Your entryway sets the tone — for your home and your guests. But are you unknowingly sabotaging it? Interior designers have spoken, and it’s time to rethink what’s lurking near your front door.
From clutter traps to décor disasters, here are 13 things to never keep in your entry — plus 6 absolute design no-go’s that instantly kill first impressions.
1. Bulky Furniture That Blocks Traffic Flow
Oversized couches or cabinets create instant bottlenecks in your entryway. The entrance should function as a smooth transition point, not an obstacle course requiring gymnastic maneuvers just to get inside.
Professional designers recommend keeping at least 36 inches of clear walking space in any hallway. For busy households with multiple people coming and going, consider expanding this to 42-48 inches if possible.
Slim console tables, wall-mounted hooks, and bench seating with storage underneath offer functionality without sacrificing precious square footage.
2. Piles of Shoes Without Organization
Random shoe mountains create instant visual chaos and practical headaches. Nothing says ‘disorganized home’ faster than a jumble of footwear greeting visitors at the door.
Smart homeowners invest in contained storage solutions that keep shoes accessible but out of sight. Closed cabinets, cubbies with baskets, or dedicated shoe racks maintain order while preventing that unwelcoming ‘locker room’ smell from permeating your entrance.
Limit the collection to seasonal essentials rather than displaying your entire shoe wardrobe in the entryway.
3. Mail and Paper Clutter
Paper accumulation happens almost magically, turning your entryway into command central for bills, flyers, and random paperwork. The problem compounds daily as more mail arrives, creating stress-inducing piles that scream ‘deal with me!’
Designers suggest creating a dedicated sorting station elsewhere in your home—perhaps in a home office or kitchen drawer. For the entryway itself, a small, attractive container can temporarily hold today’s mail until you process it.
Remember the golden rule: handle each piece of paper only once when possible.
4. Fragile Decorative Items
Crystal vases, delicate figurines, and precious heirlooms face constant danger in high-traffic entryways. One accidental bump from a backpack or enthusiastic dog tail can send them crashing to the floor.
Save these treasures for display in more protected areas of your home. Instead, choose entryway decor that can withstand some jostling—sturdy ceramic pieces, metal sculptures, or woven baskets offer style without the stress.
If you absolutely must display something precious, secure it properly or place it well above the action zone.
5. Uncomfortable Seating Without Purpose
Formal chairs that nobody actually uses waste valuable square footage while serving no practical function. That dainty antique seat might look elegant, but if it can’t support someone putting on boots or becomes a dumping ground for coats, it’s failing its purpose.
Functional entryway seating should be sturdy enough for daily use and ideally offer storage underneath. A bench with hidden compartments provides a place to sit while putting on shoes and conceals seasonal items like hats and gloves.
The best entryway furniture serves multiple functions simultaneously.
6. Dark, Gloomy Lighting Fixtures
Poor lighting transforms even the most stylish entryway into an unwelcoming cave. Dim fixtures create security concerns and make daily tasks like finding keys or checking your appearance before heading out frustratingly difficult.
Layered lighting works best—combine overhead fixtures for general illumination with table lamps or sconces for warmth and task lighting. Smart bulbs programmed to brighten automatically when you arrive home add both convenience and safety.
Remember that natural light is precious in entryways, so avoid blocking windows with heavy furniture or dark window treatments.
7. Oversized Artwork That Overwhelms
Massive art pieces can make already-tight entryways feel claustrophobic and imbalanced. Scale matters tremendously in these transitional spaces where proportion helps create a sense of welcome and flow.
Designers recommend following the two-thirds rule—artwork should take up about two-thirds the width of the furniture it hangs above. For narrow hallways, consider a gallery wall of smaller pieces that can be enjoyed as you move through the space rather than one dominating piece.
Remember that entryway art sets the tone for your entire home, so choose pieces that reflect your overall aesthetic.
8. Excessive Personal Photos
Family photo shrines in entryways can feel overwhelming to visitors and create visual chaos in a space that should feel open and welcoming. While personal touches matter, moderation prevents that uncomfortable feeling guests get when immediately confronted with your entire life history.
Consider a thoughtfully curated selection of 2-3 special images rather than a comprehensive gallery. Another designer trick: convert personal photos to black and white for a more cohesive, artistic display that feels intentional rather than cluttered.
Save extensive photo collections for more private areas of your home like hallways or family rooms.
9. Unpleasant or Overpowering Scents
Strong air fresheners, scented candles, or diffusers can assault visitors’ senses the moment they enter. What smells pleasant to you might trigger headaches or allergies in others, creating an uncomfortable first impression.
Natural freshness works better than artificial scents. Regular cleaning, proper ventilation, and houseplants like peace lilies that naturally purify air create a subtly welcoming atmosphere without the chemical overload.
If you must use scents, opt for light, clean fragrances and place them away from the immediate entrance where they won’t overwhelm someone walking in.
10. Dead or Struggling Houseplants
Brown, wilting plants send a message of neglect rather than welcome. Entryways often have challenging light conditions and temperature fluctuations that can quickly turn your green friends into sad botanical casualties.
