5 Tips for Creating an Organized Entryway
Living in New York City has taught me the importance of a "drop all space" by the front door. Narrow hallways, steep steps to your apartment, and tight living quarters mean having an organized entryway is key to keeping clutter at bay. You don't need a large foyer to make it happen, either! A wall of a hallway or a corner of a living room and a few select pieces are all you need to create an effectively organized entryway. Here are my 5 Tips for Creating an Organized Entryway that I use for all my Aesthetic Organizer clients.
1) ADD A CONSOLE TABLE
The first step to create an effective and organized entryway is to add some sort of table surface to catch keys, sunglasses, wallets and mail. Depending on how much space you have you could use anything from a small writing desk, to a narrow console table, to a floating shelf.
Some of my favorite small space solutions for a small entryway include this minimal console table from CB2 in white or black or this pretty gold option with a little edge to prevent mail from falling. This option from Ikea has storage for 8 pairs of shoes and is less than 7" deep - making it perfect for a narrow hallway! This floating marble shelf is a gorgeous option and available in two lengths.
2) ADD A BENCH
Whether you have a full foyer or are creating an entryway drop spot in the corner of a living room, providing a bit of seating will add both style and function. Especially in winter months when New Yorkers are pulling rain and snow boots on and off, it's imperative to have a place to sit and pull wet shoes off before tracking the mess through the house. I like tucking a small bench under a console table like this one, or adding a short stool next to a floating shelf like this one.
3) REFLECT LIGHT WITH A MIRROR
Not only does adding a mirror above your console reflect light in your (often dark) entry way - it also adds a handy "last check" before heading out the door. Stay on trend with an oversized round version like this one or this one. Just make sure to hang them at eye level!
4) USE PRETTY CONTAINERS
Woven baskets with handles tucked under your console and porcelain dishes or wood bowls on the tabletop provide storage solutions for those items you need to drop as soon as you walk into the house. I keep house keys handy in an open dish, and purses and backpacks tucked neatly in baskets below. The more you can corral in your entry way - the less mess that ends up on the kitchen table, living room floor, bathroom counter... etc.
HANG IT UP
The BIGGEST change you'll see when organizing your entryway is using your wall space. Adding three to five stylish hooks will keep the biggest items off the floor, and add a stylish finish to your entry. Most New York apartments don't have the luxury of a coat closet - and if you do have one, chances are it's being used for other types of storage. Keep your everyday outerwear hanging by the door instead. I love these modern brass hooks, these affordable black ones, and this mid-century version from West Elm.
The Aesthetic Organizer is a professional, personalized service that helps New York City residents organize their homes, simplify their lives and maximize their precious space. You deserve a beautiful, well-thought out home. Curated closets, organized bathrooms, cheerful children’s play areas and functionally spaced kitchens are only the beginning. Contact me here to experience the benefits that come with Aesthetic Organization.
