entryway tile ideas for an elevated first impression

by clé tile | published: Apr 09, 2024

Open entryway with narrow black-legged table and a natural zellige tile floor.

zellige 4x4” in natural. design: jenni kayne / photo: michael clifford photography

your entryway serves as your guests’ first impression of your home. it welcomes you upon your return and sets the tone for your home’s overall design style. every detail matters, and none is more important than the flooring beneath your feet.

artisan tiles are a stunning choice for the entryway. they’re not only functional but also beautiful, unique, examples of unparalleled craftsmanship. in this exploration of entryway tile ideas, we’ll showcase the versatility of artisan tile for an elevated first impression. prepare to be inspired! 

entryway tile ideas and inspiration

from classic and timeless to modern and contemporary, artisan tile options for your entryway and foyer are virtually endless.  

classic and timeless

timeless elegance never goes out of style. if you appreciate the enduring charm of tradition, consider classic entryway tile materials like marble or terracotta, paired with time-honored layouts like a chevron, a basketweave, or a herringbone pattern.

few materials exude luxury and sophistication quite like marble. classic marble tiles in neutral tones of white and cream create a sense of timeless elegance while adding depth and visual interest to the space.

if you want a more rustic yet refined look, consider terracotta tiles. these earthy tiles, with their rich hues and textured surfaces, offer a sense of enduring charm and casual elegance. consider pairing them with wrought iron accents and a wooden front door for a warm, inviting entryway.

White entryway with wooden bench, white door, and black and white cement patterned tile floor.

modern and contemporary two ways… with the same tile. erica tanov + clé jacobsen in plaster + black. photo: meredith brockington

modern and contemporary

if sleek lines and minimalist aesthetics appeal to your personal style, consider modern entryway tile ideas. bold geometric patterns, such as hexagons, diamonds, and triangles, in contrasting or monochromatic colors, can create a contemporary and elevated aesthetic in your entryway.

you can also choose to embrace the versatile, raw beauty of cement tiles. the minimalist aesthetic and urban appeal of encaustic tile can bring a sense of modernity to any entryway space. choose from a variety of colors, patterns, and finishes to add depth and character.

and let’s not overlook the lustrous allure of metallic tiles. in finishes like copper, silver, and brass, metallic tiles add a touch of glamour and sophistication to a modern entryway. pair them with minimalistic furnishings and neutral-toned walls for a luxurious ambiance.

organic patterns and earthy colors

nature-inspired elements bring a sense of tranquility and harmony to any space. capture the essence of the great outdoors with natural stone tiles. from slate and travertine to limestone and sandstone, there’s a plethora of tile types to choose from.

you could also opt for tiles adorned with leafy motifs, floral patterns, and organic shapes to create a sense of tranquility and serenity. earthy colors like moss green, sandy beige, and warm terracotta create a peaceful atmosphere and welcoming entryway.

mediterranean charm

infuse your space with the warmth and vibrancy of mediterranean-inspired tile design. from the sun-soaked shores of greece to the villas of tuscany, mediterranean design offers a sense of relaxed elegance.

known for their bold colors, geometric patterns, and ornate designs, moroccan tiles bring a sense of opulence to any space. choose from vibrant blues, rich reds, and earthy tones for an authentic moroccan-inspired aesthetic.

mediterranean-inspired mosaic tiles can also add a touch of grandeur and charm to your entryway. available in soothing blues, jade greens, and terra cotta hues, mosaic tiles channel the laid-back luxury of coastal villas inspired by the sea and sky. 

minimalist opulence

when it comes to interior design, less is often more. minimalist opulence combines the sleek sophistication of modern aesthetics with the luxurious allure of understated elegance.

monochromatic floor tiles create a sense of understated luxury in your entryway. opt for tiles in shades of white, gray, or black to achieve a sleek and sophisticated look. tiles with a glossy finish reflect the light for an added touch of glamour in your space.

metallic tiles in silver, gold, or bronze finishes bring shimmering sophistication to a minimalist entryway. pair them with sleek furnishings and minimalist accents for a modern yet lavish ambience. 

Turquoise walled space with a puffy red leather chair casting a shadow over a varied stone tile floor.

strata linea

art deco glamour

art deco glamour is all about geometric shapes, luxurious materials, bold accents, and sophistication. to create this aesthetic in your entryway, consider tiles with metallic accents, intricate patterns, and geometric motifs, and then pair them with sleek furnishings and mirrored surfaces.

you can also opt for tiles featuring striking patterns and angular shapes, like chevron, herringbone, or diamonds, to create movement and visual interest. choose contrasting colors or finishes for added drama.

marble tiles exude a timeless beauty that epitomizes art deco sophistication. opt for tiles in sleek, polished finishes with subtle veining to create a sense of luxury and elegance. from classic black and white to muted hues of red and yellow, marble tiles add a touch of glamour to the entryway.

