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Colors for entryway

The 10 Best Foyer Paint Colors for an Elegant Entryway

By

Ashley Knierim

Ashley Knierim

Ashley Knierim is a home decor expert and product reviewer of home products for The Spruce. Her design education began at a young age. She has over 10 years of writing and editing experience, formerly holding editorial positions at Time and AOL.

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Updated on 01/18/22

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

Your home's foyer is the first space guests see when they enter your home, so it's important for setting the mood and tone for the rest of your residence. The transitional room can sometimes be an afterthought but is actually one of the most important design decisions you can make for your home. The best foyer paint colors depend on the size of your entryway and the tone you want to set. Keep in mind that neutrals like gray or beige are popular for foyers, but bright shades, moody hues, and subtle pale colors can also work well in the right setting.

• Color Family: Various
• Complementary Colors: Various
• Pairs Well With: Various
• Mood: Calming, cozy, elegant
• Where to Use: Foyers

Here are 10 of the best paint color ideas for your foyer.

• 01 of 10

  The Spruce

  Whether you have a large or small space, a crisp, clean white is always a great choice. Sherwin-Williams' Extra White is a cool tone that opens up the foyer and highlights any of the natural light streaming in. An entryway that is simple, but welcoming and modern, makes a great impression on guests.

• 02 of 10

  The Spruce

  If you want to play with color but don't want to overwhelm the space, a soft pink can add a romantic touch that works beautifully in a foyer. The Spruce's Rose Power is a soft medium pink that is subtle enough to welcome guests and transition your space, but with just enough color to add a little depth. 

• 03 of 10

  The Spruce

  If you have a lot of cuts and architectural details or very high ceilings in your foyer, a color with some depth to it will highlight the space. We love Farrow & Ball's Dimpse because it's a soft cool gray that reminds you of the air at twilight, but it's not too dark or overwhelming. 

  Tip

  Apply low-stick painter's tape to the edges of surfaces that will not be painted, and make sure to only remove it when the paint is fully dried and cured. Many beginner painters make the mistake of peeling the tape off too early when it's best to wait about three days.

• 04 of 10

  The Spruce

  An unexpected color like Benjamin Moore's Hale Navy is a great way to make a statement in your home. This rich navy is a classic shade that is incredibly saturated and lends a moody tone to your foyer. Keep your trim and accessories light and airy, and navy will feel cozy and inviting when you walk in.

• 05 of 10

  The Spruce

  A beige shade such as Benjamin Moore's Sparrow is a good choice if you have a lot of different accessory colors or shades of wood in your home. This foyer paint color will tie them all together. This rich, latte-like beige is just dark enough to add depth, but won't feel dreary. 

• 06 of 10

  The Spruce

  We love Sherwin-Williams' Aqua-Sphere because it can play similarly to a neutral, but still adds a fun pop of color to your entryway. It gives us major beach decor feels and complements a lot of different color palettes. It looks great with various shades of white (perfect for a coastal color scheme) and tan or topaz hues.

• 07 of 10

  The Spruce

  Magnolia's Silverado Sage is a muted green shade that is lovely for a foyer of any size or shape. Named for the sturdy Texas plant, its nature-inspired color has a soothing air to it. It has soft blue undertones and pairs wonderfully with either white or natural wood accents. Finish the look with a fresh bouquet of eucalyptus on your console table.

  Tip

  To create the illusion of more space, paint architectural details like window frames and crown molding the same color as your walls. This is an easy way to make a narrow foyer appear wider and taller than it is.

• 08 of 10

  The Spruce

  While many foyers stay neutral and minimalistic, that doesn't mean you can't experiment with a little color, especially if you want to stay true to the rest of your space. Sherwin-Williams' Reflecting Pool is a rich teal shade that packs a punch without feeling too whimsical. It has rich green undertones and pairs beautifully with natural wood. 

• 09 of 10

  The Spruce

  We absolutely adore The Spruce Best Home's Lilac Sand for any foyer. Not only will it open up a smaller space and help it appear light and airy, but the dusty lavender undertones add a lovely hint of color that works well with a variety of decorating styles.  Pay attention to the lighting, as it can influence whether the shade appears more gray or taupe. 

