The entryway is where everything seems to land when you get home. Shoes come off, bags get dropped, and mail piles up on the nearest available surface. Before long, the first space you see when you walk through the door can become one of the messiest spots in the house.
You don’t need a large foyer or an expensive makeover to make your entryway feel more welcoming. Start by removing a few things that take up space, collect clutter, or make it harder to get out the door.
Unopened mail and miscellaneous clutter
The entryway often becomes a temporary home for mail, receipts, school papers, and anything else you’re carrying when you walk inside. Give important items a designated spot, and move the rest where it belongs instead of letting it pile up on a table or bench.
Oversized storage furniture
A large hall tree or bulky cabinet might promise extra storage, but it can make a small entryway feel cramped and leave little room to move around. Choose furniture that fits the space, such as a narrow console, a wall-mounted shelf, or a bench with storage underneath.
Related: 14 Quirky Thrift Store Finds That Add Just the Right Amount of Whimsy
Piles of shoes
It’s convenient to leave your shoes by the front door, but a growing collection of sneakers, sandals, and boots can quickly take over the floor. Keep only the pairs you wear regularly in a small shoe rack or basket, and move the rest to a closet.
Coats and bags you rarely use
A few hooks can make an entryway more functional, but they lose their purpose when they’re buried under jackets, tote bags, and backpacks. Put away out-of-season coats and bags you don’t use daily so there’s room to hang the things you actually need.
Decor that no longer fits your style
Entryway decor should make you happy to come home, not take up space simply because it’s been there for years. If an old word-art sign or crowded collection of accessories no longer feels like you, consider replacing it with a favorite piece of artwork, a mirror, or one meaningful decorative item.
