Small Entryway Cabinet with Storage and Decor Ideas

In case you’re struggling with what to put in your small entryway, this post
will outline some of the things to consider when selecting entryway furniture.
Find out why I think this solid wood and MDF bedside table from Wayfair Canada
(that I had already purchased twice before for other rooms in our home!)
paired with a large mirror and a washable runner is key to creating a highly
functional and beautifully inviting atmosphere.

Struggling With Small Entryway Storage Ideas

Like our
previous home, this home is short on space near the front door. There’s no place to sit
and put on your shoes. The closet is narrow with barely enough space for our
coats and shoes. And with a centre hall plan, the entryway is a constant
traffic zone leading to the dining room, living room, kitchen and upper floor.

But we had this tight little corner that would provide just enough space for a
small entryway cabinet. My first attempt
at a solution was a storage cabinet with three deep drawers. It seemed like a
great option, but it was a little too low and the drawers were too
deep. Small items like keys, sunglasses, and mail would get lost,
making it more frustrating than useful. It had ample storage, but the lack of
organization within the drawers made it impractical for a space that needed
quick access to essentials.

Lastly, I tried this bow-front cabinet I purchased on Facebook
Marketplace. I loved the idea of introducing something vintage-looking to fit
our traditional home… but after just a few days of frustration at the
drawers which constantly stuck, ring handles that wouldn’t sit properly, and
the general wobbliness of the cabinet on our tile floor, I lost all enthusiasm
for this cabinet. I didn’t have a better solution so we’ve lived with this
cabinet for the last year.

A Bedside Table With Drawers

After those frustrating experiences, it finally occurred to me to turn
to the piece I had used successfully in our
daughter’s room
and
guest bedroom
before: this bedside table
from Wayfair Canada. Wayfair is my top choice when it comes to sourcing home
decor and furniture. I love that it has a vast selection, all easily delivered
right to your doorstep. 

The olive green adds vibrant colour to our entry and a small tweak – changing
out the silver knobs for matte black knobs – creates a cohesive look with with the black light fixture and black
door hardware. 

• Sturdy construction – Unlike the flimsy cabinets I tried before, this one
  has solid wood legs, ensuring durability and stability
• Compact yet spacious – With two drawers and an open shelf, it has plenty
  of space for everyday essentials without taking up too much room.
• Variety of colours – The wide range of finishes allowed me to choose one
  that complements our existing home decor. I’m not one to use a lot of
  pattern or colour in my home so I love the splash of colour this Olive
  Green cabinet brings against our white walls.
• Surface for styling – The top of the cabinet provides enough space for
  adding decorative elements, making the entryway feel curated and
  welcoming.

SHOP THIS LOOK:

To complete the look, I paired the entryway cabinet with a few thoughtful
additions that maximize function while enhancing the overall aesthetic. I
especially love how the green cabinet and neutral rug flow seamlessly with
the adjoining dining room beige walls and botanical wallpaper.

Small Entryway Styling Ideas 

When you style your entryway, think about what you need to support how you
live:

• What do you need to store – keys, bags, umbrellas?
• Do you prefer pegs or hooks for visible storage, or drawers and cabinets
  to keep things tucked away?
• Does your entryway need shoe storage or a place to sit?
• How much room do you have? Can you fit only a hall trees or is there space
  for a narrow console table?

Along with storage, we needed a few key accessories to really make most of our entry. Here’s my top picks for a functional entryway:

Large Mirror

A must-have for small spaces, a mirror helps reflect light and makes the area
feel more open. It’s also practical for last-minute outfit checks before
heading out the door.

 
 

I chose this particular mirror for it’s classic yet modern good looks.
Our previous federal mirror was interesting but too small for the space. The
sleek design and brushed gold finish of this large mirror works with any decor
style, while the rounded corners give it a uniqueness that stands out. 

I decided on this
cream and beige runner to
bring lightness to the entryway. It works wonderfully with the jute and cotton
rug in our adjacent dining room. The rounded corners of the runner are
reminiscent of the rounded corners of the mirror and feel updated. 

Placed on the open shelf, a woven basket provides extra storage and quick
access to seasonal accessories like hats and scarves. These items can also get
damp from snow or rain so the basket allows air to circulate and dry these
items in the open.

Decorative Touches

SHOP DECORATIVE OBJECTS:

Other Storage Solutions for Small Entryways

When designing a small entryway, it’s essential to focus on multi-functional
storage solutions that don’t overwhelm the space. If you’re still searching
for the perfect entryway furniture, here are a few other great
alternatives:

1. Console tables: Ideal for narrow hallways or spaces with pass-through
   traffic
2. Storage bench: Provides ample storage while doubling as a seating area for
   putting on shoes.
3. Bathroom cabinets: Surprisingly, some compact bathroom cabinets can work
   well in small entryways, especially for concealed storage.
4. Shoe rack with adjustable shelves: If shoe storage is your main concern,
   consider a shoe rack. Look for one with flip drawers and adjustable
   shelves to accommodate different footwear styles, from high heels to bulky
   runners.

It took me multiple failed attempts to finally find the right storage for our
narrow entryway and I’m glad I kept trying!