Easy Tips to Create a Welcoming Entry for Your Home

Learn how to create a welcoming entry as guests enter your home.

Making a great first impression starts with your home's main entrance. Whether you’re welcoming family and friends, or just yourself after a long day away, a warm and welcoming space sets the tone for the entire home.

Small touches like carefully chosen decor can take your entry from drab to fab. From easy and budget-friendly options to more elaborate statements, you’re sure to find something that works for your style, budget, and home. Ready to start making a great first impression? Let’s dive into some welcoming entryway ideas.

Welcome to our home!

A Welcoming Entry on a Budget

A beautiful entryway is the best way to make a good first impression, in addition to a stylish front porch and curb appeal to greet your guests. The entry in our farmhouse home is constantly changing because it is my favorite area to swap around for holiday decorating.

However, this is also an ideal space to keep neutral with favorite pieces and home decor.

How to Create a Welcoming Entry to the Rest of Your Home

Use Hanging Decor or Artwork

When deciding what to put in an entryway, a hanging piece of decor to artwork is always a great way to go. If your entrance hall is an especially small space, it adds style while making the space seem larger. You can create a warm welcome in any open entry regardless of size.

Instead of a traditional piece of art, I opted to create my own hanging decor to follow suit of our home's style. A less formal entry is my personal style, while still implementing plenty of farmhouse decor and character.

I created this DIY chicken wire frame using old pallet wood and then weathered it to look more rustic. It's pretty simple and a great DIY-er to use in your own home.

I embellished this frame with a large handwritten welcome cutout that I made and hanging garlands. It is the perfect statement piece for any small or grand entrance.

You can achieve this same look with a statement mirror or decorative artwork. Hang your decor at eye level for the best visual display for the viewer.

Add a Console Table

Another tip for creating a welcoming entry is by adding a small console table. These are especially ideal for placing seasonal home decor, or for just needing the perfect place to set your bag and keys. 

While a console is desirable in the foyer of your home, it isn't always affordable to purchase something brand new. If your budget is limited, try picking up a second hand table and refinishing it yourself. I bought this sofa table at a garage sale for $10.  The top glass was missing so I replaced the top with pallet wood and I painted the rest with a grey milk paint. See the whole transformation here.

Accent with Items Around Your House

Decorate your table with accessories you find around your house. This is a sampling of a lot of stuff that could potentially be used.

• Plants or faux stems
• Clocks
• Candles
• Decorative lanterns
• Vintage books
• Vases
• Small baskets underneath for additional storage

Make sure to use items of different heights and sizes. Items like these help to add color and style, such as my favorite chippy ammo box.  My hubby bought this ammo box for $20, but when he brought it home it was not attractive. So I painted it with milk paint to get this chippy look and it is the perfect pop of color!  (tutorial here)

Additional Ideas to Welcome Guests

• Let in more natural light with open windows
• Accent your entry with an overhead light
• Make sure to have a space where guests can put their things
• Fresh flowers or a scented candle to bring in a pleasant aroma
• If you don't have the option to add an overhead light, you can use a table lamp
• Add a chair for seating and removing shoes

A Welcoming Entry

“An entryway is an introduction.

Like the opening pages of a book, it leads us in and welcomes us to the world inside.”

~Rose Tarlow~

Your home is a reflection of who you are and how you feel, and transforming it into a welcoming space doesn't have to empty your pockets. With a few budget-friendly entryway ideas, you can bring an inviting feel and increased appeal to your home. From plants to artwork, there are plenty of creative and inspiring ways to make your home feel inviting and safe.

Happy Decorating!

Brooke