• 10 of 10

  The Spruce

  If your home is classic, you'll want a foyer shade that sets a mature yet modern feel for the rest of your home. Benjamin Moore's Revere Pewter is a greige shade that lends just enough gray to feel modern but contains rich beige undertones to cast a warmth to your space. It's perfect for a traditional home or a modern farmhouse look. 

  Find out how much paint you need with The Spruce's Paint Calculator. 

6 Best Entryway Paint Colors, According to Designers

Style

entryway

by Hannah Baker

updated Nov 18, 2022

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When it comes to decorating your home, the entryway may not be the first space you focus on. All those big ticket spaces like bedrooms and living rooms usually take precedence, and for good reason, since we spend so much time in both of these areas. But designers seriously advise against neglecting your entryway—not only is it one of the most trafficked areas of your home (thus, you see it a lot), it’s also the first place guests step into when they come over for a dinner party or a casual glass of wine.

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And you only get one first impression, right? So make sure it’s a good one and treat your entryway like it’s a decorating preview of what’s to come in the rest of your home.

Even the smallest of entryways could benefit from a fresh coat of paint and a little bit of strategic styling. And because it’s a space that’s used so frequently, it’s smart to choose an entryway paint color that you love, but also one that can withstand a little wear. For a bit of color inspiration, we spoke to four designers on their favorite entryway colors. Here’s what they had to say:

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1. Greige

Nicole Gibbons, designer and founder of Clare paint, is a big fan of using warm neutrals in entryways.  “It’s a space that should feel inviting, so I love using warmer shades to make it feel welcoming,” she says. “Greige is the perfect combination of gray and beige, and it has a bit of depth, so it will also help hide scuffs and smudges that are likely to appear in an entryway, which typically gets lots of foot traffic.”

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2. Off-White

For something a little cleaner and brighter, Gibbons suggests another neutral. “On Point is a favorite, thanks to its airiness,” she says. “It’s a clean, super light neutral with a touch of warmth, and it reflects light beautifully!” Plus, choosing a pretty off-white shade like this for your entryway means you can go bolder when decorating the rest of the space. Try bringing in a patterned bench decked out with your favorite throw pillows, a mini gallery wall, or a dramatic light fixture that’s in opposition to the light walls.

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3.

Bold Blue

Designer Caitlin Murray, founder of Los Angeles-based Black Lacquer Design, is all about big and bold when it comes to entryways. “I like my foyers to make a statement and serve as a sneak peek for what’s to come in the rest of the house,” says Murray. “If I’m using mostly white walls throughout the home, a punchy accent wall is a great way to create coziness, add drama, and define the space.”

To make a splashy paint color work in a small space, as Murray did here using Brilliant Blue by Benjamin Moore, we suggest layering in one or two more bright accent colors in the form of accessories, art, or rugs and then keeping the rest of the furnishings neutral for balance. 

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4. Blue-Green

Georgia-based designer Maggie Griffin, founder of Maggie Griffin Design, likes a striking deep blue as an entryway color. “One of my favorites is Newburg Green by Benjamin Moore—it has beautifully subtle variations of green, blue, and teal,” she says. “It’s the perfect hue to highlight with shades of coral and olive green.” Plus, thanks to its darker tone, you won’t see scuffs or dirt as easily.

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5. Deep Gray

To create an instant cozy factor in a home, Griffin likes painting entryways in an enveloping deep gray. “Antique Pewter by Benjamin Moore has smooth undertones of olive and blue and pairs well with vintage wood pieces,” says the designer. Play up the gray hue by adding in accessories in varying shades of silver, as Griffin did here with a throw pillow and decorative plates mounted on the wall.  

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6. Warm White

Designer Jade Joyner, founder and principal of Georgia-based Metal + Petal, is also a fan of using white. “When it comes to entryway colors, a soft white like China White by Benjamin Moore is my favorite,” she says. “It’s a versatile shade that catches the natural light beautifully to open up a foyer and create an inviting, spacious feel. ” Her tip for using white in an entry? Choose a satin finish, which hides smudges, scuffs, and small imperfections in walls.

tips and tricks for choosing colors

12/23/2019

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It is difficult to overestimate the role of color in the interior. It sets the style and mood, affects the overall perception of the living space. Especially important is the harmonious combination of shades in the corridor. The absence of windows, a small area, a specific layout make the color scheme the central character of the room. It is not enough to decorate the walls and ceiling in your favorite shades. It is also necessary to choose the color of the closet in the hallway, take care of combining the rest of the furniture and decor elements in order to visually expand the space, fill it with light, pleasant contrasts. nine0003

