Sensible Style for Your Holiday Foyer
Help your guests in and out with a handy console table, coat hook, mirror and artful ambiance
Your entry foyer is your home's welcome hug to guests. These sensible style suggestions are intended to help you make this important space warm, friendly, low-maintenance and accessible during this busy entertaining season.
More: 6 Ways to Work With an Open Foyer
More: 6 Ways to Work With an Open Foyer
Doorknobs are such a common element in our lives that we seldom think much about them. Yet, they create one of your home's first impressions — and can be a barrier to entry for some. A traditional round doorknob is hard for someone with arthritis or Parkinson's to operate. It's also harder for someone with an armful of holiday gifts to operate. A lever-style door handle — both at your entry and from a powder room off that entry — will treat your holiday guests much more kindly.
Coat hooks are always helpful, but they become foyer MVPs when you lack a coat closet or need overflow space for a large crowd.
If your foyer doesn't have a mirror, holiday time is an ideal time to add one. It will reflect your holiday décor and add light to the space. It will also give your guests a discreet opportunity to touch up their hair or makeup while you're hanging up their coats.
Armonk 3-Arm Chandelier
One of the essential elements of any successful space is its lighting. The foyer is no exception. I suggest a style-coordinated fixture on a dimmer switch. Recessed cans can work, but don't have the same visual impact. Remember, this is your first-impression space.
A bench for removing and storing shoes during the soggy, busy holiday season will make your entry foyer better organized and protect your floors against the elements.
A foyer table is always helpful, but it's especially welcoming to holiday guests juggling gifts, food carriers, wine bottles and flowers. Your well-coordinated table adds style to your entry and convenience for your company.
Art work sets the tone for your foyer. While it may only be seen in passing most of the year as you rush through your home, it's likelier to be lingered over more as hellos and goodbyes are exchanged. You might consider rotating pieces in and out of your foyer — even collecting holiday-themed art work — for a cheerful gallery experience at home.
Let your foyer reflect the holiday season, too. Fragrant decorations in keeping with your home's style will warmly welcome your guests. Be sure, though, that there's still space on the table for them to set down bags while removing their coats or putting them back on.
Cast Iron Umbrella Stand - Bed Bath & Beyond
Let's face it: The chances of your holiday party guests arriving with dripping umbrellas is pretty good this season. No problem. A decorative umbrella stand will keep their weather gear organized and your floors dry!
More: How to Choose the Right Rug for Your Entry
More: How to Choose the Right Rug for Your Entry