8 Smart Ways to Lay Out Your Entryway

The entryway of your home sees it all, so keeping it well-decorated and functional is key. While it’s easy to let this space be a magnet for clutter, it can truly be so much more when you acquire the right pieces.

However, finding a layout that works well with your space can be tricky, so the key is to be creative and think a bit outside the box when selecting pieces to display in this area. Here are a few of our favorite setups and solutions.

This setup serves as a handy getting ready or unloading station for those coming in and out of the house. Drawers are useful for stashing unsightly but essential items like a portable phone charger or book of stamps. A stack of books and magazines brings color to the space while also corralling a large collection.

Stacked crates serve as a makeshift table, but we’re kind of loving the end result, which provides ample storage for mail and knickknacks. The best part is that shelves can easily be added or removed based on how much space is available.

Entryways are the perfect spot for a gallery wall — you and your guests are guaranteed to see your favorite pieces when passing through this high-trafficked area. Art and other hanging decor is an excellent way to dress up an oversized wall and add personality.

Take advantage of even the tiniest drawer space to stack books and then layer, layer, layer. This entry table is the perfect mix of decorative and functional. Little boxes, like this one from West Elm, add dimension to the space while also serving as valuable storage for spare keys and other small items.

Don’t be afraid to opt for a desk instead of a traditional console table. A leaning mirror looks artistic and makes it easy to check your reflection before dashing out the door — or greeting the delivery guy. A drawer ensures the minimally decorated tabletop won’t become a dumping ground for receipts and papers.

A bench makes it easy for guests to sit down and remove their shoes upon entering your home, and makes the entry space feel a bit cozier. The storage drawers are an ideal home for winter hats and gloves, baseball caps, and any other small pieces of frequently used gear.

A large dresser is less traditionally seen in the entryway but adds a beautiful pop of blue to this otherwise neutral space. Plus, who can complain about all of that useful storage? Ginger jars, which can be purchased on Amazon, add extra charm.

A vintage-looking filing cabinet, surfboard, and coffee table books add tons of personality to this entry area. Multiple sets of hanging hooks — we love these midcentury modern ones from Urban Outfitters — are practical and look pretty when not overcrowded.