Entryway closet storage
10 tips for hallway closets |
(Image credit: Future)
Entryway closet ideas are a brilliant way to keep your home organized, but creating an entryway that is both practical and beautiful can be a difficult balance.
An essential part of the home, an entryway closet is a space that needs to tick all of the boxes: it should be practical, work hard, be easy to organize – and good looking.
Factoring in plenty of closet storage for coats, bags and boots is an essential entryway idea if you don’t have a boot room as it will help keep the hallway clear making the space feel calm, welcoming. Having a clutter-free space will also help set you in a positive frame of mind as you exit the house so that you are ready to tackle the day ahead.
Entryway closet ideas – 10 tips for a clutter-free entrance
From interior details to inventive suggestions for entryway storage ideas, these design-led entryway closet ideas will inspire your scheme.
1. Make use of every inch
(Image credit: The Cotswold Company )
'There is a plethora of off-the-peg pieces on the market which can help keep hallway storage at bay and add a design feature to an entryway closet,' says Paul Deckland, The Cotswold Company .
'We recommend choosing pieces that are versatile and work hard for you, for busy family homes, an entryway closet is perfect for housing coats, shoes and keys conveniently by the front door.'
2. Invest in built-in closets for awkward spaces
(Image credit: Neptune)
'In old houses, you can be left dealing with awkward nooks and crannies that however hard you try, don't fit conventional cabinets and storage units,' says Melanie Griffiths, editor, Period Living. 'This is where it's best to invest in a joiner who can make you a bespoke entryway closet, the benefits far outweigh the costs as you really get to have what suits you and your family best.'
3. Opt for a mix of storage options
(Image credit: The Cotswold Company)
'For a family home, a hallway closest, shoe cupboard and modern entryway bench ideas are perfect to house coats and shoes for all the family,' advises Paul Deckland, The Cotswold Company . 'Using pieces with seating space, is also practical when there are several people leaving the house at once. '
4. Go for a truly bespoke entryway closet
(Image credit: Kitchen Makers)
'The entryway is often an under-appreciated area that offers great potential, both for style and shoe storage ideas,' says Ben Burbidge, Managing Director at Kitchen Makers . 'If space is limited, take a creative approach with built in cupboards and drawers. Try to use every available inch and wherever possible opt for dual purpose; such as a seating area with a shoe storage area underneath.
An entryway is also the perfect space in which to experiment with color, or to add accents that complement the rest of the house,'
5. Make the most of existing features
(Image credit: VSP Interiors )
'Some old houses will come with entry closets that were built-in, potentially for different uses to what one may need today, but nonetheless, really useful spaces that can be converted with hanging and drawer storage for all of your entryway storage needs,' says Andrea Childs, editor, Country Homes & Interiors.
6. Go high with your cabinetry
(Image credit: Roundhouse)
'The entryway performs as a gateway to the main house and kitchen,' says Ben Hawkswell, senior designer at Roundhouse . 'Therefore, we needed it to be stylish and hard wearing. Our Rough Sawn Oak textured veneer creates a natural feel, while also being durable, so the owners can be confident that it will stand the test of time in this high traffic space.'
'We took advantage of the high ceilings and built the cabinetry over and around the doorway and created a neat little bench in front of the concealed shoe storage dresser.'
7. Paint your entryway closet in a bold color
(Image credit: Garden Trading)
Liven up entryway ideas for apartments by painting the closet cabinets in a vibrant color. Be sure to use a durable, wipeable finish suitable for use on wood as these are high-traffic areas susceptible to knocks and scrapes.
'Create an all encompassing feel by painting your entryway closet and surrounding walls in a deep navy,' says Lucy Searle, editor-in-chief, Homes & Gardens. 'Add in some invaluable shoe storage, a peg rail to keep all your outdoor essentials in order.'
8. Create a two-tone scheme
(Image credit: Little Greene)
A two-tone scheme is a simple way to breathe new life into any existing hallway paint ideas. This design feature means you can incorporate a splash of bold color with a calmer one, as well as making it easier for you to choose between your favourite colors.
