The 8 Best Ways To Fake The Look Of A Formal Entryway If You Don't Have One

Having an expertly-designed formal entryway with ample space to hang coats, sit down to remove or put on shoes, and welcome guests to the home is a dream of many. Unfortunately, the layout of some homes makes this fantasy appear unreachable. Often, the front door opens right into a main living space, leaving seemingly no way to create that entryway you've always longed for.

However, if you've been yearning for a formal entryway, but your home doesn't have one, there may be a solution. And, no, it doesn't involve upgrading to a much more expensive house. "When working with a small or basic entry area, there are several easy ways to create the feeling of a grander entrance. These range from minor projects like flooring, paint and paper to decorating techniques using items you may already own," Pamela O'Brien, president and lead designer at Pamela Hope Designs tells House Digest during an exclusive interview. Below, you'll discover some of the best ways to fake the look of a formal entryway. We'll share some of the best tips and tricks that we learned through exclusive interviews with interior designers, including O'Brien and more.

According to three of the design experts we interviewed, the right rug can work wonders to expand the look of a small entryway and create the feel of a formal space — even if there isn't actually one. O'Brien notes that many formal entryways feature a different flooring material than the rest of the home, which helps section out the entrance. Without a truly separate space, replacing part of the floor isn't very practical or budget friendly. However, you can achieve a similar feel with an area rug. "A beautifully patterned or richly toned rug can define the entryway, even if you don't have a foyer (which most of us don't)," explains Courtney Cole, interior designer at TileCloud. Magda Callery, interior designer and owner of Style By Magda agrees, noting that using "a small rug, runner, or mat [can] create a sense of separation."

To achieve that "formal" look, rug selection is critical. O'Brien says, "Rather than just a mat inside the door, purchase a rug that complements your decor. This will help set the tone of your design and color palette too." According to O'Brien, this is one time to splurge a bit, if you can. After all, as she notes, your rug "will greet you and your guests every day." A Persian rug, for example, could help you create the formal look you desire, but given the steep price, it's probably best suited for those with a large entryway where you won't immediately track in dirt. If an authentic Persian rug isn't in the budget, or doesn't make sense for your home, a beautiful imitation one — such as the SAFAVIEH Vintage Hamadan Collection Accent Rug — could deliver a similar vibe.

As you're thinking about the essential pieces you'll need to fake the look of a formal entryway, you mustn't overlook furniture. "One thing you will always find in a nice foyer is a place to sit," says Cole. She recommends choosing a stylish bench — like the Furniliving Storage Bench— to add a touch of elegance to the space. If you don't have space for a bench, then you could consider Callery's advice of adding a tiny seat — like the Iwell Vanity Stool — to the entryway. Both of these options will provide a spot where people can put on or take off their shoes. Again, product selection will be key here if you're looking to fake that more formal look, as opposed to just a typical functional entryway. Neutral upholstery combined with deeper and richer wood colors are common in formal pieces, so keep this in mind as you shop for your space.

Cole and Callery also recommend adding a console table, if you have room for it. Callery says, "[A] slender console table can all be used as focal points and as a platform for ornamental pieces like a small lamp, vase, or key bowl." This Tribedesigns Gold Console Table with a faux marble top and geometric gold base is one stylish option that could help you achieve a formal look. Marble is considered a more elegant and sophisticated material, so an addition such as this could really help elevate the space.

When you want to make your entryway feel more inviting, the right lighting is a must. Our experts recommend being very purposeful with the lighting choices and taking a layered approach by opting for more than a single fixture, especially if you want to achieve that formal look. "Usually entryways in small or builder-grade homes are lit by a single recessed light overhead. It's functional, but this setup can cast harsh shadows and leave the space feeling cold," shared Dara Greaney, founder and CEO of LED Light Expert. This is certainly not what you want when you're looking to mimic the grandeur of a formal entryway.

To upgrade the look of your space and give it a formal feel, Callery recommends, "Swap out a builder-grade ceiling light for a chic pendant or semi-flush fixture." This unique ACNKTZ Hanging Light Fixture will help you achieve this goal, while adding a bit of an industrial touch. Or, for an even more traditional and elegant look, you can't go wrong with a classic chandelier, such as the CLAIRDAI Small LED Chandelier. When you picture a formal space, your visualization almost certainly includes a grand light fixture — they make a very stately addition to a space, making it feel more dignified. 

But, you don't want to stop with just a ceiling fixture if you really want to perfect the look. "Mixing overhead lighting and other lighting sources will give you a layered lighting scheme that will make your entryway look more warm, welcoming and luxe," says Cole. When choosing an additional lighting fixture, keep your end goal in mind. Opt for one that will contribute to the feeling of sophistication. This JONATHAN Y Mini LED Table Lamp, for example, could help achieve that goal with its shimmery seashell base.

