Entryway flooring designs


11 modern designs for your entrance |

(Image credit: Future)

Entryway floor ideas should be chosen with careful consideration.

An entryway floor’s appearance is important, naturally, but so too is how it feels to walk on, how it will stand up to the room’s activities, how much maintenance it will require, and how it will look on entry into the home. After all, is it the first thing anyone will see when they enter.

To help you get started we've curated a selection of different entryway ideas and materials to add to your list of flooring ideas, along with some advice from the experts.

Entryway floor ideas

From hardwood and natural stone to statement parquet and soft carpet and area rugs, these entryway floor ideas can help inspire an entryway room remodel.

1. Be as authentic as possible 

(Image credit: VSP Interiors )

Sometimes old is best when it comes to entryway floor ideas. 'If you can keep your entryway's original flooring then do, because there's nothing more characterful than what may have been there for a centuries,' says Melanie Griffiths, editor, Period Living. 'It might look worn, but that's part of its charm and if it can withstand all those years it can take a few more.'

2. Add a geometric element to a dark and dramatic entryway

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball )

'Practical and beauty can co-exist in harmony,' says Patrick O'Connell, brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball . 

'The thing to bear in mind about small entryway ideas is that we don’t tend to spend long periods of time in them, so you can be a bit bolder with strong or oversized patterns and colors that, in time, might become overpowering in another room, says Dean Keyworth, director, Armstrong Keyworth. 'A large repeat-patterned hallway wallpaper idea or dark stair paint idea is particularly effective for your staircase ideas, as you have a long drop to show off its full glory.'

3. Add character with a textured stone tile

(Image credit: Little Greene)

Put stone on your list of possible hallway flooring ideas. Using any of the different stone flooring types ensures your entryway floor has the unique beauty that comes with a natural material. Natural stone will also stand up to the foot traffic of a busy family home – and is a wonderful flooring idea for entryways and landings.

'Stone is one of my favorite things, and I especially enjoy visiting stone yards,' says interior designer Fran Hickman. 'They’re extraordinary places and the slabs are like works of art. We often use stone for areas such as entryway mudrooms, because it helps create a feeling of grandeur in a home.' 

4. Get the luxury look with vinyl flooring

(Image credit: Carpetright)

‘'When it comes to choosing flooring for an entryway, opting for quality, durable, low maintenance style is essential,' says David Snazel, hard flooring buyer at Carpetright .

'Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is an elegant choice that effectively emulates more expensive design styles, whilst being incredibly hardwearing. If are working to a tighter budget, there have been many developments in recent years to durable laminate designs where the effects they can achieve, such as wood, are incredibly realistic.

'It’s worth investing in underlay as it helps reduce wear of the flooring, making it more resilient whilst offering a more luxurious feel. Opting for a thicker underlay will boost the longevity of your flooring and a good underlay can make a big difference to a value carpet, helping to make it feel plusher underfoot.'

 

5. Give your entryway a classic finish with marble 

(Image credit: Quorn Stone)

'Marble flooring takes very well to neoclassical designs, including chequerboards and diamond-laid formats with cabochon inserts,' says Isabel Fernandez, director at Quorn Stone . 'This can help achieve a classic yet contemporary feel and is the perfect stone for a timeless floor full of grandeur. We often find the most practical stone finish is tumbled. A softly tumbled, imperfect finish makes for a forgiving choice in busy areas.'

6. Lay down carpet

(Image credit: Brintons)

Choosing a carpet in a classic base note will bring a sense of calm to your entryway. A neutral shade is a wise investment too, as its versatility and longevity add value to your property. It will also make co-ordinating the flooring in different rooms a breeze – with a neutral palette, everything goes – enabling you to combine plains and subtle patterns, while keeping a consistent flow throughout the house

'Carpet is a fantastic option for high traffic areas like entryways and stairways due to its ability to withstand natural wear and tear,' says Jodie Hatton, a Residential Designer at heritage carpet company Brintons . 

7. Add a silk rug for a luxe touch on top of tiles

(Image credit: Dennis E. Zirbel Architect/Katey Hamill)

'In terms of flooring for entryways, you'll want to keep in mind that there will be a lot of foot traffic, so you'll want something strong,' says Natalie Zirbel of Dennis E. Zirbel Architect . 'Hardwood and tile are always great options. We went for elegance in this formal entry space, so we incorporated a stunner of a silk rug for a luxurious touch along with a crystal chandelier and shiny brass accents. '

8. Use a natural flooring like sisal for a high-traffic entryway

(Image credit: Crucial Trading )

'When choosing a floor covering for the entryway and stairs, we’d recommend opting for either sisal or wool,' say the in-house design team at Crucial Trading . 'Sisal is a hardwearing durable option while if looking for something a little softer wool is a good option.'

