"You never get a second chance to make a good first impression."
This famous expression, alternately attributed to both Will Rogers and Oscar Wilde, applies not only to meeting people, but also to your home. When a visitor enters your home for the first time, it's your entryway or mudroom that makes that first impression, whether positive or negative. It also affects your own attitude when you walk in the door; after all, you probably wouldn't be in a very good mood if you come home after a hard day at work and immediately trip over a pair of boots that's been left in the middle of the floor.
With the holidays in full swing, it's a great time to get your entryway in order--not only for yourself, but also for your guests. We've listed a few ways to help, and you can check them out below.
Straighten Up Those Shoes
The entryway or mudroom often serves as a place where kids and adults alike can kick off their shoes before entering the home. Therefore, the right shoe storage solution is an essential part of keeping the floor clear. Opt for a shelving unit or set of cubbies that keeps footwear off the floor and out of the way. Or, place a small bench near the entryway with storage compartments that make it easy to take off shoes and keep them out of sight.
Umbra 2-Tier Shoe Racks can be stacked to hold more shoes in less space.
Our Clybourn Storage Bench features a drop-down door for shoe or toy storage.
Even a simple Boot Tray goes a long way towards preventing muddy floors.
Corral Those Coats
If you lack a dedicated coat closet, the simple addition of a few hooks can be a real game-changer. Choose sturdy hooks that are strong enough to support both light jackets and heavy coats, as well as purses or backpacks.
The Yamazaki Rin Wall-Mounted Coat Hook doesn't take up much room, but can make a world of difference in an entryway.
Several smaller solutions, like the Umbra Estique 5-Hook Organizer or 14-Hook Rack, can be combined to make the most of your space.
If you can't drill holes into your wall to mount hooks, try a freestanding coat rack with a small footprint, such as the Umbra Flapper Coat Rack.
Roll Out The (Not Necessarily Red) Carpet
To help keep your floors looking great, we highly recommend a floor mat just inside the doorway that allows visitors to wipe their feet. Be sure to pick a mat that's easy to clean; otherwise, getting little flecks of dirt out of a thick and bristly rug can be a nightmare!
Our Chilewich door mats and runners are incredibly durable, easy to clean, and resistant to mold and mildew.
Don't Ignore The Door
If your entryway lacks the precious floor or wall space required for hooks or shoe shelves, the back of the door could be your best friend. Whether you choose a small over-the-door hook or a full Elfa Door & Wall Rack, it's an easy way to quickly increase your space's functionality.
The Orbit 8-Hook Over Door Rack is a fun and colorful solution for kids' jackets and backpacks.
The Elfa Utility Mesh Entryway Over The Door Rack has everything you need to organize hats, shoes, dog leashes, and more.
And what if you have a LOT of shoes but not a lot of floor space? Try the Elfa Utility Shoe Over The Door Rack Solution!
Shop our entryway storage solutions for even more great ideas! Or, browse our Projects & Inspiration section for ways to organize the other rooms in your home.
