A stylish, welcoming home starts in the entryway. Yet, while the foyer is the first thing you and guests see when entering your home, it’s often an overlooked area. In fact, many entryways are cramped, unorganized and without furnishings or decor. However, this doesn’t have to be the case—even if your space is limited! It doesn’t take a lot to update your entryway and make it a more functional for your everyday life. Follow these tips to create a stylish and useful entryway that you can be happy to come home to. And one that makes a great first impression on guests entering your home.

Choose an entry table

A foyer table provides a place to set a few key accents, such as a favorite vase with fresh flowers that will welcome anyone to your home. Choose an accent table to match your style—from traditional to modern—as well as the scale of your space. Compact accent tables fit nicely in small spaces, while a larger foyer table can make a nice statement in bigger areas.

Once you’ve selected an entry table that you love and styled it with a few favorite pieces, the key is keeping it free of clutter. If you need a place to drop your keys and wallet, try adding a tray to group loose items and provide a cohesive look to your table. And items, such as mittens and hats, that don’t belong on the table? Keep them tucked away by ensuring you have dedicated storage for these items in your entryway.

Add storage

Don’t have an entryway closet? Solve your entryway clutter problems and create your own drop-off area with a hall tree, featuring hooks for jackets and more, an inviting bench and room for storage. Add stylish baskets to store accessories, such as hats and scarves.

Choose a bench

A standalone bench can also be used to create an inviting place where people can sit down to rest and comfortably put on or remove their shoes. Still lacking storage? Choose a bench that plays double duty, such as a stylish basket storage bench that doubles as a practical place to stuff scarves and other accessories, reducing clutter and tidying up your entryway.

Art and decor

The entryway is a great place to display a few favorite pieces of art. When selecting art, remember that the entryway sets the scene for the rest of your home. Choose artwork, such as a set of prints, in your favorite colors and styles to create a space that feels like home and coordinates with adjoining rooms.

Add a mirror

A mirror or set of mirrors strategically placed in your entryway can add a design element, and give you a chance to do a quick hair check as you rush out the door.

By selecting home accessories and entryway furniture that fits the style of your home and the scale of your foyer, you can create a welcoming space that is functional as well!