The corridor is perceived by many as a utility room, boring and of little interest. Meanwhile, the functionality of the hallway is much wider than just a place to store outerwear, outdoor accessories and shoes. Competent design turns the corridor into a visiting card of the whole house. The standard way to create coziness and harmony in a room is to choose a good color palette for surface finishing, combine shades with fittings, furniture and decor. The corridor is no exception to the general design rules. But there are some nuances that must be considered when choosing a color: nine0003

• The size and layout of the room directly affect the main shade. For example, dark colors should not be used in a small hallway. In a narrow and long corridor, horizontal contrasts in the form of stripes should be avoided. In a small room with high ceilings, it is better to decorate the surfaces in warm, soft shades.
• The design of the hallway should be versatile to be a natural complement to a bright nursery, a discreet living room and a glamorous bedroom. In other words, the palette should match the overall style of the house. nine0014
• The corridor is subjected to daily mechanical tests. Moisture and street dust that enters the room on shoes, outerwear, accessories make it difficult to maintain perfect cleanliness. Therefore, it is better to refuse to use white, blue, pink or light green colors. On light shades of a cold palette, every speck will be noticeable from any angle.

When choosing a future palette for decorating a corridor, it is worth remembering that color literally works wonders. It visually enlarges the space, emphasizes the advantages and carefully masks the shortcomings. But with the same ease, color can turn the hallway into a “well”, stretch an already long corridor, or significantly reduce the height of the ceilings. nine0003

Furniture and doors set the tone for the corridor

The color of the hallway largely depends on the carpentry elements (doors, skirting boards, arches, partitions), as well as existing or future furniture. Modern interiors are made according to the general rule: the shade of furniture and doors must match. Soft contrast is allowed, with a difference of no more than 2 tones. For example, walnut and Italian walnut, milk oak and bleached oak. The combination of dark doors, skirting boards, floors and white furniture looks interesting, in which the fittings match the carpentry details in color. nine0003

The interior of the hallway in a single tone creates the illusion of free space. A hidden storage area is carried out (a closet to match the shade of the walls or a wardrobe built into a niche), doors of the same color are installed and a plinth is mounted. In this case, a cabinet for shoes, a hanger, a bench, a wall mirror frame act as an accent in the room. They can be 2-3 tones lighter or darker than other surfaces.

In large hallways of the correct geometric shape, bright color schemes can be applied. Dark furniture and light walls are a traditional interior option. In a small, narrow and long corridor, it is worth limiting yourself to three close shades, one of which is the main one, and the other two are used as an accent. nine0003

Interior color

Color and style are inseparable concepts. Each design direction has its own characteristics that dictate the requirements for the palette. When deciding which color to choose for a closet in the hallway or finishing materials, you should first determine the style of the corridor. Using popular designs as an example, you can understand the general principle of color combinations:

• Classics - blue, light brown, discreet yellow, a small amount of gold and bronze. nine0014
• Scandinavian - ivory, milky, gray, gray-blue.
• Loft - all natural shades, characteristic of the "rough finish". These include the color of concrete, brickwork, raw wood, "rusty" metal.
• Provence - pale lilac, lilac, dusty pink, mint, cream, olive.
• Minimalism - a laconic combination of white - gray - black. It is advisable to limit the game to two shades. nine0014
• Pop art - cheerful shades of pink, blue, green, orange. The colors are bright, but not flashy, closer to the pastel palette.
• Vintage - the main range is beige, sand, coffee. Accents are placed in noble burgundy, blue, rich pink and green tones.

Important: the style of the corridor should not be radically different from the rest of the rooms. To avoid color dissonance, it is necessary to consider "related" designs: classic and Provence, loft and minimalism. nine0003

Corridor color scheme: design tips

Structurally, the corridor cannot be a separate room of an apartment or house. The colors of furniture, finishing materials and decor are selected taking into account the overall concept of the interior. In addition, you should consider the influence of shades on the mood and atmosphere in the house. Beautiful, saturated gold, orange, red colors will bring only temporary visual pleasure. Literally in a month, inexplicable irritation, aggression or outbreaks of causeless fear will appear. If repairs in the corridor are done with a long-term perspective, it is better to refrain from exciting shades. This does not mean that bright, joyful colors are forbidden. With their help, you can place accents, emphasize the advantages of planning or the beauty of joinery. nine0003