If it doesn't already have one, chances are your foyer needs a mirror. Callery explains, "A mirror is a fantastic way to make a small entry feel bigger and brighter." Mirrors do more than just reflect the people or objects in a room — they also reflect light. As this light bounces off the glass, it creates an illusion, tricking the human eye into perceiving the space as larger than it actually is. Larger spaces feel more grand, and therefore can appear more formal too.

As you're planning out your entryway and shopping for a mirror, Callery suggests, "Opt for a statement piece or a group of smaller mirrors to add depth and elegance." The exact layout of the entryway and the available wall space can help you determine whether one larger mirror (such as the WAMIRRO Arched Gold Mirror) or a few smaller mirrors (such as the BONNYCO Pack of 3 Gold Vintage Mirrors) are best. Ornate mirrors or those with thicker and more intricate borders would be a wise addition to achieve that grander entryway you desire. These designs mimic the look of antique frames, which certainly conjure up thoughts of formality and sophistication.

If your home doesn't have a formal entryway, it may also not have a coat closet. This can make it challenging to keep the space organized, while still ensuring your hats, coats, and jackets are in a convenient location when you need them. To improve both the functionality and the aesthetics of the entryway, Callery suggests adding a compact coat rack or some chic hooks to the wall. While every entryway can benefit from a space for hanging coats, it is critical in a formal space. Draped coats or jackets over a table or bench will certainly detract from that clean and elegant feel that one would expect in a formal room.

As you start thinking about which products to purchase, Callery says, "Choose finishes that go well with the overall look you wish to accomplish, such as antique black or matte black for a modern feel." A few pieces to consider include the Umbra Sticks Wall Hooks, the AODORAN Coat Hooks, and the Azaehom Free Standing Coat Rack. All of these are available with the matte black finish that Callery recommends, bringing that modern, yet formal, touch to your entryway.

If you want to fake the look of a formal entryway, then you will need to work with all aspects of the rooms. "When working with a builder-grade or small entry, focus on the walls," shares Callery. One idea she shares is to elevate the look of your walls with some peel and stick wallpaper — such as the OSECAGE Modern Peel and Stick Wallpaper or the BaoHArtHome Gold Leaf Vintage Peel and Stick Wallpaper. Transforming your entryway with an accent wall will do more than just add a focal point to the space; it may also help brighten the room, depending on the colors of the pattern you choose. The pattern will also be critical in establishing the air of sophistication that will transform a standard entryway into one that is more formal.

"If you don't have room for furniture in your entry, consider going a bit larger on the walls," says O'Brien. She recommends adding a piece of artwork to not only bring more attention to the space, but to also help define it. If your entryway is too small for furniture, she even recommends opting for a larger-scale piece of artwork that "will have a major impact in a small space." There are several pieces of artwork that are perfect for your entryway. Consider purchasing a print of a famous painting, such as Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa," Vincent van Gogh's "The Starry Night," or Johannes Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring," to add that classic and formal feel.

A low ceiling can make an already small space feel even more cramped. Ben Harvey, the principal interior designer and CEO of Harmonia Living, recommends purposefully choosing design elements that will combat this problem. During an exclusive interview with House Digest, he said, "Vertical lines can trick the eye into thinking the space is taller than it really is."

Harvey highlights tall plants as one hack for making your ceilings appear higher. Some plants that can grow relatively tall are cat palms and money trees. Other ideas he offers include adding a narrow bookcase — such as the Hzuaneri Ladder Shelf — to the entryway or hanging a rectangular piece of art — like this Mofutinpo Abstract Canvas — in a vertical orientation. Adding taller decor to your entryway "draws the eye upward, creating a more open and formal feel," says Harvey. Again, the goal will be to make careful selections that exude formality. When choosing pots for any plants you add, for example, stay away from plastic or terra cotta options. Instead, opt for something more elegant, such as the Ceramicfor Ceramic Planter.

As you're finalizing your plans to fake the look of a formal entryway in your home, Harvey offers one final word of advice, "Even in a small space, having one key element that demands attention can add instant sophistication. Whether it's a piece of art, a console table with a sculptural vase, or a bold light fixture, having a statement piece in your entryway gives it that 'wow' factor without taking up much space."

So, think about your overall design goals, your favorite styles, colors, trends, and the layout of your space to help you decide which design element you want to become the focal point. As you're deciding which piece to add, be sure to keep that vision of a formal entryway in mind. Think luxury, style, and sophistication. Plan the rest of the entryway around this item, taking care that the remainder of the elements also add that touch of luxury without competing with your selected focal point.