'Rich dark greens have a receding quality that gives the illusion of walls being further away, doing away with the myth that smaller spaces should be painted in lighter colors to make them seem bigger,' says Ruth Mottershead, Creative Director at Little Greene .
9. Use symmetry with your entryway closets
(Image credit: Hush Kitchens)
Symmetry in interior design creates balance and a feeling of calm – and while it is wonderfully elegant in large rooms, it can also create a feeling of enhanced space in smaller rooms, and those that are very busy.
'In this Cotswold farmhouse, each side of the entrance hall is a mirror image of each other creating symmetry,' says Chris Spink, founder of Hush Kitchens . 'Bespoke floor-to-ceiling built-in cabinets stand either side of the door providing a variety of storage options (both closed and open shelving), while useful oak topped benches featuring useful pull-out drawers flank each wall.'
10. Utilize the space under the stairs
(Image credit: Mylands)
'For the space conscious, under stairs ideas for a small entryway are just what you need to ensure one of the most cumbersome parts of the house is not being underused,' says Jennifer Ebert, digital editor, Homes & Gardens.
‘Awkward spaces like the one under the stairs present the perfect opportunity to be creative,’ says interior designer Emma Sims-Hilditch . ‘We make a point of devising intelligent entryway storage solutions for our clients to help them to get the most out of their home.’
Under stairs cupboards make great entryway closets, offering height at one end for tall tools and appliances. Plus, they can be painted to match the rest of the home, as demonstrated here.
How do I organize my entryway closet?
The best way to organize an entryway closet is to make a list of everything you need when you enter and exit your home. Good storage makes or breaks an entryway – and you can never have enough hooks, hangers, cupboard and cubbies to keep all your kit in place.
A mix of open and closed cabinets, shelving, hooks, and shoe racks should all figure in your entryway closet ideas.
Sophie has been an interior stylist and journalist for over 20 years and has worked for many of the main interior magazines during that time, both in-house and as a freelancer. On the side, as well as being the News Editor for indie magazine, 91, she trained to be a florist in 2019 and launched The Prettiest Posy where she curates beautiful flowers for modern weddings and events. For H&G, she writes features about interior design – and is known for having an eye for a beautiful room.
10 Entryway Organization Ideas | Martha Stewart
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entryway with wooden table and circular mirror and plant
Credit: Lauren Pressey
Your entryway may be the space your family utilizes every morning to get ready for the day ahead, but it's also the first impression guests get when they enter your house. With that in mind, it's easy to see why this area needs to be both functional and representative of your overall style.
Often a dumping ground for shoes, coats, and other everyday wares, it's easy for your foyer to fill up with its fair share of clutter. But by implementing simple organizing systems—like a coat and shoe rack—you can quickly make this space orderly and functional. Once the basics are covered, it's all about incorporating accessories to further maximize and stylize the space, like sleek umbrella organizers, mirrors, and shelving.
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Use a Shoe Tray
boot tray for home entrance
Credit: Kirsten Francis
Most boot trays look like they belong in the garage, not your well-appointed entryway. This shiny copper model breaks the mold. It's long enough to hold the entire family's footwear, and is so great-looking, you'll want to keep it out long after the snow melts.
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Create a Custom Entryway Console
sea foam custom cabinet in entryway
Credit: Kirsten Francis
An entryway console serves as a catchall for miscellaneous objects you often leave at the door—think keys, headphones, and sunglasses. "Personalizing spaces for you and your family's unique needs and lifestyles is always a good idea," says Meredith Goforth, founder of House of Prim. "There are endless ways you can customize your console: hooks, bins, zones, designated cubbies, labels, and more. There is no one-size-fits all solution, and that's what makes it perfectly custom for you."
