Small Entryway DIY Makeover: That Will Make a Big Impact
Transforming a small entryway can feel intimidating, but with the right approach. You can turn even the tightest foyer into a space thatโs stylish, functional, and welcoming. The secret? Start by understanding your dimensions, work with your limitations, and layer in smart storage and lighting choices to maximize every inch. Once I have all my decor and materials, this will be a weekend project.
1. Know Your Dimensions
Before you buy a single item, measure the width, height, and depth of your entryway. This step is often skipped, but itโs the foundation for a successful makeover. Dimensions will guide everything from the size of your rug to the scale of your light fixture, ensuring your space feels balanced rather than cramped.
2. Work With Limitations
Every small entryway comes with quirks; maybe itโs a narrow hallway, a low ceiling, or a closet that never seems big enough. Instead of fighting these limitations, embrace them. Use peel-and-stick wallpaper to add character without overwhelming the walls. Or opt for slim-profile furniture that tucks neatly against the wall without stealing precious floor space.
3. Fit in Smart Storage
Storage is the heartbeat of an entryway. Hooks, wall-mounted shelves, and slim benches with hidden compartments keep clutter at bay while giving everyone a landing spot for coats, bags, and shoes. If youโre working with a tiny closet, maximize vertical space with double rods or stacking bins. The goal is to make the space both functional and inviting.
4. Brighten With the Right Lighting
Lighting can make or break a small entry. An outdated fixture can drag the space down, while the right one adds warmth and style. Look for a flush mount or semi-flush fixture that spreads light evenly without overwhelming the ceiling height. Neutral tones or linen-like shades with metallic accents blend with existing hardware, tying the space together. Always double-check fixture dimensions before ordering to avoid mismatches and returns.
5. Wall Color or Texture
Your walls set the tone for the entire entryway, so donโt overlook them. Choosing the right color or texture can unify your palette and make the space feel intentional. Lighter shades like soft neutrals, airy whites, or warm pastels to create the illusion of more space. A bold accent wall or peel-and-stick wallpaper adds personality without commitment. If you already have metallic finishes on your door hardware or lighting, then consider bringing in complementary tones through wallpaper patterns or painted trim. The goal is to have your walls act as the backdrop. This will tie together your storage, lighting, and dรฉcor, ensuring everything feels cohesive from the moment you walk in.
Bringing It All Together
Redoing a small entryway isnโt about knocking down wall, itโs about making intentional choices that suit your space. When you measure first, accept your limitations, add purposeful storage, and brighten with thoughtful lighting, youโll create an entry that feels both polished and practical. And with so many budget-friendly options available, including Amazon finds, you can refresh your entry in a single weekend.
What I will be tackling in this small entryway DIY makeover
This will be an Easy weekend entryway update with a budget-friendly price for this small foyer refresh. Here are the areas I will tackle:
- Entryway closet organization for small spaces DIY. I will maximize this space by adding a shoe rack and overhead boxes for storage.
- Peel and stick wallpaper entryway install tutorial. I have used this throughout my home. But decided to use a textured grasscloth and not a pattern because the wall space is small and I will also be using this on the entryway ceiling to unify the space.
- Then, adding an updated flush mount light fixture to install in a small hallway. This will give it the extra finishing touch to replace the old Tuscan one I currently have there.
- Refinishing the wood and front door with some good old cleaning and sealing.
- Painting the white wainscoting to a more neutral tone to soften the starkness of the white
- To finish this off, I am adding a non-slip rattan entry rug to keep the beachy vibe
So let’s get started!
Wallpaper
Peel and stick has become my go-to besides painting. Since this is a very small entryway, I wanted to pick more of a color and a texture over a print to make it not too busy. Since I have a coastal modern vibe going on in my living room, I wanted the entryway to reflect this to make it a seamless transition. Also I pan on adding this to the small square ceiling to showcase my new fixture!
You can find in this post a selection of peel-and-stick wallpaper that is right for each room. 19 Peel and Stick Wallpaper from Amazon. Transform your space with Ease. Lots of good resources and ideas!
