It is said that you only have one chance to make a great first impression, and this includes your home.

Enhancing your foyer’s ambience can transform it from potentially ordinary to breathtakingly stylish and immediately comforting. Try these tips to craft a beautiful entryway that instantly welcomes guests, making them eager to keep coming back.

Furniture as an anchor

A person entering a space can feel adrift if they’re greeted with a large, empty space. Give them something to anchor to by decorating close to the door. For example, set a thin console table against the wall nearby—or opposite it if foot traffic must turn after entering. Alternatively, you could place a round table a few feet in front of the door (as long as there’s room to walk around it). Ideally, the surface should sit at elbow height, inviting people to set down their keys, purse, or other belongings there. If you’d like to place seating near the door, opt for something simple like a bench or stool. This is a transitional space, after all, so you won’t be spending much time lounging there.

A thoughtful table arrangement

Once you have furniture set up near the door, decorate it accordingly, displaying a piece of pottery, small sculpture, or stack of books. But if you’re expecting company that you really want to impress, set out a fresh floral arrangement. (Just be sure to practice restraint; the surface should also have enough empty space for temporary storage.) Blank canvases such as these can be tough to decorate, so if you need ideas, remember that the usual design rules apply. Varying materials creates visual balance, so look around the space to see what elements are missing: something made from glass or stone, for example.

Simple wall decor

While a foyer is a great place to make an impression, it’s not an ideal spot for lingering and long conversation, so avoid placing your most prized statement art there. Instead, hang something neat and unassuming; a round mirror is a popular and timeless option that has the added benefit of enlarging the look of the space. However, a framed art piece will work too. Also remember another important way to add character to a wall: Paint it a soothing color like blue-gray or apply wallpaper in an eye-catching floral pattern.

Separation

If your home’s layout lacks a distinct foyer, incorporate products that will create separation between the entry space and its surroundings. This will form a cozier and more stylish landing pad for anyone stepping indoors. For example, try laying an entry rug that doesn’t just meet the width of the door but also extends a few feet forward. Then hang a small light fixture directly above this area—even if another one already exists in the room—and decorate the nearest wall as indicated earlier.

However you decide to style your home’s entryway, be sure that it represents you to a T. That way, both loved ones and new visitors alike will immediately feel a sense of personality and comfort as they enter. That’s the kind of warm reception they won’t soon forget.