Evolving the Entryway: Storage Solutions for Small Spaces

Enlarge Image Image Gallery In Lin’s proposed solution, shoe cubbies and “grab-and-go” hooks make coming and going easy and quick. Shelves behind a decorative curtain offer attractive, organized storage. Photo Illustration By Nathan Skow

Q: We need an affordable storage solution for our entry area. We need a spot for shoes and boots, hooks for winter coats, and a place for scarves, mittens, hats, and other odds and ends. We’d also like a bench.
—Steph Glaros & Corey McNally, Minneapolis

Steph and Corey’s hallway has limited space, but with some creativity and efficient space utilization, it can house a shelving and storage unit for all of their indoor/outdoor gear, plus a bench and mail table. I suggest tucking floor-to-ceiling shelving behind a decorative curtain. Inexpensive, easy-to-hang, light metal-wire shelving doesn’t collect dust and lets air circulate, reducing musty smells. Rubbermaid offers Greenguard-certified ventilated wire shelving made from 100 percent recycled steel. To keep the hallway easily navigable, the shelving should be no deeper than about 15 inches from the wall.

A curtain will hide the storage, soften the space and add personality. Organic and fair trade curtains come in many styles. Rawganique offers organic hemp; Anna Sova has organic cotton and “Eco Silk,” processed without toxic chemicals.

Organize items according to function. The shelves nearest the kitchen can house cookbooks, pantry items and cleaning supplies. Allow space below the first shelf to hide recycle bins. Organize tools and other “outdoor” stuff on the side closer to the exit. This is also a good place for a clothes rod for out-of-season outdoor gear.