I don’t know about you, but I harbor some serious mudroom envy. I look at photos of large homes with huge, dedicated mudrooms, and I dream how much more organized and happy my life would be if I had a way to tame the clutter at my front door. Oh, those neat rows of coat hooks! The built-in benches with tidy shoe storage below!
My reality is much different, however. I live in a very small Seattle home and, not only is my entryway area small, but it isn’t really its own area. The sad truth is that my front door basically opens into my living room, which doesn’t give the best welcome. Luckily, I have a small coat closet. But it’s just not a lot to work with, folks!
Small Entryway Solutions: How to Maximize Style and Function in Tight Spaces
What can I do with a small entryway?
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re trying to figure out what to put in a small entryway to make it both functional and inviting. The good news is that those of us with small or nonexistent entryways have solutions. Through the magic of interior design and home organization, we can incorporate many of the features of larger homes into our small spaces. It just takes some creative thinking and prioritizing.
Entryway Example: Our Greenwood Kitchen and Entry project is a great example of making a space work for your family. Custom storage solutions keep shoes, bags and sports equipment organized and tidy.
Entryway Must-Haves for Small Spaces
When working with a tiny space, you’ll have to get creative with the accessories you incorporate. Not all the functionality of a large mudroom or foyer will be built in, as it might be in a larger home. Luckily, the essentials are easy to add. If your entryway is narrow then go with a more modern style to make the space seem clean and organized. My style inspiration for decorating entryways comes from hours upon hours of online browsing on Houzz and Pinterest searching for ideas. Here are some of my decorating and design ideas:
A Bowl or Tray to Control Clutter
This can be an old bowl from the kitchen or a cute thrift store find. Set it on a narrow console table or wall-mounted shelf to keep keys and sunglasses in one easy-to-grab spot.
Baskets or Bins to Control Clutter
Large baskets or stylish bins are the perfect catch-all for hats, gloves, scarves, mail, and other loose items that you want close at hand but not out in the open. I recommend that you label them by season and have two sets: one for summer and one for winter. Just put the off-season baskets in the attic or basement when not in use and swap them out at the change of seasons. Baskets and bins will keep you organized and can be stylish décor.
Entryway Example: The Whittier Heights Three-Story Addition project challenged us to find stylish and creative storage for this family. We created a wall-to-wall custom storage unit that does double duty. Plus, the pop of color makes it extra-special.
A Mirror to Brighten and Expand
Wall décor isn’t always an option. For some entryways, the wall is covered in cabinetry. If you go with the minimal look of a bench and wall hooks, then you’ll have space for a wall mirror. Go with a smaller mirror you can hang easily above a small console table. This will give you the opportunity to check your appearance one last time before you leave the house.
A Rug to Define the Space
A durable, stylish rug helps define the entry as its own space. This is especially necessary if your front door opens directly into your living room. A thick, natural-fiber rug can also help collect dirt and debris from your boots as you walk into the house, keeping the whole place cleaner. Another solution is to install an area of tile at your front door, which is easy to clean and also gives the entry area its own personality. A combination of the two approaches also works great.
Entryway Example: A simple, yet functional update to the entryway of the Crown Hill Kitchen and Living Room project makes all the difference. The tile entryway helps curb the mess and provides the perfect place to leave wet shoes and coats.
Somewhere to Sit
There is so much inspiration online for entryway bench ideas. However, if you are lacking square footage you may want to go with a small chair next to a console table. The table will be responsible for holding the key bowl, mail, or other decorative items.
You can install a narrow bench with built-in storage for the kids to sit on, or if you live in a warmer climate and don’t have to worry about wet jackets, then go with a cushion-topped bench. The bench will give you space to take off that wet jacket and those muddy boots and add style to your entryway. You can even take time to read the mail there.
Wall Hooks
Place your wall hooks above or to the side of your entryway seating. The only hooks that should be placed above the slim console table are key hooks. Hooks are great for holding jackets, reusable grocery bags, and other items.
Entryway Example: As small as it is, the entryway of our Maple Leaf Whole-House project proves that you should make the most of every square inch of storage space!
A Touch of Greenery
Live plants can lend personality and freshness to your space. Even a few small succulents, which require almost zero care, can help transform the look. It’s always best to welcome guests with something fresh.
How do I brighten a small entryway?
If your entryway feels dark and uninviting, try these easy updates:
- feel bigger.
- Swap out your front door: a door with glass panes (half-light or full-light) or added sidelights can completely change the vibe.
- Add mirrors and reflective finishes: these help bounce light around and visually expand the space.
Entryway Example: This sporty family needed all the storage they could get, so we installed custom cabinetry and drawers to house everything. The built-in bench is the perfect place to take shoes on and off, especially for young kids.
Where Should You Put Shoes in a Small Entryway?
Shoes probably lead to the most clutter and can be a most unwelcome sight when piled up by the door. It’s time to make an honest assessment of your space and gather ideas. The quantity of shoes you can realistically store by your door varies from house to house.
Here is how I recommend prioritizing shoe storage:
First Priority: Any Shoes That Will Be Removed at the Door
If you have a no-shoes policy in your home (which really makes cleaning much easier), you will need to provide easy storage at your entryway for every member of your household and any guests. Even if you don’t have a no-shoes policy, it’s good to have shoe storage at the door so you can feel free to kick off your work shoes or running shoes right when you get home. This can quickly add up to a lot of shoes!
Storage solution: A bench with built-in shoe storage beneath it can do wonders for front-door organization.
Second Priority: Wet or Dirty Shoes
During the wet and muddy months (or snowy season if you live in the frozen north), you should have a dedicated spot to store dripping shoes.
Storage solution: If you have a coat closet, a sturdy shoe rack placed inside on a heavy-duty waterproof mat with a lip is a must.
Third Priority: Other Shoes
For most of us with tiny entryways, the above two ideas for shoe storage will probably be all we can fit. However, if you have a more generously sized coat closet, you may be able to make room for a sizable portion of your family’s shoe collection. If you have young kids, it can be especially useful to store their most-used shoes right by the door. It makes the long process of getting ready to leave the house a little more tolerable than if you had to hunt around in their bedrooms for shoes.
Entryway Example: Stylish baskets provide amazing off-season storage in the entryway of our Queen Anne Whole-House Remodel project.
You don’t need a massive mudroom to have an entryway that works. Whether you’re dealing with a narrow hallway or your front door opens directly into the living room, these ideas can help you create a functional and stylish space.
Ready to transform your small entryway into something that works for your Seattle home and lifestyle? The CRD Design Build team is here to help you maximize every inch of your home—no matter the size! Contact us today to start designing your perfect small-space solution.
