20 Entryway Accent Wall Ideas to Wow Your Guests

So, you want to jazz up your entryway? Smart move. That first impression is a big deal, and having a killer entryway accent wall can set the tone for your entire home. Let’s be real, a bland, boring entry is like a limp handshake—nobody remembers it. We’re here to fix that.

I’ve spent more time than I’d like to admit staring at my own entryway wall, wondering how to give it some personality without going full-on ’90s sponge paint. (Please, don’t do that). The good news? There are a ton of genuinely cool things you can do. Whether your vibe is sleek and modern or cozy and rustic, I’ve rounded up 20 entryway accent wall ideas that will make your space pop.

20 Stunning Entryway Accent Wall Design Ideas

Ready to transform that sad little wall into something spectacular? Let’s get into it.

1. Classic Shiplap Panels

You’ve seen it on every home reno show for a reason—shiplap just works. It adds a subtle texture and a touch of rustic charm without being overwhelming. Installing white shiplap panels on your entry wall creates a clean, relaxed feel that’s perfect for farmhouse or coastal styles. It’s a classic for a reason.

Styling Tips:

• Pair white shiplap with warm wood tones for a cozy, inviting look. Think a light oak bench or a wooden-framed mirror.
• For a more modern, high-contrast vibe, use black metal accents, like hooks, a console table frame, or a light fixture.
• Install the panels horizontally to make a narrow entryway feel wider, or vertically to create the illusion of higher ceilings.

Bonus Tip: Don’t feel locked into white! Painting your shiplap a moody color like navy blue or deep green can create a dramatic and sophisticated house entrance wall design.

2. Sophisticated Board and Batten

If shiplap feels a bit too farmhouse for you, board and batten is its more refined cousin. This style involves adding thin strips of wood (battens) to the wall in a grid or vertical pattern. It adds architectural interest and depth, making your entryway feel custom and high-end.

Styling Tips:

• Paint the board and batten the same color as the wall for a subtle, textural effect that plays with light and shadow.
• For a bolder statement, paint the board and batten a contrasting color. A dark gray or black board and batten against a white wall is seriously chic.
• This style is perfect for adding hooks for coats and bags directly onto the battens for a clean, built-in look.

Bonus Tip: You can apply this treatment to just the bottom half of the wall (like wainscoting) to define the space without overwhelming it.

3. Bold Wallpaper Statement

Wallpaper is back, and it’s not the floral nightmare from your grandma’s house. Modern wallpapers offer endless possibilities, from bold geometric patterns to delicate floral murals. A wallpaper accent wall is one of the easiest ways to inject a ton of personality into your entryway.

Styling Tips:

• Pick a pattern that complements your home’s overall style. If you’re a minimalist, a subtle textured wallpaper might be best. Maximalist? Go for a wild, vibrant print.
• Coordinate the colors in the wallpaper with other elements in the entryway, like a rug, a bench cushion, or art.
• If you’re scared of commitment (I get it), try peel-and-stick wallpaper. It’s a renter-friendly option that’s easy to change when you get bored.

Bonus Tip: Don’t be afraid to mix patterns! If your wallpaper has a large-scale print, pair it with a rug that has a smaller, more intricate design.

4. Rich, Moody Paint Color

Sometimes, the simplest solution is the most effective. Painting your entryway wall a deep, rich color can create instant drama and sophistication. Think emerald green, sapphire blue, or even a daring black. It’s a bold move that pays off.

Styling Tips:

• A dark accent wall makes a fantastic backdrop for metallic accents. Hang a gold-framed mirror or add brass wall sconces to make the space pop.
• Light wood furniture and bright artwork will stand out beautifully against a moody wall color, preventing the space from feeling too dark.
• Ensure you have good lighting, either natural or artificial, to keep the space from feeling like a cave.

Bonus Tip: Use a matte or eggshell finish for a modern, velvety look. High-gloss can be cool but shows every single imperfection.

5. Timeless Brick Veneer

Exposed brick adds so much character and texture. It can feel industrial, rustic, or even historic depending on how you style it. If you aren’t blessed with a real brick wall, don’t worry—you can fake it! DIY brick veneer is surprisingly realistic and achievable.

Styling Tips:

• For an industrial look, pair a red brick wall with black metal and raw wood elements.
• A whitewashed brick wall creates a softer, more rustic or shabby-chic vibe. It’s perfect for brightening up a dark entryway.
• Hang a large, simple mirror or a single piece of modern art to contrast with the brick’s rough texture.

Bonus Tip: When installing brick veneer, use varied spacing for the grout lines to make it look more authentic. A perfectly uniform brick wall can look a little too perfect, IMO.

6. Sleek Wooden Slats

For a modern and airy feel, a wooden slat wall is a fantastic choice. These vertical slats add texture and warmth while maintaining a clean, contemporary look. You can create a see-through divider or apply them directly to an existing wall.

