While they're crucial for keeping cozy in cold weather, winter coats can undoubtedly be cumbersome, bulky, and tricky to store.
After all, you need them to be accessible and easy to grab as you head out the door, but definitely don't want them to take up valuable space in your entryway, or give a cluttered and chaotic first impression to holiday guests as they walk through the door.
For that reason, we spoke to our professional organizers for their advice and wisdom on the best storage ideas for winter coats, for saving space without compromising on style this season. Here's what they had to say.
The Best Storage Buys for Storing Winter Coats in an Entryway
1. Wall Hooks
They're simple yet oh-so-effective: The humble wall hook, or hooks, are the top pick of Tracy McCubbin, CEO and founder of dClutterfly, for organizing an entryway.
'My favorite extra storage for overflow winter jackets is something so simple and accessible: these wall-mounted coat hooks available at Amazon,' she says. 'You can install as many as you need in your entryway, and place them in the exact spots you need. They will keep your entryway free from haphazardly thrown coats and bags this season!'
While they won't necessarily help to reduce visual clutter in an entryway, keeping coats off the floor or seating is one of the golden rules for a clutter-free entryway, and choosing the right hooks can make a tasteful statement without committing to a larger piece of furniture.
Plus, there are plenty of ways to use hooks to increase storage, making them versatile all-rounders.
2. Hall Trees
Next, I spoke to Ben Soreff, professional organizer at House to Home Organizing, who suggests investing in this Hall Tree With Bench And Shoe Storage, available at Wayfair.
'When it comes to these types of items, we want a small footprint,' he advises. 'Additionally, the key to using this item is all about habit and not letting items collect on the hooks. Most items that are not used often should live in the person's room.'
After all, as Ben highlights, shoes do tend to collect in entryways, as do jackets and bags. With this small entryway storage idea, though, there's enough room for everything you might need.
'Do a summer to winter swap and only keep everyday shoes in the entryway,' continues Ben. 'We want the system to be easy to use, without shoes falling through.'
Additionally, 'Clear plastic bins [available at Walmart] work well for each family member's items like hats and gloves,' he adds, and can be slotted into hall trees to keep everything categorized and organized. 'However, we don't want to just collect items, so a regular review is important.'
To really make the most of your space, if your hall tree has a hanging rail, Allison Flanders, founder of ORG NYC, also recommends using slim felt hangers, such as the bestselling HOUSE DAY Black Velvet Hangers, available at Amazon.
'You can instantly gain up to 30% more hanging space just by swapping out bulky wooden or plastic handers for slim felt ones,' she advises. 'They save space efficiently and make it easier to see what you actually own, which helps you keep only what you wear and love.' You can also, of course, use velvet hangers in your closet storage ideas, too, for a budget-friendly way to boost your storage space.
Additional benefits, she adds, include an increased capacity without overcrowding, better visibility of what you own, reduced visual clutter, and a greater versatility for different types of clothing.
3. Coat Racks
Finally, says Courtney Cummings, owner and founder of The Stylish Organizer, 'If you don’t have a designated coat closet or simply have some overflow, consider looking to your walls for some assistance. I love using the wall-mounted TJUSIG Hanger available at IKEA in entryways.
'Not only is it a great price, but the size allows you to stack two vertically or place two side by side to maximize your wall space. It doubles as a bag and hat hook, all without taking up any precious floor space. The tall thin design works well in smaller spaces where a horizontal coat rack option may not.'
Alternatively, suggests Tracy, opt for a free-standing model, such as the Simple Houseware Standing Coat and Hat Hanger Organizer Rack available at Amazon.
'It's portable, and you can use it for every season,' she says. 'But my favorite trick for extra winter coats is to declutter, because how many of them are you actually wearing?'
What to Shop
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
This Anthropologie hook is gorgeous yet functional, with an antiqued brass finish and acacia wood base.
This sturdy and stable hall tree includes a hanging rod, shoe bench, shoe rack, and coat hooks, to provide an all-in-one freestanding storage solution, and a seat to change shoes.
Add some fun and flair to your entryway wall decor ideas with this brass-plated aluminum rack, complete with four hooks.
This coat rack has a heavy, round base for superior stability, even when loaded with multiple heavy winter coats.
These velvet hangers are strong, slim, and durable, with notched shoulders to prevent items from shifting and slipping.
This coat rack features a space-saving, classic design and versatile multi-room usability, with eight hooks and three shelves.
Meet the Experts
Avoid keeping these things making your entryway look cluttered, for a more serene space. After all, there are plenty of things you should never store in your entryway, including too many shoes and bulky furniture.
