Create a Functional Foyer: 6 No-Damage Apartment Entryway Upgrades

Do you want to make your apartment entryway more functional and stylish? Does chaos seem to congregate right where you enter and exit your home? Do clutter and lost keys leave you running late?  

Transforming your entryway offers so many benefits. Depending on how you customize your apartment's entryway, you can eliminate clutter, improve daily functionality, visually expand small spaces, and do much more with a space you might otherwise ignore. 

To get your ideas rolling, we'll explain what renter-friendly upgrades are accessible for tenants and share our list of the six best apartment entryway ideas to elevate your space. 

What Are Renter-Friendly Upgrades? 

Renter-friendly upgrades are temporary customizations you can make to your space without violating your lease or risking your security deposit. For an upgrade to be renter-friendly, you want to ensure the planned changes meet these three criteria: 

• The installation is damage-free. Your upgrade cannot include drilling deep into walls, tearing up floors, or messing with electrical wiring. 
• The upgrade must be easy to remove if or when you decide to move out. 
• The property must look exactly as it did before when you decide to remove the upgrade. 

Luckily, there are many ways you can customize your apartment entryway with no hassle and no risk to your security deposit. Here are our top apartment entryway improvement ideas you can start working on today. 

1. Custom Upholstered Bench 

One simple way to elevate your apartment entryway is with a custom, upholstered bench. These benches are typically sleek, compact, and movable. They help you optimize space. They also add functionality since upholstered benches typically serve as a sitting area to put on or remove shoes. 

An upholstered bench is also a nice design feature that can reflect your personality and tie in perfectly with the rest of your apartment's decor. You can buy a cheap or used bench and customize it with fabric you love and a staple gun. Additionally, upholstered benches improve comfort thanks to the cushioned padding that replaces the typical wood, metal, or plastic surfaces on many benches. 

2. Concealed Shoe Storage 

If you're looking to maximize space and reduce clutter, consider adding concealed shoe storage to your apartment entryway. This type of storage is seamless, decorative, and perfect for stowing shoes discreetly instead of leaving them on the floor. It might even double as a bench! 

You can use the top surface of the storage to place decorative items like flowers, candles, and magazines. You can also add a decorative bowl on top that functions as a catch-all tray for keys and wallets. 

Concealed shoe storage is a great addition to your apartment entryway because it doesn't require installation. If you have an empty wall, place the shoe storage against it. The result is a decorative and functional piece that elevates your entryway.

3.  Statement lighting 

If you're all about lighting, adding a statement lighting fixture in your apartment entryway is a great addition. Statement lighting can easily set the mood of your apartment, especially when the lighting is on the warmer side. 

Additionally, statement lighting is a great way to make your entryway feel like a distinct room. Moreover, if your apartment feels darker overall with your current lighting setup, adding a statement lighting fixture is an excellent way to brighten up your entire space. 

4. Ultra Slim, Narrow Console Table 

You can never go wrong adding an ultra-slim console table to your apartment entryway. A narrow console table is perfect if you have enough wall space. These consoles often feel seamless and are great for smaller spaces. They also have a variety of uses. 

Many people use them as a dedicated drop zone or to simply function as another decorative piece. Console tables come in many designs too, so you're sure to find one that matches your apartment's aesthetic. 

5. Full-Length Mirror 

A full-length mirror is another simple addition to your apartment entryway that easily elevates your space. For starters, there are so many decorative mirrors on the market that will add a nice design element to your apartment. 

Full-length mirrors also benefit compact apartments because they create more visual space and add more light to the space. Mirrors tend to stretch corridors or small foyers, making smaller apartment areas feel more spacious. 

Moreover, a full-length mirror provides the perfect opportunity to do a quick appearance check before leaving your apartment. If you're having trouble deciding which type of mirror to get, opt for an over-the-door, leaning, or arched mirror. 

6.  Freestanding, Open-Backed Bookcase 

Last on our list is a freestanding, open-backed bookcase. This is a perfect option for apartments as these bookcases don't need to be mounted to the wall. Freestanding bookcases are also flexible, as they can work in many different spaces, and they provide vertical storage. 

When incorporating this type of bookcase, you don't have to limit yourself to shelving books. One portion can be used for books, while another portion is used for storage space. Shoes, purses, and other items can sit on the bookcase for when you need them. You can also use the bookcase to display photos or collectibles.  

Bookshelves also function as dividers. This is a great idea if your apartment has an open-concept floor plan. The bookcase can separate the front door area from the living space while still allowing light to pass through due to its open back. 

Finding Your Apartment Home in Kansas City 

Are you looking for your dream apartment home in Kansas City? The Hills Apartments provide comfortable 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom pet-friendly homes. Each of our five unique floor plans features an open design, making it easy to add features for a convenient entryway area.  

From our fenced dog park and movie theatre room to the spacious closets in each home, our community has the features you need for a comfortable daily life. If you're ready to find your apartment home among the hills, contact us to learn more or schedule a tour of The Hills Apartments.