Designing an entryway is all about balancing functionality and style. Not only do entryways offer guests a glimpse into your interior design style, but they also need to house practical items for daily use.
By embracing the best entryway ideas, you can create a functional, space-efficient entryway that comfortably stores shoes, coats, and general daily items without compromising aesthetic appeal.
Here, we've rounded up a selection of clever entryway storage ideas, as explained by experts, to give you some inspiration for this small but important room. From sleek built-in storage to console tables and benches, these ideas cater to roomy entryways and much more compact spaces.
1. Integrate Clever Built-in Storage
One of the most space-efficient and functional ways to create entryway storage ideas is to opt for built-in storage designed specifically for your space. With no freestanding furniture, entryways like this feel streamlined, and you can even hide larger appliances, suggests interior designer Katharine Pooley.
"Often a source of daily chaos – the entryway can be easily overlooked," Katherine says. "At my countryside home, I reimagined this space to be both beautiful and functional. Generous concealed storage keeps clutter at bay, while elegant baskets add texture and purpose. Even a chest freezer has been seamlessly hidden."
2. Choose a Console Table With Deep Drawers
If you're looking for storage ideas for small spaces, a console table offers both aesthetic appeal and space to store items, says interior designer Andrea Goldman:
"In projects where space is limited, such as a condo, we love to pick pieces that serve a dual purpose – looking good while remaining functional," Amdrea tells us. "In our Chicago High-Rise project, we utilized a gorgeous Jean de Merry console table in a custom finish with deep, wide drawers. The piece is aesthetically pleasing and helps to create separation between the property’s foyer and the rest of its spaces, providing a convenient location for storage. The large drawers hide items, making the space's design cleaner."
3. Or, Keep Your Space Open With an Understated Console
In small entryways, there's no need to house bulky items, meaning an understated, simple console table with no drawers is all that's needed for housing smaller items such as keys.
"Most people go for a place to store shoes and coats, but in this case, the house has a secondary entrance for the coat cupboard," says Alicia Meireles, creative director at OWN LONDON. "We wanted to dress the entrance with something that didn’t look too blocky or overpowering, hence the light color similar to the walls. Perfect to finish the space and draw the attention elsewhere, like the art and the beautifully colored glass door."
4. Add a Room Divider to Define Your Entryway
In open-plan homes, it can be beneficial to use a room divider to clearly define the entryway, helping to ensure clutter doesn't spill into the living areas.
"Defining an area as 'the entry' lets everyone know that that’s where the clutter goes – not on the couch, not on the kitchen table," says interior designer Kress Jack of Kress Jack Interiors. "Adding a pony wall or room divider suggests a separate space without having to carve out too much of the existing room. Adding a coat rack and bench for shoes to be removed sets the stage for unloading all the day's burdens."
5. Include Open Storage as Well as Closed
While closed storage allows for bulky items to remain hidden, incorporating open shelving ideas can help add character to an entryway. "A considered mix of open and closed storage enhances both practicality and style," explains Felix Milns, founder of HUX London. "Open shelving keeps frequently used items accessible, encouraging tidiness through visibility, while closed cabinetry conceals less-used belongings, maintaining a serene and seamless aesthetic."
6. Add a Freestanding Bench Beneath a Mirror
Not only do small entryway benches add aesthetic appeal, but they also allow for extra storage. Opt for a simple bench with space underneath for housing small items while keeping them visible. This feels a lot less bulky than closed storage, and positioning it underneath a wall mirror identifies the space as a getting-ready zone.
"The key is selecting pieces that feel intentional rather than purely utilitarian," says interior designer Nadia Watts. "When every item has its place, the space naturally feels calmer, curated, and welcoming."
7. Add Charm With a Vintage Wooden Dresser
When deciding on the best entryway storage ideas for your space, make sure they align with your interior design style. You should aim for your chosen storage to feel in keeping with the rest of your home, and if your style leans toward modern rustic decor, a vintage wooden dresser is a failsafe choice, adding both charm and function.
"Storage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style," says designer Meg Lonergan. "In this entryway, we introduced a stunning Swedish antique – equal parts elegant and functional – that now serves as a chic solution for storing shoes."
8. Cleverly Combine Seating With a Storage Bench
For hidden storage ideas, look no further than a comfortable seating bench that doubles as a home for bulky items underneath.
"An upholstered storage bench is a stylish and practical choice, seamlessly blending form and function," says Patricia Gibbons, head of design at sofa.com. "It keeps everyday footwear neatly tucked away yet always within easy reach, helping to maintain a clean and uncluttered space. Hidden compartments offer a versatile storage solution, not just for shoes, but for scarves, bags, umbrellas, or those seasonal essentials that deserve a dedicated, discreet spot."
