Shea McGee has just shared how she elevates a small entryway – the ideas are so simple and practical
Even with restricted space, your entryway can still make a stylish impression


Since entryways are the first room upon entering a home, it's important that this space feels instantly welcoming. They can, however, often be awkward spaces that are difficult to design. Plus, if you have a small entryway, it can make it tricky to strike a balance between practicality and style.
But, there are plenty of design ideas you can embrace to help elevate your entryway ideas, and Shea McGee has some simple yet effective solutions. The interior designer and co-founder of McGee & Co. took to Instagram to talk through three home decor ideas, which we've rounded up below.
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1. Add a bench
You may think of seating as a luxury in an entryway, but adding a compact bench can transform your entryway from feeling like a walkway to somewhere far more inviting. While a bench acts as a practical addition, it can also be a statement design piece that you can use to reflect your interior design style.
In Shea's video, she explains that the small-sized bench featured in the space is 'great for tighter spaces but it has a lot of interest to it.' Below, we've rounded up some similar entryway furniture ideas that you can shop, perfect if square footage is restricted.
2. Decorate with art
Another simple way to elevate your small entryway is to decorate it with art. 'I like to create vignettes with artwork,' explains Shea. 'Instead of just placing one small piece of artwork on the wall, we can draw your eye up by stacking a couple.'
You don't need to have large walls to fill, but adding pieces of art to even a small wall can help transform the look of your entryway while making the space feel more homely. And as Shea suggests, opting to stack smaller pieces is a good option if you're restricted on wall space.
3. Complete the look with greenery
Lastly, consider adding some greenery to your small entryway: 'If you want to finish off the look and you have limited space to work with, you can usually fit in and tuck a little floor plant into one area.' As Shea explains, you'll most likely be able to find space for a plant, no matter how small your space is. Plus, it can be a great way to bring a fresh feel to your entryway, while also adding a splash of color to these typically light-lacking rooms.
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For more inspiration from Shea McGee on how to design your space, her new book, The Art of Home explains her design process for each room throughout the home.
Looking for some more help with the design of your entryway? We've rounded up the best small entryway storage ideas to give you some practical yet stylish solutions.

Emily is a freelance interior design writer based in Scotland. Prior to going freelance in the spring of 2025, Emily was Homes & Gardens’ Paint & Color Editor, covering all things color across interiors and home decor for the Homes & Gardens website. Having gained specific expertise in this area, Emily is well-versed in writing about the latest color trends and is passionate about helping homeowners understand the importance of color psychology in home design. Her own interior design style reflects the simplicity of mid-century design and she loves sourcing vintage furniture finds for her tenement flat.
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