9. Make symmetry your friend

(Image credit: Lindye Galloway Studio + Shop/Chad Mellon)

Get symmetry right and you can create harmony in your entryway – and make this small space feel bigger and tidier.

'To offset the angled ceiling, we went with a symmetrical entryway design,' says Lindye Galloway, founder and chief creative officer at Lindye Galloway Studio + Shop . 'The wood floors complemented the wood panel walls to open up the space which made the illusion of a bigger area. We added a rug to help bring in warmth and a more lived in look.'

10. A striped runner will make a narrow entryway appear wider

(Image credit: Kersaint Cobb)

'A playful runner can provide an attractive focal point in the home and is an ideal way to experiment with pattern on a smaller scale without dominating the area,' says Jon Flannigan, product manager at Kersaint Cobb . 'The entryway is often the first thing seen when entering a home, so it is important that your choice of flooring reflects your personal style and taste.'

'Stripes add visual interest to the floor and for those tight on space, it is worth remembering that linear stripes can help to enlarge the appearance of a room, this is especially effective in entryways as the stripe draws the eye along the design and therefore appears to elongate the area. Striped flooring is also ideal in high traffic areas of a busy home as it will withstand the effects of dirt and wear better than plain and flat single color flooring.'

11. Introduce plenty of pattern

(Image credit: Alexander James)

There’s a lot of interest in patterned flooring and in surface design in general, believes Mark Findlay, founder of vinyl flooring specialists Harvey Maria. ‘Entryway floor ideas are no longer an afterthought; they’ve become an integral part of interior design and are now seen as a key feature,’ he says.  

Harriet Goodacre of Topps Tiles agrees: ‘We often associate patterned flooring with Victorian-era design and for good reason; they are famed for their use of refined yet intricate patterns in the home to bring an air of timeless luxury.’

'Patterned floors, especially tiles, are forgiving and practical but they can also visually link spaces, creating a continuous vista between the interior and the exteriors, says Sophie coller, managing director, Kitesgrove.

What kind of flooring is best for an entryway?

The best flooring for an entryway is one that will stand the test of time – durability, maintenance and materials should all be considered when choosing the best entry floor ideas.

More than any other floorcovering, entryway floor tiles have undergone a renaissance, becoming a design favorite whether used in a new build or to revamp an existing home. While there are plenty of choices for popular neutral tones, the big trend is for tiles that mimic natural stone and timber, cement, metals and fabrics. These offer all the advantages of a hardwearing, easy to maintain, long-lasting tile with the look of a luxury material. And, making a surprise comeback, patterned tiles celebrate the glory of modern, geometric designs and opulent colors. 

When it comes to size, large format tiles are increasingly popular and no longer limited to the kitchens and bathrooms where their practical advantages have always been appreciated. 

'More people are tiling their entryway floor,' says Jules Archard, sales manager at Surface. 'As rooms are opened up, a large format tile used throughout creates a seamless look that unites the whole space.' If you are worried that your entryway floor tiles will feel cold underfoot, remember that many work well with underfloor heating.

Sophie has been an interior stylist and journalist for over 20 years and has worked for many of the main interior magazines during that time, both in-house and as a freelancer. On the side, as well as being the News Editor for indie magazine, 91, she trained to be a florist in 2019 and launched The Prettiest Posy where she curates beautiful flowers for modern weddings and events.  For H&G, she writes features about interior design – and is known for having an eye for a beautiful room.

27 Flooring Ideas for Entryways

By

Deirdre Sullivan

Deirdre Sullivan

Deirdre Sullivan is an interior design expert and features writer who specializes in home improvement as well as design. She began her career as an assistant editor at Elle magazine and has more than a decade of experience. Deirdre contributes content for brands including The Spruce and Realtor.com, and has been a featured speaker at various conferences.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 06/16/21

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

Floors, in general, take a lot of abuse. But if there is a single spot in your home that begs for beautiful, high-traffic flooring, it is the entryway, especially in busy households.

The best entryway floors stand up to all the moisture and dirt that gets tracked through a threshold. They are also a snap to clean, so there is no stress about (uh-oh!) mud or puddles.

Whatever the size of your entryway—whether it is a pint-size vestibule or cavernous foyer—these smart flooring ideas will help you create a more functional and stylish entryway.

22 Functional Entryway Ideas That Make a Beautiful First Impression

Hallway floor - 57 photos of modern hallway floor design

> Hallway > Floor in the hallway: which floor to choose for the hallway, an overview of all types (57 photos)

Flooring is one of the most important design elements that can both spoil it and make a beautiful accent. Particular attention should be paid to the choice of floor design in the hallway, since it should first of all be as practical as possible.

Table of contents of the article:

What kind of flooring can be?

What are the characteristics of laminate and parquet?

