Entryway Design That Actually Works: The Small Space Edition

Defining the zone: A simple painted arch creates a distinct "entryway" moment without building a single wall.

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Your entryway is where you take your first breath when you walk through the door. It is arguably one of the most important spaces in a home because it sets the tone for everything that follows. Most importantly, it dictates how you feel when you walk into the space that is supposed to be your sanctuary.

This space should feel welcoming, look intentional, and actually reflect who you are. It is the beginning of the story you want your home to tell.

You need to grab things on your way out and drop things on your way in. But you really can have it all. Successful small entryway design means having a beautiful entry that actually holds your life together. It just takes a little strategy and a little creativity.

The "Hall Tree" trap is everywhere right now.

One thing we see all over furniture stores and TikTok right now is the hall tree and open shoe storage. In the photos, they always look so good. One coat hanging artfully. A couple of very pretty pairs of shoes. A chic bag. Baskets lined up underneath. Maybe a plant.

The setup is usually very well curated. But within a week or so, shoes are piling up on the floor in disarray. All those hooks are full of everything, even the things that don't belong there. It becomes a big, open dumping ground.

Every jacket owned, all the hats, scarves, and then some. Including that reusable shopping bag you keep forgetting to actually reuse, so you end up bringing it friends to keep it company. Not only does it look chaotic, but it continues to radiate that chaos into your whole home and sets the wrong tone.

The same goes for open shoe racks. Seeing shoes displayed upon arrival, even if they are organized, ruins the whole vibe. Shoes take a beating, and while we should honor the service they provide, we don't need to see them the second we walk in the door.

So, where do you actually start?

The first thing to do is create a very individualized space that defines your entryway. Whether your shoe cabinet sits in an open room or a long narrow hallway, creating a purposeful vignette rather than a drop zone is key to designing with intention.

You can define the zone by painting that specific section vertically from top to bottom, or creating some sort of arched backdrop to define the space. You can even use wood acoustic panels to add texture.

Painting an arch or a simple block of color behind the cabinet instantly creates visual separation. It carves out a distinct "entryway" without having to build walls. It doesn't have to be dramatic. Going just a couple of shades darker or using an accent color found elsewhere in your home creates a lovely conversation between the spaces.

Here's the thing about NYC hallways: they can legally be as narrow as 30 inches.

Now that the space is defined, a shoe cabinet is a must.

The key word here is doors. Doors, doors, doors. Shoes be gone.

If you are on the slim hallway team, a slim flip-down shoe cabinet is your best friend. At the very least, it removes the floor clutter and keeps shoes from spreading out. A closed cabinet keeps everything contained and out of sight. Look for something shallow enough to fit that narrow hallway (some are only 7 to 9 inches deep) but tall enough to hold what you actually need. Maybe have a couple side by side to house more of your family's shoes.

If you are on the open concept team or have a hallway that allows for a deeper cabinet (about 12 inches), I strongly recommend a shoe cabinet with adjustable shelving. If you can fit two, you may be able to house most of your shoes (unless you're a shoeholic).

And then there's the key situation.

The flat surface on top of a shoe cabinet or console is prime real estate, but it can get messy fast. For either setup, a beautiful "unbreakable" bowl can be home to your keys and wallet and will only elevate the look.

But what if you absolutely must use hooks?

While I would love for the space to contain a big closet or a big cabinet to house coats and bags (I'm writing another blog on just that subject soon), sometimes the space is so tiny and unforgiving that you just need hooks.

If you must use hooks, treat them like a VIP section.

Only the coats and bags you use daily belong here; this isn't the place for general storage. And since they are always on display, choose hooks that look beautiful on their own.

I decided to think outside the box (and inside the frame).

I created this hack for one of my clients and loved the look so much that I wanted to share it. I put vintage hooks inside empty vintage frames and made them THE artwork.

The "Framed Hook" Hack: Vintage hooks meet empty frames for storage that doubles as a gallery wall.

This way, they integrate into the space as a gallery wall. Nothing should be used just because it serves a function. They look pretty and intentional, and serve the purpose. I’m all about combining form and function. I don’t see why we should forfeit one for the other.

A couple of tips on this hack: Make sure the frames are bolted to the wall. You do not want them moving around and dropping every time you use the hook. Also, I like to mount the two outer frames just a little off the top of the cabinet so that you can hang your long coats easily.

I also love fold-away hooks. They are great and add a strong and sharp sculptural element to the space with clean beautiful lines that add to the overall visual.

The ultimate goal, whatever approach fits your square footage, is simply to get rid of the unnecessary noise. The visual chaos of shoes, coats, bags, and keys is what makes an entryway feel overwhelming. When those things live behind doors, inside drawers, or look aesthetically intentional, it’s a small shift that changes the energy of your entire home.