"Choose a design with a padded top to add an extra layer of comfort and convenience, creating an inviting place to sit, slip off your shoes, or simply pause and unwind as you transition in or out of your home. Keep it considered too and choose a design that complements your decor – whether it’s sleek and modern or rich with rustic warmth," says Patricia.
9. Make it Colorful
While a freestanding storage locker is one of the best ways to conceal clutter in an entryway, it's also an opportunity to incorporate the best colors for entryways. Instead of playing it safe with neutrals, why not go for a bold hue such as this cheery yellow cabinet?
And while a colorful piece of furniture adds design flair and reflects personality, designers say it can make the space feel more sleek: "Solid colors will allow for a cleaner and more streamlined look, while any surface with a lot of veining or movement will only add to the clutter," explains Courtney Brannan, Principal at New York-based Champalimaud Design.
10. Optimize Height With Vertical Storage
"A well-designed entryway should marry elegance with efficiency, making the most out of the space available," says Emily Pickett, designer at Kitchens by Holloways. "Bespoke cabinetry and custom storage solutions, such as integrated wardrobes, will not only hide clutter but elevate the entire space."
If your entryway benefits from tall ceilings, make the most of the height with entryway closet ideas, using the available space without taking up much floor space.
This entryway storage idea is a favorite for Melissa Read, creative director at Studio Burntwood, who adds: "We often design full-height cabinetry with discreet panelled fronts to hide coats, umbrellas, and the daily miscellany that so easily clutters a space. An entryway should feel calm and composed; it's the first space you enter after a long day, and it’s the first impression for guests."
11. Even a Simple Wall Hook Can Do the Job
Wall hooks make tossing boots, hats, coats, and more quick and easy enough that even the laziest resident can make the effort. Hang one at the entryway wall but if the space is limited, consider hanging a hook along a staircase wall or a passageway wall.
"We wanted to create an entry space that was bright and whimsical, so we used lots of bright colors and overlaid the plaid patterns from the floor tile to the walls to the accessories," says Mark Lavender, principal designer and founder of M. Lavender Interiors. "We added more layers to the client’s artwork collection, particularly the skateboard with the message – Don’t be a Jerk. It acts as inspiration for every time you leave this home and go out into the world. The foyer of this home was very small and there was no space for a chest or other storage furniture in the space, so we added this heart-shaped backplate to a formal piece of cabinet hardware to create this hook for the vibrant plaid tote bag to act as a place for keys, flashlights, etc."
12. Incorporate Storage for Your Letter Box
"This Altura cabinet was customized with an open back to catch mail coming through the slot, keeping this entryway clean & organized," says Aaron Mollick, co-founder of Studio AM Architecture.
Tuck in a freestanding piece that will not only allow you to display personal items, decor pieces, or fresh flowers but will also be practical to drop smaller items such as keys and mail as you go in and out of the house. If you have an interesting entryway or hallway flooring, then show it off by choosing a storage unit that is open from below. A light unit like this will not hamper sightlines and give the space a seamless look.
13. Give Everybody Their Own Space
Keeping entryway storage uncluttered can be tricky when not everything has its own space, so I like this idea by Fredrick Tang Architecture for a seating area with storage that feels like it'd be great for a home with multiple children.
“The family wanted a beautiful home but knew the practicalities of the kids and all their belongings," design director Barbara Reyes says. "The story of this home is about revealing and concealing, whether it's a work from home office and guest bedroom tucked away behind water-colored fabric panels, or sliding tambour to hide a kid's shoes, the result is a seamless effect.”
Three seats and three separate storage spaces means that everyone can be responsible for keeping their own entryway storage space tidy.
FAQs
What can I use if I don't have an entryway closet?
If you're looking for entryway storage ideas but don't have the space for a closet or cabinet, then worry not. There are several ways you can include storage in this space. To start with, you could consider installing floating shelves on the walls, for a natural, minimalist vibe. Wall hooks or even knobs are a great invention, and allow you to hang coats, hats, umbrellas, and keys easily. Don't want to busy up the walls? Place wire racks, baskets, to even hat stands on the floor, and move them out of the way when not in use. That apart, if you're looking for creative ideas, you could prop a ladder or a rail and use them as units to hang things on.
If you're ready for a reno and want to give your entryway a smart, clean look, consider hidden units behind wall paneling. This will not only give the space a stylish look but also add oodles of functionality.
Whether your entryway is light and airy with ample space or is much narrower and needs to make use of clever space-optimizing solutions, there are plenty of entryway storage ideas that offer both function and style. If you're looking for more help with curating this space, familiarize yourself with entryway mistakes to avoid to ensure a well-thought-through space.
