4 Outdated Ways to Decorate Entryways That Designers Say You Should Stop — And What to Do Instead

A dark brown entryway with wall art.

Don’t be fooled into thinking the entryway deserves less design attention than any other room — if anything, it deserves more consideration, as the place that welcomes you inside each and every day.

Even though you may not be hanging around in this area for extensive periods of time, it’s not a corridor or mere walk-through: your entryway should proudly set the tone for your whole home and should be embraced as any other space would.

Nevertheless, go easy with the notion of entryway trends — the aim should be to design a timeless elegance that can evolve over time. Where you're tempted to introduce trending designs, interior designers want you to stay ahead of the curve, so with that in mind, they told us to avoid these 4 outdated entryway ideas.

1. Bold geometrics

Try instead: A subtler approach to pattern will add interest without being overwhelming. (Image credit: Little Greene)

Patterns and prints, such as wallpaper ideas and fabrics are brilliant for introducing color, pattern and texture to a space. But while large, bold prints are an obvious design choice to feature, whereas small patterns often offer a more subtle effect that’s less easy to tire of.

‘Some of the bold geometric patterns can make an entryway feel dated,' says Perry Walter, Founder of Walter Studio Interior Design. 'At times these patterns can overpower a space. Smaller scale prints, solid colors and well-scaled furniture contribute a sense of spaciousness and serenity in an entryway, making it feel more inviting and calming.'

Taking a subtle stance on injecting the space with pattern will prevent it from dating so quickly as well as making it easier to change up the more temporary finishes throughout the seasons.

Oversize Geometric Patterned Throw Pillow

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Sola Hand Tufted Wool Rug

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Striped Tiger Doormat

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2. Mass produced furniture

Try instead: Going bespoke with a design that makes sense for your space. (Image credit: Lucas Madani. Design: Hauvette Madani)

Try to avoid over-produced furniture — it simply cannot be tailored to everybody's needs and can often come across as an impersonal bland feature, unless you’re a total minimalist.

A much better option is to find pieces that suit your lifestyle and everyday needs, ‘Furniture in the same style that fits like a glove isn’t visually exciting. Create a collection of wonderful finds from different eras that look beautiful together,’ advises interior designer, Kim Colwell. If you’ve a penchant for the one-of-a-kind finds, handcrafted pieces or family heirlooms this space is ideal for homing and utilizing them. 'Mix these pieces with modern elements, including a touch of mixed metals, to set the tone for the rest of your home,’ says Perry. You’ll gain character, style and perhaps even a conversation starter or two.

If you're doing an entryway mudroom, built-ins are always preferable, to.

3. Overly matching themes

Try instead: Take a more organic approach to decorating an entryway (Image credit: Alex Lukey. Design: Hali McDonald)

Forget trying too hard to match your colors and styles. Creating your own theme through choosing pieces and finishes you fall in love with will speak volumes in terms of generating that home feel you love to come back to at the end of the day.

‘Matchy design themes are never a good idea. A colorful throw, rug, a statement light, or unique pieces of art can add visual interest and create a lasting impression on your guests. While a touch of surprise is great for most entryways, a more classic approach with timeless furniture and artwork can also be very successful,’ says Perry.

4. All-White

Try instead: Go bolder with color choices — it's your first impression after all (Image credit: Tim Lenz. Design: MK WORKSHOP)

An entryway above all should be a warm welcome as soon as you step inside, so it’s imperative to set the desired tone through your colour choice from the beginning. A neutral tone works great as a base, allowing you to then layer decor and any other finishes upon it, yet neutral doesn’t necessarily mean white.

In fact, nowadays neutrals are often any natural tones inspired by the great outdoors, so even if you choose to go minimalist in design features, the warmth from the base color will without a doubt emanate a warm energy, rather than feeling to clinical.. Off whites with warm undertones are fine, but consider delicate tones of green, brown, or even pink to function as a base and work from there. Even dark tones can be great colors for small entryways, when you want it to feel cozy and welcoming.

After all, this is the first impression you give when opening your front door, so personalize it, reflect your own style and make it a one to remember. You may be surprised with just how striking the outcome is and the pride you feel when opening the door to welcome guests inside.