15 Genius Small Entryway Ideas—Lighting, Furniture, Decor, and Shoe Storage
Liudmila Chernetska/Getty Images
In my (very humble) opinion, the entryway to our homes is one of the most important—and undervalued—spots in the whole house. Not only is it the first room that guests see upon entering your space (gulp), but it also acts as an unofficial command center of sorts, with the ability to make your life in (and out of) the house much easier or much more chaotic. If you've ever had to panic-scramble to find your car keys before school drop-off, you know exactly what I'm talking about.
Creating a space that is streamlined, organized, and visually appealing is no small feat, and it becomes even more challenging if you live in a home or apartment with a small entryway. Suddenly your storage solutions are all the more important—and there's less square footage to play around with. Enter: These 15 genius small entryway ideas, all aimed at helping you make the most of the room you do have while elevating your humble little entryway into a functional space that does double—or even triple—duty for your family.
RELATED: 7 Genius Ways to Decorate an Entryway Table
The Best Small Entryway Furniture
When it comes to picking out small entryway furniture, there are a few cardinal rules to keep in mind. First and foremost? Everything—and we mean everything—needs to have a dual purpose. From a bench that doubles as storage to a small entryway console table that looks great styled with your favorite trinkets, these pieces are your secret weapon to making your small space stylish and functional.
A Bench With Built-In Storage
Part bench, part cubby, this clever piece acts as a perch for putting on your shoes or jacket and allows you to stash your gear out of sight. Just 17 inches deep but 55 inches long, this is the ideal multipurpose bench for a long, narrow entryway.
A Narrow Console Table
For a slim and sleek look, turn to this streamlined small entryway console table from West Elm. The clean lines and matte finish make it a modern place to display a stunning vignette that will collect compliments from everyone who enters your home.
Rustic Console Table
This small entryway console table juts just 11 inches out from the wall, demanding hardly any floor space in a tiny foyer. Store keys and wallets in the drawer, then set a basket on the lower shelf for hats and gloves. The whitewashed wood works in homes with rustic or coastal charm.
The Best Small Entryway Lighting
Low ceilings, scarce wall space, and tight quarters can leave little room for decor extras like lighting—but ironically, that's when it's most important to include. Make your small entryway feel less like an afterthought with these stylish, space-saving illuminators.
Fluted Glass Lamp
Soft amber glass is to thank for this lamp's dreamy glow, which will effortlessly warm up even the tiniest entryway. Plus, at just 5 inches wide, it'll fit on a slim entryway console, small shelf, or even pedestal table.
Sculptural Cone Flush Mount
Available in eight-inch and 14-inch diameters, this petite flush mount light is ideal for small entryways or older homes with low ceilings. The clear glass shade won't add too much visual clutter, while the brass detailing brings just the right touch of glam. For less shine, select the antique bronze or matte black finishes.
Plug-In Sconce
This genius sconce does double-duty, pairing a timeless wall light with a handy shelf to illuminate your space and increase your storage abilities. The light can be installed anywhere there is a plug nearby (no wiring necessary!) and the shelf boasts a USB port, so you can charge your phone before heading out the door or simply rely on the catchall tray to never lose your keys again (no promises, though).
The Best Small Entryway Flooring
Sure, the focus is on organizational opportunities when it comes to making the most of a small entryway, but a compact space can also hold some great design opportunities. Pack in the personality (ok, and some practicality, too) with one of these flooring solutions.
Pretty Patterned Tile
A little pattern can go a long way in setting your small entryway apart from the rest of your home. These timeless tiles are made of durable porcelain, so they'll stand up to the daily wear and tear of foot traffic and will be easy to clean.
Braided Jute Handmade Rug
Jute is beloved for its durability, but the scallops on this design give the utilitarian material a little something extra. Not only will this rug make for a stylish welcome, but it'll hold up well to mud, moisture, and dirt, too.
A Machine-Washable Runner
If your entryway is really just a glorified hallway, opt for a runner to pad your feet and help reduce the amount of grime you track into your living space. Ruggable's styles are great for doing just that—the timeless designs can all be removed from the rug pad beneath and thrown directly into the wash, coming out as good as new. They're a great option for homes with pets and young kiddos, too—we wouldn't judge if you bought more than one.
The Best Small Entryway Decor
Smart solutions are a must-have when it comes to decorating a small entryway, but that doesn't mean they can't be stylish too. Look for pieces that improve how you use your available space or those that just make you happy as you come and go throughout your busy day—they're worthy of precious square footage in their own right.
Wall Hooks
Stash scarves, jackets, and even the odd piece of sports equipment on this mid-century modern-inspired wall hook. The design comes in two lengths—21 inches and 42 inches—so you can tailor your pick to the exact amount of free wall space you have.
Rattan Storage Baskets
With beautiful woven rattan side, this storage basket doubles as decor. Use it to corral gloves, scarves, purses—it can even be a chic home for all that recycling you need to take out!
Irregular Shaped Mirror
In a small entryway, a large mirror or piece of artwork can make a big statement. Not only does this organically shaped mirror let you take a last look on your way out the door, but it will help bounce more light around a tiny foyer.
The Best Small Entryway Shoe Storage Ideas
Whether or not it's intentional, your entryway has probably become a shoe graveyard at one point or another. The clutter and chaos created by a pile of mismatched sneakers, cleats, and boots can feel truly insurmountable, but these clever small entryway shoe storage solutions are here to help.
Small Entryway Shoe Rack
For a pop of color, look no further than this modern shoe rack from Open Spaces. Available in a slew of chic shades (including navy, sky blue, dark green, and blush), it boasts a trio of shelves with ample enough clearance to house taller kicks like rain boots or snow shoes. Plus, since it's made of powder-coated steel, it's durable and easy to wipe clean—win!
Boot Tray
Sometimes simple is best when it comes to storage. This classic boot tray from Ballard Designs showcases just that, proving itself to be an easy-yet-effective way to corral muddy soles without dirting up the rug or floor beneath. Place a few side-by-side for a larger family or stick to one if you're short on floor space.
Shoe Storage Cubby
If "a place for everything and everything in its place" is your organization motto, then you'll love this streamlined solution from Pottery Barn. With nine roomy cubbies and thoughtful design touches (like gorgeous mangowood and bespoke carved detailing), it's a simple yet thoughtful way to store your favorite kicks. Bonus: you can order the coordinating mirror and coat rack if you really want to deck out your entryway in style.
