Summer Foyer Ideas: 8 Easy Ways To Welcome Summer To Any Foyer

Summer is the time to lighten your foyer with these easy decorating ideas. Transform your entryway with fresh, inviting summer decor that is perfect for any size foyer.

Summer is the perfect time to take a look at your foyer, freshen it up, and lighten it up. Our foyers are very important for practical reasons, like a place to greet guests, sit down our keys, or take off our shoes. But they are just as important because they welcome people into our homes and make a first impression.

No matter the size of your foyer or entryway, we can make it functional and summery-ready to greet anyone who comes to your front door.

Here are 8 summer entryway decor ideas. Not all of them might work in your foyer, but give special attention to those that do.

Include Seasonal Flowers

One of the easiest and most effective ways to brighten up your summer foyer is by including seasonal flowers. Fresh flowers bring vibrant colors and a natural fragrance that can instantly add a summery, happy mood to your entryway.

I clip flowers from our summer planters, raised beds, and hydrangea, salvia, and rose bushes in our yard all summer long. Sometimes, the arrangement on the foyer table is small, and other times, they are more ample, like the rhodendron today.

It’s all about creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for anyone who steps into your home. The best way I know to do that is to put a vase of flowers on your entry table. If you don’t have room for a foyer table, put flowers on a side table, stool, or shelf.

I arranged the rhododendron in a large white vase that I thought would showcase these stunning blooms. I’ve enjoyed them immensely! The foyer table is directly across from my office; I can see and enjoy them from my desk.

Summer Flower Ideas

Use real or faux flowers that are blooming outside. Peonies are just starting to bloom, and when the rhododendrons are spent, I’ll replace them with pink or white peonies.

Here is a list of the most popular summer flowers to use, real or faux:

• Sunflowers
• Daisies
• Lilies
• Hydrangeas
• Peonies
• Roses
• Zinnias
• Marigolds
• Dahlias
• Geraniums
• Salvia

By incorporating seasonal flowers, your summer foyer will not only look stunning but will also feel like a breath of fresh air every time you walk through the door.

Lighten Up Your Colors And Decor

One of the first things I do at the beginning of any new season is decide on a color palette for the rooms in our home. For summer, it’s important to create a light and airy look and feel in the foyer. A summery color palette will go a long way to make your foyer look cohesive and summer-ready.

Remove dark or visually heavy decor and replace it with something lighter. Or just leave some empty or negative breathing room.

For summer, I’m using blue and white chinoiserie decor and white ginger jars on our white console table.

I also switched out the table lamps on the foyer table and opted for just one lamp that has a lighter look.

Adding lighter, seasonal colors and accents to your foyer creates a pretty summer look that you can carry into the rest of your home.

Incorporate Natual Elements

Bringing natural elements into your foyer is a foolproof way to infuse your space with the look and feel of summer.

The beauty of using natural elements lies in their versatility and ability to evoke different moods. Here are some favorite ways to use natural elements in a foyer…

1. Wicker Baskets: Wicker baskets are the perfect storage solution for summer essentials like straw hats, sunscreen, and flip-flops. They help keep clutter at bay and bring a touch of rustic charm and tons of texture to your foyer.
2. Wooden Accents: Incorporating wooden elements like a console table, candle holder, bench, tray, or mirror frame adds warmth and earthiness to your foyer.
3. Seashells: Displaying seashells in a decorative bowl or glass jar adds a coastal touch. However, unless you live near the ocean or have a coastal decorating style, keep seashells to a minimum.
4. Driftwood Decor: A decorative driftwood piece can look artistic on a foyer table.
5. Potted Plants: Greenery instantly freshens up any space. Choose low-maintenance plants like succulents or ferns to bring a lively, natural element to your foyer.
6. Indoor Tree: A small indoor tree, such as a palm or a fiddle-leaf fig, not only adds greenery but also creates a tropical ambiance, perfect for summer. If you have a small foyer, you might want to use a clean-looking vertical snake plant instead.
7. Rattan Furniture: Rattan furniture pieces, like a chair or a side table, lend a laid-back feel to your foyer, perfect for summer relaxation.
8. Cotton Or Linen Textiles: Swap out heavy fabrics for lightweight cotton textiles, such as curtains, slipcovers, or throw pillows, to create a breezy, summery feel in your foyer.
9. Terracotta Pottery: Displaying terracotta pots planted with herbs or flowers adds a rustic charm to your foyer, perfect for summer.
10. Rope Accents: Incorporate rope elements, like a decorative rope mirror or a rope-wrapped vase, to bring a nautical, coastal feel to your foyer.