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Add Mirrors
montauk home tour entryway
Credit: Thomas Richter of The White Arrow
Who doesn't want to give themselves a once over before heading out the door? Keeping a mirror in your mudroom will allow you to do just that. "Mirrors are also always a classic addition to any entryway, especially for opening up smaller spaces," says Goforth.
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Use Storage Baskets
mudroom with children's belongings
Credit: Christopher Churchill
Don't let smaller items get lost in the shuffle. Organize your entryway by containing accessories in bins set near your front door. "Always give small items a specific home," says Goforth. "In my entryway, I keep labeled bins for scarves, gloves, hats, and even socks to make it easier to get my family out the door."
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Create a Numbered Entryway
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Credit: Johnny Miller
Streamline your entryway with boldly numbered hooks and corresponding cloth baskets for family members or guests. Using stencils is a smart way to ensure painted numbers look flawless on your walls.
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Add a Bucket Umbrella Stand
green accented entryway
Credit: Dane Tashima
Looking for a way to waterproof your entryway when it's raining? "An umbrella stand next to the door is a convenient solution for both you and your guests," says Goforth. Opt for one that fits both big and small umbrellas to limit the chances of a loved one needing to leave theirs on the floor.
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Implement Assigned Organizers
mudroom storage lockers chalkboard
If sports equipment, bags, and shoes are constantly underfoot in your home, give everybody a separate space for such gear. Assign a storage bin to each member of the household. Slide the bins underneath a bench in the front hall, or line them up in a mudroom organizer with designated sections.
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Use a Magnetic Hall Organizer
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Metal mailboxes offer a stylish way to organize a front hall or a mudroom. The hooks provide a perfect perch for raincoats, scarves, and umbrellas, while hats, gloves, and mittens fit nicely inside the box.
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Utilize Closet Storage
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Outfit your entryway closet with smart storage solutions so it's ready for every coat and accessory. To neatly store bags, mount hooks on the inside of the door. Then get double the amount of hanging space with a closet rod extender. Suspend longer coats on the upper level; use the bottom rod for shorter ones.
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Make a Pebble-Filled Tray
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Make a boot tray by the door even better: Fill it with stones, which can be found at garden centers). Ice and snow will melt and drain through the rocks to the bottom of the tray, so your boots won't stand in a puddle. Most of the moisture will evaporate, but you should clean out the tray regularly.
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Dressing room in the hallway - INMYROOM
But in reality, not every apartment can afford such a "luxury". Therefore, the dressing room has to be placed in any of the rooms. Usually this is a bedroom or a corridor, less often a living room. But if you use your imagination and do not forget about some of the nuances, you can get a fairly convenient storage system in any of these rooms. Below we will talk about how to equip a dressing pantry in the hallway
Advantages of the dressing room in the hallway
The first thing to note is convenience: when you need to go outside, you will have everything at hand. And when you return, it is very convenient to quickly change into your home “uniform”. In the hallway itself, there is complete order, because clothes (including outerwear), shoes, bags, scarves, etc. are behind sliding doors. The dressing room in the hallway also performs other functions:
- storage of rarely used things and clothes, shoes that are out of season;
- it is possible to allocate space for household "tools" - a broom, a mop, a vacuum cleaner, etc.
- you can "disguise" the electric meter, the security alarm panel.
Types of dressing room in the hallway
Today there are quite a lot of design options for the described storage system. The choice of one or another method of its arrangement is connected with the size of the corridor, its configuration, as well as the personal preferences of the owner of the living space. The most common options are discussed below.
Corner dressing room in the hallway
Its arrangement makes sense in a corridor with a large area. The design can be completely closed. But so that it does not look overly massive, open storage areas are often provided. The internal filling is made up of shelves, hangers, drawers, baskets, hooks, etc. The corner dressing room in the hallway can be classic, with rectangular cabinets, or semicircular (radius). The last option is suitable for a large corridor. In any case, it is recommended to use wardrobes: only they can save space - it is extremely inconvenient to open swing doors in a small corridor. You can purchase a ready-made dressing room or make it yourself. Need to consider:
- color: it should be in harmony with the rest of the interior design, or vice versa, focus on itself in accordance with the general style of the room;
- facade: if the corridor is small, then purchase (or hang yourself) a wardrobe with a mirror - this will visually increase the space.
