Home Hang-up: Problem Solving Entryway Chaos
Ideas for organizing the coats, shoes, and dumping zones.
When I proposed the question “What are your biggest hang-ups in your home?”, the entry way/lack of mudroom areas seemed to be the most requested. What do we do with all of the shoes? And coats? How can we change the visual clutter of it all??
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I relate all too well as this has been the pain point of every home we have lived in. After moving into our current home, we decided to convert the side patio into a mudroom as we are desperate need of some coat and shoe storage. (Old homes are sorely lacking in closet space!) We have the walls done, but have yet to build the benches and cabinets. It has become a nice dumping ground for snow clothes, shoes, and coats over the last few months. Needless to say, this topic has been on my mind for months as I look for solutions for our own home!
Let’s start with the no closets, no mudroom scenario, shall we?
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If you have a smaller foyer with some wall space to work with, there are a few things that could help maximize the area.
Wall hooks and ledge - This can add some character to the wall and even leave room for some art and decor while also providing the functionality of being able easily hang your jackets and umbrellas!
Baskets - While baskets aren’t ideal for the snow season, they can be a great option for dry weather! If you have little ones where shoes seem to scatter anywhere and everywhere, this is a great way for them to have a designated spot to place and find their things. I tried this out temporarily in our side entry and put a few boxes and baskets out for shoes, hats, and gloves. This made it easier for my little ones to know where to toss things once they come inside. If shoes are wet or muddy then they stay on the mat!
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Shelving - If you plan to build out an entry area, a hook and shelves combo can provide the designated zone for everything needed before leaving the house. A deeper ledge above coat hooks also provides space for baskets to store additional cold weather gear.
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Storage benches - We found a storage bench on facebook marketplace and use that for shoes while we are working on the mudroom. It works surprisingly well since it’s an easy place to toss shoes for kids once they enter. Shoes need to be somewhat clean though so proceed with caution;)
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Cabinets - If you are lacking closet space, storage cabinets can be a great way to add one to your first floor! If there is a small area in a laundry room, foyer, or even hallway - A cabinet can allow to hide away the visual clutter of both coat and shoe storage. (I struggle with visual clutter, hence why I tend to love all the cabinets and basket options.) We have used the IKEA Pax closet system before, and it has an incredible amount of space and customizable options for a great price point.
(via SamanthaJo Interiors)
Vintage coat racks - I just recently stayed at an Airbnb with my sisters that had a vintage coat rack right by the door. I absolutely loved the look and feel. Something straight out of a cozy movie. It held all of our coats well!
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Closet layering - If you do have some closet space, you can get creative with making it work for the whole family. Adding a few different storage and hanging options can maximize the small space. If little ones can’t reach a coat hanger, try adding some baskets on the floor space or even lower placed hooks. I used these heavy duty temporary hooks for two rows of hooks, and they have held up surprisingly well.
(mirror // console table // baskets // coat rack // vase // flowers // candlestick holders)
(coat rack // mirror // storage bench // olive tree)
Leaving you with a few entry design ideas to get your wheels turning!
Off to organize the troops for the Saturday clean up routine.
Happy weekend,
Anna