Styling Tips:

• Light-colored wood like oak or maple keeps the space feeling bright and open, which is great for small entryways.
• Pair the slats with minimalist decor, like a simple floating bench or a sleek console table.
• Incorporate hidden LED strip lighting behind the slats for a dramatic, high-end lighting effect.

Bonus Tip: The spacing of the slats matters. Wider spacing creates a more open feel, while tighter spacing provides more privacy and a solid wall appearance.

7. The Personal Gallery Wall

Your entryway is the first glimpse guests get of your personality, so why not put it on display? A gallery wall is a perfect way to showcase family photos, travel art, or your favorite prints. It turns a blank wall into a personal story.

Styling Tips:

• Choose a theme. Will it be all black-and-white photos? A collection of vintage posters? Having a cohesive theme makes it look intentional.
• Use frames of the same color (like all black or all gold) for a unified look, even if the frame styles are different.
• Lay out your arrangement on the floor first before you start hammering nails. This little step will save you a lot of grief, trust me.

Bonus Tip: Mix in other objects besides framed art. A small mirror, a mounted ceramic plate, or a woven wall hanging can add texture and interest.

8. Functional Bookshelf Wall

Are you a book lover? Turn your entryway into a mini-library with a full-blown bookshelf wall. It’s a smart way to add storage and show off your literary collection right as guests walk in.

Styling Tips:

• Use a tall, slim bookshelf to maximize vertical space without eating up too much floor area.
• Don’t just cram it with books. Break up the spines with decorative objects, small plants, and storage baskets.
• Paint the back of the bookshelf a contrasting color to make the items on the shelves really pop.

Bonus Tip: Arrange your books by color for a visually stunning (and very Instagrammable) effect. It might not be practical for finding a specific title, but it sure looks cool.

9. A Giant Mirror

This is one of the oldest tricks in the design book for a reason. Placing a large mirror on your entryway wall can make a small, dark space feel instantly larger and brighter by reflecting light.

Styling Tips:

• An oversized round mirror can soften the hard lines of a narrow hallway and adds a modern touch.
• A full-length rectangular mirror is not only stylish but also practical for that last-minute outfit check before you leave.
• Choose a frame that matches your decor style—ornate gold for a glam look, simple black metal for modern, or natural wood for a rustic feel.

Bonus Tip: Position the mirror to reflect something beautiful, like a piece of art on the opposite wall or a view out a window, rather than a cluttered corner.

10. Hand-Painted Mural

Feeling artistic? A hand-painted mural is the ultimate way to create a one-of-a-kind entryway accent wall. It doesn’t have to be a complex masterpiece; even a simple abstract design or a large-scale floral pattern can make a huge impact.

Styling Tips:

• Sketch your design on paper first, then use a pencil to lightly draw it on the wall before you start painting.
• Stick to a limited color palette that coordinates with the rest of your home for a more cohesive look.
• If you’re not confident in your freehand skills, use stencils or a projector to trace a design onto the wall.

Bonus Tip: Make it a family project! A mural can be a fun and collaborative way to add a personal touch to your home that everyone can be proud of.

11. Luxe Marble or Marble-Look

For a touch of pure luxury, you can’t beat marble. A full marble wall is a serious investment, but it delivers an unmatched level of elegance. If your budget doesn’t stretch that far, there are some seriously convincing marble-look wallpapers and panels available.

Styling Tips:

• Pair marble with gold or brass accents to lean into the luxurious feel. A gold console table or light fixture will look stunning.
• Keep the other decor minimal to let the marble be the star of the show.
• The cool tones of marble work beautifully with rich, warm woods to create a balanced look.

Bonus Tip: A black marble with dramatic white veining can create an incredibly bold and moody entryway that feels very high-end.

12. Two-Tone Paint Design

Can’t decide on one paint color? Use two! A two-toned wall, where the wall is split horizontally into two different colors, is a simple but effective design trick. It adds architectural interest where there might not be any.

Styling Tips:

• Typically, the darker color goes on the bottom half of the wall to ground the space.
• Use a piece of trim or molding to create a clean line between the two colors. This makes it look much more intentional and polished.
• Align the split with an architectural feature, like the height of the door or a console table, for a cohesive feel.

Bonus Tip: Don’t be afraid to get creative with the dividing line. A wavy, scalloped, or geometric edge can add a playful and unique touch.

13. Sleek, Inconspicuous Storage

If your entryway is constantly cluttered, make your accent wall a storage powerhouse. Built-in or seamless cabinets that blend into the wall provide a place to hide everything while maintaining a clean, minimalist look.

Styling Tips:

• Choose handle-less, push-to-open doors that sit flush with the wall.
• Paint the cabinets the exact same color as the surrounding walls to make them virtually disappear.
• The IKEA PAX system is a godsend for this. You can customize it to fit your space perfectly without the custom-built price tag.

Bonus Tip: Add a small, recessed niche in the middle of the cabinet wall with a bench for a functional spot to sit and take off shoes.