This is the peel-and-stick I used for this specific project. I chose it based on a few factors: color, texture, and rating! This was a little pricey, however, I only needed one roll since the 4 walls in this space is very limited due to the size and the wainscoting on the lower half that I am going to just touch up with some trim paint for a refresh.
- ใSizeใ20.9in x 393in, ยฑ3%/roll (about 53 cm x 10 m, ยฑ3% per roll).Thickness about 0.5mm (thickened and upgraded).ใColorใNot a single color, but a combination of blue, white, green, yellow, etc.
- ใFeaturesใSelf-adhesive, no extra glue needed, just peel and stick. Thick, flexible, durable in use. PVC and PET material, waterproof,easy to clean.
- ใMultipurposeใWidely used in room decoration and furniture refurbishing. It can be applied to the majority of flat and smooth surfaces, such as furniture, kitchen counter, wall, door, cabinet etc.
- ใ Easy to installใThe back of the wallpaper is provided with grid lines, which is convenient for measurement and cutting. The wallpaper can be cut into any size you want. A good friend for DIY project.
- ใ Color variationsใ There may be slight color differences depending on different photographing angles, light conditions, monitors and different production batches. Each roll of our wallpaper is hand-dyed, meaning subtle variations in color and texture between production batches are natural and expected.
Lighting
Updating your entryway lighting is one of the easiest ways to completely change the look and feel of the space. I started with an outdated overhead fixture that made the area feel dull and dated. So I swapped it out for a piece thatโs bright, stylish, and perfectly scaled for a small entry. A neutral linen-like shade with subtle gold accents ties in beautifully with my gold door handles, creating a cohesive, elevated look without feeling overdone. Before ordering, always check the fixtureโs dimensions against your space. This one simple step saves the hassle of returns and ensures your new light feels intentional, not overwhelming.
- Elegant Design:The semi flush mount ceiling light blend classic elegance with modern decor, featuring a distinctive two-layer shade that adds a touch of modern and farmhouse charm while enhancing lighting effects.They are an ideal choice for enhancing your home's overhead lighting decor.
- 3รE26 Sockets: With E26 sockets, the gold lighting fixtures ceiling are compatible with LED and halogen bulbs.The bedroom ceiling light fixture have a maximum bulb height of 4.3 inches. When used with a dimmable bulb and dimmer switch (both not included), these modern ceiling light fixture can be fully dimmed.
- Perfect Size & Premium Gold Base: Measuring 6.3" (H) x 12.6" (D) with a 4.7" (D) canopy.The sturdy gold metal base provides a luxurious finish, complementing the soft fabric shade and making this ceiling lights flush mount an eye-catching piece in any space.ensuring they won't rust, corrode, or fade over time.
- Versatile Application:The drum light fixture is suitable for various spaces, including hallways, entryways, bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, basements, laundry and more. It works well with medium to high ceilings, creating an elegant and romantic atmosphere.
- Easy Installation: This home lighting decor is easy to install and comes with all the necessary accessories. If you have any questions about our nursery light fixture or have any trouble when install this farmhouse light fixtures, please check the order number and click "Contact Seller" to contact us. We will solve your problem within 24 hours and protect your rights!
Iโll also be sharing a few other fixture options that work well in small entryways. So you can choose the one that fits your style best.
- Rattan ceiling light– This comes in 2 colors and either a 1 or 3 lightbulb fixture, depending on what you are looking for.
- Ceiling Light Fixture with Pleated Shade-metal frame with white pleated drum shade
- Woven Rattan Boho Ceiling Light Fixture-3-Light Modern Semi Flush Mount Lamp with Drum Fabric Shade
- Scalloped Fabric Flush Mount Ceiling Light– Scallop shapes have been trending; this beauty comes in three colors
- Faceted Flush Mount-Featuring a double layer of handcrafted capiz shells exuding a pearl-like luster
- Linen Double Drum Pendant Light– Comes in both black and natural and is good for higher ceilings.
