17 Ways to Make Better Use of Entryway Corners
Open up to the possibilities for improved entryway storage, seating and architectural interest by considering the corners
Becky Harris
January 6, 2013
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia.
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More
Entryways are often full of weird corners. Doorways can cut into the walls, staircases can create slanted partial walls and so on, so that foyers, mudrooms and other entryways tend to wind up with more corners and nooks than most, and many of them tend to be awkward. Turn these design challenges into design successes, complete with opportunities for storage, workspace, reading nooks, pianos, charging stations and more.
Make a great first impression. Picture it: You crack this door ajar and as you peek inside, the first thing you see is this lovely wood-accented niche with flowers spotlighted. It makes a great first impression before the door is even opened all the way.
Build in a storage bench. This bench fills a corner in a generous entryway and provides lots of spots for hiding shoes, outerwear and sports equipment.
Keep umbrellas handy. The saying “A place for everything and everything in its place” must have been inspired by umbrellas in a proper stand next to the front door.
Find a stylish coatrack or umbrella stand for your entryway
Find a stylish coatrack or umbrella stand for your entryway
The same idea works for a stand full of walking sticks and canes.
Add more formal seating. In this grander front entryway, the look of the furniture has been kicked up a few notches. A high-backed tufted settee is a great spot for putting on or removing shoes; a tripod lamp lights up the corner and draws attention to the intricate moldings and the artwork.
This bench runs right into the corner. There are shelves and hooks along the wall, and the corner adds a nice clear and open element.
This built-in bench creates a cozy nook for lounging. In smaller homes every comfortable spot counts.
Nestle in a console table. Here a curved table is just the right fit for a small corner with little wall space. A table near the front door is wonderfully convenient for stashing keys and outgoing mail.
Tuck in a corner shelf. These wire shelves are great for stashing umbrellas, gloves, backpacks and other supplies needed just before someone dashes out the door.
Enjoy a corner window. I think I've mentioned a corner window in every corner ideabook so far, so here is a stunning example in a contemporary foyer.
Gain a shaft of natural light. This very narrow window abutting the corner is so much more interesting than the usual drywall.
Foyer staircases provide some interesting and challenging corner spaces. Here’s another way to place a bench for taking off shoes. (Just wondering: Does anyone else keep picturing Mr. Rogers coming in and getting into his comfy shoes and cardigan whenever I mention taking off shoes on an entry bench?)
Create a home office. This understair corner provides plenty of space for a desk, files and supplies.
See more clever ideas for underneath the staircase
See more clever ideas for underneath the staircase
Mount a landing station. This floating cabinet has room for keys and personal tech items, and even has a built-in charging station.
Add height with vases or sculptures. A corner that is interrupted by a stair landing can be a bit awkward; negotiating it with objects of different heights distracts from the awkwardness.
Find the perfect array of vases
Find the perfect array of vases
Create a cozy reading nook. Whom is this for? Probably a nervous parent waiting for a teenager who has missed curfew.
Bring in the baby grand. Some foyers are so large that they need bigger items that will stand up to the scale. A piano is the right size for this staircase corner, and the ivories tickled here can probably be heard all over the house.
Play off a staircase's varying heights. This tablescape gives the eyes a lot of places to rest. From the gourd-shaped base to the tops of the stems, it fits into the staggered stairs behind it.
Patricia Benson
Sneak in a dresser or cabinet. It can take some time to find just the right piece for a small hallway corner, but this is a great way to sneak extra storage into a small home. Also, note the way the art and the tall wood piece draw the eye up and give the cabinet a strong presence.
Embrace awkward jut-outs. An occasional chair and console table were not going to mitigate this awkward jut-out. However, a very creative large custom piece that highlights the whole thing makes it look like it’s an intentional architectural move. In fact, it makes me want this for my own house (and the wet bar on the other side of the jut-out, of course).
Plant a coatrack. This tree-like coatrack serves as sculpture and hangers at once. Plus, you can fling your hat at it and it might actually stick.
Want ideas for making the most of corners in other rooms? Check out our ideabooks on corners in the kitchen, corners in the home office, corners in the bedroom and corners in the living room and family room.
Want ideas for making the most of corners in other rooms? Check out our ideabooks on corners in the kitchen, corners in the home office, corners in the bedroom and corners in the living room and family room.
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I appreciate the author Becky Harris for bringing in a variety of ideas that suit different needs, spaces and constraints and have the ability to inspire as well as meet different functional goals. I plan to mix and match from these great ideas.
I need help with this corner. the garage doors and mudroom/laundry room are all in the area with light. stairs (going up and down ) are on this small hall and the blank wall is what you see when u walk in from garage or side entry. boo. help.