How to Decorate a Second Story Foyer

Paint the walls. Use a color that coordinates with the first-floor foyer. The color doesn’t need to be the same as the bottom level, but it should not clash. Hang wallpaper for a pattern and design that guests can see from the first floor. Vertical stripes extending from the downstairs to the upstairs make the space look much longer.

Update the spindles for your railing, if applicable. Replace wooden ones with more contemporary metal ones, or paint the spindles in a color that contrasts with the walls.

Install a light fixture. Use a dramatic chandelier or long fixture if space allows.

Add a focal point on the wall that guests see from the downstairs doorway. This can be a large family portrait, piece of artwork, mirror, sunburst or other wall plaque.

Lay an area rug in the middle of the foyer. This helps to anchor the space and creates a conversation area.

Add seating. Avoid using large pieces of furniture, such as oversize sofas, armchairs or recliners that will overwhelm the space. Use two chairs of about the same size instead. Place the chairs so that they are angled toward each other, but avoid placing any furniture’s back toward the line of sight from the first floor if applicable.

Add other furniture to suit your needs. Place a vanity table in the room if you need a quick space to freshen up before heading out of the house. Place a bench or locker against a wall to store jackets. A console table can easily corral school papers, bills and other loose items that you can check at the beginning or end of the day.

Place plants on the ground for a natural accent if you have adequate light coming from a nearby window. Use topiaries, small trees or potted plants, such as bamboo or an aloe vera plant. A plant in an urn and set atop a small table also makes an elegant centerpiece.

Place character pieces in the room. An old antique piece of furniture or small canvas print can have a new home in your foyer. Stack a collection of old books in a small bookshelf or on top of a small table. Place family heirlooms, such as a vase or clock, on top of the console table.