How do I Choose the Best Entryway Organizer?

An entryway organizer can prevent clutter near your front door and help you avoid losing important items such as car keys, jackets, or the dog's leash. Before purchasing an entryway organizer, measure your entryway carefully to determine how large of an organizer you can put in the space. Consider what you will be storing in or on the piece of furniture, and determine if you want a bench seat on which to sit when taking off shoes or boots. Think about different storage options, such as shelves or drawers, and be sure to carefully consider both cost and materials.

One of the more traditional looking types of entryway organizer is a standalone unit that features a bench, back, and shelf. This unit often features coat hooks for storing jackets, and the bench seat may open up for additional storage inside. The shelf above may be contained or open-air, and it is a good spot for hats, gloves, and so on. The back of the unit will sometimes feature a mirror for a quick check before heading out the door. This is a great choice for medium or large entryways, as the bench seat is likely to take up a fair bit of room and may not work well in small entryways. These units are usually made from wood, and you will need to choose what kind of aesthetic you are looking for: more expensive units will be made from hard woods with a prominent grain, while less expensive units may be made from less stable and less attractive particleboard.

Some entryway organizer models are quite small and mount to the wall of the entryway rather than sitting on the ground as a standalone unit. These wall-mounted units are great for storing keys, the dog's leash, a purse, and so on, and they usually feature hooks for hanging coats beneath. This is an inexpensive and attractive alternative to much larger units, and they are very easy to install in most cases. Choose the one that fits your needs for space as well as your requirements for aesthetic appeal.

Many modern models are sold as kits that may need some assembly. These entryway organizer models often feature one or two hooks or cubbies for hanging coats or storing scarves, and drawers down low for storing other clothing or items. The shelves up high may include wicker baskets that slide out for easy access and storage of lightweight or smaller items. The kits may feature solid wood such as maple, pine, or even oak, though these are likely to be more expensive than models that include particleboard or lower quality wood.