How to Decorate a Nook in an Entryway

Find a small table that fits the space without overwhelming it. Explore a variety of options. The perfect piece may not be a traditional table, but a vintage desk, secretary, sideboard or dresser. Aim for something that fills both the width and depth of the nook. Drawers and shelves are handy storage spaces for envelopes and stamps, hats and shawls or out of season decor, waiting in the wings.

Brighten up the nook with a bold lamp. The recessed nature of the space can create a dark and dreary look if you don't provide ample light. Choose a base or shade in a vibrant color that suits your home decor. The right lamp will double as an engaging focal point while bringing enough light to the space to provide a welcoming glow to family members getting home late.

Make the nook functional by adding organizational pieces that suit your family’s needs. This is the perfect place to stash needed items while keeping them out of the way. A dish on the table or hook mounted to the wall above corrals keys. A coat rack provides handy storage for outerwear. A basket on the floor beneath the table can hold boots and shoes. A decorative tray or shallow basket catches mail in style.

Utilize all the available wall space for an eye-catching display. Because an entryway nook is small and isolated, you don’t have to worry about overwhelming it with too much art. Use this spot for an ornate mirror surrounded by framed postcards, multiple pieces of colorful art, a collage of black and white prints of family and friends or an ever-changing display on a fabric-covered bulletin board.