How to Create a Foyer In An Open Living Room: Furniture Tips

This article was written by Ryan Podnar, furniture expert at La-Z-Boy South Texas

In an open-concept living room, defining separate spaces while maintaining an open flow can be a challenge. One area where many homeowners struggle is creating a foyer or entryway in a space without walls or boundaries.

A foyer serves as the transition between the outdoors and your living space, offering a place to remove shoes, hang coats, and set down keys or mail. In an open living room, you can still create this important entry area with a few thoughtful furniture choices and design strategies.

In this article, we will provide furniture tips and practical design ideas for how to create a foyer in an open living room, helping you maximize your space, enhance functionality, and elevate your home’s style.

Coming Up…

• Why Create a Foyer in an Open Living Room?

1. Use a Console Table for an Instant Entryway
2. Create a Defined Entry with a Rug
3. Add a Coat Rack or Hooks for Practicality
4. Incorporate an Entry Bench for Added Comfort
5. Create Visual Boundaries with Furniture Placement
6. Add Decorative Lighting for Atmosphere

• Create a Stylish Foyer in Your Open Living Room

Why Create a Foyer in an Open Living Room?

A foyer or entryway does more than just organize space—it sets the tone for the rest of your home. Even in an open living room, defining this entry area can:

• Provide a welcoming atmosphere for guests as they enter your home.
• Help with organization, offering a place for coats, shoes, and bags.
• Create a visual boundary between the entrance and the rest of the living room, making the space feel more structured.
• Enhance the flow of the open floor plan by subtly guiding movement within the space.

With the right furniture and design elements, you can carve out a dedicated foyer area in an open living room without the need for walls or doors.

1. Use a Console Table for an Instant Entryway

One of the easiest ways to create a functional and stylish foyer in an open living room is to incorporate a console table. This versatile piece of furniture can serve as both a decorative and functional item in your entry area. Here's how:

• Position Near the Entrance: Place the console table near the entryway or just inside the living room, creating a visual distinction between the front door and the rest of the room.
• Add Decorative Items: Style the console table with items like a table lamp, vase with fresh flowers, or framed artwork. This adds personality to the space and helps set the tone for your home’s design.
• Functional Storage: Use the table’s surface to hold keys, mail, and other essentials. Many console tables also offer drawer storage or shelves where you can stash smaller items like gloves, scarves, or even a bowl for change.

2. Create a Defined Entry with a Rug

Rugs are not only great for adding warmth and texture to a room, but they can also serve as a subtle boundary between different areas in an open-concept space. To establish a foyer area in your living room, consider placing a rug to visually separate the entry from the rest of the room.

• Choose a Rug that Fits: Opt for a rug that is large enough to define the entry space but not too large to overwhelm the rest of the room. A rug sized around 5x7 feet works well for creating a small entry zone in a living room.
• Complement the Room’s Style: Select a rug that complements your living room’s aesthetic. Whether you prefer neutral tones for a minimalistic feel or a bold pattern to make a statement, the rug will set the stage for your foyer.
• Position It Strategically: Place the rug at the entrance, either directly under a console table or just in front of the entry door, to define the space as a foyer while adding comfort and color.

3. Add a Coat Rack or Hooks for Practicality

A coat rack or wall hooks is a practical piece of furniture for any foyer. In an open living room, this can help keep your space organized and tidy, especially in areas where guests or family members often drop coats, bags, or hats.

• Free-Standing Coat Rack: A tall, free-standing coat rack can be placed near the entry to hold outerwear. Look for a design that suits your home’s aesthetic, such as a sleek modern coat rack for a contemporary space or a rustic wooden piece for a more farmhouse-style living room.
• Wall Hooks: If you want to save floor space, consider wall-mounted hooks. Install them on a wall or near a console table to hang coats, scarves, and bags. Decorative hooks with a unique design can also add a stylistic element to your entry area.
• Multi-Function Furniture: Consider a hall tree or entryway bench with hooks that combines coat storage with seating. This piece can function as a spot to sit and put on shoes, while also providing vertical storage for coats.

4. Incorporate an Entry Bench for Added Comfort

An entry bench is an excellent addition to any foyer, especially in an open living room where space is shared with other areas. It adds both functionality and style to the entry zone by providing a place to sit down and remove shoes or bags before entering the main living area.

• Bench with Storage: Opt for a storage bench that includes hidden compartments for storing shoes, scarves, or other items you want to keep out of sight. A wooden bench with a cushion is a stylish and comfortable option that complements various design styles.
• Functionality and Style: Place the bench near the entry to create a welcoming focal point. You can also use the top of the bench to display decorative pillows or small baskets for additional storage.
• Perfect for Small Spaces: An entry bench doesn’t take up much room, making it a great choice for small open living rooms. Choose a compact design that fits the space while still providing seating and storage.

5. Create Visual Boundaries with Furniture Placement

If you don’t want to use traditional room dividers or walls, you can still create a visual boundary between the foyer and the living area through smart furniture placement. Here’s how:

• Arrange Furniture to Frame the Entryway: Use sofas, chairs, or bookshelves to frame the entryway and direct traffic flow toward the foyer. This can help separate the living space from the entrance without the need for additional walls.
• Use a Divider or Screen: If you need more separation, consider using a folding screen or open shelving unit to create a visual division. These pieces allow light to flow through while providing a clear boundary between the foyer and the living room.
• Leverage Open Shelving: Use open shelves or bookshelves placed near the entrance to create a natural separation. These can serve as storage or display areas for decorative items while maintaining an open, airy feel.

6. Add Decorative Lighting for Atmosphere

Lighting plays a key role in creating a welcoming foyer in an open living room. Consider adding decorative lighting to enhance the ambiance of your entry space.

• Pendant or Chandelier: If the ceiling height allows, consider a stylish pendant light or chandelier above the foyer area. This can add drama and style while illuminating the entry zone.
• Table Lamps: If you have a console table, add a table lamp to provide soft lighting and enhance the mood. Opt for a design that complements your décor, whether it’s sleek and modern or vintage-inspired.
• Wall Sconces: If you prefer wall-mounted options, consider wall sconces on either side of the entryway for ambient lighting that doesn’t take up any floor space.

Create a Stylish Foyer in Your Open Living Room

Creating a foyer in an open living room doesn’t require extensive remodeling or complex design solutions.

By using furniture pieces like console tables, benches, coat racks, and rugs, you can effectively carve out a defined entry space without compromising the flow or openness of the room. Combine functional pieces with stylish accents to create a welcoming and organized entry zone that enhances the overall aesthetic of your home.

With the tips and furniture suggestions in this article, you can create a beautiful foyer that seamlessly fits into your open-concept living room, giving you the best of both worlds—style and practicality!

The only way you’ll know what furniture is right for your foyer is to see the options in-person. If you’re ready for this step, visit your nearest La-Z-Boy South Texas store.