Decorating Ideas for Narrow Front Walkways & Entrances

Horizontal Stretch

• Horizontal lines make virtually anything appear wider than it actually is. You can use horizontal lines to To enlarge the visual appearance of a narrow walkway, create horizontal lines. Wallpaper a front entry hall with horizontally-striped wallpaper. Place a doormat with horizontal stripes at the end of a walkway to provide a focal point as visitors walk down the narrow passageway. Lay tile or bricks along the walkway with the widest part running the width of the walkway, or paint horizontal stripes on the surface of the walkway to create the illusion of width.

Mirrors

• Mirrors are a classic decorator's trick for visually expanding a space. An entryway is an ideal place for a mirror on the wall. Not only does it make the area look larger, it gives householders a chance to take one last look at themselves before leaving the house to make sure their hair, makeup and clothing look good. Hang a single full-length mirror opposite a sidelight to reflect light, or hang an assortment of smaller framed mirrors on a wall for an interesting display that makes a narrow entryway look larger.

Floor Space

• Make a walkway, front entry or front porch seem larger by cleaning the floor space of furniture. Instead of placing a table in an entry way to give householders a place to deposit car keys and mail, hang shelves or baskets on the wall. Don't set a potted plant on the front porch; hang a plant from a hook on a porch post or ceiling. Clearing the floor surface of clutter and small items extends the line of sight and visually expands the space.

Light and Bright

• Keep a narrow space light and bright to make it seem larger. High ceilings can help add the impression of spaciousness to a room. If raising the ceiling over a narrow walkway or entrance is not possible, consider adding a skylight to the area to add light. Use wood, tile or laminate flooring to reflect light, and paint walls and ceilings in a cramped space a light color to create the perception of more room.