The entryway is the first space guests see when they enter your home.
It’s also one of the most high-traffic areas, as family members come and go each day.
That’s why the entryway deserves special design attention.
One of the best ways to make your entryway functional and inviting is to create a drop zone.
A drop zone is a designated area for stowing away everyday essentials.
It keeps clutter contained so the rest of your home stays clean and organized.
A well-designed drop zone also simplifies your morning routine.
No more frantically searching for your keys, wallet or coat!
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Built-In Lockers
Installing built-in lockers is a savvy way to organize your entryway while adding character.
Lockers provide concealed storage for coats, shoes, bags and anything else that tends to pile up near the front door.
They also give you the opportunity to add a pop of color through the locker doors.
Aim for at least six vertical lockers to accommodate your family’s belongings.
Include a mix of full-length lockers for coats and oversized bags and half-length lockers above for hats, gloves and smaller accessories.
Customize each locker with hooks, shelves and rods as needed.
For a coordinated look, pair built-in lockers with matching cabinetry and trim.
Or intentionally clash the colors and materials, like crisp white lockers against exposed brick walls.
Pay attention to locker style too.
Opt for mesh doors to conceal contents while promoting airflow.
Or go solid for a more streamlined look.
If built-ins are beyond your budget, freestanding lockers are a flexible option.
Look for wall-anchored lockers to maximize floor space in tight entryways.
For rustic charm, try wood-and-wire industrial lockers.
Or sleek things up with contemporary metal locker designs.
Whatever your style, built-in or freestanding lockers are sure to corral entryway clutter in style.
Entryway Bench with Storage
An entryway bench pulls double duty as comfortable seating and concealed storage.
Look for entryway benches with lift-up lids or under-seat drawers to hold everyday items.
Use bins and baskets to neatly organize inside the bench.
When shopping for an entryway bench, be mindful of scale.
Measure your space to ensure the bench doesn’t overwhelm the entry.
Also consider built-in options.
Custom building your bench provides ultimate storage with compartments sized for your family’s needs.
Use your entryway bench to store shoes, hats, gloves, scarves and anything that gets worn or brought in and out each day.
Place the bench near your door under coat hooks or near shoe storage.
Top it with a tray for keys and other small accessories that tend to go astray.
Beyond storage, an entryway bench also provides useful seating.
Now you have a place to sit while tying shoes or waiting for family to get ready to leave.
Look for upholstered benches with thick, comfortable cushions for the homey feel.
Wall-Mounted Coat Racks
Wall-mounted racks instantly add storage for coats, bags and hats in your entryway.
Take advantage of vertical space instead of cluttering up precious floor space.
For open entryways, choose double-sided racks that can be accessed from two directions.
Consider mixing open racks with closed storage as well.
For example, combine a coat rack with cubbies and drawers.
Use the open racks for bulky outerwear and closed storage for gloves, scarves and other easily misplaced items.
When choosing materials, wrought iron, wood and steel are durable options for high-traffic areas.
Racks featuring hooks allow ultimate versatility to hang bags and coats.
Shelves or baskets are useful above for stowing hats and accessory items.
Place your coat rack near your entryway bench or shoe storage.
Make sure it’s easily accessible when you enter and leave your home.
And check the height.
You want racks positioned so coats don’t drag on the floor yet low enough for your kids to reach.
Beyond coats, also consider wall-mounted racks made specifically for entryway storage.
Options like mail sorters, key hooks and leash holders will save time and simplify your coming and going routine.
Stylish Console Table
Console tables are ideal entryway furniture pieces.
Their narrow profile fits well in tight spaces, unlike bulky chests and dressers.
Console tables also provide a place to conveniently stash keys, paperwork and anything else coming into your home.
When shopping for an entryway console table, look for designs with drawer and shelve storage.
Drawers keep clutter contained while shelves let you quickly grab items on your way out the door.
If floor space is especially limited, consider opting for a wall-mounted drop-down desk instead.
To save costs, scout flea markets and antique shops for vintage console tables.
The charm and history of a repurposed piece brings personality to your entry.
Or splurge on a contemporary glass and metal console to give your entry a sleek, modern feel.
Always keep scale and style in mind.
Overly ornate consoles compete with your beautiful entryway accents and furniture.
Go for streamlined silhouettes and neutral, minimalist color palettes.
Then accessorize your console table with a lamp, floral arrangement or artful decor to complete the look.
