Not all foyers and entryways are whole rooms, and as a result, they frequently go without attention to design. In addition to serving an important function in your house as a convenient area to keep your coats,�the foyer is also the prelude to the rest of your home. Not only should your it�be a visually appealing area, it should also be well organized in order to maximize its accessibility, and to keep you on a steady morning routine. Read more for some tips on how to decorate your entryway.

Assess your need
Before lifting a paintbrush, think about what you use, or hope to use, your foyer for, who else in your home uses it and where your home is located. Houses at the end of a driveway don't necessarily have to worry about blocking visitors' view of the outside, and have the option of having sheer custom window treatments, while others ought to consider using wood blinds. Even if it's your first apartment fresh out of college, a put-together entryway can help your space to feel grown-up and keep you organized. If you have children, the almost-room can act as a barrier between the muddy outdoors and your living room carpet, and if you live in a chilly climate, you can free up some closet space by stowing your coats and jackets by the front door.

Choose a mirror
A mirror is an entryway staple: not only does it provide you with a way of checking your hair and teeth quickly before running out the door, it also makes the traditionally tiny space appear larger. Kevin Sharkey of Martha Stewart recommends avoiding antiques with filmy glass for this room, and choosing a mirror that suits the size of the area. For instance, if your entryway is tiny, don't overwhelm it with a bulky mirror, but if you have the space, a full-length model could be advantageous. In most cases, it's best to hang the mirror securely rather than propping it up to save yourself from awkward angles and the risk of it falling and shattering.

Pair a console table and tray
Any surface on which to put your keys, mail, watch and other items to grab before dashing is useful, and is even more so when right next to the door. By topping a handsome console table with a rimmed tray, you can gather these things in a more organized fashion, and minimize the chances of knocking your car keys into unseen territory. A classic focal point can be easily made by hanging your mirror above the table, and you can add some interest to the area with a floral arrangement or patterned table runner.

Select your organizational tools
Your organizational tools should reflect the number�of people in your home - if you live with one person, a coat rack or series of hooks should suffice for storage, but if you have multiple kids, you should consider installing wooden cubbies or lockers. An alternative would be to purchase a chest in which to keep boots and outdoor toys, which could also act as a place for people to sit when removing their shoes. Try to match your mirror, table, tray and storage units in either style or color for consistency.

Decorate
With the function aspect of your entryway complete, you can focus on making your foyer pop. One inexpensive way of doing this is simply to paint. Draw color inspiration from both the area directly outside of your home - foliage, the color of your house, etc., in addition to the room adjacent to your entryway. While the two rooms should sport similar features for consistency, your foyer should be able to stand on its own.� Consider painting wide strips or zigzags using painters tape to create a fun and creative prelude to your home, or color your walls a bold blue and decorate with neutral accents.