- Flush Mount Ceiling Light with White Wood Beads-Boho Hand-Painted Solid Wood Beads โ Crafted with warm-tone solid wood beads, each painted by hand for a natural, authentic look
- Semi Flush Mount Ceiling Light- Flower-shaped shade and brass canopy, this gold flush mount ceiling light
Entryway Storage
Being a small entryway, I find that my family loves to kick off their shoes right here or in the living room entrance, it starts to look like a sea of unorganized shoes, and not what I want the front of my house looking like when you first enter.
I researched a shoe cabinet that would fit my almost nonexistent space to the left of my front door. Again, I measured the height of my wainscoting, the width, and the depth of this small cutout to make this cabinet work, and it does! Now, if you are a family of four with multiple shoes. This will not be practical for the bulk of shoes, so this will house everyday shoes. Then I will reorganize the closet with another shoe rack there to keep the lesser-worn shoes, so now I will have two areas to store shoes other than my living room floor.
- Smart Shoe Storage Solution: Utilizing innovative space-saving design, our shoe cabinet allows you to effortlessly access your shoes and neatly conceal them when not in use, keeping your entryway area tidy.
- Ample Storage Space: With two flip drawers, we've maximized storage space. Compared to a similar-sized shoe storage cabinet, we can accommodate more shoes of various styles, including high heels and short boots.
- Minimalist & Versatile Design: Featuring a classic white finish, real wood legs, and aluminum alloy handles, our shoe cabinet for entryway boasts a simple yet stylish design that matches perfectly with various home decor styles, enhancing overall coordination and aesthetics.
- High-Quality and Durable: Crafted from premium materials, this shoe cabinet with drawer features thickened side and back panels of 15 mm/0.59", significantly enhancing stability and durability. It can effortlessly withstand the weight of multiple pairs of shoes.
- Easy Assembly: The shoe organizer cabinet is designed for straightforward assembly, complete with detailed instructions and illustrations to make the process hassle-free. The anti-toppling feature ensures added stability and safety, providing you with a reliable shoe organization solution.
Closet Storage
For the additional shoes, I bought a shoe rack that can sit at the bottom of my front hall closet to store all the extra shoes. Still low enough not to interfere with the hanging coats and jackets. Again, check the dimensions
- ใ3-Tier Shoe RackใThe length: 27 inches, can put 9-11 pairs of shoes or more.
- ใAdvantagesใIt can be stacked from 3 layers to 6 layers. Small items can be placed without fear of falling
- ใStableใThe stable structure keep the shoe rack balanced. The high-quality bamboo wood materials ensure the strength of the structure and are very sturdy
- ใThe More Storage Spaceใ The full plate shoe rack surface gives your bags, small plants, and decorative items a chic stage
For the top shelf of the closet, I needed to organize this by utilizing these boxes, so that when opening the door, all your stored towels and items are tucked away into these boxes for a more streamlined look.
- 100% Cotton Rope Woven Storage Bins๏ผOIAHOMY soft woven storage cubes are made of high-quality natural cotton, chemical free and safe for kids and pets. It will not scratch your furniture and floor, firm and easy to carry
- 2 Pack 13*13 Inch Storage Basket: These cube storage organizers will fit perfectly in cube cabinets and most cabinets and blend in with your room decor. Meanwhile storage organizer bins offer you a larger storage space than round storage bins of the same size
- Multi-Purpose Storage Organizer Bins: The cube storage bins can be easily hidden in closets, cabinets, side tables, cabinets, shelves, etc, without occupying any gaps. You can also use the organization basket as a nursery child room toy box, closet storage bins, towel baskets, book storage bins, magazine organizer cube, clothes basket, and many other purposes
- Storage Baskets for Shelves With Reinforced Handle Design - Each storage boxes are Crafted by skilled sewing workers, and the stitching is more even and more sturdy. You no longer have to worry about the product tearing or the handle breaking due to storing heavy objects since we made additional reinforcements for the handle
- NOTE: Our collapsible storage bins are handmade from flexible materials, which may result in slightly different sizes. Please fully unfold each side of the basket and measure from the center of each side to the center of the other side. Due to materials and folding, measuring along only one side or when folded may result in smaller measurements
I swapped out all my mismatched hangers and replaced them with heavy-duty felt ones. I was breaking so many hangers from heavy items that I decided to use these for less breakage, and they will hold heavier items without breaking.
