6 Things That Make Your Entryway Look Tacky, According to Designers

Your entryway is the first thing guests see when they walk through the door, and it’s the space that welcomes you whenever you come home. When it’s intentional and inviting, the rest of your home instantly feels more put together. However, a handful of eyesores can make this area feel chaotic—or even tacky.

Here, we spoke with interior designers about the tackiest entryway design mistakes that you should avoid if you can—plus, how to fix them with a few simple tweaks.

Harsh or Insufficient Lighting

Some entryways lack natural light, which can make the space feel dark or uninviting. However, good lighting is foundational to a modern space. Chris O'Shea, founder of Summit to Shore Design, recommends "a modest, midcentury-modern, semi-flush mount if the ceilings are lower, or a large-scale chandelier that has natural texture if the ceilings are high."

Choosing the right one is paramount: "This is one thing that can quickly get tacky in a home," she says. "The fixture is like a piece of art, and should make a statement—but not be too ornamental.”

Layered lighting is key as well. Try pairing an overhead fixture with wall sconces—or even a table lamp.

Ignoring Paint Transitions

If your entryway opens directly into a living room or hallway, then avoiding abrupt paint transitions is crucial. "It's best to carry the same wall color through to keep the space cohesive and polished," says Crowder. Color breaks can feel visually jarring and cheapen the overall look.

Overcrowding the Space

An entryway should never feel cramped. “Avoid overcrowding the space with oversized furniture; pieces should be purposeful and proportionate,” says Lee Crowder, national director of design and model experience at Taylor Morrison.

Oversized pieces—such as bulky consoles or excessively large chairs—can overwhelm the area. Instead, opt for purposeful, proportional furniture, like a slim console table or a bench with baskets underneath.

Neglecting Scent—or Overdoing It

Scent is part of the entryway experience, but it’s easy to get wrong. O’Shea likes to keep it subtle:

“I place a Pura in the outlet, so the smell is always welcoming, but not too strong."

A heavy fragrance can feel artificial or overpowering, while no scent at all can make the space feel stale. Aim for a gentle, clean aroma.

Displaying a Shoe Rack

Nothing ruins an aesthetic faster than a pile of shoes by the door. “While it’s practical, it instantly creates clutter and takes away from the welcoming feeling you want at the front of your home," says Crowder.

It can also introduce odor to the most public part of your home. Instead, the designer recommends a discreet storage solution, “like baskets tucked under a bench, or a closed cabinet that keeps shoes out of sight.” 

If possible, designate a mudroom or hallway for these daily-use items.

Too Much Art

While wall décor can be a nice addition to your entryway, overdoing it with too many small frames can create a chaotic feeling. A better approach? Select a few larger, complementary pieces.

O’Shea suggests treating your entry like a curated gallery. In her own historic home, she pairs vintage finds with modern accents: “A rattan mirror for texture, a side table, a blue leather bench, and a set of vintage time card cylinders to fuse found items with new," she says.