How to Create a Foyer and Keep it Organized

Learn what things you should have to create a foyer that is functional and beautiful with these easy decorating and organization tips.

We have had legit foyers in our last three homes. I immensely enjoyed the luxury of built-in shoe cabinets and bookcases when we were active-duty military living in Japan and now a separate entryway in our traditional one-store ranch style home in Texas.

But that hasn’t always been the case. In our first five homes, I had to create a foyer using furniture and strategically placed items. Today I’m sharing my favorite tips and organization tricks for creating and keeping a tidy foyer whether your abode comes with one or not.

How to Create a Foyer

You already know the way you use different spaces in different houses change if you have to move often as we have.  It is smart to take a few months to really see how to optimize each room for specific needs.  So if you are in a new home,  go ahead and put everything in its place but then give it a little time to see if you use everything and if there is a better way to store items.

Foyers are especially tricky to stay tidy.  They tend to be a catch-all place for everything that comes into the house.  Make sure you have a spot for items that stay in the foyer and a plan of action for everything else.  It’s important to make sure everyone else in the house is on board too! 

Here are items that every foyer needs no matter how big or small your entryway is.

• Hang a mirror to check your appearance before heading out.  Nobody wants to be caught with food in their teeth and lipstick is usually a last-minute application. A full-size mirror can bring in more light into a dark entryway but small decorative mirrors are just as handy.

• Include seating for putting on shoes with ease.  A small-slender bench or chair as worked great in our smaller foyers but if you have space, a storage ottoman can do wonders for organization and seating. Anything that has multiple functions is a win-win in my book.

Wall hooks or a coat rack are necessary for seasonal clothing garments and accessories if you are lacking a hall closet. Decorative hooks are a great way to utilize vertical space and perfect for hat storage or pretty scarves in a small entryway.

Place an umbrella stand with a couple of extra umbrellas for guests should the need arise.  Look for a beautiful ceramic container or holder to add even more style to your space.

Add a dish or container for keys and change and tray or basket for mail. Bowls, platters, and wood trinket boxes are practical solutions for this task.

Include shoe storage by finding cabinets that fit in your foyer space or a shoe rack for the nearest closet. Bins under a bench are perfect for kids to toss their footwear in.

Since we live in a Japanese home, we follow the Japanese custom of removing our shoes before stepping into the living space.   There are great benefits in doing this and I’m planning for shoe cabinets in our next home! 

• Add at least one piece of art. Welcome your guest with a thoughtful piece like a photo, printable art, fine art, or wall hanging. Better yet, display a grouping of different pieces but with a similar subject or color scheme for a cohesive feel.

Extra tips:

It really isn’t hard to create a foyer when you include the necessary items and it can be stylish and functional! All of the examples I used came from our last three homes. You can find the resources for them in our Okinawa Home Tour, Iwakuni Home Tour, and One Year Later Fort Worth House.

Make sure to check out the best decorating ideas and DIYs for Spring and Easter! You’ll find loads of information with free checklists and cheatsheets.

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