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Cubby Storage System
Cubby storage is ideal for organizing entryways large and small.
Cubbies keep each family member’s belongings separate, so coats and shoes don’t pile into one jumbled mess.
Labeling each cubby makes it easy for even little kids to put things away properly.
When planning your cubby system, include a mix of open and concealed storage.
Use open cubbies, with just a rod or shelf, for bags, hats and other grab-and-go items.
Then add drawers or cabinets for wallets, sunglasses and personal items you want hidden.
Built-in cubbies maximize storage density in small entryways.
Custom sizes and configurations fit perfectly in your unique space.
Built-ins also allow you to integrate your cubbies with other cabinetry for a seamless, polished look.
But budget-friendly freestanding cubbies get the job done too.
Just be sure to securely anchor them to studs in your wall to prevent accidents.
Place your cubby system near the entry door, either grouped horizontally or stacked vertically.
Cubbies for each family member should be easily accessible coming in and out.
For a command center feel, flank your cubby system with hooks, a mirrored jewelry cabinet and console table.
Entryway Tree
An entryway tree instantly adds character and storage.
Also known as a coat tree, this iconic home accessory displays coats, hats, bags and umbrellas with rustic flair.
Coat trees feature branches outfitted with hooks emerging from a solid trunk.
Designs range from whimsical to majestic.
When selecting a coat tree for your entryway, consider the style of your home.
Playful DIY pipe designs suit laid-back homes.
Ornately carved wood trees match traditional décor.
Sleek metal brings contemporary flair.
Make sure your tree’s base provides stability or securely anchor it to your wall studs.
Place your entryway tree near your front door.
It should be easily accessible but positioned out of your main pathways.
Take care the tree doesn’t block light sources or create overly cramped spaces.
Beyond coats and bags, also use your tree to display scarves, dog leashes or bold statement jewelry.
To maximize small entryways, opt for minimalist coat hooks mounted right on your wall in place of a full tree.
You can mimic the look of tree branches while taking up less space.
Just be sure to securely anchor your coat hooks to avoid accidents.
Entryway Valet Station
Valet stations bring luxury hotel amenities right into your own home.
While space-saving valet rods and wall hooks work in a pinch, a dedicated valet station dials things up a notch.
Situated near your entry door, the valet station provides designated storage so you can drop keys, wallets, phones and other pocket items the second you walk in.
When designing an entryway valet station, include features like:
– Drawers for wallets, sunglasses and personal items
– Trays for loose change, keys and pocket contents
– Charging station for phones and small electronics
– Mirror for quick outfit checks before heading out
– Wall hooks for bags, coats and hats
To save on costs, repurpose a small desk or table as your valet station.
Paint or stain it to match your entryway style.
Add drawer organizers and trays tailored to your storage needs.
For a built-in look, construct your valet station using wall studs and matching wood panels.
Place your valet station near the entry door but out of the main traffic flow.
Make sure to incorporate lighting so the valet is easy to access day or night.
The goal is to make stowing and retrieving your pocket items utterly effortless.
Entryway Bookcase
You likely have some unexpected spare room on the walls along your entryway.
Take advantage of this wasted vertical space by installing wall-mounted bookcases or shelving.
These built-ins provide copious storage without eating up precious floor area.
Use an entryway bookcase or shelves to neatly file away items brought into your home on a daily basis.
Prime examples include mail, kids’ take-home folders from school, library books, devices and chargers, and sports equipment like roller blades or baseball mitts.
Closed bookcase storage hides clutter.
But open shelving works too for items you don’t mind displaying.
Place frequently needed items on lower shelves for convenient access.
Use higher shelves for items used less often or things you are prepared to climb a stool to retrieve occasionally.
When designing your entryway bookcase, pay attention to proportions.
Size the bookcase height and width appropriate to your wall space.
Built-in is ideal, but freestanding bookcases can work too with proper anchoring.
Just remember to leave adequate walkway space and avoid overwhelming the entry.
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Wall-Mounted Mail Organizer
Does mail tend to pile up in your entryway?
Get it off the floor and onto the wall with a mounted mail organizer.
Wall-mounted mail slots keep envelopes neat and accessible near your entry door.
Look for mail organizers with plenty of compartments.
Include slots for each family member, plus spots for newspapers, magazines, coupons and b
Labeling slots avoids mail mix-ups down the line.
For playful flair, spell out your family name using individual mail slots.
If wall space is limited, consider alternate options like an entryway console with built-in mail slots.
