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7 Essential Design Elements for a Stylish and Organized Entryway

Stylish and organized entryway

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

Entryways, mudrooms, and landing strips in your home are important to have organized. These catch-all spaces are the first rooms you see when you walk in the door. It's where you drop your keys, take off your coats, and leaf through all of those superfluous pieces of mail that arrived throughout the day—which is why it can get so cluttered.

Though it's not always easy, it really is possible to keep this space stylish and organized all year long. But first, you need to discuss the seven elements needed in your entryway so that from the moment you walk through the door, you're right where you want to be.

  • 01 of 07

    Hang Hooks

    Small entryway
    Interior Junkie

    When it comes to getting organized in any space, finding room for wall hooks is vital. This is especially important in entryways, which are usually populated by small objects such as keys and outdoor gear such as coats, hats, and umbrellas. Hooks can work in even the smallest alcove, helping to declutter the floors. There are many sizes, shapes, and styles of hooks out there for you to choose from to fit your space and your needs.

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  • 02 of 07

    Use a Bench

    Small entryway
    The Trans-Atlantic

    Proper seating is a tried and true staple of any good entryway. In your space, finding the right bench is key to creating a room that is not only organized but comfortable and inviting as well. Wooden benches are often used in entryways and mudrooms because they’re easy to clean, you don’t have to worry about the hassle of wet upholstery, and they are very durable.

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  • 03 of 07

    Make Use of Cubbies

    Small and stylish entryway
    Who What Wear

    Cubbies are another popular and far more flexible option for keeping your space tidy. These little cubes can come in a myriad of colors and sizes—and the configurations are endless. The best part about cubbies is that if you have a small room, simply stacking a few together will suffice, and the look can be tailored to your space. They're also pretty inexpensive, so you can afford to get creative.

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  • 04 of 07

    Use a Shoe Holder

    Entryway using Ikea shoe cabinet
    Anna Moseley

    If out of sight, out of mind is your mantra, then having closed storage for your shoes is going to make you very happy. When looking to buy shoe storage for your entryway, make sure it is not too deep and it can hold enough shoes to ensure that you will not need to have any other shoes on the floor (except maybe boots).

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  • 05 of 07

    Hang a Mirror

    Small entryway
    Amber Interiors Design Studio

    If you have the wall space in your entryway for it, think about integrating a mirror into your entryway or mudroom. It’s always good to have that final look before you walk out the door to catch any last-minute snafus. We love the look of this large round mirror in an antique brass-inspired finish.

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  • 06 of 07

    Lay Down a Rug

    Small entryway
    My Domaine

    No matter how many other pieces you have in place, the fact is that an entryway is only as good as its rug. People want rugs that look good and show some personality when they walk into their homes. However, for this high-traffic area, durability is just as important as style; so this might not be the place for your favorite, fragile antique. You will need to look for a rug that can stand up to the elements and people using them to get the elements off of their boots and shoes. The rug will need to be easy to clean with good traction to avoid slips. A wool rug can be a good choice as it reduces noise and naturally resists dirt.

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  • 07 of 07

    Use Baskets for Storage

    Small entryway with baskets
    The Veda House

    Every space in the home could benefit from a basket, and nowhere is this truer than in the entryway. Use floor baskets as catch-alls for accessories such as umbrellas, gloves, and tote bags. And whenever guests come over and there just aren’t enough hooks or spaces on the wall, an extra basket will always come in handy.