How to Organize the Barely There Entryway
Whole House Organization Challenge : Week 9
Don't you just love walking into a grand, well organized entryway? I mean there's just something special - regal even - about walking into someone's (or your own) home and having the perfect place for your coat, shoes and personal items.
Sadly, that dream entryway does not exist in my home. What is worse, there's not even a place for me to create a faux representation of one either.
You see, unlike most entryways , my "foyer" is purely utilitarian and virtually non-existent.
One must enter, do the business of removing his coat and shoes, and get outta the way so the person behind will have a chance to do the same. This is not a place to linger.
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In fact two people could not safely stand in it at the same time, for fear of one tumbling down the basement stairs. The meager wall space that exists only allows for a 2.5" clearance behind the door.
If you were with me during last year's WHO Challenge, you may remember the reorganization of my tiny side door entryway below.
I had a great time decluttering this l'il guy, and I'm happy to say that we've pretty much maintained it - to my surprise. Yes, there are times when we stuff it with things like plastic bags, or an overabundance of winter coats and shoes. But for the most part this is it. Really folks. This. Is. It.
RELATED POST: Flare & Function in a Tiny Foyer
But what about the front door? The truth of the matter is that I have even less wall space there than I do here. I'd happily show you a photo, but the area is obscured by several pieces of large furniture that I've sold and am eagerly waiting to have picked up. Definitely not blog worthy at the moment.
Decide Which Items Need to Stay at Your Entryway
So what if - unlike - me you have a bit more space to work with, yet still don't have an actual entryway? How then could you go about creating and organizing one? First, decide which items you'll need to drop there. Here are a few:
- Shoes
- Coats
- Umbrellas
- Hats
- Sunglasses
- Loose Change/Keys
If you place more items in your entryway than those listed above, as the saying goes, you need to get a room. Placing too many things here will quickly turn it into a pigsty. Keep it simple.
Shoes
Our tiny landing can only hold a maximum of two pairs of shoes without it becoming a deathtrap. But those with larger areas can opt for a covered basket or a bench that does double duty as a place to store and put on shoes.
Mail...ahh the great paper chase. Don’t you just love it? This is a never ending battle. Grab the bull by the horns by placing a shredder close by your mail slot. If you don't like the look of a shredder try hiding it in a basket with a lid. The real test though is to not let the mail pile up on top of it. Sorting and shredding the mail the day it arrives is the best solution. Evil, I know. But there's just no other way around it.
Coats
There are a number of options when it comes to coats. Of course the best solution is to use a closet. If that’s not an option for you however, try a coat tree or better yet, consider a wall mounted coat tree or hooks. Notice how these ideas were incorporated in the entryway below, and how they all worked together to make the area functional.
Storage for Umbrellas, Hats, Sunglasses, Loose Change/Keys
Second only to junk mail, these itty bitty things can quickly get out of hand. Having a clearly designated spot for each of them usually helps. A small bowl for change, sunglasses and keys, or hooks for purses and hats are a good place to start.
A slim profile rolling bar cart or a short bookcase are also awesome choices. When you need the space, simply roll cart out of the way. A short bookcase on the other hand provides storage for shoes and bags, along with a top surface for emptying out your pockets. I love this idea!
TIP: Use the backside of your furniture to create a "hallway", or an additional "wall". The result will be a small open concept "room" specifically for your entrance.
I love the way the homeowner below created the illusion of an entryway and included all the elements needed to keep in orderly. The only thing I'd probably add is a small mirror for a last minute check before heading out the door.
You'll be surprised how organizing this small area will add to the smooth function of your home. No more running around at the last minute trying to find things. There will now be a place to drop those easy-to-lose necessities. What a relief!
- Do you have a small foyer or a barely-there foyer?
- What are your secrets for keeping it organized?
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Merci Beaucoup!
