Top 10+ Entryway Trends Designers Suggest Retiring

Overly Minimalist Entryways

Designers are moving away from stark, overly minimalist entryways that feel empty and uninviting. According to the American Society of Interior Designers’ 2024 trend report, homeowners are craving warmth and personality at their front doors.

Spaces that are stripped of color, texture, or personal detail can make guests feel unwelcome. Instead, designers recommend adding rugs, art, or interesting lighting to create a welcoming vibe.

Minimalism has its place, but a blank, cold entryway is no longer the look people want. People are realizing that first impressions matter, and a touch of personality right at the entrance sets the tone for the whole home.

The trend now is layered, welcoming, and lived-in entry spaces.

All-White Everything

The all-white entryway trend, popular for nearly a decade, is fading fast. According to a 2024 Houzz survey, 68% of designers prefer adding contrast and warmth over keeping everything white.

White walls, white floors, and white furniture can quickly show dirt and scuffs, making the space high-maintenance. More importantly, these spaces can feel sterile rather than inviting.

Designers are recommending warmer neutrals, textured wallpapers, or even bold color pops to break up the monotony. Entryways are high-traffic, and homeowners are tired of fighting to keep everything pristine.

The new focus is on practicality and comfort, not just a magazine-ready look.

Farmhouse Signs and Word Art

Decorative word art and farmhouse-style signs like “Welcome Home” or “Gather” have become a cliché, and designers say it’s time to retire them. The National Association of Realtors’ 2025 home design survey notes a steady decline in buyer interest for word-based decor.

Many people see these signs as generic and impersonal. Instead, designers suggest incorporating meaningful artwork, vintage finds, or family photos that truly reflect the homeowner’s personality.

Word art can make a home feel like it’s trying too hard, rather than feeling genuine. Personal touches are in, while mass-produced slogans are out.

The aim is to let your decor speak for itself, rather than spell it out.

Bulky Shoe Racks and Benches

Entryways cluttered with oversized shoe racks, benches, and storage units are falling out of favor. In a 2023 survey by Apartment Therapy, 73% of designers said these pieces make small entryways feel cramped and messy.

The trend now leans toward streamlined storage solutions, like concealed cabinets or wall-mounted shelves. Multi-functional furniture that hides clutter but doesn’t overwhelm the space is the new go-to.

Designers stress the importance of flow and openness, especially in homes where the entrance is tight. The focus is on keeping things tidy and visually light, so guests aren’t greeted by a jumble of shoes and bags.

Industrial Metal Accents

Raw industrial metal—think black iron pipes, exposed bolts, and heavy fixtures—has had its moment, but designers are moving on. According to Elle Decor’s 2024 trend roundup, softer metals like brushed brass and antique bronze are now preferred.

Industrial elements can make entryways feel cold and unwelcoming, which is the opposite of what most homeowners want. These materials also tend to scratch and show fingerprints easily, adding extra cleaning headaches.

Designers recommend swapping out harsh metals for warmer, more tactile finishes. The goal is to create a softer, more approachable space that feels like home right from the first step inside.

Gallery Wall Overload

While gallery walls are still popular, designers warn against overcrowding entryways with too many small frames and art pieces. A 2024 survey by Better Homes & Gardens found that 61% of homeowners regret overfilling their entry walls.

Too many items can make the space look chaotic and distract from the overall design. Experts suggest choosing one or two larger statement pieces instead, which can have a stronger impact and actually make the area feel bigger.

Simplifying the wall decor helps the entryway breathe and keeps it from feeling cluttered. Less really is more when you want to make a stylish first impression.

Floating Console Tables

Floating console tables, once admired for their sleek look, are now seen as impractical and often unstable. Designers interviewed by Architectural Digest in 2024 pointed out that these tables don’t provide enough storage or surface area for daily essentials.

Homeowners frequently complain that items fall off or get knocked over due to the limited space. Sturdy, grounded tables with drawers or shelves are making a comeback.

These provide both style and function, helping to keep the entryway organized. A solid, practical piece of furniture is better suited to the busy, high-traffic environment of an entryway.

Statement Lighting That’s Too Big

Oversized pendant lights and chandeliers in small entryways are being phased out. Data from the Lighting Research Center in 2025 shows that 57% of homeowners find large fixtures overpowering in compact spaces.

Massive lighting can make ceilings feel lower and entryways look awkwardly proportioned. Designers are now advocating for smaller, elegant fixtures or recessed lighting that complements the room’s scale.

The aim is to brighten the space without overwhelming it. Proper lighting should enhance, not dominate, the entryway’s design.

Patterned Tile Overload

Highly patterned tiles—especially bold geometric designs—are becoming less popular for entryway floors. The National Kitchen & Bath Association’s 2024 report notes a shift toward more subtle, timeless flooring choices.

Busy patterns can quickly date a space and make it look visually noisy. Designers recommend neutral or natural stone tiles that blend with the rest of the home.

Durability is key, but so is long-term style. The trend is moving toward classic looks that won’t need updating every few years.

Mirrored Walls

Mirrored entryway walls, once used to make spaces feel larger, are now seen as dated and impractical. According to a 2025 Interiors Monthly survey, only 18% of designers still recommend full wall mirrors at the entrance.

Mirrors can amplify clutter and require constant cleaning, especially in high-traffic areas. Instead, designers are opting for single decorative mirrors that add light and interest without overwhelming the space.

This approach provides the functionality of a mirror without turning the entryway into a funhouse. Modern entryway design is all about balance and subtlety, rather than reflective excess.

Matching Entryway Sets

Buying a matching set of entryway furniture—bench, coat rack, mirror, and shelf—is another trend that’s losing steam. A recent survey by Realtor.com in 2025 found that 64% of buyers prefer a more curated, collected look.

Identical pieces can make an entryway feel generic and uninspired, like a showroom rather than a home. Designers now suggest mixing materials, styles, and eras to create a space with character.

Personalization is key, and a mismatched, thoughtfully chosen collection often feels more inviting. The entryway should tell your story, not just echo the latest furniture catalog.

Overuse of Artificial Plants

Flooding the entryway with artificial plants and faux greenery is a trend on the decline. According to House Beautiful’s 2024 design insights, more than half of designers say fake plants collect dust and lack the freshness of the real thing.

Instead, a single statement plant or a vase of fresh flowers can have a bigger impact. Real greenery brings life and clean air to the entryway, while fake plants can feel stagnant.

If maintenance is an issue, designers recommend low-care options like succulents or snake plants. The message is clear: quality over quantity, and authenticity over imitation.