24 ways to have an organized entrance hall this winter

Come winter, the average entrance hall looks something like this: puffy parkas piled high on tiny hooks, tangled scarves trailing into puddles of melted snow, dripping boots falling over onto each other and the odd lost mitten or glove hiding in the corner. Or, is that just us? No, we didn’t think so.

A spacious mudroom would solve the winter clutter problem. Yet, the reality is that most of us need solutions that make sense for small entryways or even no entryway at all. If you’re not looking to renovate, you can still create a beautiful entrance hall with these entryway essentials.

Photo credit: New Africa

Even the tiniest of entrance halls need a few key pieces of furniture for maximum function: a place to sit to lace up boots, a place to hang your coat, and a place to drop your keys. Try these creative ideas to make your entryway work harder:

• If space allows, create a storage console from kitchen or similar cabinetry
• Add adhesive hooks to the inside of cabinet doors to hang small items, like the dog leash
• Flip a narrow vertical bookcase on its side to create bench seating with boot storage below
• Remove the coat closet door and add a bench and wall hooks to create an entry nook
• A console table with a lower shelf functions as a drop zone with room for storage baskets below
• If space is too tight for a table with legs, get the same effect with a floating wall shelf
• A standing coat rack or hall tree keeps hanging coats looking tidy
• A bench with a hinged top is a place to sit and provides bonus hidden storage for winter gear
• Metal school lockers offer tons of closed storage and can be painted to match your decor

Chilly Canadian winters call for the right gear, and lots of it. Use these clever techniques to tuck away the whole family’s woolly toques and mittens with ease.

• Find the combination of bins, baskets, and boxes that creates the most hidden storage possible
• Attach decorative labels to help keep bins organized
• Make use of vertical space by mounting shelves above the door for less frequently used items; a small step stool ensures shelves are accessible and doubles as a seat
• A wall-mounted pegboard can be covered with hooks to hang hats and scarves
• Use a picture ledge to corral keys, wallets, phones, and sunglasses
• Repurpose a magazine file to hold incoming mail or a stash of PPE
• A wide-mouthed planter or umbrella holder can double as storage for winter sports equipment or a bag of ice melt

Because it’s the first thing visitors see, your entrance hall should be a reflection of your personal style. Make over your foyer into a modern entrance hall with these fun, and functional, accessories:

• Cover a plastic boot tray with a layer of large pebbles or river rock to keep boots from sitting in puddles
• Choose a durable indoor/outdoor carpet to protect the flooring from drips
• Hang a large mirror (ideally full length) to check your look and make the space appear bigger
• Frame a pretty piece of artwork or an inspirational quote
• Add some greenery with live or silk plants
• Set out a decorative bowl or dish to catch contents of your pockets
• If there’s a spare outlet nearby, invest in a boot dryer to ensure toasty toes
• Fill a decorative basket with pairs of slippers for the whole family (plus extras for visitors)