Entryway Essentials: How to Style and Organize Your Home Like a Pro

A home entryway is the first space that guests see when they visit your home and makes that all-important first impression. It is also typically the starting point of your day as your family heads out the door to work or school. A stylishly organized entryway not only creates a warm and inviting space, it can also help to get your day off to a calmer start and provide a welcoming space to come home to at the end of the day when kept tidy and well-organized.

We asked EYA’s longtime home storage and organization partner, The Tailored Closet, for some top tips on entryway organization. Read on to learn more about how an organized entryway can benefit your daily routine and essential storage items, along with a bonus section on organizing mudrooms.

Benefits of an Organized Entryway

A well-organized entryway is more than just a functional space — it sets the stage for a stylishly organized, more peaceful home. By creating a habit of keeping this area tidy, you’ll not only save time but also enjoy a more welcoming and efficient home environment for you and your guests.

A well-organized entryway can help to:

1. Streamline Morning Routines

A clutter-free entryway can set the tone for your entire day. With designated spots for shoes, coats, bags, and keys, you'll avoid the frantic search for missing items. Having everything in its place means no more scrambling to find your car keys or last-minute rushes to grab your jacket. It’s a simple change that can save you time. 

2. Enhance Functionality

An organized entryway is all about making your life easier. Items such as wall hooks, baskets, and a coat tree can help you drop off your things efficiently without clutter building up. Plus, if you have kids, a tidy entryway ensures that backpacks and jackets have their own spot, making after-school transitions smoother and creating responsibility for one’s items.

3. Create a Welcoming Atmosphere

First impressions are powerful, and a neat entryway creates a warm welcome for anyone who walks through your door. It sets a positive tone for your home, making it feel more inviting. A well-maintained space can also give you a sense of peace and calm as it’s often the first place you see when you come home.

4. Prevent Clutter from Spreading

The entryway can quickly become a catch-all zone, where things pile up and spill into other areas of the house. With a few organizational systems in place, you can prevent clutter from spreading throughout the house and keep your living spaces feeling open and serene. By creating a habit of keeping this area tidy, you’ll not only save time but also enjoy a more welcoming and efficient home environment.

Essential Items for Storage & Organization

Enter a newly organized way of life with these essential storage and organizational items. Which systems may be best for you depends on the items you would like to keep at your entry. Would you like a place for shoes? If so, a bench with shoe storage may be an essential item for you. Does your family drop off their coats at the entry? If so, then designated hooks for each family member may be the ideal solution for you. Below are some options for systems to keep your entryway neat and tidy and your family organized. 

Bench with Built-In Storage

A storage bench is the perfect two-in-one solution for your entryway. It provides a convenient spot to sit while putting on shoes and can hide clutter such as shoes or winter gloves. If there isn't any built-in storage under the bench, you can use baskets or place shoe mats to keep dirty shoes off the floor. Opt for a bench design that complements your home’s aesthetic, whether a sleek modern bench or a rustic wooden style with woven baskets tucked underneath.

Wall Hooks, Peg Rails & Wall Organizers

Hooks, peg rails and wall organizers are great options for keeping coats, bags, and hats off the floor. They’re easy to install and versatile enough to fit any space, from a compact entryway to a grand foyer. Consider organizing hooks by family member or purpose, such as a designated spot for dog leashes or reusable shopping bags. Be sure to place hooks for the kids at a lower level so they are easy to reach.  

The photo below shows an example of an organization system used by The Tailored Closet. This Hafele Tag Symphony Organizer is very versatile (width and number of bars can be customized) and can adapt to your changing needs!

Storage Baskets and Bins

Baskets and bins are lifesavers for collecting small, everyday items. Use them to store umbrellas, gloves, or even mail. Natural woven baskets add a cozy, textural element to your decor, while stackable bins keep things tidy and are perfect for families. 

Cabinet or Console Table with Drawers

A console table is both practical and stylish, providing a surface for keys, wallets, and other daily essentials. A thinner console table or cabinet is best for smaller entryways. Cabinets can provide lots of storage tucked away with shelving and hooks inside the cabinet doors. 

Or if you prefer a table, select one with built-in drawers for hidden storage or open shelving to showcase decorative storage boxes. Pair it with a lamp or small decor items to make your entryway feel warm and welcoming. You could also place a small upholstered stool underneath the table to have seating available when putting on/taking off your shoes without taking up extra space. 

The experts at The Tailored Closet recommend a “zone” methodology when designing an efficient entryway: When everything has a specific place where it “lives,” organization becomes naturally easier. 

Shoe Rack or Cubbies

Shoes often become the biggest source of clutter in an entryway. A shoe rack or cubby system can help keep footwear organized and off the floor. For larger households, consider tiered shoe racks or modular cubbies that allow everyone to have their own designated space.

Mirror with Shelf Storage

For small entryways, wall-mounted mirrors with integrated shelving can be a great addition. They serve a dual purpose: a place to check your appearance before heading out and a shelf for essentials like sunglasses or mail. Mirrors also make tight spaces feel larger and brighter.