When choosing a color scheme for the hallway, the color combination table, the advice of psychologists and designers, fashion interior trends, and personal preferences are taken as the basis. To understand the intricacies of a harmonious palette, a few recommendations from graphic designers will help:

• Warm colors fill the room with additional light, which is more than relevant for the corridor. These include pastel shades: dull coral, sandy yellow, noble purple, brick red. nine0014
• Cold colors are best used in small hallways. Muted variations of blue, green fill the corridor with volume, air and freshness.
• The desire to make the hallway in light "girlish" shades is quite feasible if you choose a pearl gray tone as the main color. It is compatible with both warm and cold palettes. The gentle combination of gray + pink or gray + golden-copper looks great.
• The height of the ceilings can be visually increased by using vertical stripes several tones darker than the main color of the coating. It is not recommended to use contrasting combinations - this is a relic of the past. nine0014
• You can add width to a narrow corridor using horizontal decor. As in the case of vertical stripes, it is better to give preference to a concise, almost imperceptible wall demarcation. Otherwise, you will end up with a 90s-style design.
• In the corridors, you can not take dark red, blue, black, brown shades as a basis. Gothic and hallway are incompatible concepts. The exception is old castles or houses with a huge hall. In standard apartments, with the help of saturated colors, accents can be placed. For example, use in the decoration of furniture or door leaf. nine0014
• White color is preferred by perfectionists, but its use in the corridor should be limited. Ceilings, frames on mirrors, pillows on a banquette, a chandelier - there are enough elements where you can play with crystal whiteness. Wall surfaces should be decorated in more practical colors.
• Contrasting furniture looks great in the interior of the hallway. For example, a dark wardrobe fits light walls. And vice versa, finishing in muted shades of beige, sand, purple, gray loves light furniture (milky oak, caramel, sand birch, etc.). nine0014

All recommendations are based on classic design techniques. But creating an interior is always a creative process in which there is no place for restrictions and rules. One thing is important, how the owners and guests of the house or apartment will feel in the future space. Color will help create your dream home. Experiment with shades and enjoy an unusual result!

Choosing the color of the hallway and corridor: 55 photos, fashionable combinations

Rules for choosing colors

In order to form a more harmonious atmosphere in the room, several important parameters are taken into account:

• The color of the walls in a small hallway will look best in cold gray, blue or silver colors. For a small room, it is recommended to select soft powdery, muted milky, light brown tones or a discreet shade of ivory. In a small room with a low ceiling, a neutral ceiling finish that matches the color of the walls will help increase the height of the room. nine0014
• For a long corridor, use a light or white palette that visually expands the space. Also, the wallpaper with a pattern in the form of horizontal stripes will allow you to adjust the proportions of the room. Walls in a narrow space are best painted as this coating is easy to clean and is more resistant to damage.
• A disproportionate wide hallway can be made in dark colors.
• To decorate a large hallway, choose warm red, orange, apricot, yellow or coffee colors. nine0014
• If there is a south-facing window, blue, green or aqua colors are appropriate in the room.
• For a pleasant interior that does not irritate the eyes, when choosing a color, it is necessary to take into account the harmonious combination of the wall covering with a touch of the ceiling and floor finishes.

What colors are suitable for the hallway?

Variants of colors used in interior design.

Photo of dark corridors in apartment

A dark palette allows you to give the room a certain shape and mood, as well as endow the interior with nobility and sophistication.

Finishing materials in dark colors provide an excellent backdrop for furniture items. Such a rich color scheme does not create dissonance in the room and emphasizes every object and accessory in the room, giving them a clearer look.

Dark walls make a great addition to a fusion, art deco or other eclectic style hallway, characterized by bright contrasts and a combination of incongruous. nine0003

The photo shows a large hallway in dark shades in the interior of the apartment.

It is believed that black shades make the atmosphere gloomy and visually reduce the room, so this color scheme would be extremely inappropriate for decorating a small hallway. However, a spacious corridor in black, combined with well-chosen furniture and proper lighting, will look very fashionable, expensive and elegant.