Even a coat tree outfitted with hanging folders or pouches can corral mail near the entry.
For the budget conscious, over-the-door clear pouches get the job done too.
Wherever you decide to organize mail, make sure it’s visible and easily accessible.
Position your mail organizer near your front door so sorting mail becomes an automatic part of your daily routine.
No more tossed aside piles of unread mail or frantic searches for misplaced letters and packages.
Mudroom Lockers
Convert an unused nook or corner of your entryway into a dedicated mudroom.
This small but mighty space tackles your family’s daily clutter challenges in style.
Outfit your mudroom with storage solutions chosen specifically for your needs.
Lockers are a classic mudroom essential for good reason.
Much like traditional school lockers, mudroom lockers stash coats, bags, shoes and sports gear neatly in each family member’s assigned cubby.
Lockers may be open or closed with either bars or solid doors.
Built-in lockers maximize mudroom storage.
You can custom design lockers to fit your family’s unique items.
Include hooks, rods, shelves and compartments sized just right.
But budget-friendly freestanding options work well too.
Anchor lockers securely and allow ample space to open doors and cubbies.
Beyond lockers, also incorporate cubbies, cabinets and hooks to meet your family’s needs.
Place items used most often, like jackets and shoes, at your kids’ heights for independence
Complete your mudroom with seating and a mirror for a fully outfitted space.
Basket Organizers
You don’t necessarily need fancy built-ins and expansive storage systems to create an organized entryway.
Affordable basket storage gets the job done with style on a budget.
Utilize baskets to instantly corral hats, gloves, shoes, bags and other entryway items.
Invest in durable baskets sized right for your needs.
Look for soft woven textures in neutral hues to complement your existing décor.
Incorporate a variety of basket shapes and sizes to accommodate different items.
Nesting baskets save space and instantly tidy up your entryway zone.
Stack baskets vertically on open shelving to take advantage of height.
Hang baskets on racks or pegs for easy access.
Tuck baskets under entryway benches, consoles and coat racks too.
Label each basket so family members know exactly where to stash their belongings when they walk in.
Beyond storage, baskets help create warmth and texture in your entryway.
Cleverly styled and arranged baskets make for an inviting vignette.
Plus, all those toys and shoes stashed out of sight improves the aesthetics of this high-traffic zone.
Pegboard Storage
Pegboard offers nearly limitless storage options with visual flair.
Cover an entire entryway wall, or portions, with pegboard.
Then customize with hooks, shelves and bins to store entryway items attractively.
Wooden pegboards bring rustic charm to farmhouse style homes.
Metallic pegboards and hooks add contemporary flair.
Paint or stain your pegboard to blend with existing décor.
Include a centered console table or cubbies for additional concealed storage.
When outfitting your pegboard, consider open hooks for coats and bags.
Add shelves for shoes, baskets or decorative items.
Use bins for gloves and other small accessories.
Look for pegboard accessories with rounded edges to protect little hands.
Arrange your pegboard thoughtfully with frequently needed items at comfortable heights.
Keep things you access daily, like jackets and hats, within young kids’ reach.
Place items used less often higher up.
With so many ways to configure pegboard storage, you can truly customize it to fit your life.
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Recessed Cabinets
Tuck clutter out of sight with built-in, recessed cabinetry flanking your entryway.
Recessed cabinets blend seamlessly into your walls, eliminating visual clutter in your space.
Yet ample storage is still close at hand.
When designing recessed entry cabinets, include cabinets and shelves both deep and narrow.
Use deep cabinets for bulky outwear and sports equipment.
Shallow shelves work for stacked items like shoes, books and baskets.
Pay attention to cabinet height as well.
Place cabinets suited for coats and gear at adult eye level.
Position child-height cabinets for your kids’ belongings.
You may even include cabinets installed near the floor for items rarely accessed, like suitcases.
Choose cabinet doors that complement your décor.
Classic white shaker cabinets bring clean style that showcases beautiful entryway features.
Frosted glass cabinet doors conceal contents while still allowing light to penetrate.
For wide open access, try open shelving instead of traditional cabinets.
There you have it TOP creative ideas for transforming your entryway into an organized drop zone.
Invest in solutions that suit the needs of your household.
Mix and match storages types to maximize both form and function.
Most importantly, embrace organization systems that make your daily routine simpler.
With an organized entryway drop zone, you’ll start and end each day stress-free.
