Do you have a problem area in your home that you can never get to feel quite right? Finding the perfect solution for our small entryway has been an ongoing challenge. Over the years, I’ve tried multiple entryway furniture solutions, hoping to balance storage, aesthetics, and practicality. 

As the first space you see when you enter our home, our narrow entryway needed a stylish storage solution that could accommodate our everyday essentials without overwhelming the space. Happily, I think I've finally found the perfect answer!

Note: Affiliate links have been used in this post for shopping convenience.

In case you're struggling with what to put in your small entryway, this post will outline some of the things to consider when selecting entryway furniture. Find out why I think this solid wood and MDF bedside table from Wayfair Canada (that I had already purchased twice before for other rooms in our home!) paired with a large mirror and a washable runner is key to creating a highly functional and beautifully inviting atmosphere.

Struggling With Small Entryway Storage Ideas

Like our previous home, this home is short on space near the front door. There's no place to sit and put on your shoes. The closet is narrow with barely enough space for our coats and shoes. And with a centre hall plan, the entryway is a constant traffic zone leading to the dining room, living room, kitchen and upper floor.

But we had this tight little corner that would provide just enough space for a small entryway cabinet. My first attempt at a solution was a storage cabinet with three deep drawers. It seemed like a great option, but it was a little too low and the drawers were too deep. Small items like keys, sunglasses, and mail would get lost, making it more frustrating than useful. It had ample storage, but the lack of organization within the drawers made it impractical for a space that needed quick access to essentials.

Next, I tried a narrow entryway cabinet designed specifically for shoe storage. While it seemed like a great idea in theory, it was too small and narrow and it didn’t provide enough space for everyday use. It simply didn’t fit the space in a way that felt intentional or stylish.

Lastly, I tried this bow-front cabinet I purchased on Facebook Marketplace. I loved the idea of introducing something vintage-looking to fit our traditional home... but after just a few days of frustration at the drawers which constantly stuck, ring handles that wouldn't sit properly, and the general wobbliness of the cabinet on our tile floor, I lost all enthusiasm for this cabinet. I didn't have a better solution so we've lived with this cabinet for the last year.

A Bedside Table With Drawers

After those frustrating experiences, it finally occurred to me to turn to the piece I had used successfully in our daughter's room and guest bedroom before: this bedside table from Wayfair Canada. Wayfair is my top choice when it comes to sourcing home decor and furniture. I love that it has a vast selection, all easily delivered right to your doorstep. 

This bedside table is actually my favourite piece I've bought from Wayfair Canada so it should have been a no-brainer to try it in this spot. I took the side table from my daughter's room down to the entryway to check the sizing and style - and immediately fell in love.

The olive green adds vibrant colour to our entry and a small tweak - changing out the silver knobs for matte black knobs - creates a cohesive look with with the black light fixture and black door hardware. 

This small entryway cabinet turned out to be the perfect solution for our narrow hallways and front door area. Here’s why it works so well:

• Sturdy construction – Unlike the flimsy cabinets I tried before, this one has solid wood legs, ensuring durability and stability
• Compact yet spacious – With two drawers and an open shelf, it has plenty of space for everyday essentials without taking up too much room.
• Variety of colours – The wide range of finishes allowed me to choose one that complements our existing home decor. I'm not one to use a lot of pattern or colour in my home so I love the splash of colour this Olive Green cabinet brings against our white walls.
• Surface for styling – The top of the cabinet provides enough space for adding decorative elements, making the entryway feel curated and welcoming.

Small Entryway Styling Ideas 

When you style your entryway, think about what you need to support how you live:

• What do you need to store - keys, bags, umbrellas?
• Do you prefer pegs or hooks for visible storage, or drawers and cabinets to keep things tucked away?
• Does your entryway need shoe storage or a place to sit?
• How much room do you have? Can you fit only a hall trees or is there space for a narrow console table?

Large Mirror

A must-have for small spaces, a mirror helps reflect light and makes the area feel more open. It’s also practical for last-minute outfit checks before heading out the door.

   

I chose this particular mirror for it's classic yet modern good looks. Our previous federal mirror was interesting but too small for the space. The sleek design and brushed gold finish of this large mirror works with any decor style, while the rounded corners give it a uniqueness that stands out. 

Entryways see a lot of foot traffic and our previous rug, while durable, was looking dingy and permanently stained. Having a washable runner would make keeping this space clean and stylish so much easier.

I decided on this cream and beige runner to bring lightness to the entryway. It works wonderfully with the jute and cotton rug in our adjacent dining room. The rounded corners of the runner are reminiscent of the rounded corners of the mirror and feel updated. 

Storage Basket

Placed on the open shelf, a woven basket provides extra storage and quick access to seasonal accessories like hats and scarves. These items can also get damp from snow or rain so the basket allows air to circulate and dry these items in the open.

Decorative Touches

A vase with fresh flowers, books, tea light, and small figurine add a touch of vintage charm to this contemporary cabinet. They bring such a warm welcome to anyone who enters our home.

I look forward to being able to play and style this space with the season. Here's other decor ideas you can use to create an inviting space:

• A rechargeable cordless lamp with a pretty shade
• Small objects like decorative boxes, ceramic bowls or candles
• Wooden bowls or woven storage to add texture
• Trays to corral items

Other Storage Solutions for Small Entryways

When designing a small entryway, it’s essential to focus on multi-functional storage solutions that don’t overwhelm the space. If you’re still searching for the perfect entryway furniture, here are a few other great alternatives:

1. Console tables: Ideal for narrow hallways or spaces with pass-through traffic
2. Storage bench: Provides ample storage while doubling as a seating area for putting on shoes.
3. Bathroom cabinets: Surprisingly, some compact bathroom cabinets can work well in small entryways, especially for concealed storage.
4. Shoe rack with adjustable shelves: If shoe storage is your main concern, consider a shoe rack. Look for one with flip drawers and adjustable shelves to accommodate different footwear styles, from high heels to bulky runners.

It took me multiple failed attempts to finally find the right storage for our narrow entryway and I'm glad I kept trying! 

This bedside table offers the perfect mix of storage, style, and durability and by pairing it with a mirror, a washable runner, and a few key decor pieces, our entryway is now a warm welcome home every day.

This post is sponsored by Wayfair Canada. All opinions are my own, and I only recommend products that I personally use or would bring into my own home. Thank you for supporting the brands that make it possible for us to share our decor and renovation ideas with you!