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5 tips to organize your entryway for a welcoming home, according to experts
New year, less clutter! We asked the pros for easy ways to tidy up your coat closet and front hall — and they had genius ideas.
Your entryway is the first space people see when they walk through the front door, so it's important to keep it neat. "It's a home's first impression," says Ashley Stewart, owner of O.C.D. | Organize. Create. Design. "A clean, organized entryway will have people enter and exit your home with a feeling of calm versus a feeling of chaos." After all, who wants to greet guests with a mountain of shoes or overflowing coat closet?
But because this area serves as the landing spot for tons of different items like bags, keys and winter gear, it's all too easy to let stuff pile up. It gets even tricker in small houses or apartments where that "foyer" may also be the living room, say, or the kitchen! That's why we turned to pros like Stewart for simple entryway organization ideas.
Scroll on for clever tips and must-buys, and to zhuzh up your space even more, read these secrets for getting your entryway to smell good. On an organizing kick? Here's how to declutter your kitchen and expert-approved storage solutions under $20.
1. Install hooks
You can never have too many! Consider hanging them in a row as close to your front door as possible, and if you have kids or someone who can't reach high up, add a second row closer to the ground for easy access. (Thoughtful placement is key, points out Leslie Lehr, owner of Leslie Lehr Living.)
Use hooks to keep jackets, purses and backpacks from collecting on the floor, and assign one to each member of your household, says Ashley Murphy, NEAT Method co-founder and author of The NEAT Method Organizing Recipe Book. "The simplicity of a hook means it’s more likely to be used than a hanger — which means less mess collecting by the door," she says.
"An affordable and stylish way to maintain order in your entryway is by using brass self-adhesive hooks," says Lehr, who's a fan of this sleek set from Amazon. "I love the fact that they are removable, allowing you to easily reposition them as needed without damaging the walls, making organization both flexible and stylish."
Another easy-to-install option, this is "really strong and looks pretty," says Jessica Litman, owner of The Organized Mama Co. Each one holds up to 15 pounds and secures to the wall with three pins. No tools needed!
The best part about this rail — besides the fact that it looks incredibly chic — is that the hooks disappear when you're not using them, making them a smart pick for tight spaces. No surprise it gets more than 13,000 perfect five-star ratings on Amazon.
Here's a fun idea: Use a hook with the first initial of each member of your household, so everyone always knows where their stuff belongs! This adorable, schoolhouse-style steel option is handmade by a small studio in Alabama and comes in every letter of the alphabet. Choose from eight fun colors, plus black and white.
2. Use a console table
A slim surface can add unobtrusive storage while helping define your entryway as a separate space from the rest of your home. You can find options five or six inches deep , so there's a console for every space, no matter how small. Lehr suggests looking for a table with drawers to help corral mail, dog leashes and other small items. "The stylish piece not only enhances the aesthetic of your space... but also provides storage while hiding the clutter," she says.
Love farmhouse style? This highly rated beauty has a timeless look that would fit in just about anywhere, and it's an absolute steal.
One of Lehr's picks, this piece looks way more expensive than it is, thanks to its fluted drawers and light oak finish. "A console like this adds character to your home while providing a practical solution for everyday items," she says.
For a more glam, '70s-inspired look, this faux marble and brass pick delivers. At about 38 inches wide and nine inches deep, it has plenty of storage space but is still slim enough to nestle against a wall without getting in the way.
Curved furniture is very trendy right now, and this piece combines a unique shape with plenty of storage. The distressed black finish gives it instant character.
3. Create an entryway drop zone
Once you have your console table, grab a pretty tray, shallow bin or bowl for small items that can get lost in the shuffle. "Creating a drop zone is the best way to have a designated spot for things, and it works well to store items in a beautiful, functional way," says Stewart.
A drop zone is especially important if your console doesn't have drawers. But even if it does, it helps to keep certain essentials like your keys or wallet out in the open so you don't forget them. Then add a lamp and a candle to "brighten the entry and the mood," says Stewart. "Books and pictures are another great way to add some decor without overdoing it and adding clutter."
Fancy a pop of color? This faux leather cutie looks awfully pretty in pink and at 8 inches square, is just the right size for your phone and a few other knickknacks.
With its distressed terracotta finish, this lovely piece looks like something you picked up at a market on vacation. It's deep enough to hold sunglasses, keys and your wallet, but shallow enough that you won't waste precious minutes hunting for your stuff.
Don't bug out, but this sweet design isn't actually vintage (though it looks it!). It's made by Rifle Paper Co., which is famous for its whimsical stationery and other patterned home goods.
Sculpted from polished brass, this scalloped showstopper delivers big frills, ahem, thrills. When it's empty, it doubles as a decorative objet.
4. Give shoes a home — and don't let them wander!
"Designate floor space for collecting shoes," advises Murphy. "Place a sturdy bin, boot tray or storage bench at your most frequent entrance to contain shoes as family members and visitors step inside."
You can have separate bins or baskets for each family member, but it's key to label them if you do, says Litman. And Murphy offers this pro tip: "Set a limit for how many pairs each member of your household is allowed to keep in the entryway to prevent clutter. Any excess should go back in each personal closet."
This sturdy solution, from Murphy's company, is woven mostly from recycled polyester, so it's designed to take a beating. The square shape fits most cubby storage systems — plus you can add labels with the brand's special kits, which tie securely to the rope.
Another smart shoe storage idea, these bins are made from easy-to-clean polypropylene and come in a cheerful array of colors including teal (shown) orange and fuchsia. Nearly 16"x13", they can fit several pairs of sneakers or flats.
Step right up and admire the ingenuity of this rubber delight. Most rectangular options are pretty bulky, but this one's designed to fit into corners, maximizing every square inch of floor space.
This genius piece has drawers that tilt open at an angle so you can easily find your chosen pair. Use the top as a seat, or if you're tight on space, treat it like you would a console table and designate it as a drop zone.
5. Streamline hangers
You could dive deep into organizers for your coat closet but if you're looking for a quick fix, start with your hangers. "They're key," says Litman. Replace that jumble of chunky plastic and flimsy wire options from the dry cleaner with a matching set of slim yet sturdy hangers. Ideally, they should be covered in a grippy material to help silky materials and scarves from sliding to the floor.
Velvet hangers can be flimsy, better suited to shirts and dresses. Not these handy helpers, which earned a whopping 167,000 five-star reviews on Amazon for their sturdiness and light weight.
Winter coats are bulky enough without you draping them over even bulkier hangers. These measure just 1/3 of an inch thick and are made from durable, smooth schima superba wood.
Admittedly, these are a bit of a splurge, but I can attest that they work wonderfully for everything from heavyweight wool jackets to thin, silky tank tops. They're coated in a matte rubber so they grip onto all fabrics, and the brass hooks give them a polished look that makes even sweatshirts look fancy!
