The entryway is the first space guests see when entering your home, so making a great first impression here is key.
Long, narrow entryways can be challenging to design in an inviting and functional way, but with some clever planning they can feel grand and spacious.
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Mirror Magic
One of the best tricks for making a long, narrow entryway feel more spacious is to incorporate mirrors.
Mirrored walls, entryway furniture, or even just strategically hung mirror panels will visually double the space.
The reflective qualities draw the eye down the length of the hall, making it appear wider and less confined.
When using mirrors in a long entrance, keep in mind a few tips:
– Place mirrors directly across from windows whenever possible.
The interplay between the natural light and reflections will make the space glow.
– Incorporate mirrored furniture like consoles, benches or cabinets.
This allows you to see the reflection while also gaining functional storage and display space.
– Flank the entry door with symmetrical mirror panels.
This makes the entry feel grander and adds lovely dimension.
– Use mirrors sparingly on perpendicular walls.
You don’t want to overwhelm the space and make it feel chaotic.
– Consider mirrored glass on closet or cabinet doors to add subtle reflective surfaces.
The long entryway shown here perfectly demonstrates the power of mirrors to visually expand the space.
The mirrored console placed directly across from the window creates beautiful light reflections.
The inclusion of two other substantial mirrored panels provides symmetry and the illusion of a wider, less confined hallway.
Notice as well how the mirrors pick up the colors and details of the space like the door and driveway beyond.
Don’t underestimate the transformative power of mirrors to enhance long, straight entryways.
Built-in Interest
Another way to make the most of an elongated entrance is to incorporate built-in cabinetry, shelving or seating.
This serves several purposes.
First, it breaks up the straight expanse into segmented areas with their own function and visual appeal.
Second, it provides much needed storage and display space which can often be lacking in tight entrance halls.
Finally, built-in elements add architectural interest to create a more custom look and feel.
Built-ins come in endless shapes, sizes and configurations to work within your entryway layout.
Some ideas to consider include:
– Entryway benches with cubbies and cabinets underneath for storing shoes, bags and outdoor accessories.
– Coat closets designed right into the wall with customized racks, rods and shelves.
– Display shelving recessed into the wall to show off favorite items and works of art.
– Bookcases for holding reading material, photos and collected objects.
– Cabinets with both open and concealed storage to tuck away clutter.
– Console tables with legs or sides that extend to the floor, creating an attached look.
The built-ins shown in this entrance check all the boxes for excellent long entryway design.
The storage bench provides a spot to sit while removing shoes and also stashes items out of sight.
The shelving creates segmented spaces to personalize while displaying cherished belongings.
The contemporary custom look ties it all together, elevating the aesthetic beyond just a plain hallway.
Incorporating thoughtfully designed built-ins is one of the best ways to transform a long, narrow entryway into a truly stunning space.
Rugs That Run
If you want to enhance the feeling of length in a narrow entrance, consider laying down a runner rug that extends most of the way.
Much like mirrors and built-ins, a rug can segment the space.
But it also leads the eye down the hall, making it feel longer and wider.
When shopping for runner rugs, be sure to choose a size that fits the length of your entryway as closely as possible.
Rugs that are too short leave awkward gaps that break up the visual flow.
For especially long halls, you can even use multiple runners in coordinating colors and patterns.
Some tips for working with runner rugs include:
– Use consistent rug widths of 2, 3 or 5 feet.
Varying widths can feel disjointed.
– Align the rug a few inches away from the wall on each side.
This defines the walkway while allowing the floor to shine.
– Pair with an entry mat for wiping feet before treading on the runner.
– Choose low pile rugs that are flat underfoot and easy to clean.
– Consider durable fibers like wool that can withstand heavy traffic areas.
– Roll up runners occasionally to reduce uneven wear in high foot traffic zones.
The entryway shown here uses a narrow 5-foot long runner to stunning effect.
The pattern aligns precisely from the door down the hall, elongating the space.
Paired with built-in shelving, the rug also helps segment the entry into zones.
The muted palette keeps the style restrained but interesting.
This is an excellent example of how the right sized and designed rug can utterly transform a long, straight entrance.
Color Block It
Strategically painting a long entryway can also help elongate the space in a beautiful way.
Using just two complementary hues, paint the walls and ceiling in separate blocks of color.
To enhance the feeling of length, make the blocks wider at the door end and narrower at the opposite end.
This color-blocked style leads the eye down the hallway in a dynamic fashion.
Tips for color blocking a long entryway:
– Stick with just two color families for the simple graphic look.
Neutrals, pastels, or deeper shades work well.
– Paint the ceiling color in the first 25-50% of the hallway starting from the door.
Use the wall color for the remainder.
– For the walls, paint the first 10-30% in one color, using the ceiling color for the rest.
– Use multiple coats for opaque, saturated color rather than a weathered look.
– Consider gloss or semi-gloss sheens to heighten the contrast between sections.
– Add interest with a painted floor stripe, textures or geometric patterns.
The entrance shown here uses a bold black and white color-blocked design to fashionable effect.
