15 Must-Haves To Update Your Foyer

Whether you are lucky enough to have a defined space near the front door or are looking for ways to define an entry space in a larger room, the foyer is an important element of any home. The foyer sets the stage for guests when they enter and serves as a functional area when it comes to day-to-day living. Outfitting your space to be both beautiful and welcoming while also being functional for you and your family can be a challenge. Because it's the first and last spot you encounter, clutter can quickly build up. Foyers often either fill up with stuff or remains a sort of empty and uninspiring dead space that needs attention. 

According to Ballard Designs, however, it's also a great place to make a statement about personal style and forge a first impression. Finding the perfect pieces for your foyer depends largely on the amount of space you have. Whether it's large or small, defined or undefined, there are a number of key elements and great suggestions for additions to make the space both useful and welcoming. 

No matter what climate you live in, a coat rack is necessary, even if all you hang on it are bags and hats. This wall-mounted 10-hook coat rack from Rejuvenation ($175) comes in a variety of finishes that are a perfect fit for any décor.  

With lighter and darker woven versions available, this beautiful umbrella stand from Arhaus ($179) doubles as a large basket and is perfect for holding both small and large umbrellas. When empty, it doubles as just a pretty basket.

This combined bench and shoe rack from Pottery Barn ($199) is great for small spaces with its dual function.  Whether it's stashing your shoes or those of guests, it does so fashionably and compactly. 

A foyer is a perfect place for this boho-inspired runner from Ruggable ($169). Ruggable rugs are not only beautiful and come in several trend-worthy designs but are durable and completely washable. They are perfect for looking stylish and keeping your floors dirt-free from the outdoors. 

Whatever the size of your foyer, a sit-down spot is a must for putting on shoes or boots at the door. This twilight blue tufted bench from Article ($349) fits the bill with sturdy construction and streamlined design that fits a number of décor styles. 

Slender console tables provide a focal point in any foyer space and are a useful spot for setting things down on the way in or out, including mail, packages, and keys. This one from Homary ($215.99) is a great small-space solution since its legs are tapered and take up less space than many other console tables. 

Mirrors are a simple way to both more light and the illusion of more space in small areas of your home. They also allow for one last quick outfit check on the way out the door. The bigger the frame, the grander the impact. This mirror from Anthropologie ($548 to $1598) comes in an array of sizes and finishes

If you want to try a beautiful contemporary wallpaper design, a foyer is a perfect space. A smaller room requires less paper, or using it on one wall in an open room creates a dedicated foyer. This design from Total Wall Covering ($67 per roll) is beautiful and neutral-based, making it a great backdrop for furniture and décor. 

Foyers and entryways can often become a chaotic landing base, particularly when you have kids. Backpacks, mittens, and school projects have a way of building up. This double-duty bench and cubby organizer from Value City Furniture ($349.99) is a perfect place to stash and organize objects when not needed, making getting out the door much easier. 

The experience of your home begins the second anyone walks in the door, which means it's a perfect spot to appeal to all the senses, including scent. This simple, modern oil diffuser from Target ($15) is useful for dispensing your favorite scent and cute as a piece of foyer décor.

Foyers are the perfect places to house things you need to grab on your way out. Keeping necessities near the door helps you to remember them and provides a great place to store them when not in use. This wooden sunglasses rack from Etsy ($72) is gorgeous and functional, providing storage for several pairs.

Foyers and entryways can often become a chaotic morass of keys, mail, and other small objects. To restore some order, check out this cute organizer from West Elm ($85) that fills various needs, including larger hooks for bags and coats, key hooks, and a slot for mail. 

A great alternative to the standard overhead or pendant light in many foyer spaces is a wall-mounted swivel lamp that can be moved according to where you need the light most. This beautiful brass version from CB2 ($149) is a work of art all on its own, and it takes up less space than a traditional table or floor lamp.

A beautiful way to bring the outdoors into your foyer space is some greenery. While many foyers lack windows and light for live plants, an artificial version of your favorite tree is a great alternative, particularly for filling up corners or dead space. This life-like olive tree from Walmart ($89) is an affordable fake.

Because foyers are often the first place guests encounter, they are perfect for displaying personal touches like favorite artwork and photos. These simple and stylish frames from Pottery Barn ($35 to $119) come in various sizes and complement several styles of styles of décor with their classic black finish.