These 5 Tricks Will Help You Carve Out an Entryway in Your Small Space

When you live in a small space, carving out a designated entryway can be a bit tricky. I was able to do so by sourcing a vintage-looking wood and marble table on Facebook Marketplace, which has helped anchor the petite wall leading to my front door. With a bit of trial and error, I’ve created a setup that I find to be both stylish and functional, and here are my tips on how to do just that.

1. Select an Entryway Table 

First, you want to find an entryway table that fits your space—aesthetically, of course, but also physically. Originally, I had placed a small dresser in my entryway, but its width meant that I couldn’t open my front door fully, which certainly was less than ideal. When I spotted my current table on Facebook Marketplace, I knew it was meant to be, as the measurements were just right and the style was simple enough that I could incorporate decorative accents as I pleased.

I like to keep the surface of the table styled with a few coffee table books and accessories, but it also serves as a spot for me to drop my wallet, pieces of mail, and the like. While a storage drawer would have been a nice addition, not having one forces me to keep the area a junk-free zone and place belongings in their appropriate spot each day. 

2. Install Hooks 

The hooks in my entryway are not my cup of tea, as they were already installed when I moved in. But they are sturdy enough to hold my keychain, face mask, and are really serving more of a functional purpose than a fun one. They’re also tucked away right next to my door, and I like that I can’t see them head-on from my living room.

Despite being an organized person, I’ve learned that I’m bound to forget my keys if I don’t keep them hanging up or otherwise in plain sight, so hooks have proven to be essential for me. There are tons of more stylish options available online, or you could easily DIY your own using pretty dresser pulls. 

3. Set Out a Stool

Having somewhere to sit when you’re lacing up—or taking off—your shoes is always useful. I tucked a square-shaped ottoman under my entryway table, and while I purchased the piece primarily because I liked the striped pattern, it’s proven to come in handy quite often as a place to sit and get my shoes on.

Since my table isn’t very long, I had a bit of extra space on the right-hand side, and so I decided to place a small stool there as well. I’ll often set my bag atop it right when I get home or if I’m packing up before heading out the door.

4. Hang a Mirror

Everyone—and I mean everyone—appreciates being able to quickly glance at their reflection in the mirror before heading out the door. It doesn’t matter whether you purchase a high-end piece or pick something up at a thrift store, a great mirror will always come in handy and make a space feel larger at the same time. 

5. Upgrade Your Lighting

An entryway will feel dingy if it’s too dark, and since it’s the first spot you and your guests will see when stepping foot into your home, you’ll want to ensure it’s nice and welcoming. I always keep a lamp on my entryway table, but switched out the plain pendant that came with my unit and installed a modern, six-bulb chandelier in its place. I love how eye-catching the piece is as well as how much light it provides, both to the immediate area and beyond.