5 Essentials For A Functional Entryway - Even If It's Small

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Jul. 1

5 essentials for a functional entryway - even if it's small

Entryways to our homes create one of two immediate impressions or feelings: welcoming & peaceful OR cluttered & chaotic.

For those dealing with the cluttered and chaotic end, one of the biggest problems often standing in the way is a small entryway with little room to organize and store stuff.

It's quite common to have a doorway leading right into a living room or dining space with very little room for entryway essentials. Everyone ends up tripping over shoes and jackets and getting irritated every time they enter their tiny cluttered space!

That's not the way our homes should greet us!

So here are the absolute essentials that will get you out of crazytown and into happyland - whether you have a tiny non-entryway or a cavernous mudroom.

1. A place to put a bowl to corral keys, change, and sunglasses.

Keeping your phone, keys, change, lip balm, sunglasses and anything else you might need to find quickly on your way out is key to an organized entry. Having a dedicated place for all of these things instead of having them fall onto the floor will keep you from losing them and your mind. But don't just throw them on top of a shelf willy-nilly. Keep a pretty bowl or small basket or tray to keep them neatly corralled. This can sit on a console table or small chest if you have room for one in your entry, or just on a bench if not.

2. A small stool, chair or bench.

You'll be thankful to have a place to perch when you're trying to get on those high heels or lace-up boots. If you have a tiny space for an entry, just use a little stump stool. If you have more room, add a bench. You may even want to take the doors of your entry closet and create a bench there!

3. Hooks.

Hooks are a lifesaver for a quick place to hang up bags, coats, scarves and dog leashes. Make sure to have plenty, low and high.

4. Large baskets, bins or crates.

Baskets and bins provide tidy places to store scarves, mittens, flip flops, etc. where you can easily find them but can't see them out in the open. They're a must. I use a big vintage tin bucket on the floor for shoes and smaller crates up high for mittens, scarves, hats, and the like.

5. A mirror.

A mirror not only opens up the space visually but also saves time by being able to do the once-over when you're heading out the door, without having to go back into a room after you've put your shoes on. I adore this one I've used in my entry that was made by my brother from reclaimed barn boards.

Optional:

I like to have a natural fibre rug like jute at my entrance as well, since it hides dirt well and defines the area nicely, especially if the entry blends into open living space. However, it wouldn't be an essential if you like bare tile in the entryway for ease of cleaning.