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More and more families opt for open spaces, as it makes it easy to keep an eye on the kids and entertain larger groups of visitors. An open floor plan for sure has its perks, but it doesn’t let us create cohesive and designated areas. A foyer, for example.
How to create a foyer in an open living room? The entry door usually opens to the right and provides access to the main living area, so we can’t designate the drop zone. What can we do?
Guide on how to create a foyer in an open living room
Creating a foyer is a challenging process, but not an impossible one. Check our ten tips and entryway ideas and you can optimize your living room!
Let’s begin.
Start with a cute shoe storage item
Image source: Barnes Vanze Architects, Inc.
It is a fact that open-plan spaces don’t excel in hiding messes. Whatever happens, everyone will be able to see it, which is just as bad as it is good. In shoe storage terms, this means not leaving shoes randomly against the wall. Instead, get some cute boxes or a comfy storage bench, and store shoes inside.
At the same time, the bench will create a visual division and mark a separate entryway, which was the main idea. Not even to mention how modern and sweet it looks!
Repurpose an unused corner
Image source: Sierra Living Concepts Inc
Entryways are not that complicated, even if you don’t have enough floor space. Grab the empty corner close to the door, and turn it into a foyer area!
Image source: Prepac Furniture
You don’t need anything more than a pillow or a chair to show guests where they can take their shoes off.
Divide the space with wallpaper
Image source: Casework
Keep your DIY foyer within budget and mark the entry zone with wallpaper. The color should be bold and distinctive compared to the rest of the room and mark the foyer wall.
In an otherwise neutral room, try out vivid patterns and pip up colors around the door. It will work the same way as paint, but with the advantage of being able to remove it as soon as you get bored with it.
Don’t forget to create a scheme with other entryway essentials. For example, the colors should match the console table, the rug, or the mirror, as if you’d have two separate rooms.
Enable extra seating
Image source: Crisp Architects
You will be surprised by what a couple of benches and a small sofa table can do with your foyer space. Think of it as an additional layer of design meant to warm up the space and make guests feel welcome.
This will not just be the area where guests take shoes off and leave jackets, but also additional seating for large gatherings. The benches will provide some extra storage possibilities, and give the entryway the bold statement it needs.
Anchor the sideboards with mirrors
Image source: J. Kurtz Design
Cluttering the small entryway space with excess furniture is a genuine concern. Therefore, consider single statement items. There is nothing better for the job than a large mirror on the sideboard.
The mirror will add visual space and naturally reflect light. Plus, you will be happy to give your hair one last check before you leave for work.
Bring a closet to the entryway
Image source: Lucy Interior Design
Pilling up on the statement item idea, how about a closet next to the front door? The large freestanding armoire will also store many items, and complement the decor of your open floor living room.
If you match the dimensions of the entry door, the closet will instantly signalize and create the entryway. Sure, you will need to invest a bit more to get a piece you like, but at the same time, you will be saving on storage space in other areas of the home.
Keep things simple with a rug
Image source: Art Van Furniture
You can easily create separate spaces with an area rug. Choose a color and size that complement the doorway, and the job will be done at a fraction of the price.
As an idea, you can get a rectangular rug that clearly defines the hall area. If you are on the budget, you can easily visually distinguish the foyer with a small floor mat.
Let the coat rack to the job
Image source: Crisp Architects
The same as a rug, a small and old-fashioned rack will define your entry space with limited investment. It will be the perfect place for you and your guests to hang coats and umbrellas.
Better yet, a small coat rack can make a big statement, so play with colors and designs. For instance, you can opt for antique-looking racks or dark wood to create a more elegant setting.
Bring form and function together with a chest drawer
Image source: KMSalter Design
A chest drawer is another useful item that can help you create a unique foyer. It will provide you with some extra storage space, and you can place it strategically to mimic a defined entryway.
There are many chic and beautiful designs to choose from, so give yourself some time to find the perfect drawer chest. Who knows – it may even turn out to be your most stunning piece of furniture.
Use the sofa table
Image source: Ashley Campbell Interior Design
If there is enough space, move the sofa table in the entry area to create a mini foyer. This way, you will have the perfect place to lay your mail and keys, and perhaps even a lower layer shelf for shoes.
You can do the same trick with any bottom cabinet or drawer chest you are not using.
Define the foyer with a bookcase
Image source: Transitional Entry
Are you also a passionate reader who never has enough space to display all books? If this describes you, get ready to hear the most awesome foyer idea! You can get a shallow bookcase and use it to define the entry area. You will need just minimal floor space, and still make the most of function and style.
All shelving units are elegant and provide extra storage. If you don’t have that many books, use the case to display accessories or family memorabilia. Your guests will be impressed!
Try out a cubby system
Image source: Sixteen On Center
Storage cubbies and lockers are more than recommended for open floor plan living rooms. They can easily define an entryway area, and pack it with storage options. You can arrange them in a fun way, or bring in a custom built-in unit and place them inside.
This high-function and low-investment idea is perfect for artistic DIY enthusiasts. They can create their custom units and paint the space appropriately, and come up with a personalized foyer area.
Consider hooks on the walls
Image source: Studio Miel
If you are tired of picking up coats from the sofa once all family members are at home, use a hook wall as a room divider. This is a nifty DIY project you can execute on the batten wall so that everyone knows where the coat depository is.
Make the design more playful with hooks at different heights. This way, your kids will also be able to hang their coats and bags once they come home from school.
Get a hall tree
Image source: Merillat
This is not the first thing that comes to mind when talking of foyers, but it is a very comfortable choice. This compact piece of furniture can hold both shoes and coats, and you will find it in many modern hallways.
It contributes perfectly to the open concept entryway, as it accommodates more belongings than a standard coat rack. If you have enough space, you can even consider several similar pieces arranged in an interesting flow.
Build a half wall
Image source: Devon Grace Interiors
An actual wall would disrupt the open floor concept, and even put an extra burden on the budget. A half-wall, on the other hand, won’t contradict the open space idea, but it will give you clear hints of where the foyer is supposed to be.
Don’t forget to accessorize the half wall with a small bench beside it, or turn it into a gallery wall for family memorabilia. Either way, you will have a beautiful and functional room divider.
Mark the entry with a skinny console
Image source: Lindsay McCormick Design
If you have a long, yet narrow hallway corridor, consider a narrow console table. These items take up as little space as possible. And yet, they manage to optimize storage possibilities with installed drawers.
At the same time, they are beautiful enough to attract immediate attention from your visitors. With the right design, they will define the foyer space better than any larger item.
Remember to complete their look with an artsy lamp or a beautiful family photo.
Additional tips on accessorizing open foyers
Image source: Adventures in Furniture
Regardless of whether you have a defined foyer or not, these functional items can enhance its looks:
- A large mirror for last-minute checks
- An area rug for a comfy and defined space
- A small table with extra storage space for mail and key
- Accent lighting, ideally a small table lamp
- Wall hooks for coats, scarves, hats, or umbrellas
- Well-positioned woven baskets for shoe storage
- A vase of fresh flowers to make guests feel more welcomed
In conclusion
We hope that our guide on how to create a foyer in an open living room inspired you too. Open floor rooms can be frustrating, but they are a blessing in disguise for creative homeowners.
If you enjoyed reading this article about how to create a foyer in an open living room, you should check out these on decorating a living room with wood paneling, hiding the office in a living room, or filling the empty space in the living room.
We have plenty of other living room-related articles, such as hiding exercise equipment in the living room, hiding a pillar in the living room, arranging plants in the living room, storing blankets in the living room, and decorating living room shelves.