5 Things You Actually Need by Your Front Door

The entryway is the transition between your home and outside. It sets you up for your day out, morning commute, trip to the shops. Getting it right can help you to leave with a sense of calm, whilst remembering everything you need to take with you. Get it wrong and you have a hallway full of clutter, the ever frustrating “where are my keys” moments, and visual overstimulation. No wonder you forget the bag or parcel you left out to take with you, when it blends in with the abundance of items around it. 

When you arrive back home, the hallway should be a warm welcome. Leaving behind the stresses of the day begins here, not greeted by a sea of shoes, junk mail and a wall of coats for all seasons (as practical as that may seem in the UK!). It’s naturally a high traffic area, so understandably difficult to keep under control. 

As important as it is to get the functionality working right for you and your family, it is also important to consider that this is the first room in your home a guest will be greeted by and the last they will see as they leave. It can set them up to feel welcome as well as influence the feeling they take away with them.

A few ’tools’ can help you achieve a hallway which works for you, your family and your guests.

This is a shelf or table, where you put things down as you enter the home. In smaller entryways a shelf is often the best solution here, as it would usually have narrower proportions and no legs taking up valuable floor space. A larger surface invites clutter, so think about the items you take out with you most often and aim for a size which will only accommodate those items. Having a designated space for each item takes this a stage further, keeping organised so you know exactly where to find the things you need, even in a rush. Think magnets, hooks or a bowl for keys. Organisation for mail. Other things you might keep easily accessible could be sunglasses, supermarket trolley token or coin, and the dogs lead.

Our Entryway Shelf combines key magnets with letter rack and shelf, with proportions designed for narrow hallways.

Bright overhead lighting can be a bit harsh for a welcome home vibe. However you do need enough light to be able to easily find what you need so there is a balance here. Soft light sources with warm bulbs, but bright enough for good visibility is key for finding the line between atmosphere and functionality. Consider wall lights in narrower hallways. They can make a room feel wider by washing the walls with light and reducing areas of shadow, particularly in the corners.They will also demand less physical space than a floor or table lamp. For low ceilings, flush ceiling lights will maximise space. A strategically placed mirror will increase natural light, which is always a favourite.

It is so easy to take your shoes off at the door, only to wear a different pair of shoes next time you go out and repeat. The problem is your entryway becomes a dumping ground of shoes, undoing the sense of calm created through your decor. Implementing a two shoe limit to all members of the household, with all others stored away in a wardrobe will keep this under control. Invest in a shoe rack, just large enough for regularly used shoes without inviting those less commonly used. Or if you prefer shoes out of sight completely, a wicker basket or two are a perfect relaxed storage solution, adding texture to the space and providing a connection to nature.  

When it comes to wall hooks, resist the temptation to overload. Assign a single hook to each family member as this will encourage the putting away of lesser used or heavier winter coats. With some beautifully designed coat hooks arranged artfully on the wall, you’ll want to protect the visual display by only putting one or two coats on each. To maximise space, aim for vertical storage by installing above a bench or table. Coat hooks at varying heights can mean they can be fitted slightly closer together if you’re limited on wall space.

Our minimalist Wall Hooks balance form with function, providing storage whilst looking great with nothing on! 

An entryway will usually have a focus on utility, but it’s important to balance this with beauty. A piece of wall art or a plant can add a sense of homeliness. A candle or diffuser is also an easy way to establish a mood. Aesthetic decor will act as a reminder that this is not just a functional space, but also a beautiful one, reducing the temptation to revert back to dumping ground habits.

Picture Shelves are a flexible way of displaying artwork, allowing changes without creating new holes in the wall.