Small Entryway Flooring Ideas

By Paige Cerulli Created: June, 2022

The flooring that you choose for your entryway is important. It immediately makes an impression, and it also plays an essential role in the safety of the space. These small entryway flooring ideas can help you to make the most of even a smaller entry space.

Flooring Ideas for a Small Entry

When you’re working with a small entryway, many of the larger products and rolls of flooring that you would typically consider become impractical. Large, 2x2 foot tiles may need to be cut down and can make the space look even smaller because of their size.

If you’re working with a smaller space, then you still have plenty of options, but you will need to look for other products. Some of the best options tend to be smaller modular entrance tiles and mats.

Advantages of Using Smaller Floor Tiles

When you choose a smaller tile, you’ll see several advantages. The tile’s smaller dimensions can help your entryway or foyer to seem larger than it actually is.

modular small entryway tile

Smaller tiles are also much easier to work with in an enclosed space. With smaller tiles, you can perform an installation while limiting the number of tiles that you will have to cut for a wall-to-wall fit.

Modular tiles are also beneficial in multiple ways. Modular tiles can be dry laid, meaning you can avoid having to use adhesive and can perform the installation yourself.

Modular tiles can also be removed again in the future. If you’re doing a temporary renovation or are experimenting with different looks for your entryway, modular tiles give you that temporary installation that you can adjust or remove in the future.

If your tiles ever become stained or worn, you can replace just those damaged tiles, rather than having to replace your entire entryway floor. This is ideal in a high-traffic area where some tiles might see heavy wear, and can save you both time and money.

7 Desired Qualities for Entryway Flooring

As you choose the flooring that’s right for your entryway, it’s important to look for certain qualities.

1. Traction


Entryway flooring tiles need to maximize traction to keep your entryway as safe as possible. Look for tiles with a textured surface that works with all shoe types.

Make sure that the tiles you choose maximize traction when they are both wet and dry. Many tiles are available with a ribbed or carpeted surface that can contribute to the safety of your visitors.

2. Drainage


It’s also essential that you choose a tile designed to quickly drain water away from the surface. Standing water can lead to slips and falls, so a tile needs to have perforations or channels designed to prevent standing water from pooling.

Consider how the tile then dries that water, too. An ideal entryway tile will have a raised base that allows water to flow underneath the tile, promoting faster drying.

The faster the water can dry, the less chance there is of mold or mildew developing. Tiles that quickly drain and dry water can save you on general maintenance and upkeep, especially in hot and humid areas.

Entrance Linear Tile

3. Dirt Capturing Properties


Your entryway flooring also plays an important role in keeping dirt and debris from making it into your building. A tile that is highly textured and designed to scrape debris off of shoes can reduce the amount of cleaning that you will have to do.

4. Durability


Make sure that you choose a tile with the appropriate durability for your application. If you will be using the tiles in a commercial setting, then it’s important to buy a tile that’s designed to withstand the high traffic it will see in commercial use.

As you evaluate a tile’s durability, you may also want to consider its manufacturer’s warranty. This warranty can help to ensure that your flooring investment will last.

5. Recycled Products


Entryway flooring tiles are often made with recycled PVC plastic or rubber. Tiles that are made of recycled products can be appealing because of their eco-friendly design, which can be a great marketing point.

If you’re using these tiles for business purposes, they may qualify for LEED points. And if they’re for use in your home, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you’re making environmentally friendly building decisions.
Recycled tire rubber floor tiles

6. Ease of Installation


It’s also important to consider how easily you can install the tiles. A DIY-friendly installation can save you time and money over hiring a professional to install the tiles for you, and it may help you to stay within your budget.

7. Overall Aesthetic


A floor’s design can contribute to the overall aesthetic of your entryway. For example, a floor tile with a carpeted surface can make a cold basement entryway more welcoming and comfortable.

You will want to consider the overall aesthetic that you want your entryway to have. Black tiles are popular because they conceal dirt well, but a stone grey tile color can make a smaller space feel larger, too.

You can use your entryway flooring to create a unique feel, complementing your existing decor and contributing to the impression that visitors have as they enter your home or business.