Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Style

7 great ideas to enhance your entryway storage

Deb Goncalves
By

Your home entryway offers the very first glimpse of your home and gives your visitors their first impression of you. Your entryway can have both style and massive storage potential. Entryway storage is perfect for picking up and dropping off necessities when heading out or returning home. If you’re ready to upgrade your entryway with clever storage options, we’ve put together a list of ideas that’ll help. 

Storage bench

First on our list is the storage bench, one of the best ways to enhance entryway storage. If there is enough space for a table in your entryway, consider fitting a storage bench there. A storage bench can hold all sorts of items, including bags and shoes. Also, it’ll provide a place to sit while you put on or take off your shoes, or if you’re waiting for someone to finish getting ready.

Shoe storage
New Africa/Shutterstock

Shoe storage

Shoes bring dirt, mud, and germs into the house, and it’s best to remove them right at the doorstep. Consider adding shoe storage to the entryway so you don’t have to bring your shoes into the rest of the home. 

Recommended Videos

Shoe storage will do more than add functionality, too — it can also add style to the entryway if you opt for an aesthetically-pleasing storage option. Bob Vila says shoe storage racks or benches will make your entryway look neat. Plus, you’ll keep your home sanitary and prevent the spread of germs. 

There are a few different options when it comes to shoe storage. Some storage benches have a cushion on top, making it more comfortable to sit on. Or, you can look for tall storage units to accommodate a lot of shoes. The type of shoe storage you buy will depend on how many people are in the home.

Key organizer

Aside from the floor, there’s more space to optimize in your entryway. When it comes to key organizers, look at your available wall space. A simple key organizer will have hooks for a few sets of keys, while an elaborate organizer may have additional space for larger items, like coats or mail. Some households consider the key organizer area to be a hub for home organization, complete with a corkboard for family messages. There are also organizers with drawers or charging ports for your devices.

Coat rack
New Africa/Shutterstock

Coat rack

Some homes have a coat closet right when you walk in, but for those without one, a freestanding coat rack is the best way to enhance your entryway storage. With a coat rack, the outwear you need will always be within reach as you head out, and it’ll be easy to put your coat away when you return home. Coat racks are available in various styles, sizes, and colors. With so many available options, you can find one that’s functional and matches your decor. Family Handyman gives a few tips on how to build one yourself.

Drawers

Having drawers in your entryway lets you hide belongings and keep them out of sight. When you come home, you can put mail, keys, or reminder notes in the drawer, keeping them accessible for when you head out again. Also, instead of coming home and immediately having to organize everything you’re carrying, you can put the items in the entryway drawer and then deal with them later. Make sure that the drawers have stops to prevent accidents, which is especially important if you have kids at home.

Cubbies

Cubbies let you quickly stash larger items so they don’t remain on the floor (which is a tripping hazard). Cubbies make it easy to quickly clean up the entryway, and you won’t even have to worry about putting the top on a storage unit when you’re done. Baskets and totes can be fitted into cubbies, too, making it easy to remove them and access the items inside.

Floating shelves
Brett Taylor Photography/Shuttertstock

Floating shelves

Floating shelves can hold decorative items without them cluttering the entryway. Put a few small house plants up there, or arrange a few of your favorite books so they’re easy to grab when you’re ready to read. 

There are so many ways to make your entryway more efficient. Storage options are great for busy households and can upgrade even a tiny entryway to make it more functional.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Deb Goncalves
Deb Goncalves
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Deb's work has appeared on Moms, Babygaga, and WorldAtlas. When she's not working (that's hard to say about a Capricorn), she…
An entryway mirror can enhance your space: When you should (and absolutely shouldn’t) have one
Decide if an entryway mirror is right for you with these tips
Woman welcoming friends at the front door

An entryway gives guests their first impression of a home, so you don't want it to feel dark and cramped. The easiest solution? Add an entryway mirror. Mirrors are among the best tools in a homeowner's design arsenal since they reflect light and automatically make a space feel more open. Plus, from vintage-looking pieces to modern displays, you will surely find an entryway mirror that suits your home's aesthetic.

Yet, sometimes, an entryway mirror isn't the best idea. Find out when you should hang one and when you shouldn't.
Why you should have an entryway mirror
There are plenty of great reasons to get a mirror for your entryway that go beyond just filling that blank space on your wall. Here are some of our favorite things mirrors can do.
Reflect the light
Mirrors are an excellent way to bring light into your home. If your entryway is directly across from a window or other natural light source, a mirror can enhance that light and make your entrance feel more expansive. Even without the light source, mirrors create the illusion of space.

Read more
Transform your backyard into a chef’s paradise: Stunning covered outdoor kitchen ideas you’ll love
These amazing covered outdoor kitchen ideas will make you want to start transforming your yard ASAP
Dad and kids in covered outdoor kitchen area

Are you looking for ways to enhance your backyard design? Consider transforming your backyard into a chef's paradise with a gorgeous and convenient outdoor kitchen area. With a covered kitchen outside, you can enjoy cooking and entertaining outdoors year-round while protecting yourself and your outdoor features from moisture and scorching heat. We'll walk you through the benefits of this outdoor setup and provide you with stunning outdoor kitchen ideas to help you get started.
Benefits of a covered outdoor kitchen
A covered outdoor kitchen provides a variety of benefits for homeowners. The most obvious benefit is that it gives you and your family an additional lounging and cooking space outdoors that's both comfortable and convenient. Having this space covered also helps protect your outdoor items -- like your grill and your gorgeous outdoor furniture -- from sun damage, rust, and other woes of being exposed to the elements.

And one of the best benefits? A stunning outdoor kitchen increases the ROI of your home by adding value and curb appeal to your property. What could be better than that?

Read more
Make the most of your Craftsman front porch this summer with these style ideas
Your porch is a comfortable retreat to the outdoors. Savor your space with these design tips
Gray house with a large yard and wraparound porch

When you look at a Craftsman-style house, you can’t miss the expansive front porch, which has become a well-known feature of this home style. And if you’re lucky enough to have one of these porches, then you know the best part about owning a Craftsman house is enjoying the front porch on a nice, sunny day.

To best enjoy the front porch, you need to ensure it's comfortable and styled in a way that's not only functional but also indulgent. You want to sit back and relax on your Craftsman porch, soaking up the good weather and spending some time outdoors. So, we’re sharing some of our best tips on styling the porch so you can make the most of the space. Here are some front porch ideas to consider.
Comfy outdoor seating is a must
You can’t expect to enjoy the front porch if there’s no place to relax in a comfy seat. Comfortable outdoor seating is a must-have on your Craftsman porch. Patio chairs, outdoor sofas, benches, and rocking chairs are all fantastic choices for comfortable seating. Consider using materials resistant to harsh weather conditions or purchasing chair covers. Though these seats will likely remain on your covered porch all year long, you’ll want to protect your cushions and chairs from tears or fading over time.

Read more