The entryway is the first area you step into when you enter your home, and it often serves as a catch-all for coats, shoes, bags, and all the things you carry with you throughout your day. It’s also the first space your guests encounter, making it an important area to keep organized and tidy. However, entryways tend to be small and can quickly become cluttered, especially in homes with limited space.
Saving space in your entryway requires some thoughtful planning and clever storage solutions that help maximize its functionality. Whether you’re working with a small nook, a wide hallway, or even a dedicated mudroom, there are various strategies to declutter and make the most of the available space. In this article, we’ll explore some practical, creative, and stylish storage ideas to help you save space in your entryway while keeping it organized, functional, and welcoming.
Start with Decluttering
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Before you jump into finding storage solutions, the first step is to declutter your entryway. Like any other part of your home, an entryway can quickly accumulate items that no longer belong, creating unnecessary chaos.
Assess What You Really Need
Go through the items in your entryway and decide what you use regularly and what can be discarded. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I use this item often, or is it just sitting here gathering dust?
- Do I really need five pairs of shoes in the entryway, or can they be relocated elsewhere?
- Are there any seasonal items that can be stored away for the time being?
Removing unnecessary items is the first step to making your entryway more functional and more spacious. You might be surprised at how much space opens up once you eliminate excess.
Utilize Vertical Space
When space is at a premium, using vertical space is one of the most effective ways to maximize your storage options. The walls of your entryway can be turned into storage assets, allowing you to store and organize items without taking up valuable floor space.
Wall-Mounted Hooks and Pegs
One of the simplest ways to save space is by installing wall-mounted hooks or pegs. They can be used to hang coats, bags, hats, and scarves. This reduces the need for bulky furniture or freestanding coat racks, which can take up precious floor space. Wall hooks are available in various designs, from sleek and modern to rustic and vintage, making it easy to integrate them with your home’s style.
- Tip: Install hooks at different heights to accommodate everyone in your family, especially children. Low hooks are perfect for kids’ backpacks or coats.
Floating Shelves
Another way to take advantage of vertical space is by adding floating shelves. These shelves are great for storing small items, such as keys, mail, or decorative items. They can be installed above the entryway console table or on empty wall space that typically goes unused.
- Tip: Install a floating shelf directly above the entryway table for added storage while keeping the surface clear. Add small baskets or bowls to hold daily essentials like mail, sunglasses, or wallets.
Vertical Storage Cabinets
If you have a little more room on your walls, consider installing a vertical storage cabinet or unit. These cabinets can be used to store shoes, bags, or even seasonal clothing, helping to keep clutter off the floor and out of sight. A tall storage unit takes advantage of the height of the entryway without occupying too much floor space.
- Tip: Choose cabinets with shelves that can be adjusted to suit different items, allowing you to store larger and smaller items with ease.
Incorporate Multi-Functional Furniture
Entryways often serve as transitional spaces, so it’s important to make the most of the furniture you choose. Multi-functional furniture pieces are an excellent way to save space while enhancing the practicality of your entryway.
Bench with Storage
A storage bench is one of the most practical pieces of furniture you can have in your entryway. It provides a convenient place to sit down while putting on or removing shoes, and underneath, it often includes hidden compartments or drawers for storing shoes, hats, gloves, and scarves.
- Tip: Look for a bench with built-in cubbies or baskets, so you can neatly store multiple pairs of shoes or bags while keeping them within easy reach.
Shoe Cabinets
Shoes can quickly pile up in an entryway, creating a cluttered mess. A shoe cabinet is a great way to keep footwear organized and out of sight. There are various designs, including narrow, vertical units that store shoes in stacked shelves or tilt-out cabinets that open sideways, perfect for tight spaces.
- Tip: Opt for a shoe cabinet with a top surface that can double as a place to display decorative items, such as a vase of flowers or a decorative tray for keys and other small essentials.
Drop Zone Console Tables
A console table provides a sleek and stylish place to keep keys, wallets, and other items that need to be dropped as soon as you come in the door. To save space, choose a console table that includes drawers or shelves. This gives you a place to store mail, pens, and other items, ensuring they don’t pile up in the entryway.