The graphic motif makes a strong statement while also elongating the compact hallway.
Notice how the black ceiling section starts wide and becomes more narrow.
The white walls do the opposite, starting narrow and widening toward the back
Combined with the mirrored console, this color blocking idea achieves a stunning, spacious look.
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Lighten It Up
Proper lighting is essential for making any entryway beautiful and functional.
But it’s especially important in long narrow halls and corridors.
Use lighting strategies that make the space feel bright, airy and expansive.
Ways to illuminate an elongated entrance include:
– Place matching light fixtures at both ends to bookend the space.
– Use pendant lights or sconces at regular intervals for seamless illumination.
– Layer ambient, task and accent lighting for a warm glow.
– Incorporate wall washing light placements to open up tight spaces.
– Choose dimmable fixtures to set the perfect mood.
Beyond fixtures, maximize natural light when possible.
Strategies may include:
– Flanking the front door with sidelights or transom windows.
– Adding windows at the end of the entryway or along one wall.
– Using mirror place across from windows to reflect more sunshine in.
– Painting walls white to bounce and amplify light.
This entrance demonstrates smart long hallway lighting.
The trio of matching pendants provides ambient illumination along the length of the space.
The sidelights and transom window allow plentiful natural light to shine in and mirror reflections to brighten the space.
The glossy subway tile also amplifies light.
Combined, these strategies make this tight space feel expansive, airy and elegantly bright.
Work the Angles
Who says a long entryway has to be boringly straight?
Consider incorporating angles to add visual interest and make the space more dynamic.
Angled walls, ceilings, built-ins, floor patterns and more can bring excitement to elongated entrance halls.
Get creative with angles using ideas like:
– Painting opposing walls in slightly different tones to make them recede and advance.
– Designing display shelving on the diagonal to cut through straight lines.
– Extending floor tile work on the bias rather than perpendicular.
– Using pendant lights on varying cable lengths for staggered hanging heights.
– Angling furniture arrangements to avoid strictly linear placement.
The entryway shown here takes a straightforward hallway and gives it life with smart angular elements.
The mirrored panels stand out because they’re hung on the diagonal rather than flat to the walls.
The display shelves also cut through the space on an angle, as does the runner rug pattern.
Even the paneled wainscoting has detailing that creates depth and draw the eye.
Combined, these angled enhancements take an ordinary long entrance and make it extraordinary.
Go Graphic
For a contemporary vibe in your long entryway, try implementing graphic patterns through furnishings, flooring, lighting and more.
Geometric area rugs, tile designs, artwork arrangements, architectural patterns and similar graphics bring strong visual impact even to the narrowest halls.
Some ideas for adding colorful, geometric flair include:
– Hanging modern artwork in repeating formations down the hallway.
– Using patterns like chevron, diamond and zigzag in rugs and floor tiles.
– Incorporating furniture with strong lines like chunky consoles and slender benches.
– Adding pendant lights with globes, cubes or triangle shapes.
– Painting stripes, diamonds or lines on accent walls.
– Layering on patterns with window treatments.
This entrance shows how even a small amount of graphic details can enliven a plain hallway.
The diamond rug immediately draws you down the space with its bold motif.
The modern chrome console juxtaposes strong lines with the circular mirror for geometric impact.
And the paneled wainscoting plays up the linear dimension of the architecture.
Altogether these graphic moves take this from drab to fab with stylish flourish.
Rethink Traditional Looks
Don’t think that only modern, minimalist designs can make a long entranceway feel fresh and spacious.
In fact, traditional styles masterfully applied also achieve stunning effects through high visual interest and architectural details.
Ornate moldings, elevated ceilings, wainscoting, antiques, wallpaper patterns and similar elements bring movement and grandeur.
When designing a long, narrow entryway in a classic style, consider these tips:
– Use raised panel wainscoting with cap and base molding to add height.
– Include columns, crown molding and ceiling detailing for architectural interest.
– Incorporate carved furniture pieces, like scrolled benches or arched mirrors.
– Layer in patterns with rugs, wallpaper and window treatments.
– Display art and objects on subtly colored walls to highlight details.
– Add sconces, chandeliers and pendant lights for regal lighting.
The entrance visualized here demonstrates the beauty of a classically inspired hallway.
The paneled wainscoting, crown molding and raised ceiling provide striking architectural detailing.
The wallpaper, rug, antique bench and golden mirror add rich patterns, textures and carvings.
Together these elevated elements transform a plain passage into one with old-world charm and elegance.
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Double-Height Drama
One of the most breathtaking ways to give a long entrance wow-factor is to make it double-height.
Removing the ceiling over all or part of the hallway creates openness to the second floor.
This instantly makes the space feel grand and spacious.
It also allows natural light to shine through surrounding windows or skylights, opening up the environment.
If considering a double-height design, factor in:
– Whether it aligns with your home’s existing architecture and layout.
– Budget for removing ceiling finishes and adding new railings or bridges upstairs.
– How furnishings and lighting arrangements will interact with the vertical space.
– Where to place art and architectural elements to best showcase the volume.
