your home and see if you own any items you can repurpose for this space in a practical or aesthetic way. For example, an old ladder can become a decorative element, crates can double as shelves and old baskets are a great way to keep organized.