Top 10+ Entryway Trends That Designers Recommend Retiring

Overly Large Console Tables

Designers have noticed that oversized console tables are swallowing up precious entryway space in many homes. According to a 2024 survey by the National Association of Home Builders, more than 47% of new homes are being built with smaller, more efficient entryways.

This means that those grand, heavy tables don’t just look out of place—they’re also a practical headache. Many homeowners report that such tables make the entry feel cramped and cluttered, especially in modern apartments or smaller homes.

Designers now recommend opting for sleeker, more minimal consoles or even floating shelves. These alternatives provide storage and style without overwhelming the space.

A lighter table or wall-mounted option also helps maximize floor area, allowing for easier movement, especially when guests are arriving or families are shuffling in with groceries. In essence, less can be much more when it comes to entryway furniture.

Farmhouse Signs and Word Art

Once upon a time, a wooden sign with “Home Sweet Home” or “Gather” seemed charming. But by 2025, designers have largely agreed that word art has overstayed its welcome.

Interior stylist Marie Flanigan recently noted in an interview that these signs are being replaced by more personal touches, such as original artwork, photographs, or sculptural elements. Data from Pinterest Trends 2024 shows a 60% decline in searches for “farmhouse entryway” and a sharp rise in interest for “modern entryway art.” Homeowners are gravitating toward décor that feels unique rather than mass-produced.

Designers suggest using family photos or abstract art for a more modern and meaningful entrance. This shift doesn’t just refresh the style—it also makes the space feel more authentic and less like a page from a catalog.

Generic Builder-Grade Lighting

Lighting is one of the first things people notice when they step inside, and yet, many entryways still feature bland, builder-grade fixtures. According to a recent Houzz survey, 65% of homeowners planning a renovation in 2025 are prioritizing lighting upgrades.

Designers are especially vocal about retiring plain flush mounts or outdated chandeliers that do little for ambiance. Instead, statement pendant lights, sculptural sconces, or even smart lighting with adjustable color tones are recommended.

Not only do these choices add personality, but they also allow for a customizable mood as you enter or leave the house. For those with smaller spaces, a well-placed wall sconce can work wonders without using up valuable real estate.

This trend swap helps set the right tone the moment anyone walks through the door.

Wall-to-Wall Mirrors

For years, large mirrors have been a staple in entryways, touted for their ability to make spaces look bigger. However, designers now caution against wall-to-wall mirrors, which can look dated and even disorienting.

In a 2024 report from Apartment Therapy, interior experts explained that oversized mirrors often reflect clutter and can overwhelm guests. The move now is toward smaller, thoughtfully framed mirrors that provide function without dominating the space.

Using mirrors with interesting shapes or artisanal frames adds a layer of sophistication and interest. Designers recommend placing mirrors strategically—perhaps above a console or beside a coat rack—so they serve both aesthetic and practical purposes.

This subtle shift creates a more curated and less chaotic atmosphere as soon as you step inside.

Matching Entryway Sets

The days of buying matching entryway furniture sets are quickly fading. According to Elle Decor’s 2025 trend analysis, designers argue that perfectly coordinated benches, coat racks, and shoe cabinets make a home feel impersonal.

Instead, mixing materials and styles is in. For example, pairing a vintage wooden bench with a sleek metal shoe rack can create a collected, lived-in vibe.

This approach allows homeowners to express individuality and adapt pieces as their needs change. Recent data shows that 72% of young homeowners prefer customizable or mix-and-match furniture over pre-packaged sets.

The result is a more dynamic, less predictable entryway that feels personal and welcoming.

Heavy Rugs and Carpets

Entryways take a beating from muddy shoes, wet umbrellas, and all sorts of mess. Yet, heavy, plush rugs and wall-to-wall carpets are still being used, despite being notoriously difficult to keep clean.

The American Cleaning Institute reports that entryway carpets are among the most stain-prone areas in the home and require frequent deep cleaning. Designers are now pushing for washable, flat-weave rugs or even no rug at all in high-traffic zones.

Performance fabrics and indoor-outdoor mats have surged in popularity, offering style without the maintenance hassle. These options are not only easier to care for but also stand up better to everyday wear and tear, making them a clear winner for busy households.

Bulky Shoe Cabinets

While shoe storage is essential, large, enclosed cabinets can dominate entryways and make them feel closed off. Data from IKEA’s 2025 home trends report shows a 40% drop in sales for bulky shoe cabinets and a significant rise in open, modular storage solutions.

Designers recommend using slim, wall-mounted racks or simple baskets that keep shoes accessible yet tidy. Open storage also encourages regular decluttering—if you can see your shoes, you’re less likely to let them pile up.

For households with many shoes, rotating seasonal footwear to a closet can keep the entryway neat. This trend not only frees up visual space but also creates a lighter, more breathable entrance.

Overly Ornate Molding and Wainscoting

Heavy molding and ornate wainscoting were once considered a sign of elegance in entryways. However, current trends point to a preference for cleaner, simpler lines.

Architectural Digest’s 2024 design forecast highlights a move away from elaborate trim and decorative wall panels in favor of smooth walls or subtle textural finishes. Designers explain that ornate woodwork can make small entryways look busy and outdated.

Instead, painted shiplap, beadboard, or even a simple accent wall can add interest without overwhelming the senses. This approach makes the entryway look modern, fresh, and more spacious, especially when paired with a neutral color palette.

All-White Color Schemes

While white can make a space feel airy, an all-white entryway is quickly losing favor with designers. Industry data from the Sherwin-Williams 2025 Color Forecast shows that colorful and earthy tones are on the rise, with searches for “warm entryway paint” up by 38% in the past year.

Designers warn that white can show dirt and scuffs more easily—never ideal for a high-traffic area. Instead, soft greens, warm taupes, or even moody blues are being embraced to create a welcoming, resilient space.

Color also adds personality and makes the entryway feel less sterile. Using paint in this way lets homeowners make a bold statement right at the front door.

Seasonal Over-Decorating

Changing up entryway décor for every season or holiday was once a fun trend, but it’s now seen as excessive and even exhausting. Designers point out that constant redecorating can clutter the space and feel forced.

A recent poll by Real Simple found that 68% of homeowners would rather invest in timeless décor that works year-round. Instead of filling the entry with pumpkins in fall and bunnies in spring, designers suggest choosing versatile accessories—like a beautiful vase or elegant lamp—that can adapt with the seasons by simply changing out fresh flowers or greenery.

This approach keeps the entryway feeling fresh and inviting, with less effort and more lasting style.