- Durable and Sturdy: Crafted from velvet and ABS Plastic; Steadily hold heavy clothing of up to 11lbs; As strong as wooden suit hanger but much thinner and lighter; Durable hanging bar with black velvet to hold your shirt, jeans and pants
- Space Saving: The ultra-thin design with an optimal size of 17.5"L x 1/4"W x 9"H; Each hanger maximizes the storage space and makes full use of your wardrobe and room to make it clutter-free; Increases closet space by up to 75%, good for clothing sorting
- Non Slip Design: The specially developed shoulder line help to promise worry-free preservation of the clothing's shape; The groove on shoulder could be used to hang clothes with thin shoulder strap, great without slipping off for clothes on closet storage
- Stylish Finish: Soft and luxurious velvet, unlike plastic or metal hangers; The finest velvet material for all our velvet hangers help to keep the fuzz from shedding off and stain your clothing; Prevents clothes from slip-off the velvet flocked hangers
- Daily Use 60 Pack: Galvanized 360ยฐ swivel metal hook meets different hanging angle needs; A perfect combination on college back to school supplies bulk items for girls boys; Premium quality hangers, popular in individuals and businesses in global markets
Wall decor for Entryway
There is one 1/2 wall that I want to add a mirror to over the wallpaper to give it a finishing touch. I want this to align over my narrow shoe cabinet for a complete look. I measured the space and the shoe cabinet and picked out this round 25″ gold-framed mirror.
- HD WITHOUT DISTORTION: The HD wall mirror is made of sterling silver mirror, which is a little heavier in weight, but reflects clearly and does not cause visual distortion.
- EXPLOSION-PROOF: DUMOS bathroom mirror for over sink has an explosion-proof film on the back, which can be used for a long time, and even if the mirror breaks, the lens won't spill out, thus protecting people from injuries.
- MODERN BRUSHED FRAME DESIGN: The round mirror for wall is made of rust-resistant aluminum alloy metal with smooth frame, ideal for bathroom mirrors, entrance mirrors, vanity mirrors and living room mirrors.
- EASY TO INSTALL: Hooks are pre-installed behind the back plate of the round mirror, safe and stable installation. Installation instructions are included in the package.
- WORRY-FREE PURCHASE: We have reinforced the packaging of the mirror to ensure safe delivery. If you find the round mirror broken on arrival, please contact us, we will deal with it for you at the first time.
Optional Mirror shapes
I chose a round mirror for my small space; however, there are some other shapes to consider depending on your own decor, taste, and wall size. See below for a mixture of these Mirror shapes to consider
- Oval Wavy Mirror– This irregular Wall Mirror is 24″x36″ with a Gold Asymmetrical Aluminum Alloy Frame
- Irregular Wall Mirror 22″x30″ trapezoid mirror in a gold frame
- Irregular Wall Mirror– This is 16″ and comes in both black and gold options
- Arched Wall Mirror– This has 3 metal frame color options as well as sizes
- Braided Wood Finish Oval Wall Mirror- This decorative wood frame brings an elevated, timeless look
- Scalloped Petite Gallery Wall Mirror– This is a small mirror, which would lend itself to a mirrored gallery wall
- Scalloped Wood Mirror– Natural sscalloped grooved wood frame can either be hung vertically or horizontally
- Wood Flower Scalloped Wall Mirror– Now this is such a beautiful piece and is well on trend with the scalloped frame
Hardware for doors
I currently have gold swivel handles on both my entryway front door and my closet door. For this project, I want to change it to a crystal knob but keep the gold tones. This is an easy way to update a door without changing it out.
