Guest Picks: Accessories for a Stylish, Organized Entryway
Tracked-in mud and lost mittens? Not with these entryway finds, which include kid-friendly options
Emily Fazio
September 26, 2014
Cool fall air overtook the summertime humidity nearly overnight in New York, where I live, and my family and I scurried to get our jackets and boots out of storage to keep us warm on those cold mornings trekking off to the school bus — why does school start so early, anyway? Having an organized place to store all of our fall and wintertime accessories (jackets, hats, scarves), as well as everyday items, like purses and mail, is a necessity in a busy household. Because our entryway is just about the last place I’ve focused my decorating energies on lately, diving in to peruse products for this ideabook has been a lot of fun.
To me an entryway is primarily about utility and practicality, so most of the items you see below are chosen for that — but that doesn’t mean that utility has to be unattractive! I’ve selected 20 items that I would totally purchase for my own entryway, in my ever-evolving midcentury modern home. Hope you enjoy (and leave more ideas in the Comments — you guys always have great ideas). — Emily from Merrypad
To me an entryway is primarily about utility and practicality, so most of the items you see below are chosen for that — but that doesn’t mean that utility has to be unattractive! I’ve selected 20 items that I would totally purchase for my own entryway, in my ever-evolving midcentury modern home. Hope you enjoy (and leave more ideas in the Comments — you guys always have great ideas). — Emily from Merrypad
Regardless of the size of your entryway, you’ll be thankful for a classic coatrack that can let you easily drop your jacket and hat as you come and go. I’m probably not the only one who doesn’t always have time for hangers.
A storage shelf that serves multiple purposes is perfect for any entryway. This one is a place where you can drop the mail, a magnetic board for notes that you’re bound to miss otherwise and a sleek clock all in one.
In a generously sized space, make room for seating. What a difference it makes to have a place to sit while you pull your winter boots on and off.
If you don’t have a lot of space, opt for a few stools. A bright red, sleek design is hard to beat — especially at just $5!
A midsize sideboard is the perfect storage place for mittens, hats and scarves so that they’re convenient when you need them, but out of sight the rest of the year.
Vertical space for shoe storage is a must. And since the shoe rack is bound to be out year-round, you might as well make it pretty!
Flor carpet squares are notoriously perfect for entryways. You can customize the size of the rug to fit the area in your home and easily clean each tile or swap it out if it gets irreversibly damaged. Opt for a dark color and pattern to hide all the dirt that your family tracks in.
Over the front door is a great place for a feature light fixture. This one would stop me in my tracks. Awesome, isn’t it?
What to do with all of those tiny kids’ shoes? Toss them into a basket for consolidated keeping. Don’t make the mistake of choosing a canvas or tightly woven basket; opt instead for something like this that permits breathability, will allow damp soles to dry and will let the inevitable dirt and sand be sifted right on down to the floor, where it can be easily swept up.
Need a place to drop keys, cash and loose change? Use a practical, pretty tray that will keep items organized and centralized.
The ears on this eye-catching rabbit-inspired wall hook are angled forward from the wall, making it the perfect hanger for school backpacks. Install one at kid-shoulder-height and let the young ones enjoy having their own storage space.
A formal armoire or wardrobe needn’t be just for the bedroom. If you don’t have a closet in your entryway, invest in a place to hang and conceal extra jackets and out-of-season items.
JCPenney
For a narrow entryway, find a bench with open space beneath for storage baskets to serve as seating.
Woodlore
Invest in quality cedar hangers to store out-of-season jackets. They'll last a lifetime!
A pretty handwoven doormat like this would be a beautiful addition to an entryway. Ah, but could you stand to brush your shoes off on it?
A mirror (big or small) is a must, and you’ll really appreciate having it there that first time it shows you that you’ve spilled your morning coffee down your shirt.
Rejuvenation
Is there something welcoming about a copper welcome sign in an entryway? I think so. It would be a charming little accent in an otherwise utilitarian space.
Keep wooden floors free of moisture by investing in a great mat that absorbs and contains everything that you track in.
JCPenney
I always like a light on in the entryway, but it doesn’t need to be an overhead fixture. A table lamp like this is perfect for a soft glow.
Next: Make the Most of Your Entryway
Next: Make the Most of Your Entryway
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