Wardrobe built into a niche
Having a niche in the hallway of the house is a real success. You have the opportunity to place a dressing room, while maintaining the integrity of the space. If the built-in wardrobe is purchased, then it is necessary to choose a product that will match the dimensions of the niche as accurately as possible. But still the best option is to order a dressing room or make it yourself. In any case, one cannot fail to note the obvious advantages of such a design:
- lower cost associated with savings on materials of manufacture (no walls, top and bottom parts), when compared with case options;
- high stability: this wardrobe cannot be knocked over;
- compatibility with any type of interior, because the facade of the structure clearly matches the lines of the ceiling and floor;
- maximum possible rational use of space;
- the only way to decorate a hallway with a complex architectural configuration. nine0003
The only negative is that such a structure cannot be transported or rearranged to another place.
Dressing room with hinged doors
This option is suitable for relatively large corridors. The dressing room with hinged doors will fit perfectly into the classic style of the interior. If the cabinets are made independently or they are custom-made, then you can use non-standard fittings that diversify the design. As for the internal filling, three standard compartments are most often equipped: the upper one is for hats, the middle one is for clothes, and the shoes are placed in the lower one. The disadvantage of swing structures is obvious: it is very inconvenient to open the doors in a narrow corridor. nine0004
Wardrobes
This is the most popular option for today. Such designs effectively save space, do not create interference in the form of open doors. Another plus is the design of the facade: its appearance can emphasize the stylistic direction of the room. An important advantage of the design is that its doors are sometimes made in the form of a full-length mirror. In this case, you do not have to buy this necessary item separately and look for a place to place it. Most often, this type of wardrobe is installed along one wall. The peculiarity of wardrobes is that there is always the possibility of acquiring a narrow design with a width of only 40 cm, which is important for cramped corridors, for example, in Khrushchev. Standard filling of the dressing room in the hallway with a wardrobe:
- shelves for clothes;
- pair of sections (one for outerwear, one for sweaters, skirts, etc.) equipped with hanger rods;
- special hangers for scarves and belts;
- drawers (pull out) and baskets;
- top shelves for hats;
- space for bags, umbrellas.
When buying a sliding wardrobe, pay special attention to the sliding mechanism: rollers and guides must be metal - this guarantees a long service life of the system. The same applies to fittings: plastic elements do not last long, and in the event of a breakdown, it will be very difficult to find exactly the same part with a huge selection of modern furniture. nine0004
Design: Anna and Daniil Shchepanovich
Dressing room with open shelves
In most cases, homeowners try to hide the contents of the dressing room behind hinged or sliding doors. However, this solution somewhat burdens the interior. Therefore, lovers of light, airy design prefer designs with open shelves. Such dressing rooms imply a complete or partial absence of facade elements. Usually they close the lower and upper compartments, and the sector for outerwear remains open. In some cases, the complete absence of doors is provided. As a result, the dressing room consists only of shelves and dividing walls. Sometimes a pouffe is added here, sitting on which it is convenient to put on shoes, especially for older people. Designs with open shelves are very convenient in small hallways. nine0004
Design: Marina Sargsyan
Materials for the manufacture of dressing room facades
Modern technologies have actually "abolished" any restrictions on the choice of materials for facades. Manufacturers offer both exclusive and budget options for arranging wardrobes. Each material used in the manufacture of the facade has its pros and cons, but more about everything.
- Chipboard and MDF. In the first case, the surface is laminated - covered with a special film that imitates rocks, wood, stone, etc. MDF is a more interesting material: it can be painted or any image applied to the surface. And if the MDF is subjected to milling, then you can get the facade of the most intricate shape. nine0003
- Mirror. One of the most popular facade design options. The mirror can be ordinary, tinted or stylized antique. In the latter case, excessive flashiness is excluded.