- ใCrystal Glass Door Knobsใ Calzibeno luxurious glass door knobs interior are clear rosette glass shapes, with sturdy zinc alloy plates. The crystal door knobs are heavy duty and solid for long-lasting. These gorgeous diamond glass doorknobs are satin brass finished and will surely add an elegant look to your home.
- ใPrivacy Functionใ The crystal door knobs with lock are ideal for interior room where privacy is needed, such as bedroom and bathroom. From interior, push pin button to lock, twist crystal knob to unlock. And you can use a hex key and any thin tool to insert the release hole to open the door from outside in emergency.
- ใUniversal Crystal Door Knobsใ This satin brass glass door knob fits with 1 3/8"(35mm) to 1 3/4"(45mm) doors, adjustable latch from 2-3/8"(60mm) to 2-3/4"(70mm). The crystal vintage door knob is single-cylinder reversible design, suitable for left or right-handed doors.
- ใEasy Installationใ Only need a screwdriver, you can easily install the glass crystal door knob set according to the instructions included in the package. Satin brass crystal interior door knobs fit pre-existing holes greatly, work with both replacement and new door.
- ใSatisfaction Door Knobsใ Calzibeno provide the beautiful satin brass crystal door knobs interior to every customer. If you have any question about our crystal bedroom/bathroom door knobs, please let us know (via Amazon).
Floor covering
I finished this space with an area rug that has a rubber backing and can be easily washed due to the outdoor foot traffic in the house. I chose a light beige and white pattern to complement the neutrals in this space. This is a similar one from Amazon; the one I bought was from Ikea.
- Neutral Farmhouse Rug: Get a magic of a rug in the look of natural material with our new Chenille rugs. Made of safe polyester that is not easy to crack, without scratching, shedding, or fraying with time
- Note: Our rug comes in a small package, which may be some creases at the beginning. Unroll it or place heavy books on them for a few days to hold down. Pet paws may hook into the threads of the woven rug
- Versatile Rug: Farmhouse woven rug lends a sense of simplicity and comfort to your kitchen floor, entryway, porch, long hallway, small bathroom, laundry room or more space, let you embrace delicate life easily
- Non Slip and Safe Rug: Designed with rubber backing that is slip assistance, helpful to keep the carpet griping the kitchen floor, thus enhancing safety. Safe enough for family to play at home
- Easy to Clean: Shake or pat off debris and hair for daily clean. Also can being wash in cold water on a gentle cycle, and recommend to air dry for deep clean. Note: small handheld vacuum is recommended
Related Posts
See some additional makeover posts that you may be interested in. Happy reading!
- How to Decorate Floating Shelves. The Rule of Three & Other Pro Styling Tricks
- Choosing Furniture Pulls and Knobs That Wow
- Small Space, Big Impact: How to Make a Wood Slat Accent Wall
Redoing a small entryway is about so much more than making a first impressionโitโs about setting the tone for your entire home. This space welcomes you back after a long day and greets your guests the moment they arrive. By approaching your makeover with intentionโmeasuring your dimensions, embracing limitations, choosing the right storage, layering in effective lighting, and finishing with a thoughtful wall color or textureโyouโve laid the groundwork for a transformation that is both practical and beautiful.
What makes a project like this truly empowering is that it doesnโt require a full remodel or a huge budget. Instead, itโs the small, well-chosen changes that make the biggest difference: a flush mount light fixture that brightens every corner, slim shelving or hidden storage to keep clutter at bay, or a peel-and-stick wallpaper accent that instantly adds personality. Each choice you make adds up, creating a welcoming entryway that reflects your style while solving real-life challenges of space and function.
Remember, your entryway is the handshake of your home. When it feels organized, bright, and cohesive, it instantly communicates warmth and care. By investing a weekend in rethinking this small but mighty area, youโve shown how intentional design can transform even the most overlooked corners of your home.
So grab your tape measure, pick your palette, and letโs turn your small entryway into a space that feels big on style, function, and personality. Youโll be surprised how quickly these little changes add up to a huge impact.
Thanks for stopping by!
This post is all about a Small entryway DIY makeover
Last update on 2026-02-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