want to really make a statement? go for a bold color palette inspired by the more vibrant hues of art deco design. tiles in rich jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red create a sophisticated and luxurious look, especially when paired with metallic accents.

cultural fusion

from moroccan zellige to italian terracotta, cultural fusion tiles offer a unique opportunity to create a truly eclectic and beautiful entryway. pair zellige tiles with wrought iron accents, lantern lighting, and lush textiles for an authentic moroccan inspired ambience.

or, celebrate the diversity of global traditions with tiles adorned in eclectic patterns from around the world. opt for tiles featuring tribal prints or folkloric motifs to create a sense of cultural diversity.

you can even mix and match your entryway tiles in different shapes, colors, and patterns. embrace the beauty of imperfection and celebrate the diversity of global design influences in your entry space.

rustic charm

if you’re drawn to the rugged beauty of natural materials, consider the cozy warmth of a rustic-inspired tile entryway. you could channel the casual elegance of farmhouse style with tiles in muted earth tones, worn finishes, and subtle textures.

you can also go with terracotta tiles in rich earth tones and matte finishes, paired with natural materials like wood and natural stone for a cohesive and inviting aesthetic. handcrafted entryway tiles, like zellige, in irregular shapes and textures create an added sense of rustic authenticity and individuality.

high contrast drama

high contrast drama is the perfect entryway tile idea for those who want an entry space that leaves a lasting impression. embrace the boldness of black and white or an interplay of dark and light tones for a sense of drama and sophistication.

another option is to go for contrasting tiles in geometric patterns, checkerboard designs, or bold stripes to add graphic impact, drama, and visual interest in your entryway space. pairing entryway tiles in deep charcoal, navy blue, or rich espresso with metallic accents will add depth and intensity to your space.

if you prefer a more light and airy effect, consider tiles in tones of soft ivory, pale gray, or creamy beige contrasted with dark cabinetry or bold artwork for a striking and sophisticated look. combining different tile materials and finishes in the entryway can also create depth and dimension.

go monochromatic

while we’ve already touched on monochromatic tiles for a modern aesthetic in your entryway, embracing a single color palette can be extremely versatile for creating a harmonious and stylish space.

for example, monochromatic white tiles in various shapes, sizes, and finishes can create depth and interest, while also reflecting light and making a small entryway space feel more spacious and airy.

shades of gray offer subtle sophistication and pair well with both warm and cool accent colors. opt for different shades, from dove gray to deep charcoal, to create depth and dimension. bold, monochromatic black exudes drama and sophistication, while serene blues exude calmness and tranquility.

varying shades of beige can be used to achieve a warm and inviting look that offers a versatile backdrop for layering textures and adding pops of color with furnishings and accessories. the possibilities are truly endless here.

selecting artisan tile for the entryway

elevating your entry space with artisan tiles involves more than just choosing the right aesthetic. tile materials, shapes, sizes, textures, and finishes all contribute to the overall look.

Vignette of mudroom with blue painted walls, a black and white cement tile backsplash, a wooden bench, and a slate tile herringbone floor.

clé slate two ways... wall: clé cement industrial milan in black + white; floor: clé slate in 3x6”. design: suzanna santostefano design / photo: andrea calo

White mudroom with white painted cabinets, a wooden bench, a slate tile floor, and a neutral colored rug.

clé slate 6x24”. design: becki owens / photo: rebekah westover

tile material

factors such as durability and maintenance are key considerations when choosing entryway tile. consider the specific needs of your entryway, such as foot traffic and exposure to moisture, when weighing various entryway tile ideas to decide what’s right for your space.

for example, natural stone tiles offer timeless beauty and durability but may require periodic resealing to prevent staining and wear. ceramic and porcelain tiles, on the other hand, are known for durability and easy maintenance. they’re available in a variety of colors, textures, and patterns for endless design possibilities.

size and shape

when thinking about your overall goals for your entryway space, be sure to consider the impact that tile shape and size can have on your final results.

for example, large format tiles can create a seamless and spacious appearance, making them ideal for small spaces. they also require fewer grout lines, resulting in a cleaner, more contemporary look.

on the other hand, mosaic tiles add visual interest and personality to a small space with their intricate patterns and designs. (they also call for more grouting, which can provide much-needed traction in a high-traffic area.) mosaic tiles can be used as accent pieces or to create focal points in areas you want to draw attention to.

unglazed subway tiles are a timeless, classic, and versatile entryway floor tile option. they can be arranged in various patterns, such as herringbone or basketweave, to create interest without competing with your furnishings and accessories.

texture and finish options

texture and finish should also come into play when considering the best entryway tile ideas for your space. your choices can enhance the visual and tactile impact of your entrance.

while glossy finishes reflect light and create a sense of brightness and airiness, matte tiles offer a more subtle and subdued effect. texture adds depth and dimension, while also being more practical in areas where slipping and moisture are a concern.

by carefully considering your unique style and personality, as well as the material, size, and finish of your entryway tile, you can create an entry space that’s not only practical but also leaves a lasting impression.