5 Must-Haves for a Functional Entryway - Even in a Small Space

/

Entryways to our homes can evoke one of two immediate impressions: they can feel welcoming and serene, or they can appear cluttered and chaotic.

For those struggling with chaos, a common hurdle is a small entryway that lacks adequate space for organization and storage.

It's often the case that a doorway opens directly into a living or dining area, leaving little room for essential entryway items. This can lead to a frustrating situation where shoes and jackets pile up, causing everyone to trip and feel irritated upon entering that cramped space.

But your home should provide a warm and inviting welcome!

Here are the essential elements you need to shift from chaos to tranquility - whether your entryway is a tiny nook or a spacious mudroom.

A spot for a bowl to gather keys, coins, and sunglasses

A small stool, chair or bench

Having a place to sit while putting on high heels or lacing up boots is really helpful. If you have a small entryway, a little stump stool can work perfectly. For larger spaces, you might want to include a bench. You could even take the doors off your entry closet to turn it into a convenient bench!

Hooks

For quick access to bag, coat, scarf, and dog leashes, hooks are a lifesaver. Make sure to have plenty of them, both low and high.

Large baskets, bins or crates

Baskets and bins offer neat storage solutions for items like scarves, mittens, and flip-flops, allowing you to keep them organized and easily accessible without cluttering your space. They’re essential! I use a large vintage tin bucket on the floor for shoes, while smaller crates placed higher up hold mittens, scarves, hats, and other accessories.

A mirror

A mirror enhances the look of your space and allows for a quick final check before you leave, so you don’t need to step back into another room after putting on your shoes. I really love the one in my entryway, crafted by my brother from salvaged barn wood.

Optional

I prefer using a natural fiber rug, such as jute, at my entrance because it effectively conceals dirt and nicely delineates the space, especially when the entry opens up into a larger living area. That said, if you prefer easy cleaning, a bare tile floor in the entryway could work just as well.