- Tip: Choose a narrow console table that won’t overwhelm your entryway while still offering ample storage for everyday items.
Maximize Closet Space
If your entryway has a closet, this is the perfect space to maximize storage. Closet systems and organizers are a great way to keep the space tidy while using every available inch of the closet for storage.
Install Shelving and Hooks
If your entryway closet is a basic hanging space, consider installing additional shelving above the clothes rod. This creates space for storing hats, shoes, or bags. Hooks along the inside of the closet door can also help you organize accessories like scarves, belts, and bags.
- Tip: Use adjustable shelves, so you can customize the height based on your needs. This makes it easier to store different types of items, from shoes to folded blankets.
Use Storage Bins or Baskets
Storage bins or baskets are a great way to keep smaller items organized in your closet. You can use them to store seasonal items such as scarves, mittens, or sunglasses. Label each bin for easy identification.
- Tip: Stack baskets on shelves or use under-the-shelf storage baskets to store shoes or other accessories in a compact way.
Install a Shoe Rack or Shoe Tray
If your entryway closet doesn’t have a dedicated shoe area, install a shoe rack or tray at the bottom of the closet. A slim shoe rack can store several pairs of shoes in an organized manner while preventing them from taking up space in the entryway.
- Tip: Choose a rack with adjustable tiers or pull-out shelves to create flexible storage options for various types of footwear.
Optimize Doors for Storage
The inside of doors is often underutilized but can be a great space-saving area in your entryway. By adding over-the-door hooks, racks, or organizers, you can create extra storage without taking up any additional space.
Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer
Over-the-door shoe organizers are an excellent way to keep shoes off the floor and save space. These organizers often have multiple pockets that can hold shoes, scarves, or even small bags. This type of storage is especially helpful in small entryways or closets where space is limited.
- Tip: If you don’t want to store shoes, use the organizer for other items such as cleaning supplies, gloves, or hats.
Over-the-Door Hooks
Over-the-door hooks can help store items like bags, coats, and hats. These hooks are perfect for quickly hanging things up when you come in or for guests to use when they arrive.
- Tip: Look for an over-the-door hook rack with several hooks to allow multiple people to use it at once, making it ideal for busy households.
Use Decorative Storage Solutions
While functionality is key in any entryway, there’s no reason why storage solutions can’t also be stylish. You can incorporate storage pieces that not only keep things organized but also add to the aesthetic of the space.
Decorative Baskets
Baskets are an easy way to store items like shoes, scarves, and hats while adding a touch of warmth to your entryway. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, from wicker to fabric, allowing you to choose one that matches your decor.
- Tip: Place a decorative basket near the entryway for storing shoes or accessories you use frequently. Choose a stylish option that blends seamlessly with your home’s design.
Wall-Mounted Cabinets
For a more sophisticated storage solution, consider installing a wall-mounted cabinet. These cabinets offer hidden storage while giving your entryway a polished, stylish look. Choose a cabinet that complements the rest of your decor, whether that’s modern, vintage, or rustic.
- Tip: Opt for a sleek cabinet with mirrored or glass doors to add a touch of elegance to your entryway while hiding away everyday items.
Implement the “One In, One Out” Rule
One of the best ways to ensure your entryway stays organized and clutter-free is by following the “One In, One Out” rule. This simple principle means that for every new item you bring into your home, you must get rid of an old item. This helps prevent clutter from building up and ensures that everything has a place in your entryway.
- Tip: Keep a donation box near your entryway, so you can quickly place items in it that you no longer need. This will keep the flow of items under control and prevent the entryway from becoming overwhelmed.
Conclusion
Saving space in your entryway is all about being smart with your storage solutions and maximizing the available space. From utilizing vertical space with wall-mounted hooks to incorporating multi-functional furniture and maximizing closet storage, there are endless ways to keep your entryway tidy, organized, and functional. By following these clever storage ideas, you can make the most of your entryway, creating a welcoming space that’s not only practical but also stylish.