Foyer first impressions


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Whether you’re selling your home or simply inviting friends or family over, it’s always nice to make a good impression and what better place to do it than your foyer or entryway? While some are fortunate to have a high-ceilinged front hall, even a small vestibule has the potential to dazzle.

Here are a few of our preferred ways to make a grand entrance:

  • Through the looking glass: A mirror is a must, particularly in a smaller room. It brightens and visually expands the space making it more welcoming plus it gives you one last chance to make sure everything is in order when you’re headed out (or for your guests on their way in). If there’s room, hang some photos or artwork on either side of the mirror.
  • Let there be light: A light fixture is a must but the style is entirely up to you. Whether you prefer something modern or a classic chandelier, consider a fixture that drops down vertically giving the illusion of additional height.
  • Underfoot: Position an all-weather rug to protect wood flooring or tiles, which can get slippery in rainy or snowy weather. If the rug is patterned, run it in the same direction as you move into the house.
  • Thanks a bench: If you have room for a large table in the middle of the foyer, go for it. If the space is smaller, consider a wood bench that acts both as a table for a few frames, books or a pot of flowers as well as seating to put on and remove shoes. Plus, under the bench is a perfect space to line up shoes and boots.
  • Ella-ella-ella: Choose a corner by the bench for a beautiful umbrella stand or a sturdy vase that can act as one. It adds a classic yet practical touch and takes up a minimal amount of space.

You’ll find more beautiful entryway ideas here and here. How have you made a spectacular first impression in your foyer? Share your ideas in the Shop Talk Blog community forum!

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Did you know? Foyer information

Today we use the word ‘foyer’ for the entrance or vestibule of a home. But the word was borrowed from French and actually means ‘fireplace.’ It was the room to which theatre audiences went to stay warm between acts.

13 thoughts on “Foyer first impressions

  1. Consider feng shui that advocates a few tips for the entrance – door should open easily meaning no shoes and other hindrances to clutter the entrance, no mirrors facing the door especially if your door faces certain directions, plants and landscape scenes are good, and so on. Just a few tips but you can look up the rest, if you are so inclined.

  2. It is the entrance to your home. A private, secure, loving and safe place. It should be inviting and uncluttered as it is also an exit in the event of a fire. I have a bench you can sit on to put your shoes on but also opens so you can put your shoes inside. Love it.

  3. So beautiful, with such a clean look. I though always like bringing the outdoors
    inside, a bit of God’s nature, so, I would add a bit of greenery to either side of the
    table.

    Thanks for the FOYER information.

  4. When living with a pet dog, not every guest loves to be greeted enthusiastically,
    I have a baby gate across the hallway to contain my dog and allow visitors to announce their preference before being overwhelmed.
    Gate opens onto dog access restricting jumping, allowing hand greeting before entry to the dog and my home.
    That way everyone is happy, even dog, who is well trained but loves to meet new people and of medium size not small, so could jump up quickly if allowed.

  5. My home is a basement suite but I have still found warm and inviting ways to welcome people when they first walk through the door.
    At present I have hardwood laminate throughout my suite. I found that this may look good at first but overall it presents a very cold feel to my home. I have cured this problem by putting in a rubber backed carpet at the top of the stairs and then continued pieces of the same carpet on each of the stairs.
    This presents a warmer feel to those who visit. I have also added pictures going down the stairs so that the walls do not echo and also the stairway looks like it is part of my complete home.
    You don’t need to have a huge foyer to decorate and make your home appealing to others, you just need some imagination and creativity.

  6. I totally agree with the ideas about bringing nature in, also a mirror. A great look can be bookshelves, an umbrella stand and a potted plant. There also should be a seat or bench of some kind for people to sit while taking off boots or shoes. Even a small entrance can accommodate this.

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