Entryway decor: the first impression that counts
The entryway is the first look we take at a home. A guide to decorating it with posters: the right size for the space, welcoming subjects, arrangements for a narrow hallway, pairings with a console and mirror. Ideas for hosts, studios and family homes.
Key points
- 12 posters in the Entryway and hallway posters collection, all in the table below.
- From $21.00 in A4, up to $74.00 in A0, 5 sizes for each poster.
- Printed in the United States on demand, free delivery from $69.
The table
The 14 posters at a glance
The entryway is the most often neglected room in the house. You walk through it, drop your keys, hang your coat. Yet it’s the first image any visitor has of your home, the trailer for what follows. A well-designed entryway says a lot before a single word is exchanged.
The entryway is the first look at the house. You have 30 seconds to set the tone, say who you are, and establish the mood your guests will feel throughout the rest of the home.
A single large A1 poster facing the front door plays this role better than any other decor piece. A travel poster to evoke escape, a botanical plate for calm, an Art Deco poster for chic. Black lacquered or aged wood frame. See our travel posters or posters.
The entryway, the room that signs your home the moment the door opens
The entryway is the hall where you receive guests, drop your keys, greet a delivery person. It’s also the first impression your home gives a visitor. Well-done entryway decor tells who you are in 5 square meters. Here’s how to dress this often neglected room with a few carefully chosen posters, a console, and well-managed lighting.
The entryway tells the story of the home in 2 seconds
The entryway is the room that’s seen for the shortest time but leaves the strongest mark. Every guest decodes your world in 3 steps, from the door to the living room. A well-chosen poster sets the tone before anyone says a word. Poorly placed, it makes the home look dated.
1. The single large-format panorama
A single A2 poster or larger, centered on the main entryway wall. Subject: your hometown, your favorite destination, or an abstract panorama. The eye has no time to wander, and the image sticks.
2. The 3-step triptych
3 A4 portrait posters in a row: morning, noon and evening in the same city. Or: entryway, sea, mountain (the 3 moods of your life). Spacing of 4 cm. Instant reading, a personal narrative.
3. The mirror and poster duo
A vertical mirror on the left (where you take a last look), a poster in the same size on the right. Creates visual and functional balance. Particularly suited to narrow entryways.
4. The frieze above the interior door
3 A5 posters in a row above the door leading to the living room. Subjects: geometric patterns or travel. A spot often forgotten that becomes a memorable detail.
5. The 6xA5 mini gallery
6 identical A5 frames, in a 2x3 or 3x2 grid. Subjects: 6 stylized postcards, 6 destinations, 6 seasons. A private miniature museum effect. Suited to entryways with low ceilings.
6. The poster on an easel on the console
Rather than hanging it, simply set an A4 or A3 poster on the entryway console, leaning against the wall. A relaxed style, easy to change. Combine with a lamp and a vase to compose an entryway corner.
The entryway hates clutter but loves bold statements. One well-chosen poster is worth 3 mediocre ones. A2 or A3 is almost always the right choice: strong enough to be seen, not so big that it overwhelms the space.
For the other rooms, see our guides for the living room, bedroom, kitchen, and our complete guide: 50 ideas by room.
Build this wall
3 posters from this article, at true scale
All 3 posters: $106.00
Frequently asked questions
You often ask us
Which poster subjects should I choose for an entryway?
Major cities (your adopted or native city), iconic landmarks, vintage transport (Orient-Express, ocean liners, Concorde), Belle Époque advertising posters.
What size for an entryway poster?
A2 or A1 vertical above the console. 3 A4 posters aligned horizontally if the console is narrow. Avoid a single A4, which gets lost.
What furniture suits a vintage entryway?
A narrow console in aged wood, a round or rectangular mirror above it, an oak or brass coat rack, a potted plant to add warmth.
What lighting suits a vintage entryway?
A table lamp on the console (warm light, 2700 K) rather than a ceiling light alone. An adjustable wall sconce to showcase the poster.
What pitfalls should you avoid in an entryway?
Too much furniture, a poster that’s too small, a cool white ceiling light that flattens colors, a subject disconnected from the home’s dominant style.
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