Organize shoes in pairs by placing them vertically in a container.
Entryways are some of the most heavily trafficked areas of the home. If they aren't well-organized, entryways can easily become cluttered. For some people, entryways are the place to store shoes, boots, coats, hats, gloves, umbrellas, mail and keys, among other things. A few simple organizational tricks can ensure that you never lose your keys, keep the right pair of boots in reach and maintain a clean and welcoming home entrance. Does this Spark an idea?
Floors
The key to floor organization in the entryway is to keep containers out of the walkway. For shoes that don't see much wet weather, use a shallow rectangular container to neatly hold several pairs. In a narrow space or the hallway section of an entryway, use a basket, leather-covered box or ceramic indoor planter as an impromptu shoe caddy by vertically placing paired shoes toe-side down. Containers need not be any taller than the length of the shoes they store. A child can have his own shoe bin to keep organized. For boots or other wet-weather gear, use a small rubber mat that can be routinely wiped down to keep the floor free from damaging water stains, especially during the winter season. For traditional, long umbrellas, use any tall floor container as an umbrella stand. Tall, stable vases; sleek, modern garbage cans; or tall, narrow baskets would all work well.
Walls
Use walls for vertical storage. In less formal homes, shelves, a mirror and hooks are a popular option. You can sometimes find such shelves in flea markets or antique stores, or you can easily put such a system together with individual, modern components. You can also install railings for coat pegs. When added along a length of finished wood mounted to the wall, pegs lend a shaker-style simplicity to the entryway. Use them to hang both coats and hats. Pegs mounted at chair-rail height can keep coats and scarves for small children. In a formal entryway, use walls for storage by mounting a custom shelf at console-table height under a large mirror or piece of art. It can be a catchall for keys and mail. When company arrives, replace your mail with a vase of flowers.
Furniture
Not all entryways have the luxury of space for shoes, coats, mirrors or umbrella stands. In tight spaces, a multipurpose piece of furniture like a storage bench can become an all-purpose organizer. Benches that have open storage cubes beneath them can house bins of winter gear, shoes or frequently used sports equipment. The top of the bench is a place to sit and put on or remove shoes. If wall space above the bench allows for hooks, you can hang coats and umbrellas there. You can convert a long, narrow trunk into an entryway bench by adding a seat cushion to the top. A trunk has the added benefit of hiding interior contents from view. However, unless the inside is partitioned for organization, it may become a hidden mess.
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