How to make a basic entryway look styled for under $75

Your entryway sets the tone for the rest of your house, but it’s easy to overlook when you’re working with a tight budget. The good news is that a few focused upgrades can pull things together without spending a ton. It doesn’t need to be fully furnished or professionally decorated. You just need a couple of smart pieces and a few tricks to make it look put-together.

With under $75, you can create an entry that feels intentional, clean, and welcoming—without it feeling forced or overdone.

Use Hooks That Don’t Look Cheap

Swapping out plain wall hooks for ones with a little more structure instantly upgrades the space. Look for wood, matte black, or brass finishes—anything that adds visual weight without looking like it came in a college dorm pack.

You can usually find 3–5 hook rails or individual wall hooks for under $25 at places like Target, Amazon, or even Walmart. Mount them at a height that makes sense for actual use, and space them evenly to keep it from feeling cluttered.

Add a Small Rug With a Low Pile

Even if your floor is in decent shape, a low-profile rug helps define the space and gives it that finished look. Focus on 2×3 or runner rugs that won’t trip the door and are easy to shake out or vacuum.

Stick to subtle patterns or textures in darker tones so they can hide dirt from shoes. You can find a decent rug like this for $20–$30, and it makes the entry feel like its own space instead of a hallway pass-through.

Swap Your Lightbulbs to Warm White

If your entry feels sterile or off, check the lighting. Swapping out cool-toned bulbs for warm white (2700–3000K range) instantly makes the space feel softer and more lived-in. It’s a cheap fix, but it changes the feel completely.

Stick with LED bulbs that are dimmable if your fixture allows, and make sure the wattage isn’t overpowering. You want enough light to see, but not enough to feel like you’re walking into a spotlight.

Hang a Mirror to Reflect Light and Add Function

Mirrors help bounce light around and give your guests a quick spot to check their appearance. You don’t need a giant one—something round or rectangular, 12 to 18 inches wide, is usually enough for a small entry.

You can usually find decent mirrors for under $25 if you check stores like IKEA, Target, or HomeGoods. Look for one with a slim frame or no frame at all to keep things clean and easy to style around.

Bring in a Small Table or Floating Shelf

Even if you don’t have room for a full console table, a floating shelf or a small wall-mounted ledge can do the trick. It gives you a spot to drop keys or mail without turning the space into a clutter magnet.

You can find basic wood or black shelves for under $20. Mount it at waist height and pair it with a small dish or basket so things don’t get scattered. It’s a functional fix that looks styled without being fussy.

Use a Tray or Basket for Drop Zone Items

One of the fastest ways to make your entry look styled is to contain the chaos. Use a small tray, bowl, or shallow basket to hold sunglasses, keys, and whatever else tends to land by the door.

You can grab these at thrift stores, discount home stores, or even in the kitchen section. Keeping things corralled makes the space feel intentional—even if you’re still throwing your keys in the same spot every time.

Add a Framed Print or Small Wall Art

You don’t need a gallery wall. One framed print or piece of wall art can be enough to make the space feel styled. Look for small-scale prints that match your house’s tone—nothing too loud or overdone.

You can even print something at home and stick it in a thrifted frame or one from the dollar store. Keep it minimal and let it fill negative space without making the area feel cramped.

Stick a Plant Where It’ll Stay Alive

A little greenery adds life fast. If your entry gets light, use a low-maintenance houseplant like a snake plant or pothos in a basic pot. If not, grab a fake plant that looks halfway decent.

Stores like IKEA and Target have fake greenery under $10 that doesn’t scream fake from a distance. Set it on a small stool, ledge, or shelf so it doesn’t get kicked, and it’ll do more for the space than you’d expect.

Add Command Hooks Inside the Closet

If you’ve got an entry closet, use the inside of the door for bonus function. Add stick-on Command hooks to hold dog leashes, umbrellas, or reusable grocery bags. It frees up space and keeps things from piling up by the door.

The best part is it doesn’t cost much—usually under $10 total—and it keeps the visual clutter out of sight, which helps your actual entry stay looking clean and styled.

Keep the Wall Color Neutral and Clean

If your entry walls are scuffed up or painted a loud color, even small upgrades won’t help much. Touch up with leftover wall paint or repaint in a neutral tone like soft white, greige, or light tan to reset the space.

You probably already have paint and a roller at home, but even if you don’t, you can grab a sample-sized can for under $10. A clean wall gives everything else room to work without looking like you’re trying to cover something up.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.