Entryway Wall Ideas: Restoring Charm, Structure, and a Cozy Welcome
When we moved into our 1920s farmhouse, the entryway didn’t exactly say “welcome home.” You walked straight into the living room with no clear division or sense of arrival. The wall was covered in thick, sprayed-on sheetrock texture, even over the baseboards! We later discovered the sheetrock had been added in the early 2000s (the panels were stamped 2001), likely part of a rushed remodel that stripped the home of its original charm.
This summer, we finally took the time to bring some of our favorite entryway wall ideas to life, restoring this forgotten corner with purpose, character, and a bit of French countryside warmth.
It only took a weekend, but it made the biggest difference in giving this space a sense of structure and story.
A look at what the entire wall before, in progress, and finished:
Why You’ll Love These Entryway Wall Ideas
- Adds instant charm and definition to an open-concept front room
- Only took two days to complete
- Combines pattern and texture in a soft, timeless way
- Peg rail adds real-life function for coats, scarves, and bags
- Wallpaper works seamlessly with seasonal decor year-round
- A sweet nod to the past with a vintage-style phone plan and hidden doorway
What We Used to Restore the Entryway Wall
This was one of our most rewarding projects because it didn’t take much, just thoughtful choices and a few good tools.
- New drywall – We replaced the entire top half of the wall to give it a clean, smooth finish for wallpaper.
- Board and batten panels – Purchased from the hardware store and cut to fit. We used an air nailer to install and filled seams with paintable caulk.
- Peel-and-stick wallpaper – I chose a soft floral that wouldn’t fight my fall or Christmas decor. It went up easily and instantly softened the space.
- Peg rail – Made from a door frame board I loved more than anything at Lowe’s. I ordered pre-screwed pegs from Amazon, measured 8″ apart, and Travis pre-drilled each hole so the wood wouldn’t split before installing them.
- Sheen choices – For the board and batten, I used a higher-sheen paint that’s easy to wipe down (boots and coats are messy!). The wallpaper above adds pattern and softness with zero shine.
- Air nailer & paintable caulk – Our favorite duo for clean installs.
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DIY Entryway Wall Makeover: The Process
Before we began restoring this space, we’d already pulled down the ceiling’s drywall a couple winters ago, and discovered the original board and batten ceiling beneath it. We painted and preserved that beauty, and it inspired the direction for the rest of the room.
We had to add some charm to the wall to match the beautiful ceiling.
We removed the damaged drywall, revealing old wood planks and the outline of what used to be the original front door. That door had long since been boarded over when they enclosed part of the porch, but its bones are still there beneath the new layers. Just to the left, we found a distinct shadow on the wall: left by a vintage rotary phone that once hung there. It’s now covered again, but one day I’ll find a similar one to hang in its place as a quiet nod to the past.
We installed new drywall on the upper portion of the wall, mudded and sanded it smooth (seams, nail holes, the works), and then applied the peel-and-stick wallpaper. It was the easiest wallpaper application I’ve ever done, and it immediately transformed the feel of the room.
For the bottom half, we installed board and batten sheets, carefully nailed and caulked, and then painted with a higher-sheen paint to help with wipeability. This is the drop zone, after all!
And finally, the peg rail: my favorite part. Made from a piece of door trim I found at Lowes, it gives this wall function and old-world charm. Now it’s the first place we hang coats, bags, or even a wreath or basket of dried flowers.
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And truthfully, this entryway wall wouldn’t have shined the way it does without the new HEWN floors beneath it
Before, we were living with dark red, high-gloss floors that honestly looked like something out of a horror film. The tone clashed with everything and swallowed up any charm the room tried to offer. But once we installed the HEWN floors: light, natural, and full of gentle variation, the whole space finally started breathing again. The board and batten could pop, the wallpaper felt intentional, and the room came together like it was always meant to be this way. It was the foundation the wall needed to really stand out.
Grab a sample of my flooring here.
Farmhouse-Inspired Entryway Wall Ideas That Add Purpose
Because the living room and entryway share the same large room, restoring this wall helped me define the space and give each area its own feel. That was always the goal: deliberate separation without closing things off.
Here’s how we gave the entryway identity:
- Peg rail runs the full length of the wall, adding rhythm and utility
- A church pew beneath the pegs creates a natural sitting spot for shoes
- A small table behind the couch offers a landing zone for keys and bags
- The wallpaper softens the tone and invites you in
- The board and batten grounds the wall, offering texture and warmth
It no longer feels like you’ve just walked straight into the living room. It feels intentional. Like it was always meant to be that way.
Tips for Your Own Entryway Wall Ideas
- Don’t skip the prep: smooth drywall is essential for wallpaper
- Use a higher sheen paint on high: traffic walls to make cleaning easier
- Be creative with your peg rail: we loved using an old door trim
- Choose wallpaper that pairs well with seasonal decor
- Keep hooks 8″ apart for a clean, symmetrical look
Closing Thoughts from the Homestead
This old farmhouse still has a long journey ahead, but restoring this entryway wall was a turning point. It was more than just an upgrade, it was a reclaiming of her history, a reminder of the people who came before us and used this space every day.
The original door may be covered now, the shadow of the phone hidden behind fresh wallpaper and board and batten, but we know it’s there. And someday, I’ll find a vintage phone to hang in its place, right where it once was. It’s the little touches like that, the honoring of what was, that make this house feel like home.
If you enjoyed this transformation or are looking for entryway wall ideas of your own, come follow along on Instagram for more cozy, real-life updates from our homestead. And let me know in the comments if you’ve ever found a hidden treasure while remodeling!
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Meet Eryn
Eryn Whalen is a homestead blogger and recipe developer with a lifetime of hands-on experience in gardening, home canning, animal husbandry, and traditional kitchen skills. From preserving homegrown harvests to baking sourdough from scratch, she shares her family’s journey of intentional living on their 100-acre Tennessee farmstead. Recently, Eryn has expanded her homesteading life to include caring for a family milk cow, sharing the learning process and daily joys of small-scale dairying. Read more about Eryn here