- Tempered lacquered glass. An innovative material, which is a translucent panel of various shades.
- Natural wood. A classic option that naturally continues the classic design of the hallway and emphasizes the taste of the owners and their respectability. nine0003
- Glass (matt, colored). In its pure form, it is not used: most often, a pattern is applied to the surface using sandblasting equipment. Image can be ordered. It is also worth noting stained glass windows, which involve the use of individual glass elements glued to the surface in order to create an ornament (the most common technology is Tiffany).
- Plastic. Its main advantages are a huge selection of colors and low cost.
- Faux leather, rattan and bamboo are extravagant and expensive ways to design facades.
- Combined facades. Here several materials are used simultaneously. For example, the canvas can be made of laminated chipboard, and the inserts can be made of leather or bamboo.
Filling the dressing room in the hallway
Before equipping the dressing room inside, it is necessary to take into account some nuances. First of all, this is ventilation: on the back wall, at the bottom, there should be holes that allow air to pass through. This ensures that there are no unpleasant odors. Also pay attention to lighting: here the best option is the use of spotlights. Other highlights:
- start planning the filling from the most voluminous section - the section for storing outerwear, since it has the greatest length, the remaining sections are formed according to the residual principle;
- the depth of stationary shelves should not exceed 80 cm, otherwise it will be difficult to get things;
- if you still need to equip storage systems with a depth of more than 80 cm, then make them retractable;
- the optimal length of the rods for hangers is 1 m: if this parameter is greater, then you will have to install an additional support; nine0003
- width of drawers - no more than 90 cm: otherwise the bottom may bend under the weight of things.
Design: Alexey Kovyazin
Dressing room in a small hallway
The best option for small hallways is to use a wardrobe from floor to ceiling. It is best to order such a design or make it yourself. In this case, every square centimeter of the scarce area will be filled. There is also a more rational option - the use of an open or semi-open dressing room, where there is one sash or there is no facade at all. nine0004
What should be the content? Usually this is one section for outerwear (if the area allows, you can make two: for example, for men's and women's things), the upper shelf for hats and the lower shelves for shoes. Sometimes drawers are arranged at the bottom of a large section.
Arranging a dressing room in the hallway is most often a necessity, rather than a design "whim". Therefore, the main thing here is the rational placement of the structure, in which the dressing room is not striking, but clearly fulfills its functional purpose. nine0004
Design: Evgeniya Razuvaeva
Variants of dressing rooms in hallways
On the cover is a design project by Yana and Yuri Volkov.
Dressing room in the hallway: 55 photos, design options
Types of wardrobes
There are several main varieties.
Wardrobe in the hallway
Multifunctional, practical and mobile furniture, which, if necessary, can be moved to another place and thus remodel the interior. nine0004
The photo shows a white wardrobe with hinged doors in the hallway in the interior of the house.
Built-in dressing room in the hallway
Features a holistic and monolithic look. An organic design built into a niche or closet allows you to save usable space in the room. In addition, such a dressing room will be the best choice for a corridor that has a complex architectural shape.
The photo shows a corridor with a wardrobe built into the pantry.
Corner dressing room in the hallway
Trapezoidal, triangular or radius modular products are equipped with spacious shelves, drawers and crossbars for things. So that the design does not look bulky, it is appropriate to install a fully open or combined type of wardrobe. Designs with mirrored facades will help to visually increase the area of a small corridor.
Particular attention should be paid to semi-circular products, which may differ in concave, convex or wavy shape. Radius models outwardly look stylish, modern and give the interior a special sophistication. nine0004
The photo shows a corner dressing room in the design of a modern hallway.
Open wardrobe
Made in the form of wooden, metal or plastic racks equipped with rails, baskets and hangers. Such a storage system takes up a minimum of space, gives the corridor an easy look, but constantly needs perfect order.
