Small Entryway, Big Style: Chic Decor Ideas for Narrow Spaces

2025-07-25

Many people might think, “My rental’s entrance is too small for stylish interior design.” But did you know that limited spaces can work to your advantage? Even a compact entryway can become a stylish and welcoming part of your home with just a few thoughtful touches.

We’ll be sharing five simple ideas to help you transform your entrance space throughout this article. Let them serve as an inspiration for you.

Village House offers a wide selection of affordable and attractive properties throughout Japan. If you are looking for an apartment to call home, please visit our website.

You can add style using posters

Your entryway is the first sight your guests see. It sets the tone and gives the first impression of your home. Simply hanging a few well-chosen posters on the wall will help bring in a stylish vibe, even if the space is small and narrow.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when decorating with posters.

Go for smaller ones

A smaller poster will feel more balanced and won’t overwhelm a narrow space. This is especially important in rental homes, because lighting may be limited in them. On the contrary, large posters can make the area feel cramped.
Try to stick to sizes between A5 and A3, depending on where you plan to hang it. If you’re placing it on a shelf or piece of furniture, aim for a width that’s about 70% of the surface. It will look cleaner and more intentional.

Hang them at eye level

It is important to position the poster so that its center is at eye level. This naturally draws attention and helps create a focal point in the space. In areas like the entrance, shoes and umbrellas tend to gather frequently. So, guiding the eye with artwork can subtly shift the focus away from everyday clutter.

Be selective with your entrance door mat

An entrance mat isn’t just practical. It can also serve as a simple way to add character to your space. Choose a mat with an accent pattern or color to instantly make the area feel more stylish. For a unified impression, try matching the mat with slippers in a similar tone.

Make sure the mat size fits your entryway:

If your entrance is around 90 – 100 cm wide, a smaller mat, about 40 – 60 cm will work well.

Go for something between 50 – 70 cm for a bit more presence.

If the space is around 110 – 120 cm, a mat around 60 – 90 cm will balance nicely with the floor and will not feel out of place.

Incorporate greenery

Bring a few potted plants into your entryway. They can add life and a calm, refreshing feel to your space. Even if your entrance doesn’t get much sunlight, there are plenty of beautiful, low-light plants that will thrive in shaded or semi-shaded areas.

Here are a few great options to choose from.

Sansevieria

Sansevieria is known for its bold, upright leaves and sharp and powerful silhouette. Its distinguished presence makes it a great choice for a rugged and masculine interior style. Research has also shown that sansevieria can lower formaldehyde levels in the air.

Source: Journal of the Japanese Society of Revegetation Technology

Kapok

Schefflera is a houseplant native to southern China and Taiwan and is also known as kapok. It can even survive outdoors in milder winter areas of Japan, making it both attractive and resilient.

Monstera

Monstera is a plant of the Araceae family, characterized by large, incised leaves. It has a tropical atmosphere and is popular among houseplants, making it perfect for rental entrances. It is shade-tolerant and heat-tolerant, making it an easy houseplant to grow even for beginners.

You can also consider ivy, pachira, banyan, or rubber trees for brighter spaces. They are all great options for sunny entryways.

Incorporate visible storage

Did you know that the entrance sets the tone for your entire home? Even a small space can feel stylish with the right kind of storage. Consider adding visible storage by displaying your favorite interior items on display cabinets.

Here are some suggestions for you.

Style like a display

Treat everyday items as part of the decorations. Group items by color, material, or shape, and leave some breathing room between them. Add a few standout pieces like a potted plant, a small piece of art, or a decorative object to elevate the look.

Balance what’s shown and what’s hidden

Avoid visual clutter by storing everyday items such as shoes or umbrellas in baskets, boxes, or bins. Consider the balance between what you want to show and what you want to hide.

Choose stylish lighting

Lighting might seem like a small detail, but the right selection can completely change the look and feel of your entryway. A well-lit entrance creates a welcoming feeling and leaves a strong first impression.

Here are a few key points to consider when choosing entryway lighting.

Brightness

According to Japanese Industrial Standards, the recommended brightness for an entrance is around 100 lux. Too much light can feel harsh and uncomfortable, while too little can make the space feel gloomy. The best approach is to adjust the brightness to match your surroundings and personal preferences.

Source: Japanese Industrial Standards Simple Handbook, “General Provisions for Lighting Standards.

Bulb color

A warm incandescent light or natural daylight white light is suitable for an entrance. Which one you choose depends on how you use the space and your preferences. If you prefer a calm and relaxing entrance, a soft incandescent light is suitable.

But if you want to clearly notice the color of your shoes or bags, or if you often do detailed tasks in the area, we recommend using a neutral white light with high visibility.

Types of lighting

For your entryway lighting, wall-mounted bracket lights or floor-standing lamps that illuminate the area around your feet are great options. Bracket lights aren’t just practical. They also add a stylish touch and help create a warm, welcoming feeling. They’re mounted on the wall, providing indirect lighting that softly brightens the whole space.

Floor lamps are plugged into an outlet and sit directly on the floor. Many are about the height of an average person, and their design often makes them a focal point in the room. They’re perfect for adding a cozy, chic vibe and are good to use as indirect lighting.

At Village House deposit, key money, commission, and renewal fees are free (*). If you are moving to a rural area and want to save on initial costs, please feel free to contact us.

*A deposit may be required depending on the contract contents and screening results.

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