How I Finally Figured Out How to Fake an Entryway (After Guests Walked Straight Into My Living Room Drama)
Hey there! So last winter, I had this super awkward moment when my mother-in-law walked straight into my living room and almost sat on my cat Luna who was living her best life on “her” couch. That’s when I realized that maybe, just maybe, having guests walk directly into my TV-watching, snack-eating sanctuary wasn’t the best layout (especially since I had definitely not cleaned up from my Netflix marathon the night before).
Quick backstory: My apartment is one of those “charming” (read: awkward) layouts where the front door opens RIGHT into the living room. No buffer zone, no transition space, just BAM – welcome to my personal space! After spending $243.87 at Target, three trips to IKEA, and way too many hours on Pinterest, I finally cracked the code on faking an entryway that actually works.
Fair warning: This post might include some mild rants about apartment living and several references to my attempts to hide the fact that sometimes I eat dinner on the couch (sorry, Mom).
1. The Console Table Game-Changer
First up: Found this slim console table at IKEA ($89.99) that literally saved my sanity. It’s narrow enough not to eat up precious living room space but substantial enough to say “hey, this is where you stop and take off your shoes.” Pro tip: Get one with drawers or a shelf underneath – perfect for hiding those Amazon packages you haven’t opened yet.
2. The Strategic Room Divider
Y’all, I scored this gorgeous folding screen at HomeGoods ($135.42) that’s giving major “this is definitely an intentional design choice” vibes. It creates this magical illusion of a separate space without actually building walls. Luna has only knocked it over twice, which I’m counting as a win.
3. The Rug Trick
Laid down a runner rug ($67.99 from Wayfair) that basically screams “this is where you enter!” It’s dark enough to hide the fact that people don’t always wipe their feet (looking at you, Dave from next door) but pretty enough to look intentional.
4. Vertical Storage Solutions
Mounted this sleek coat rack ($45.99) that makes me feel like I have my life together. Yes, I had to watch three YouTube videos to install it correctly, and yes, there might be an extra hole in the wall hidden behind it, but WHO’S COUNTING?
5. Hidden Shoe Storage
Got this genius bench with storage ($129.99) that looks decorative but actually hides my embarrassing collection of shoes. Now guests aren’t greeted by my workout sneakers that may or may not have actually seen a gym this year.
6. The Mirror Magic
Added a round mirror ($78.99 from Target) that not only makes the space look bigger but also lets me do that final outfit check before leaving. No more realizing I’m wearing two different socks halfway through the day!
7. Lighting Makes a Difference
Found this amazing table lamp ($42.99) that creates a warm welcome without screaming “I’M TRYING TO DISTRACT YOU FROM THE FACT THIS IS ACTUALLY MY LIVING ROOM.”
8. The Art Wall
Created a little gallery wall ($156.73 total for frames and prints) that draws the eye up and away from the fact that you can totally see my TV from the front door. It’s giving sophisticated vibes, even if I was watching Real Housewives ten minutes ago.
9. Strategic Plant Placement
Added a tall plant ($89.99 from the local nursery) that helps divide the space naturally. Only killed two plants before finding one that could survive my, uh, inconsistent care routine.