The photo shows a corridor in the interior of the house, equipped with an open wardrobe. nine0004
Closed dressing room
May be small or equipped with several isolated sections. This type of wardrobe allows you to neatly store things, hide from prying eyes and protect from dust. The design is complemented with doors, which are decorated with beautiful fittings, mirrors and other decorative details.
The photo shows a closed dressing room with sliding doors in the hallway interior. nine0004
Entrance hall layout
In some spacious corridor designs, the wardrobe can be separated by a false plasterboard wall and a door can be installed. Thus, it will turn out to create a separate dressing room in the hallway.
For a long and elongated room, the built-in model is mainly used, located along one wall.
Organizing a wardrobe near the front door has significant advantages. This option involves a more convenient change of clothes, and makes it unnecessary to carry clothes through the entire apartment. nine0004
The photo shows the interior of a narrow modern hallway with a wardrobe built into the wall.
In the hallway, which has a non-standard shape and has bevelled corners, beams, various ledges, etc. , it would be appropriate to place a built-in wardrobe, which, unlike rectangular cabinet products, fits more organically into space and saves square meters.
The photo shows a built-in wardrobe in a niche in the design of a small corridor. nine0004
The photo shows the interior of the corridor with a wardrobe located in the closet.
Where is the best location?
The dressing room in the hallway can be arranged in different places. The location will depend on the area of the room, its planning features and design, as well as on the size of the wardrobe itself.
Dressing room in the hallway niche
Many corridor spaces initially have recesses and recesses in which it is appropriate to equip a stylish makeshift dressing room. The wardrobe in the niche is designed in accordance with the surrounding interior. It is left open or supplemented with hinged, sliding or folding doors. They select canvases made of wood, plastic, glass or install sashes with a mirror and laminated surface. nine0004
The photo shows an open wardrobe in a niche in the hallway interior.
In the corner of the hallway
Most often it is the best solution for a corridor in a Khrushchev apartment. Thanks to a well-thought-out internal filling, this design can accommodate the clothes of all family members. The design with the letter p or r will perfectly fit into the corner space, a model of a semicircular or trapezoidal shape.
Dressing room along the wall of the corridor
It is appropriate to place a large wardrobe near one wall in the corridor. A universal option in the hallway is a narrow dressing room in the form of a rectangular rack for outerwear, shoes and hats.
Features of the internal filling
The upper tier is occupied by headwear, the middle section is outerwear, and the lower segment is distributed under shoes.
The main functional parts are rods or pantograph, as well as elements in the form of boxes, shelves, baskets, pull-out trousers, skirts and special sections for household items. nine0004
The photo shows a variant of the interior equipment of a dressing room built into a spacious niche.
A closet is often equipped with shoe organizers, hanging accessory baskets, belt hangers, or even a built-in iron attachment.
Thanks to various accessories and fillers, it turns out to simplify the operation of the dressing room and stimulate the maintenance of perfect order in it.
How to design a dressing room: design ideas
There is an unlimited number of both budget and luxury materials that allow you to create a stylish and original wardrobe design. The most popular solution is to use laminated MDF or chipboard, natural wood, metal, plastic and mirrors.
Mirror facades are unique, they can not only decorate the interior of the hallway, but also adjust its volume and level of lighting.
Naturalness and natural character, will give the interior inserts made of bamboo or rattan. Designs complemented by photo printing with a variety of images that fit the overall interior style look very advantageous. nine0004
The photo shows an oriental-style hallway interior with a wardrobe-compartment decorated with inserts.
A wardrobe with a glass facade decorated with painting, film stained glass, fusing, beveli, batik or fresco will look really interesting and unusual.
Classic style dressing room can be decorated with carved details, skirting boards or pilasters. For doors, patination, gilding are used, and special nets are used to create the effect of aging. nine0004
The photo shows a corner wardrobe with a frosted glass front decorated with drawings.
What if the hallway is small?
In a small corridor, it would be appropriate to place the structure at an angle. For this, a product in the form of a corner wardrobe or a shelving unit with combined closed and open shelves is suitable.