Firstly, these are the most popular materials for the floor in the hallway of the room. But you need to pay attention that this coating has high wear-resistant characteristics.

Secondly, you should pay attention to the fact that such material must be impregnated with moisture. If it is absent, it is fraught with swelling and deformation of the parquet itself or laminitis.

Thirdly, such a floor will need to be carefully monitored, since it is primarily a tree. But it's worth it, as the floor with such a coating will look very attractive and stylish. To verify this, look at the photo of the floor in the hallway.

Only the price of this flooring will remain a small minus. Therefore, if you want to use laminate or parquet in your interior, then simply combine them with cheaper and more durable materials. So, you will not only save your finances, but also get a rather interesting floor design.

What are the advantages of linoleum?

A distinctive feature of this material is the presence of many designs, textures and colors. Also, unlike other materials, linoleum is very wear-resistant, easy to maintain, and practical. The price of such a coating is also very pleasing, since in comparison with wood coatings, the cost of linoleum is very acceptable.

There are many types of this type of flooring, including those made from natural materials. Its cost will be an order of magnitude higher, but still, this type of linoleum tolerates water and dirt well.

Ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware as one of the options for flooring in the hallway

These options will not fit into every hallway design. In addition, the tile itself is very slippery, so it is better to choose a matte and embossed finish. But at the same time, porcelain stoneware and tiles are the most durable materials that tolerate chemical cleaning very well. Looking at the photo of the tiles in the hallway on the floor, you can roughly understand whether this coating will fit into the design in your hallway.

Carpet and its main characteristics

It should be noted that it is not advisable to lay carpet at the very entrance near the door. Buying natural carpet material can hit your pocket. Therefore, it is better to give preference to synthetic, as it is more durable and much easier to clean from dirt. Well, its price is not so bite.

Criteria for choosing a flooring in the hallway?

The cover must fit perfectly into the interior. So, first you really need to pay attention to the color of the floor in the hallway, it should be in harmony with the walls and furniture. It must be remembered that the floor should complement the overall picture.

How can I change the size of a room with flooring?

First, this problem can be overcome by using diagonal or transverse stripes. Thus, a narrow room can be made visually wider.

Secondly, pay attention to the play of colors. It should be remembered that light shades make the room larger.

As a result, it should be noted that in order to create an interesting floor design for the hallway, you can not do without combining - this is the modern trend in interior design.

All tips for choosing flooring for the hallway can be reduced to the following:

Well, in order to make it easier to decide on the type of flooring, you can view a photo of the design of the floor in the hallway. By looking at them, you can easily solve this problem.

57 photos

which is better to choose, interesting design solutions

The entrance hall is the first room in the apartment where a person enters. According to it, you can immediately determine the preferences of the owner, his habits, the presence of designer taste. Therefore, its design should be approached with special attention.

To make the hallway look like a single and complete project, the design of the flooring should not "argue" with the rest of the finish: all materials should be combined with each other in color and texture.

The hallway floor is one of the most fragile but important elements. It is affected daily by various unfavorable factors. Cold wind, draft, high humidity - this is a small list of possible problems. Therefore, it is necessary to think over the design of the flooring in detail so that it is as functional as possible and fits into the overall style of the room.

To make it easy to keep the floor in the hallway clean, it is necessary to choose the right materials for its finishing, taking into account the personal tastes of the owners and their lifestyle.

Hallway floor design: flooring options (photo selection)

Contents

  • Which flooring should I choose depending on the size and layout of the hallway?
  • Popular design solutions in 2019
  • Trendy flooring colors
  • VIDEO: Hallway floor tiles - design ideas.
  • 50 hallway flooring designs:
  • A corridor is a place you have to walk through several times a day. That is why the floor in the corridor requires constant cleaning and maintenance. When the weather is rainy or snowy outside, the load on the coating increases. For this reason, it is especially important to pay attention to the choice of material. It depends on this whether the dirt will spread to other rooms.

    It is recommended to repair the hallway last, so that dirt or dust does not get into other rooms. It is recommended to close the doors tightly to avoid unnecessary trouble.

    When choosing, you need to take into account the budget that was laid down for the repair and decoration of this room.

    When choosing a material, take into account the features of the hallway. There is practically no natural light here. Artificial lamps are used. Therefore, it is very important to choose the right shade of the coating, which will enhance the intensity of the light.

    Given the characteristics of the room and the material, it is important not to forget: when choosing a flooring, you should stick to practicality and do not forget about lighting.

    Wide range of colors available. The floor covering for the corridor does not have to be unnecessarily gloomy. You should choose a texture that will be in perfect harmony with other elements of the room.

    The color palette of different materials allows different options.

    In order to select the optimal coating design, it is recommended that these criteria be taken into account.