Dark tones are of inestimable beauty, originality and aesthetics. In the design of the corridor, the use of deep cobalt, dark blue, complex purple colors or mysterious indigo shades is relevant, which give the closed space a certain depth. nine0003

An expressive burgundy color scheme will add special aesthetics and sophistication to the atmosphere.

Hallways in light colors

One of the main advantages of a light color scheme is its ability to visually expand the spatial boundaries and make the room lighter and more comfortable.

This palette goes well with all shades. Against the background of a light wall covering, various decor and accent details look more advantageous. nine0003

The photo shows the design of the entrance hall with light walls covered with peach color paint.

Pastel colors fill the room with calm, cleanliness and freshness. The entrance hall in pale blue, lilac, pale green or ivory shades always has a well-groomed and pleasant appearance, and also has a warm and homely atmosphere.

By painting the walls in neutral beige or light gray, a small space will appear much larger and more spacious. nine0003

The photo shows the white and blue design of a small corridor in the apartment.

Brown corridor

Chocolate color in combination with wood texture will create a respectable corridor design. Brown is considered a classic choice for people with conservative tastes.

The most popular color solutions are coffee, cocoa or cinnamon shades, which have extraordinary softness and warmth. nine0003

The photo shows brown colors in the design of a spacious corridor.

Hallway in gray tones

The corridor in gray has a rich range, harmoniously combined with other tones. Thanks to such combinations, the interior will never be oppressive and faceless.

Gray is quite practical. Metallic, graphite, pearl colors or a shade of wet asphalt have a positive effect on the environment, contribute to relaxation and stress relief. nine0003

For decoration, it is better to use a lighter ash and smoky palette. Such a hallway in gray always looks airy, fresh and spacious.

The photo shows the interior of a modern hallway in gray tones.

Entrance hall in white

Snow-white coloring fills the corridor space with cleanliness, volume, comfort and gives dark furniture or decor extra brightness and attractiveness.

In the same way as outerwear and sometimes dirty or wet shoes are removed in the hallway, white decoration will quickly lose its impeccable appearance. Therefore, shades of ivory are suitable as an alternative. They look rich, harmonize well with other colors and add presentability to the interior.

The photo shows the design of the corridor, made in white.

Mint color in the interior of the hallway

If you choose the right companion colors for a delicate mint color scheme, you will be able to create a rather harmonious color composition that will match the dimensions and decor of the room. nine0003

The mint palette is effectively combined with white, gray, blue or gold tones. For modern design, an alliance with red will be appropriate.

Beige hallway

The coziest and warmest color that fits perfectly into the corridor space and creates a pleasant atmosphere in the room.

Beige walls go well with floor or ceiling cladding in discreet and natural shades of brown, white or gray. nine0003

The photo shows a corridor in shades of beige with white splashes.

Turquoise hallway

The turquoise interior is original and flashy. The natural shade of turquoise, which combines heavenly radiance and sea waves, gives the atmosphere an attractive charm and freshness. This color gives the hallway a discreet luxury, and thanks to different color duets it allows you to create an interesting visual effect in the room. nine0003

Hallway ideas in bright colors

The hallway in an apartment or house is a great place to create expressive touches and bold color experiments. Extraordinary tint solutions due to a short stay in the hallway will only positively affect the surrounding space and add to it a special tone and showiness.

For example, bright red tones will not leave anyone indifferent and will undoubtedly attract attention, orange ones will create an optimistic, positive and bright atmosphere in the corridor, and pink ones will simultaneously add richness, solidity and intimacy to the hallway. nine0003

Yellow, lemon or mustard colors have charming warmth and, thanks to their good combination with other color palettes, provide an opportunity to realize original design ideas and ideas.

The photo shows the interior of the corridor, decorated in red.

Style features of colors

In Provence-style interiors, color plays a decisive role. Pastel white, beige, cream and other muted and faded tones serve as the main range here. nine0003

A loft-style hallway characterized by neutral white, gray or brown colors. For a more interesting design, this palette is diluted with bright purple, red, green and other rich colors.

The photo shows a loft-style entrance hall in shades of brown, gray and white.

The classic hallway is distinguished by its light design, which combines white, cream, beige or light green colors. Snow-white, milky or almond wall cladding very harmoniously complements the classic direction. Light shades with the addition of gold or silver look really expensive and luxurious. nine0003

Color combinations in the interior

When designing a corridor, they follow the rule of 3 shades, when one color is used as the main one, and the other two as additional ones.

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