Entryways

An entryway is the transitional space between the exterior and interior of a building. It can be an exterior porch or vestibule, and an interior area such as a foyer or mudroom that leads to the main rooms. The entryway is designed to manage the flow of people and weather, and to provide a first impression of the home.

Typical functions include weather protection, a buffer against drafts, and a place to greet visitors and organize outerwear, footwear, and bags. Common elements are doors and thresholds, lighting, flooring with good traction, seating or storage for coats and shoes, mirrors, and sometimes mail slots or security features. The layout should support clear circulation, with space for opening doors and moving from the entry to adjacent rooms.

Design considerations cover scale, durability, and maintenance, as well as energy efficiency and acoustics. Materials are chosen for foot traffic and climate, often wood, tile, stone, or metal, with attention to slip resistance and ease of cleaning. Accessibility features such as wide doorways, lever handles, zero-threshold entries, and reachable storage improve usability for people with limited mobility.

Variants exist by climate and culture. Cold regions favor mudrooms or enclosed porches; many homes feature a genkan-like entry in Japan, while others use a defined foyer or lobby. The entryway blends function, safety, and first impressions, and it often influences the transition to the home’s living spaces.