Catch-All Trays and Bowls

Designate a spot for loose items like keys, change, or earbuds with a stylish catch-all tray or bowl. Place it on a console table or wall shelf to prevent clutter from spreading. It’s a simple addition that makes staying organized effortless.

Umbrella Stands

Umbrella stands are both practical and elegant. They keep wet umbrellas contained, preventing water from pooling on your floors, and come in a variety of designs to suit your style. Look for options that are easy to clean and durable enough for regular use.

Wall-Mounted Shelving

Vertical storage is a smart way to maximize space in your entryway. Wall-mounted shelves can hold decorative boxes or baskets for concealed storage as well as decorative plants, books, or framed photos for a personal touch. Shelves that have hooks below provided added options for storing keys, hats, scarves, umbrellas and more. 

Pinboard

A cute pinboard can help keep your household on track. Use it to pin items such as appointment reminders or post notes for family members. Many boards also come with integrated hooks or clips, adding even more functionality to your entryway setup.

Coat Tree

If you don't have a closet in your entryway, a coat tree could be a good option to keeping coats organized. While wall hooks may be best for small spaces, a coat tree can be a nice option if you have a little more room and like to add a stylish piece to complement your decor. 

Closet Organization

If you are lucky to have a dedicated coat closet in your entryway, use it to full potential! Add closest organization systems within the closet such as hooks on the door for purses, baskets for gloves and scarves, over the door storage, or small shelving units. 

Make it Stylish

While entryways should be functional, as the first point that guests see when entering your home, it should also be stylish and match your home decor. The entryway should reflect your unique style and lifestyle, and decorative touches like rugs, wall art, mirrors, accent lighting, and distinctive hardware will personalize your design and make coming home a joy. Here are a few tips:

• Increasing the light in your entryway will make it more inviting, as well as easier to find your essentials. Make a style statement with decorative lamps, wall sconces or a show-stopping chandelier.
• Match colors and finishes to the rest of your home’s décor. From the paint to the furnishings, make sure the colors, materials and finishes go with the theme throughout your home. If you have a minimalist home, use a thin console table and sleek coat tree. Or if you have a beachy themed home, add a white bench, hooks for sun hats and a basket for flip flops. 
• Add a mirror. Mirrors can make spaces look larger and are useful for any last minute check-ins before you head out the door. 
• Use decorative items that go with the rest of your home. This could include small plants, colorful pillows on a bench, decorative trays to keep keys and small items, and wall art.  

Bonus: Mudroom Organization Tips

While the entryway should be a stylish space seen by guests, the mudroom can be a more functional workhorse designed for practicality. Here are some storage solutions ideas to make the most of this larger, utility-focused area:

Expand Storage with Built-In Cubbies

• Provide each family member with their own cubby for coats, shoes, and backpacks.
• Add bins or baskets inside the cubbies to organize smaller items like gloves or hats.

Add a Durable Bench

• A sturdy bench makes putting on shoes easier, and many designs include storage underneath.
• Choose a water-resistant material to handle wet gear after a rainy day.

Install Overhead Shelves

• Use overhead shelving for seasonal items like beach towels, holiday decorations, or sports equipment.
• Label bins or boxes to keep stored items easy to identify.

Use Wall-Mounted Organizers

• Install hooks, rails or other wall organization systems for customizable storage of tools, cleaning supplies, or pet leashes.
• Magnetic strips or pegboards can keep smaller items, like keys or flashlights, within easy reach.

Create a Cleaning Station

• Designate a spot for wiping down shoes or drying off pets before they enter the house.
• Include a rubber mat for muddy boots and a towel rack for quick clean-ups.

Add a Laundry Basket

• If space allows, use a laundry basket or bin for sorting laundry by family member or type. 
• This could be useful for containing dirty socks or wet towels.

Make It Kid-Friendly

• Hang hooks or shelves at a lower height so kids can access their belongings independently.
• Include bright colors or fun decor to make their space inviting.
• If the kids are into sports, use baskets/bins for balls and special hooks for rackets and skis. Large items such as skateboards could be placed inside a bench.

Keep It Functional and Stylish

• While mudrooms prioritize function, cohesive design elements like matching bins or a color-coordinated system maintain visual appeal and should be coordinated with the rest of the home. 
• Below is an example of a customized mudroom organization system by The Tailored Closet. 

Additional Links & Resources

Storage & Organization:

• 12 Entryway Storage Ideas for Those With Tiny Entryways
• 10 Entryway Organization Ideas That Will Streamline This Busy Space

Entryway Decor:

• 25 Small Entryway Ideas That Are Equal Parts Pretty and Practical
• 20 Entryway Decor Ideas to Greet Guests in Style

Mudroom Organizing:

• 26 Mudroom Designs That Embrace Style and Function
• 33 Mudroom Ideas That Will Inspire You to Get Organized

Conclusion

Transforming your entryway into a stylishly organized space not only creates a warm and inviting first-impression for guests, it can also help to get your day off to a calmer start and provide a welcoming space to come home to at the end of the day.

If you'd like to learn more about custom storage and organization solutions for your entryway, visit The Tailored Closet and schedule a private consultation.