Coat rack, shoe storage, key holder, mail stand—when you think about it your entryway is essentially a closet without doors. This one small space serves so many functions, and it’s precisely for this reason that we think it deserves some special style ideas.

 

Here, we cover all the must-haves to keep the gatekeeper of your home running smoothly (and of course, we’ll show you how to do it with style). After all, it’s the first thing you see when you get home, and the last thing on your way out, so we think it should look great too.

 

1. Hooks for your coat and hat:

 

All good entryways have a few trusty hooks as soon as you walk in the door, serving to hold your coat, hat, sweater, and anything else you’ll need to unload. You can go with a hall tree if space permits, or simply drill a few hooks into the wall. This will ultimately prevent everything from getting tossed (or lost) elsewhere.

 

2. Designated shoe spot:

 

Next you’ll want to kick off your shoes, so to avoid a messy looking pile—not to mention a tripping hazard—designate a shoe spot. This can be a rack on your hall table, a basket by the front door, or simply empty floor space. (This tip gets bonus points for preventing dirt and debris from getting tracked through the house.)

 

3. Dish for keys:

 

How many times have you been late due to lost keys? If you’re anything like us, and it’s too many to count, then do yourself a favor and follow this tip. Once you get into the habit of dropping them into the dish, you’ll never have to do the last-minute scramble again.

 

4. A place for your bag:

 

We love any idea that prevents clutter from making its way into the home. So instead of dropping your bag on the sofa, dining room table, or anywhere else it happens to land, give yourself an entryway spot to store it. Whether it’s a cubby, shelf, or even just a tabletop, it will help keep the rest of your furniture looking tidy.

 

5. Mirror for last-minute looks:

 

I mean, we all need one last glance before heading out for the day, right? An accent mirror by the door saves you from running back to the bedroom or bathroom, plus it adds a decorative element while opening up this typically small space.

 

6. Rug or mat by the door:

 

Dress up your entryway with a 2×3 rug or mat, which will also serve as backup to your welcome mat. And with that in mind, we recommend going with a darker color and/or pattern to hide wear and tear.

 

7. Fresh flowers and/or candles:

 

Want coming home to be a breath of fresh air? Then keep a candle or fragrant flowers on a table by your entryway. Not only will this make your home smell great, but it adds some décor too. (Just don’t keep the candle lit while you’re away!)

 

And just like that, your home will be ready to welcome you every time you open the door! You’ll be amazed at the difference that adding just a few of these entryway style ideas will make. While it may be just a small part of your home, it’s a big part of setting the vibe. After all, they say you only get once chance to make a first impression! And your entryway is the first impression of your home.