10 Mid-Century Modern Entryway Ideas for Small Apartments
A mid-century drop zone by the front door: a slim walnut shoe cabinet, a tapered-leg bench, a round wood mirror, brass and a retro runner, with nothing drilled.
The front door is the first thing anyone sees, and in most apartments it opens onto a blank wall. Mid-century modern gives that wall a point of view with very little: warm walnut, tapered legs, one round mirror, a bit of brass and a retro pattern underfoot.
Everything stands, leans or hangs on adhesive hooks within their rating. For a pared-back Scandinavian version of the same idea, see small entryway ideas for apartments.
- Most versatileMid-Century Yellow Geometric Cotton Runner, 2 × 6
- Small-space pickCommand Forever Classic Large Bronze Hooks (2-Pack)
OPODEE Walnut Slim Shoe Cabinet With Flip Drawers
- Freestanding
A walnut-tone cabinet with two flip-down shoe drawers and an open shelf on top: shoes hidden, and a landing spot for keys.
Serta Stratford Mid-Century Entryway Bench
- Freestanding
A solid-wood bench in walnut brown on splayed, tapered legs — somewhere to sit and pull boots on.
WallBeyond Round Walnut Wood Mirror, 24in
A round mirror in a walnut-finish frame: the circle is the most mid-century shape you can put on a wall.
360 Lighting Emma Textured Ceramic Table Lamp, 21in
- Plug-in, no wiring
A brown textured ceramic base under an oatmeal drum shade: a warm, low light on the cabinet for coming home after dark.
Mid-Century Yellow Geometric Cotton Runner, 2 × 6
- Machine washable
A woven cotton runner in a retro yellow geometric with tassels: the pattern does the mid-century talking at floor level.
Command Forever Classic Large Bronze Hooks (2-Pack)
- Adhesive mount
- No drilling
Two oil-rubbed-bronze metal hooks for a coat and a bag — the warm-metal accent mid-century rooms use.
YIDREMI Solid Walnut Valet Tray
A shallow walnut tray for keys, wallet, earbuds and sunglasses on top of the cabinet.
POTEY 6in Ceramic Planter With Wood Stand
- Freestanding
A small white planter raised on a wooden stand: a plant by the door, in the mid-century tradition.
K&L Design Co. Abstract Mid-Century Prints, 11 × 14 (Set of 2)
Two abstract prints in mustard lines and circles, for above the bench or leaning on the cabinet.
MyGift Brass-Tone Geometric Umbrella Stand
- Freestanding
An open geometric stand in a brass tone that holds umbrellas upright and adds a little gold by the door.
Mid-century entries look best with space around each piece. A cabinet, a mirror and a lamp already make a composition; the rest should earn its place.
If the entry opens straight into the living room, carry the same walnut and mustard through with mid-century modern living room ideas.
Keep reading
The room-by-room decorating checklist
Where to start, what to buy first, and what to skip entirely. One page per room.