14. An Oversized Art Piece

Sometimes, one perfect piece is all you need. A single, large-scale piece of art can serve as the entire focal point for your hallway accent wall. It’s a simple, sophisticated approach that speaks volumes.

Styling Tips:

• The art should be appropriately scaled to the wall. A tiny painting on a huge wall will just look lost. Go big!
• Choose a piece that you absolutely love. It’s going to be the first thing you see when you come home.
• Pull colors from the artwork to use in other entryway decor, like a rug or a vase, to tie the whole space together.

Bonus Tip: Position a spotlight or a picture light directly above the art to highlight it and create a gallery-like feel.

15. A Touch of Neon

Want to inject some fun and personality into your entryway? A neon sign is a quirky and modern way to do it. You can get custom signs with your family name, a favorite quote, or a cool symbol.

Styling Tips:

• A neon sign looks especially cool against a dark or textured background, like a brick or dark-painted wall.
• Keep the rest of the decor relatively simple so the sign remains the focal point.
• This is a great option for entryways that lack natural light, as the sign itself provides a warm glow.

Bonus Tip: Modern LED neon signs are much more energy-efficient, durable, and affordable than traditional glass neon. Plus, they come in a million colors.

16. The Half-Wall Approach

You don’t have to commit to a full accent wall. Decorating just the bottom or top half of the wall can be just as effective. This could be half-painted, half-wallpapered, or covered in half-height wood paneling.

Styling Tips:

• Use a chair rail or simple trim to create a clean divide between the two halves.
• This is a great way to use up leftover wallpaper or paint from another project.
• Add hooks or a floating shelf along the dividing line to make it a functional part of your house entrance wall design.

Bonus Tip: For a unique twist, try a diagonal or geometric split instead of a straight horizontal line.

17. A Curtain Wall

This is a really unique idea! Covering a wall with curtains can add softness, texture, and warmth to an entryway. It can also be a clever way to hide an ugly wall or a cluttered storage area behind it.

Styling Tips:

• Choose a heavy, luxurious fabric like velvet for a dramatic and cozy feel.
• Install the curtain rod as close to the ceiling as possible to create the illusion of height.
• You can keep the curtains closed for a solid wall of color and texture or pull them back to reveal the wall behind.

Bonus Tip: Use curtains to replace a door to an adjoining room. It’s a great way to soften the space and improve flow, especially if the entryway is tight.

18. Living Plant Wall

Bring the outdoors in with a living wall full of lush greenery. It’s a beautiful, serene, and air-purifying way to make a statement. You can use a system of wall-mounted planters or a full vertical garden kit.

Styling Tips:

• Make sure your entryway gets enough light to support the plants you choose. If not, you might need to install a grow light or opt for high-quality faux plants.
• Choose low-maintenance plants like pothos, snake plants, or ferns if you don’t have a green thumb.
• Creative containers, like woven baskets or sleek ceramic pots, can add another layer of texture.

Bonus Tip: A moss wall is an amazing low-maintenance alternative. It requires no soil and very little light, but provides that same vibrant green texture.

19. Floating Shelf Display

A simple floating shelf can turn any wall into a focal point. It provides a perfect platform for a rotating display of art, photos, and decorative objects without taking up any floor space.

Styling Tips:

• Choose a shelf that is long and narrow to avoid it becoming an obstruction in a high-traffic area.
• Layer framed prints and photos on the shelf instead of hanging them. This creates a casual, curated look.
• Mix in small plants, candles, and other decorative objects to add dimension.

Bonus Tip: Paint the floating shelf the same color as the wall to make it blend in seamlessly, allowing the objects on it to be the stars of the show.

20. Colorful Wood Panels

Take wood paneling to the next level by painting the panels in different colors. This can create a playful, bohemian, or charmingly rustic look, depending on the colors you choose.

Styling Tips:

• Use a mix of complementary colors or varying shades of the same color for a cohesive look.
• You can buy pre-colored weathered panels or DIY the look by painting plain wood panels with regular or chalk paint for more texture.
• Because the wall itself is so busy, keep the other decor in the entryway simple and neutral.

Bonus Tip: Arrange the colored panels in a random or herringbone pattern for even more visual interest.

Your Entryway, Your Statement

And there you have it—20 ideas to get you started. Your entryway is the first and last thing people see, so make it count! Don’t be afraid to try something bold and show off your personal style.

Whether it’s a can of paint, some peel-and-stick wallpaper, or a full weekend DIY project, transforming your entryway accent wall is a project that delivers a huge bang for your buck. Now, go make a killer first impression!

Mindy Medford

I am Mindy Medford, a home décor, paint, and design specialist with over a decade of hands-on experience transforming ordinary spaces into cozy, personality-packed havens. Since 2013, I have been helping homeowners discover the art of beautiful yet practical design. I share my love for color, texture, and layout—making stylish interiors & exteriors feel achievable for everyone. Whether it’s picking the perfect paint shade or reimagining a small space, I’m here to guide and inspire.