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Design Dilemma entry

Help with Narrow Entryway

9 months ago

Hello,

Hoping for some suggestions for my narrow entryway. I was hoping to put a bench somewhere although due to the side light and the closet I don't know that there is anywhere to put it. I also considered a small table to put keys etc. Again not sure where it would go.

All in all trying to make it more inviting and functional. I've posted photos of both directions. From hallway and front door. Thank you

Featured Answer

Lyn Nielson

9 months ago

life revolves around young children while they are still in the home, make it suitable for that life and 'decorate' when they move out. remove the closet doors and create all the storage you need now.

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Comments (13)

HU-478946530
9 months ago
a slim small stool with large hooks above where the backpack is hanging seems to be the only spot.

Possibly remove the closet doors and create a bench with cubbies and hooks/rod

could offer shoe storage as well.
housegal200
9 months ago
Yes, remove closet doors and do this. Then train your family to hang things neatly.
Inviting Laundry and Mudroom · More Info

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Hermosa Indoor and Outdoor Cross Panel Gray and Gold Rug, 5'3"x7'6" · More Info
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The shelf style you show coordinates with the mirror style. The length of the shelf should be proportional to the mirror if you are placing it under the mirror. The length should be about the length of the mirror at the widest part. If you did a trio of shelfs like you show, you wouldn't need to move the mirror, just make the shelfs off to the mirrors side. Just make sure when you are walking thru the entryway that its not impeding the pathway. I had a shelf like that once and my face ran into it enough times that I took it down, lol. That way it would be a separate arrangement from the coat rack, and you could always hang a key rack close by the coat rack and then the mirror and shelves would be a separate arrangement. It depends on the look you want, I think either would work. At least that is my input, although I am not a professional.
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Ann
9 months ago
I would definitely keep the closet doors! Much rather have shoes/coats in the closet than on display. A small stool/bench where the backpack is and a pretty entry way rug would be nice.
housegal200
9 months ago
@Lyn: agree that for now, a nice open space would work well with kids in the house. I had a tight front closet space like that and it was hard to hang coats in such a tight space with half the closet behind the sliding door. Doors can go back on later. The other space to consider is under the stairs. Sometimes that can work as a low closet space.
HU-30326731 thanked housegal200
tracefloyd
9 months ago
I see a spot for a table --on the wood floor in front of the half wall facing the Front door. Is that the Living room?

Hang a nice big painting on the wall to the right of the closet facing the Living room.

No more hooks in the entry area... put the shoes and stuff in the closet. Replace the hooks with something pretty.

Anyone mention carpet runner?
HU-30326731 thanked tracefloyd
marylut
9 months ago
You have a hall closet, so why aren’t the shoes and all the stuff hanging on pegs stored in the hall closet? Do you need an organizer unit in there? Once those items have a home in the closet, you will find wall space for a mirror, floating shelf for your keys, and small ottoman to sit on while removing shoes.
HU-30326731 thanked marylut
mytwo cents
9 months ago
I would take the slider doors off the closet and create what you need in there for a neat entry.

I would put 2 or 3 recessed lights in the ceiling of the narrow hallway and probably that's it. Might be a fun space for oversized b&w portrait photos on the kids.
HU-30326731 thanked mytwo cents
marylut
9 months ago
A rug with stripes will make the entry feel wider. Simplifying what is on the walls will make the hallway less cramped. Keep the closet doors closed to hide your clutter, those visible mud room units only look photo shoot ready on Pinterest - usually look messy and cluttered in real life with young kids.
HU-30326731 thanked marylut
mmc429
9 months ago
Without knowing a lot of factors, you could think about creating a tray ceiling at the entry so the eye is drawn up and there’s a more spacious feel.
HU-30326731 thanked mmc429
HU-30326731
Original Author
9 months ago
Thank you all for the suggestions! I'll post photos once I work a bit on it. Someone suggested better organization for inside the closet, any ideas?
pamtheartist
9 months ago
Please keep the closet doors - look at DYI shelving, two layers for hanging shorter items, pull out wire baskets. Hooks belong in back entries as they will always look messy and soon become overloaded. You could look for a tall slim piece of furniture where the hooks currently are - open shelves on top half and doors on bottom. Kids could use the closed part and you could keep shelves functional and decorative.
HU-30326731 thanked pamtheartist
PRO
Urbanology Designs
4 months ago
It looks like you might be able to fit a small stool underneath the shelf/coat rack by the stairs and then a small console table near the front door where the jacket is hanging. Here are a lot of our entryway designs for clients. Please note the hooks, stools, rugs, console tables, etc.
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