    1. Resistant to high humidity. In winter or after rain, shoes get very wet. Because of this, a lot of moisture gets into the room. Therefore, it is recommended to select not only an attractive coating, but also practical. It must withstand moisture.
    2. Anti-slip properties. When wet, some types of coatings may slip. It is not recommended to cover the floor with such material, as the likelihood of injury increases.
    3. Wear resistance. One of the important factors when choosing a laminate. Every day someone passes through the hallway. Various hits with heels, heavy objects should not harm the coating. It must withstand heavy physical exertion.
    4. Simple daily care. The floor covering in the hallway will have to be constantly cleaned of dirt. Therefore, it must withstand the action of various detergents.
    5. Aesthetic function. The first room a guest enters is the entrance hall. Therefore, it is important to make a good impression. You always want to choose not only practical, but also an attractive coating that will please the eye and bring comfort to the house. Designers provide many options for coverage that will fit into any interior.

    No need to make the floor gloomy: there are many varieties of wood tones from light to rich.

    Additional information. To create not only a beautiful design, but also to produce the desired effect, many parameters should be taken into account. A good floor design in the hallway can visually change its size, make the lighting brighter or dimmer, and create a completely different impression.

    For example, a self-leveling floor will help create a whole work of art and effectively highlight the general mood of the interior.

    Glass covers or porcelain stoneware can create a mosaic effect. They are durable and clean up well. On the Internet you can find many photos of the design of the floor in the hallway, which will appeal to everyone.

    Additional information. One of the unusual modern solutions is the panel. It can be made using different materials. You can buy a ready-made coating or create an individual design.

    Types of flooring (photo selection for each option)

    There are many different types of flooring available on the market. Therefore, many buyers are at a loss as to which floor is best done in the hallway in the apartment. The basic requirements for the material should be taken into account. It must be resistant to moisture and physical damage, be practical, not polluted, and also not harm the environment.

    It is extremely important that all pollution from the street cannot leave the room.

    Please note! Recently, there has been a trend towards the use of natural materials. It is easy to find something beautiful and practical.

    Tiles: tiles, porcelain tiles, natural stone and others

    These materials are most often found in flooring. Porcelain stoneware exhibits high resistance to sudden changes in temperature and high humidity. This material is a tile that is processed in a special way.

    Suitable for any design decision in the design. You can choose different colors and textures.

    Please note! Porcelain stoneware is quite expensive, so it is rarely used in apartments. Instead, it is better to use ordinary tiles.

    The price range for this type of coating is quite wide, so if you wish, you can choose a budget option or a more expensive one.

    Natural stone looks natural and expensive. Rarely used in apartments. Suitable for decoration of country houses and estates. On the market you can often find stones of natural shades.

    It is highly durable and can last for many years.

    Ceramic tiles will be much cheaper. There are many different design options that are suitable for any interior design solution for an apartment. The tile is quite cold, so surface insulation is required.

    Differs in special durability and is not afraid of mechanical and other damages.

    Linoleum

    If you don't know what to put on the floor in the corridor, it is recommended to choose linoleum. Natural coating is practical, durable, but quite expensive.

    This is a practical and inexpensive material suitable for rooms of any size.

    Important! There are options with different patterns on the surface. Over time, they can wear off. When choosing a poor-quality material, dents may appear on the surface.

    Piece natural parquet

    It is a flooring consisting of wooden planks. They are installed in various ways. The most common layout options are herringbone or geometric ornament. More complex options are possible, how to lay parquet.

    This material looks great in any room in any area. In addition, you can choose any color palette and pattern.

    Laminate

    Consists of several layers. Wear-resistant and durable. Most often, the coloring in the form of natural wood is chosen. The main disadvantage is that laying a laminate is not so easy. To prevent moisture from getting between the individual plates, a special grout is used.

    It blends well with other materials. It is often stacked in tandem with ceramic tiles.

    Carpet

    Not the best solution for a corridor. Closer to the entrance, it is recommended to use more practical options that are not as vulnerable to adverse physical effects.

    Carpet tiles are now often used. It's much easier to assemble.

    Other options

    One of the popular solutions is carpets. It looks expensive and beautiful. They differ from indoor options in a shorter pile length. They are easy to care for.

    They are quite durable and widely used in everyday life.

    Which flooring should I choose depending on the size and layout of the hallway?

    Most often the corridors are small. In this case, you should focus on the visual expansion of space. To do this, it is better to use light materials. The dark floor, on the contrary, visually reduces the room. This is appropriate in Japanese style.

    Japanese floor looks very original and unusual.

    Please note! When decorating the interior of the hallway, stick to unity. The most successful color options are gray or beige.

    Popular designs in 2019

    In 2019, the emphasis on naturalness and minimalism is becoming more and more popular. Therefore, it is best to choose natural environmentally friendly materials that do not harm health.


    Learn more