Choose resilient varieties specifically suited to your entryway’s conditions. Snake plants, ZZ plants, and pothos thrive in low light and can withstand temperature changes from opening doors. Faux plants have also come a long way—high-quality artificial options can provide greenery without the maintenance.
Remember that no plant is better than a dead plant when making first impressions.
11. Exposed Utility Items
Visible electrical panels, thermostats, alarm keypads, and internet routers create visual distraction in your entryway. These necessary but unattractive elements break the flow of your design and remind visitors of the mundane rather than welcoming them into your home.
Creative concealment solutions abound—decorative canvas prints on hinges, small cabinet doors painted to match walls, or strategic furniture placement can hide these eyesores. For permanent fixtures like thermostats, consider painting them the exact same color as your wall so they visually recede.
When renovating, plan utility placement away from entryways whenever possible.
12. Impractical Flooring Choices
White carpeting or delicate flooring materials quickly show every speck of dirt tracked in from outside. Entryways endure the heaviest foot traffic in your home, making them particularly vulnerable to wear, moisture damage, and staining.
Durable, easy-to-clean materials like tile, luxury vinyl, or engineered hardwood stand up to boots, umbrellas, and pet paws. Adding an indoor-outdoor rug that can be easily cleaned provides color and comfort while protecting your main flooring.
Darker colors and patterns naturally hide dirt between cleanings, making your entryway look fresher longer.
13. Empty Walls Without Functional Elements
Bare entryway walls waste valuable functional space in an area where organization is paramount. Vertical real estate offers solutions for everyday needs that horizontal surfaces often can’t accommodate in smaller homes.
Wall-mounted organizers, hook systems, narrow shelving, and mirror combinations turn empty walls into hardworking assets. Even decorative elements can serve double-duty—a beautiful mirror provides both style and the practical function of last-minute appearance checks.
Remember that in compact entryways, every square inch should contribute to both aesthetics and functionality.
14. GIANT NO #1: Refrigerators or Appliances
Placing refrigerators, freezers, or other major appliances in entryways creates an immediate impression of space shortage and poor planning. The mechanical hum and occasional operational noises greet visitors before you do, while the visual bulk disrupts any sense of welcome.
These appliances also create practical problems—food odors mingle with entryway scents, and the heat they generate conflicts with temperature changes from opening exterior doors. The inevitable fingerprints and smudges on stainless steel surfaces require constant maintenance in high-traffic areas.
Keep appliances where they belong—in kitchens, utility rooms, or dedicated pantry spaces.
15. GIANT NO #2: Exercise Equipment
Treadmills, exercise bikes, or weight racks create an immediate gym-like atmosphere that undermines the welcoming function of an entryway. Beyond the obvious aesthetic issues, these bulky items create serious traffic flow problems in a space designed for movement and transition.
The psychological impact matters too—exercise equipment in your entrance creates a constant visual reminder of workouts you might be avoiding. Guests also feel uncomfortable navigating around personal items that suggest they’re intruding on private activities.
Dedicate a separate room, corner, or even closet to fitness equipment instead.
16. GIANT NO #3: Uncontained Pet Supplies
Loose kibble, scattered toys, and visible litter boxes create immediate sensory problems for everyone entering your home. While we love our pets, their supplies need thoughtful containment rather than entryway sprawl.
Designers recommend dedicated pet stations in mudrooms or laundry areas instead. If you must keep some items near the door, choose attractive covered storage that conceals supplies while keeping them accessible—decorative bins with lids, cabinets with pull-out drawers, or bench seating with hidden compartments.
Remember that pet odors linger in entryways, making regular cleaning essential when animals share this space.
17. GIANT NO #4: Visible Cleaning Supplies
Brooms, mops, vacuum cleaners, and cleaning products send an unintentional message that you’ve just interrupted housework rather than entering a welcoming home. The utilitarian nature of these items clashes with the hospitality function of an entryway.
Practical storage solutions include slim cleaning closets, behind-door hanging systems, or garage/laundry room organization instead. If space constraints make some entryway storage necessary, choose attractive containers that fully conceal supplies—woven baskets with lids or cabinets with doors.
Remember that cleaning chemicals can release fumes that mix unpleasantly with entryway scents.
18. GIANT NO #5: Unfinished Home Improvement Projects
Half-painted walls, exposed drywall, or stacks of renovation materials create an immediate impression of disorder and unpreparedness. The entryway sets expectations for the rest of your home, making unfinished projects here particularly problematic.
Prioritize completing entryway renovations before moving to other areas, even if it means simplifying your plans. If delays are unavoidable, consider temporary solutions that create a finished appearance—decorative screens can hide works in progress, while strategic furniture placement can divert attention from problem areas.
Remember that entryway projects impact your daily experience of coming home.
19. GIANT NO #6: Overwhelming Seasonal Decorations
Excessive holiday decorations can transform entryways into cluttered theme parks rather than welcoming transitions. While seasonal touches add personality, overwhelming displays create navigation hazards and visual chaos in this critical space.
Designers recommend the ‘less is more’ approach—choose 2-3 statement pieces rather than dozens of small items. Consider the practical impact too; decorations shouldn’t block pathways, create tripping hazards, or make everyday functions like hanging coats more difficult.
Rotating a few quality decorative elements seasonally creates more impact than displaying everything simultaneously.