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 | Updated November 26, 2024
A well-organized coat closet is essential in every home.
This utility space is where the family can store anything necessary when heading out the door whether it be your purse, winter gloves and scarf, or a jacket. Even sports gear may reside here.
Coat closets should be kept tidy so that the things you need are easy to find and put back. You (and your children) are more likely to hang your coat back up when it is convenient and easy to do so.
Maintaining order, as well as style, isn't difficult in this small zone, though. Read on to find six easy tips for creating a more functional stylish entryway coat closet that can work in any home.
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 as well. 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 a statement color to pop when you open the door. Imagine this is just a mini-room in your home and let your decorating sense extend behind the door.
INSTALL EXTRA SHELVES
Most likely, your closet already has a shelf installed over where the coats hang. But your storage space for things like scarves and gloves, sporting equipment, and shoes can double by installing a second shelf under the coats.
For this project, we purchased a single 8 foot 1"x12" board which I cut in half to make the two matching shelves.
Then I cut two short pieces of a 1x3 board to make the bracket underneath. (One side of each bracket board had to be cut at an angle given the closet is built over the basement steps, but if you have an actual floor in your closet the angle isn't necessary.
The boards were stained prior to installation, but you could also paint them.
The 1x3 brackets were nailed into the wall with an finish nailer and then the shelf board was placed on top and 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, but in our case nails are strong enough.
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 add style to your closet.
You may want to add a label to the outside of your storage baskets so that anyone at home knows 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. It's simple details that easily elevate the look of your home.
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 in the basement.
Keeping just what you need and will use at any given time in the closet keeps the space 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.
Regardless of the number of people or children you have living in your home, having an organized coat closet helps keep your trips out the door stress-free and you're sure to leave with everything you need for the day ahead.
