See how a simple makeover of a small entryway closet adds extra storage and style, and find out what you can do to update your own coat closet.
CLEAN + ORGANIZE | Published April 1, 2020

This past weekend, I helped my mom with a little makeover of her entryway coat closet.
Not only did we clean it up with a coat of paint and decluttering, but we also added additional storage by installing an extra shelf. The closet is built over the basement steps which means the "floor" of the closet is angled and unusable. This shelf practically doubled the storage space.

Not only did we clean it up with a coat of paint and decluttering, but we also added additional storage by installing an extra shelf. The closet is built over the basement steps which means the "floor" of the closet is angled and unusable. This shelf practically doubled the storage space.

The entire project took just an afternoon to complete, but really freshened up the closet. Simple projects like this are very rewarding because you see a change without much work or time invested. Right now, we all seem to be looking for ways to enhance our home with what we already have and this most definitely falls into that category.


A well-organized coat closet is important in any home. This utility space is where you store anything necessary for heading out the door and should be kept tidy so that the things you need are easy to find. Maintaining order, as well as style, isn't difficult, though.
Just like a coat of paint can do wonders to enhance a room in your home, it is the best way to freshen up closets in your home. Since it is likely a small space, you don't need much paint for the project, and you may even have something leftover from other rooms in your house.
White looks clean and simple, but feel free to add some color if you'd like to see something special when you open the door. Imagine this is just a mini-room in your home and let it make as much of a statement as the entryway or living room where it is located.
6 TIPS FOR A MORE FUNCTIONAL & STYLISH ENTRYWAY COAT CLOSET
BRUSH ON A FRESH COAT OF PAINT
Just like a coat of paint can do wonders to enhance a room in your home, it is the best way to freshen up closets in your home. Since it is likely a small space, you don't need much paint for the project, and you may even have something leftover from other rooms in your house.
White looks clean and simple, but feel free to add some color if you'd like to see something special when you open the door. Imagine this is just a mini-room in your home and let it make as much of a statement as the entryway or living room where it is located.

INSTALL EXTRA SHELVES
Most likely, your closet already has a shelf installed over where the coats hang. Your storage space for things like scarves and gloves, sporting equipment, and shoes can double by easily installing a second shelf under the coats.
My mom purchased one eight foot 1x12 board which I cut in half to make the two matching shelves.
Then I angle cut two short pieces of a 1x3 board to make the bracket underneath. (The board had to be angled given the way our closet is built over the steps, but if you have an actual floor in your closet the angle isn't necessary.
The 1x3 boards were nailed in with my finish nailer and then the shelf board was nailed into the brackets. If you plan on storing something really heavy on the shelf, it would be wise to screw the brackets into the wall.

ADD BASKETS FOR STORAGE
Decorative baskets or bins corral things like gloves, scarves, hats, and umbrellas in a coat closet. Larger baskets can hold sporting equipment. Not only are they functional, but these baskets also add style to your closet.
You may want to add a label to the outside of your storage baskets so that anyone in the home can know what gets stored where.
SHOP FOR DECORATIVE BASKETS FOR YOUR CLOSET

USE MATCHING HANGERS
While certainly not necessary, it is nice to have matching hangers in your coat closet to keep things neat. Wood hangers are best because they are sturdy and long lasting.
SHOP FOR HANGERS FOR YOUR OWN CLOSET
STORE OFF-SEASON ELSEWHERE
If space permits, place your outwear and other seasonal items in another place so that there is plenty of room for what you are using now. Perhaps they can be stored in another closet or a plastic tote box. Keeping just what you need and will use at any given time keeps the closet from getting overcrowded or disorganized.

LEAVE ROOM FOR GUESTS
When you have guests visiting, it is convenient to have space available in your closet to hold their coats, purses, and other items they may bring to your home.
Regardless of the number of people you have living in your home and whether or not you have children, having an organized coat closet helps to keep your trips out the door stress-free and you're sure to leave with everything you need for the day ahead. These are just a few suggestions for creating a tidy entryway coat closet.
Leave a comment below and let me know how you like to create order in your own coat closet.

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