Entryways to our homes create one of two immediate feelings: welcoming and peaceful, or cluttered and chaotic.

One of the biggest problems I see a lot of clients and friends struggling with is a small entryway with little room to organize and store stuff. The family 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 essentials that will get you out of Crazytown and into Happyland – whether you have a tiny non-entryway or a cavernous mudroom. 

5 Essentials for a Functional Entryway, no matter how small

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 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, like the one I had in my condo. 

small condo entryway

3. Hooks.

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

4. Large baskets or 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 essentials for an organized and functional entryway

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. 

5 essentials for a functional entryway and simpler life

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. 

One more nice-to-have: a plant. It makes for a welcoming and warm introduction to your home and is a natural transition from outdoors to in.

essentials for a functional entryway

1. Pure White by Sherwin Williams

2. Hooks and shelf from Wayfair

3. Knockoff Nelson Bench at Amazon. 

4. A green plant in a white planter is simple and striking. 

5. White ceramic bowl on Etsy. 

6. Rope basket on Etsy

7. Natural jute rug from Wayfair. 

8. Round mirror from Wayfair

*Some sources are affiliate links. The companies share a small piece of their profit with me, which helps pay for my time sharing this info on the blog, without any cost to you. In fact, sometimes the prices are lower because they come through a trade link!

**To download the Essentials Design Board as a PDF with click through links to the sources, subscribe to my free Resource Den for this and other Essentials Design Boards. 

free room design boards with sources

Now…get inspired by these beautiful and funcational entryways and then get going on your own entryway refresh! Click photos for sources.

Style at Home

Style at Home

Modern Jane

Modern Jane

Amber Interiors

Amber Interiors

In the New House Designs

In the New House Designs

How to Nest for Less

How to Nest for Less

Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn

Entrance Makleri

Entrance Makleri

via Coco Lapine

via Coco Lapine

BHG

BHG

Julie Blanner

Julie Blanner

BHG

BHG

Hope these tips give you an idea of where to start in your entryway. Even just adding a few hooks and a pretty bowl will help. Happy refreshing.

free living small resource list5 Essentials for a Functional Entryway - even if it's small

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