What Is a Foyer Wall?

Decorating Foyer Walls

• Foyer walls are often grand in scope; traditional foyers are often, but not always, two stories tall. Interior decorators recommend making the space dramatic to make a vivid first impression. Rich paint colors, oversize artwork, wallpaper, sconces and rich trim can all make an impact on foyer walls. The style of your wall decor should harmonize with the style found in the rest of your home.

The Walls Are Closing in

• Look for smaller entryways in the future. Realtors believe that two-story, energy-sucking foyers eat up valuable living space and will go by the wayside, according to Builder Online. Foyers lie vacant most of the time, and buyers are looking for efficient homes with less wasted space.

Challenges of Tall Foyer Walls

• Tall entries not only waste energy but are also less intimate than their cozy mudroom cousins. A foyer's elevated ceiling attracts cobwebs that can only be cleaned with the aid of a ladder. Changing light bulbs in foyer chandeliers presents another issue. Despite the drawbacks, grand foyers may not go completely extinct; builders imagine a future for them in luxury homes.

Significance

• The term "foyer" originated in France during the 1800s. Actors and patrons met in vestibules during and after performances; this theater space came to be known as a foyer. Associated with lavish decor, foyers came to include the front reception area in fine homes.