I added a few baskets and a wooden candleholder, as well as some faux greens in one of the blue and white vases to add texture and warmth to the foyer. Since we have white walls, our foyer needs items that add depth and have a nubby feel.

Light Summer Scented Candles And Lanterns

Candles and lanterns are an important part of a summer foyer.

Candles and lanterns serve as focal points in a summer foyer, enhancing a space’s aesthetics with their glow and designs. Whether positioned on a console table, adorning a shelf, or part of a wall sconces, these lighting elements fill a foyer with their golden glow and add a level of magical sophistication everyone is drawn to.

A lit candle that smells wonderful lets guests know you were expecting them. Choose your favorite summery fragrance and enjoy the gentle bouquet as it wafts beyond the foyer and through your home. Why not choose a signature scent for the summer? This summer, lime and orange blossom is my signature scents.

When the candle in our foyer is lit in the evening, it creates beautiful patterns of light on the wall and floor.

Add A Mirror

I have a thing for mirrors in the foyer. They are decorative, reflect light, and allow me to do a quick check or put on your lipstick before going out the door or answering it. Just so you know, I keep my favorite lipstick, Dirty Shirley, Revlon, in the drawer of the foyer table.

Mirrors also give the illusion of more space. And most of us could use a little more space in our foyers, even if it just fools the eye.

Our round, gold-framed mirror hangs above a white table and reflects the light from the front door sidelights. This is the only place in our home that is not full of natural light, so this mirror helps to make our foyer brighter.

If you don’t have a mirror in the foyer, hang one this summer. If you have a small space, hang a small mirror.

Introduce A Summer Rug

Changing up your foyer rugs in the summer is a simple way to refresh and update a foyer. As the weather warms up, heavy rugs can feel out of place and even trap heat, making the entryway feel stuffy and less inviting. By swapping out heavier rugs for lighter, more breathable options such as natural fibers like jute or sisal or even brightly colored cotton rugs, you can instantly transform the foyer into a cooler and more welcoming area that reflects the look and feel of summer.

For summer, you might like to use rugs with a low pile or a flatweave construction. These not only enhance the summer aesthetic but also make them easier to clean and maintain, perfect for the increased foot traffic that often accompanies the season. This is another way to create a welcoming first impression for family and guests alike.

If you went down to our basement, you would realize I love rugs—and I love to change them up. I brought up a sisal rug for summer. I love sisal any time of the year, but I especially love it in the summer. For the same reasons, I am so fond of wicker—color and texture! And it gives our foyer a new look.

Add Something To Sit On

In a summer foyer, having something to sit on serves as more than just a functional addition—it enhances the overall comfort and hospitality of the space, encouraging relaxation and fostering a welcoming atmosphere. A place to sit, like a chair or a cushioned ottoman, allows guests and others alike to have a place to sit if they need to.

Here are some seating options for a summer foyer:

1. Bench: A classic choice for a foyer, a small bench offers versatile seating that can accommodate multiple people. Opt for a sleek, backless design for a minimalist look, or choose a bench with storage underneath to maximize functionality in the entryway.
2. Chair: Placing a comfortable chair in the foyer provides a cozy spot for guests to sit and relax while slipping on or off their shoes. Choose a chair with a cushioned seat and backrest for added comfort, and consider upholstering or slipcovering it in a durable fabric that can withstand daily use.
3. Ottoman: An upholstered ottoman is a versatile seating option that can double as a footrest or as a coffee table when paired with a tray.
4. Stool: Compact and space-saving, a stool is a practical choice for a small foyer. Look for a vintage stool for added charm.
5. Accent Chair: If your foyer is big enough, make a statement in your foyer with a stylish accent chair that reflects your personal style. Choose a chair with bold upholstery, interesting textures, or eye-catching details to add personality to the space.
6. Entryway Bench with Shoe Storage: Combine seating and storage with an entryway bench that features built-in shoe storage compartments. This practical solution keeps shoes neatly organized while providing a convenient spot to sit.
7. Pouf: Add a touch of bohemian flair to your foyer with a pouf—a versatile and lightweight seating option that can easily be moved around as needed. Look for poufs in bright colors or fun patterns to inject personality into the space.