The double-height entrance imagined here heightens the drama with its soaring two-story ceiling.
The glossy black railings allow clear views upstairs, making the space feel even larger.
The modern furniture keeps the look light and airy.
And the three pendant lights draw the eye upwards while providing ambient illumination.
Altogether this design proves the stunning impact of removing ceiling boundaries in elongated hallways.
Eclectic Gallery Style
For those with lots of beloved treasures, an eclectic photo gallery offers an appealing way to decorate an extended entrance.
Mixing framed family snapshots, meaningful art pieces, curious objects and travel mementos can bring personality into a monotonous hall.
Arrange the collection salon-style for a gallery wall that draws interest down the entire length.
Tips for curating an eclectic entryway gallery include:
– Choose a mix of frame sizes, colors and styles for visual diversity.
– Hang items asymmetrically at varying heights for organic appeal.
– Incorporate dimensional objects like wall shelves, sconces or sculptures.
– Print extra copies of favorite pictures to use in groupings.
– Arrange selections thoughtfully with large pieces anchoring the layout.
– Illuminate with picture lights and wall washing fixtures to highlight details.
The entryway shown here embodies carefree eclectic styling with its casual gallery arrangement.
The mix of family photos, artwork, decorative objects and architectural salvage come together in a way that feels curated.
Leaving some blank wall space keeps the area from appearing cluttered too.
For homeowners with extensive collections, this is an excellent way to showcase treasures in a narrow space.
Industrial Chic
Another trendy look gaining popularity in modern and minimalist homes is industrial chic.
Exposed pipes, unfinished walls, metal finishes and edgy lighting create urban appeal even in suburban entryways.
This look can feel especially cohesive in long, no-frills corridors that match industrial environments.
Some ideas for working industrial style into elongated entrances include:
– Embracing raw materials like concrete floors, brick walls and wood beam ceilings.
– Using metal finishes for fixtures, furniture and accessories.
– Adding exposed ductwork, pipes and wiring.
– Incorporating modern furnishings with clean lines in sleek materials.
– Installing edgy pendant lights or sconces.
– Keeping the color scheme neutral with black, white and metallics.
This entryway example highlights what’s possible with an industrial inspired look.
The polished concrete floor sets the foundation.
Black metal finishes on the console table, mirror and lighting add modern edge.
Exposed brick makes a textural statement.
The beamed ceiling plays up the architectural elements.
Minimal furnishings and neutral colors keep the focus on the compelling industrial aspects.
Combined, these details give this elongated space loads of trendy loft-like character.
Naturalist Haven
For homeowners favoring an organic aesthetic, a nature-inspired entryway can be both beautiful and calming.
Natural materials, abundant greenery, organic shapes and earthy hues lend serene appeal.
These elements help elongated galleries feel more like restful sanctuaries than sterile corridors.
Ideas for creating a naturalist entryway include:
– Incorporating wood finishes on floors, walls and ceiling beams.
– Displaying found objects like driftwood, antlers, and shells.
– Adding leafy plants on the floor, in wall planters and hanging displays.
– Illuminating the space with pendant basket lights.
– Using fibers like jute and sisal for rugs and baskets.
– Choosing organic shapes for furnishings and architecture details.
– Sticking with soothing color schemes drawn from nature.
The entrance imagined here fully embraces biophilic design.
The stone walls, reclaimed wood ceiling beams, jute rug, and wicker bench instantly set an earthy tone.
The teal color scheme draws from soothing water hues.
Vines cascade in wall planters while flowers and branches adorn the shelves.
The crafted pendant lights complement the nature-centered look.
Altogether this design proves you can create a serene oasis even in the most urban environments.
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Mudroom Style
For households that frequently traipse through dirt and debris, a dedicated cleaned-up mudroom is essential.
This practical space allows you to remove shoes, stash gear, toss coats and generally de-gunk before entering inner rooms.
Fortunately this utilitarian need can also lead to beautiful design.
Some best practices for planning excellent mudrooms include:
– Carving out a separate, sizable area rather than just a corner.
– Outfitting the walls and flooring with easily cleanable materials.
– Incorporating sturdy hooks, lockers and cabinets for plentiful storage.
– Adding a bench for removing muddy shoes before walking inside.
– Installing a utility sink for washing up messes.
– Using materials like tile, concrete and metal that withstand heavy wear.
– Including space for collecting recycling and trash.
This customized mudroom demonstrates how functional can also be fabulous.
The built-in cabinetry provides enclosed storage for gear.
Open shelving works for air drying wet items.
The bench allows for removing dirty shoes contained to one area.
The slate tile flooring withstands heavy use.
And the entire space is segmented from the inner home to prevent mess and moisture from spreading.
Even the most debris-prone families will appreciate this well-designed and stylish slough-off zone.
Use creative layouts, smart built-ins, artistic touches and architectural details to design a space that wows.
Keep the area bright and maintenance-free.
Then personalize to highlight your unique style and belongings.
With these tips in mind, you’re sure to fashion a welcoming first impression and grand gateway to the rest of your stunning home.
