Affordable Entryway Cabinet With Storage Shelves
Cluttered entryways that lack sufficient storage space can make coming home feel stressful. However, the right entryway storage cabinet can transform an unorganized mess into a tidy and welcoming space.
Entryway cabinets provide the perfect solution for keeping essentials like shoes, coats, umbrellas and bags organized while adding style to your home's entrance. Best of all, there are plenty of affordable options to suit all budgets.
Benefits of Investing in Entryway Storage
Entryway storage cabinets offer many advantages that make them worth the investment for any home:
- Create a clutter-free space - Store shoes, bags, hats, gloves, keys and other items off surfaces and out of sight.
- Easy access to frequently used items - Keep things you need when coming and going close at hand.
- Maximize unused space - Take advantage of empty wall space or corners that are often wasted.
- Establish a system - Use hooks, shelves and baskets to assign "homes" for belongings.
- Protect valuables - Keep wallets, phones and other small valuables secure.
The right storage cabinet makes it fast and easy to drop keys in their assigned hook, stash bags on shelves and slip off shoes into waiting cubbies. An organized entryway sets the tone for the whole house.
Choosing the Perfect Entryway Cabinet
When selecting an entryway cabinet, consider the size and layout of your space as well as your storage needs. Look for versatile pieces with features like:
- Adjustable shelving - Accommodate various heights of items.
- Hooks - Hang coats, bags, leashes, etc.
- Baskets and bins - Corral smaller items.
- Cubbies and compartments - Assign spaces for different family members.
- Cabinet doors - Conceal contents for a neat appearance.
- Drawers - Store smaller items out of sight.
- Mirrors - Allow quick checks before heading out.
- Seating - Doubles as a place to sit when putting on shoes.
Also consider the size of your entryway when selecting a cabinet. Measure the space to ensure the piece you choose fits well without feeling too cramped or awkwardly large.
When it comes to style, pick a cabinet that matches your home's existing decor. For traditional spaces, an antique-style armoire often works well. Contemporary homes tend to pair best with sleek, modern designs. Make sure to choose durable materials like wood, metal or engineered wood.
Creative Entryway Cabinet Storage Solutions
Once you've selected the perfect entryway cabinet, it's time to add storage solutions to maximize its usefulness. Consider these clever ideas:
- Use baskets to corral gloves, scarves, hats and other accessories.
- Install hooks on the back of doors to hang jackets, bags and leashes.
- Incorporate a bench for seating and shoe storage.
- Add dividers or cubbies to assign spaces for each family member's belongings.
- Display decorative items like vases or bowls on top of the cabinet.
- Store umbrellas in a tall, skinny cabinet by the door.
- Use over-the-door racks on the inside of cabinet doors for extra storage.
- Add pull-out trays or drawers to hide small items.
Labels and signs can also help keep everything organized. For families, label coat hooks and cubbies with each person's name. Use chalkboard labels or removable vinyl to make changing labels easy as kids grow. Numbered hooks work well for shared storage areas.
Maximize Vertical Storage Space
Most entryway cabinets offer unused storage potential above and below hanging racks and shelves. Take advantage of all available space with solutions like:
- Install shelving above hooks or a bench to store boxes and baskets.
- Use hanging shoe shelves that suspend footwear above the floor.
- Add a second row of hooks at kid height above adult hooks.
- Include full-width vertical shelving behind shorter hanging racks.
- Stack baskets or cubbies to double storage capacity.
Creative Solutions for Small Spaces
Even the tiniest entryways can benefit from smart storage ideas. Some options for small spaces include:
- Slim wall cabinets with hooks require minimal floor space.
- Hang a coat rack on the wall or back of the door.
- Use a freestanding rack instead of a bulky cabinet.
- Choose a narrow console table with shelves and baskets underneath.
- Install multi-level hanging racks and shelves.
- Use over-the-door storage bags/racks.
Entryway cabinets with versatile, space-saving features like cubbies, pull-out trays and slide-out hooks are also great for maximizing storage in small spaces.
Affordable DIY Entryway Cabinet Ideas
With some DIY skills, you can create a custom entryway cabinet on a budget. Try these thrifty ideas:
- Upcycle an old armoire or sideboard.
- Use stock cabinets and hardware from home improvement stores.
- Sand and repaint an old dresser or entertainment center.
- Check thrift stores and online resale sites for hidden gems.
- Build your own basic cabinet with plywood, trim and paint.
Add your own hooks, knobs and handles to customize. Or give an existing piece new life with a fresh coat of paint in a trendy shade like navy blue, olive green or burnt orange.
Keep costs down by looking for sales at big box stores on floor models, open box items, overstock and special buys. Discount retailers like TJ Maxx and Marshalls also get name-brand entryway cabinets at reduced prices.
Easy DIY Ideas
With a little creativity, you can make an entryway cabinet on a budget with these easy DIY ideas:
- Bookcase hack - Convert an old bookcase by removing shelves and adding hooks, baskets and cubbies for storage.
- Ladder shelf - Lean a small ladder against the wall and add baskets, hooks and shelves.
- Plumbing pipe rack - Assemble a rack from plumbing pipes and fittings from the hardware store.
- Wall grid system - Create customized storage with pegboard panels and accessories.
Scour garage sales, thrift stores and online listings for unique pieces to upcycle. Add your own hooks, shelves and personalized touches. With a little creativity, you can build a custom entryway cabinet on a budget.
Whether your home decor skews traditional, modern, rustic or eclectic, you can find an entryway cabinet to match:
- Modern - Metal cabinets and consoles with clean lines and an industrial vibe.
- Farmhouse - Weathered wood cabinets with oversized hooks and open shelving.
- Contemporary - Sleek lacquered cabinets in bold colors like navy or orange.
- Traditional - ElegantOptions Options like an antique armoire or carved cabinet.
- Rustic - Rough-hewn wood cabinets and tables with wrought iron accents.