I brought a small linen slipcovered chair (again, from the basement) to live in the foyer this summer. It’s a perfect size, adds a nice layer of decor to the foyer, and will be comfortable for our family members who like to take off their shoes when they come inside (although I would never ask them to do that).

Grab And Go Tote Or Basket

A grab-and-go tote or basket is a must-have for a foyer. Strategically placed, it helps us be organized and remember the things we need, and it’s also a place to keep summer essentials.

I keep a grab-and-go basket on vertical wall hooks all year round. It holds my swimsuit and other things I need when I swim.

Here are some things you might like to put in a grab-and-go tote in your foyer:

1. Sunscreen: Protect your skin from harmful UV rays with a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Choose one with SPF 30 or higher and reapply every two hours when outdoors.
2. Hats: Pack wide-brimmed hats or baseball caps to shield your face and eyes from the sun’s glare and help prevent sunburn.
3. Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from UV radiation with a pair of polarized sunglasses. Look for ones that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
4. Water Bottles: On hot summer days, stay hydrated by bringing reusable bottles filled with cold water or your favorite beverage.
5. Insect Repellent: Ward off mosquitoes and other pesky insects with insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin.
6. Snacks: Pack non-perishable snacks like granola bars, nuts, and dried fruit to keep hunger at bay during outdoor adventures.
7. Towels: Bring along lightweight, quick-drying towels for impromptu trips to the beach, pool, or lake.
8. Blanket: Pack a lightweight picnic blanket or beach towel for lounging on the sand or grass during outdoor picnics or gatherings.
9. Portable Fan: Stay cool and comfortable in the summer heat with a handheld or battery-operated portable fan.
10. First Aid Kit: A compact first aid kit containing bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers can help you prepare for minor cuts, scrapes, or insect bites.
11. Hand Sanitizer: Keep germs at bay with travel-sized hand sanitizer for quick and easy hand cleaning on the go.
12. Lip Balm with SPF: Protect your lips from sunburn and dehydration with a lip balm containing SPF.
13. Beach Toys: If heading to the beach with kids, pack beach toys like buckets, shovels, and inflatable balls for added fun in the sand and surf.
14. Portable Bluetooth Speaker: Listen to music or podcasts outdoors with a portable Bluetooth speaker, and bring the tunes with you wherever you go.
15. Trash Bags: Pack a few lightweight trash bags to collect and dispose of trash responsibly during outdoor activities or picnics.
16. Map or Guidebook: If exploring unfamiliar areas, bring along a map or guidebook to help navigate and discover new destinations.
17. Reusable Shopping Bag: Bring along a reusable shopping bag for collecting souvenirs, snacks, or groceries during outdoor outings.
18. Change of Clothes: Pack a spare change of clothes, including lightweight, breathable clothing and a swimsuit, for unexpected changes in plans or spontaneous adventures.
19. Compact Umbrella or Rain Poncho: A compact umbrella or rain poncho can help you prepare for sudden rain showers or unexpected weather changes.
20. Cell Phone Charger: Keep your phone charged and ready for use with a portable cell phone charger or power bank.
21. Outdoor Activities Gear: Depending on your planned activities, consider packing gear such as hiking boots, snorkeling equipment, or a Frisbee for added outdoor fun.
22. Reusable Cutlery and Plates: Reduce waste and enjoy outdoor meals with reusable cutlery, plates, and cups for picnics or beachside dining.
23. Book or Magazine: Bring along a book, magazine, or e-reader for some leisurely reading during downtime spent outdoors.
24. Camera or Smartphone: Capture memories of your summer adventures with a camera or smartphone for snapping photos and recording videos.
25. Identification and Important Documents: Don’t forget to bring along identification, insurance cards, and any other important documents you may need during your summer excursions.

Our foyers have big, important jobs to do in our homes! Let’s get them summer-ready and welcoming to greet all who walk through our front door!

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Happy Summer Decorating!