How to Make Your Small Entryway Organized and Beautiful

If you’re looking to organize your home, there’s no better place to begin than the entrance to your home. Here is how to make your small entryway organized and beautiful.

Your entryway is the first impression your home makes to your guests. What atmosphere does the entrance to your home create? Does it say, “Welcome”?

It’s also the first area your family sees when they return home after a long, busy, and often exhaustive day. Does your front porch and entryway whisper “Relax, You’re Home”? Or does it scream, “Chaos Resides Here!”?

Organize the Entrance to Your Home

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The entrance to your home is the simplest yet most important area to organize. Begin here, and you will see an immediate change in the orderliness of your home and your life.

Why? Because if you create an area that organizes your keys, coats, and purse, then these items won’t get thrown on the floor, placed on the kitchen table, or dumped in another room. And, when it’s time to leave your house, you won’t have to waste time searching for these items. They will all be within easy reach, saving you time, energy, and frustration.

But what if you don’t have an entryway or a lot of space around your door? What if your front door opens directly into your living room or your kitchen? It doesn’t matter. You still need a space to place your items, even if it’s just a shelf with hooks on the wall or a basket by the door.

So how do you organize the entrance of your home and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere?

Steps to Organize the Entrance to Your Home

Declutter

Your first step is to remove anything that shouldn’t be on the front porch or in your foyer.  

Clean

Once you’ve put those items away, clean the area. Begin outside on the front porch. Shake off the dirt on the welcome mat and sweep the steps and porch. Brush off away any cobwebs on the ceiling, corners, and walls. Then clean the front door, making sure to polish the doorknobs and knocker. And don’t forget to clean the doorbell. Finish the front porch by dusting or wiping down any outside furniture.

From there, move on to the inside entrance of your home. Brush away the cobwebs from the ceilings and walls. Then dust any furniture in the area. And finish by sweeping or vacuuming the floor.

Organize

Create storage for all the items that need to be stored there: Keys, Purse, briefcase, hats, scarves, gloves, boots, dog’s collar, and leash, and any other items that may be needed when you leave the house.

Consider these storage options that will keep your small entryway organized and beautiful.

Storage Solutions for Your Small Entryway

Repurposed Furniture

Consider a piece of furniture that may not be designed for the entryway but would suit your storage needs. A small dining room buffet is an excellent choice for storage. The silverware drawer is perfect for storing keys and other smaller items. Plus, you’ll have space for gloves and mittens. A bedroom dresser can offer plenty of storage space for most of the items on the list above. Be creative and think outside the norm. You may be surprised with the ideas you come up with.’

The small, vintage buffet in the picture above sets next to the side entrance door of our home. This is where we usually the entrance we use and this little buffet keeps everything in order. The wood dowel on the side was originally made to hold tea towels, but is great for hanging keys and my purse. Plus, there’s plenty of drawer and cabinet space to easily store everything we need.

Armoire or Wardrobe

If you have adequate space in your area, you may want to use an armoire or wardrobe as a stand-alone closet.

A Storage Bench with a Cushioned Seat

Another option is a storage bench. In addition to storage space, a bench provides you a place to sit down to put on or take off shoes or boots.

A Coat Rack or Hooks on the Wall

Coat racks and hooks will hold coats, purses, bags, dog leashes, and umbrellas. And remember, all the hooks do not have to hang at the same height. If you have small children at home, lower some of your hooks so the kids can easily reach them.

Baskets

Place baskets on a shelf mounted above the wall hooks to store gloves, scarves, and other small items.

Pet Supplies

You can hang dog leashes from a hook near the door. A small tote containing plastic poop bags and outside dog toys can also be hung from the hook. Then when it’s time for “Rover’s” walk, just grab the leash and tote bag as you head out the door.

Keys

Designate a spot for your keys, such as on a hook, or in a basket or bowl. Choose what looks and works best for you.

Decorate Your Entryway

Now that your entryway is clean and organized, add some decorative touches to creative a welcoming atmosphere. Place a pretty wreath on the outside front door or a planter filled with flowers by the door. And if you don’t already have one, purchase a “Welcome” Mat.

Inside, add some personal touches that reflect your family’s personality: A collection of framed family photographs, a vase filled with flowers or a potted plant, a decorative lamp, etc.

So, consider investing a few minutes this week to make your small entryway organized and beautiful. Your home will look better, and you’ll enjoy that “welcome home” feeling every time you walk through the door.

For more organizing tips, check out these posts:

#1 Secret of an Organized Kitchen

The Easy and Quick Way to Declutter and Organize Your Bathroom