Guest Picks: Make That Winter Entryway Work Better

It takes only a few weeks of winter before my entryway starts looking pretty chaotic: coats, outerwear, slushy boots and shoes, and seemingly endless other little things. I’ve decided that this winter is the time to change that and really put the space to work for my family and me. So far I’ve organized and rearranged a bit and added extra coat hooks and some baskets. And I’m finishing with a few simple things I wish I’d added sooner, like a boot tray. Why did I wait this long?

Because the entry space is so tiny (and doubles as a laundry area), everything I add for organization needs to function as efficiently as possible, and look good too! With that in mind, here is a roundup of products I’ve considered or have been inspired by while creating a winter entryway that truly works. — Alli from Hooray

Expandable Diamond Coatrack - $98 This expandable rack caught my eye. Stretch it out for the winter when coats and scarves threaten to take over, and close it back up for lighter garments in the summer.


Yellow Wire Bin - $16.95 A basic item, like this wire bin, can really help brighten a room when it’s a cheerful yellow color.


Accessory Hanging Clip - $2.95 I’d never noticed accessory hanging clips before I saw these. My gloves are often wet when I get home, and these are a great solution for drying them right by my coat so they won’t be forgotten.


Two-Tone Rope Indoor-Outdoor Rug, Black/Ivory - $95 My family and I have stained and shrunk enough rugs to realize that a darker, more durable rug is what we need. It doesn’t have to be expensive, and I do like this one.


French Axis Rubber Boot Tray - $28 This boot tray is proof that something boring and necessary can still look good.


Woodland Imports 50989 Wood Metal Wire Mesh Wall Pocket - $55 I absolutely love the design and function of this. It lends lots of charm while providing plenty of space for storage and hanging outerwear.


Mini Tower Ceramic Heater - $44 Sometimes I just want a little heat to quickly warm up (or dry something) after I’ve been outside. This tall, slim heater is perfect for my tiny back entryway. Buy on Houzz


3-Tier Hanging Wire Basket - $12.99 Though baskets like this are traditionally used in the kitchen, I love the idea of bringing hanging baskets into the mudroom-entryway in the wintertime for temporary (and pretty) storage.


6¾-Ounce Square Glass Jar With Wooden Lid - $2.27 If I keep a couple of small jars of vinegar and cotton swabs by the entry, I am much more likely to remember to clean the salt off boots and shoes (especially important for leather ones) every so often. These wood-top jars can be stained or painted.


Galvanized Totes - $10.99 The rich mix of leather handles and dark galvanized steel means these baskets have the perfect look for winter.


Aqua Trap Entry Mat - $49.50 Here’s an even heavier rug than the one above. It’s nice and dark and absorbs water really well.


Sitting Folding Wire Basket - $65 I’d really like one of these. It looks pretty, folds flat when not in use and seems perfect for corralling random shoes or slippers.


Algot Drying Rack, White - $6 A drying rack is a lifesaver in the winter, with all those wet gloves and socks and everything else. This one is great if you’re looking for something simple and basic.


Wooden Hooks, Tas-ka I suppose it doesn’t have a winter-specific function, but this little row of hooks sure does look cozy and cute.


Lidan Baskets, Set of 2 - $9.99 Hanging cloth baskets are one of my favorite picks for a mudroom. They can fit in tight spaces, be hung on crowded coatracks, store lots of go-to items and be thrown in the wash.


InterDesign York Storage Bin, Undershelf Basket, Bronze - $17.21 Undershelf baskets are great for winter. They can be easily (and temporarily) added to make use of otherwise wasted space.


Cedar-Filled Breeze Blocker - $10.95 I’m all for anything that can help with coziness in the winter. This draft blocker is filled with cedar, so it can double as a closet freshener when not in use at a door.


Smith & Hawken Copper Boot Tray - $24.99 This is probably the simplest and classiest boot tray I’ve seen. And because it doesn’t look too specific, you can use it for all kinds of things in warmer, drier months too.


Real Simple Bar Mop Kitchen Towels, White, Set of 6 - $7.99 Absorbent bar mops are so nice to have on hand in the mudroom-entry area for quickly drying off or wiping up from the snowy outdoors.


Rectangular Yellow Bin With Lid - $19.95 Here is one last dose of yellow that may help brighten the dreary, cold months. I have a similar bin that I use for cleaning the cat litter. I love it.

Next: 6 Ways to Beat the Winter Blahs

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