I made a decision today. Whenever I speak to you about any type of organizational idea or tool, I will always call the title. “Order in the House”. I think this title speaks of many things. Order in the house? What does that mean in your home? When some kind of control is taken on my part to add order to my home, I feel there’s a feeling of peace in the midst our busy life. Although…. that sense of Calm looks different from day-to-day. I’m guessing for you as well too!
I was asked the other day by one of my readers….. ” How do I keep my front entrance organized when guests come over?” If you are dealing with a front entrance that is long and narrow, or fat and wide, what steps should you take to provide a place for your guests jackets and purses?
I can see the images in my head already… Jackets and purses all over the floor, or tossed on the nearest chair, shoes everywhere big and small. When it’s time to leave they can’t possibly find where their shoes are, (possible going home with someone else’s?) and they can’t even remember what they came with? While I think I may be exaggerating somewhat, I’m not that far off.
So if this scene resembles your house, then it’s time for some solutions…. Sometimes the simplest solutions need not be costly or lengthy in time.
Make use of Hall closets. These closets are great for guests to put their things when they stop by for a visit. Provide adequate hangers for all their coats. The simplest organizational tool out there? Remove as many items of your own as possible. Make room for your guests. This image shows you what clearly not to do…
Encourage your guests and let them know there is room in the closet for their things. This will provide a home for all their items so they are safely tucked away, and a better chance to find everything they brought when they go to leave.
I really like this idea from Picture Your World Better – Organized and Easier. They featured this idea to remove the closet doors, and provide a seat to put shoes on, hang coats and have storage baskets up above. The hooks supply the practical needs of the space, and the paneling brightens it up and gives it a clean, classy look. What is also provides is the accountability to keep it clutter free. You can’t just close the closet doors to hide the mess! This one gets my vote!
The best idea you can provide for your guests is plain old hooks for their jackets. These vintage hooks were featured on Graphic Design blog. Very cool. All it would take is a nice piece of board mounted on the wall and then simply choose the hooks that turn your crank!
Here are some other cool hooks… These are made by Lee Valley. Some of them are shiny, and some flat and traditional.
These were featured on The Leaf Lady Blog. I think she made them her self. These are very unique!
If space is an issue then these single hooks made by Morrell Metal Smiths could be just what you need.
For most of us, having a grand front entrance when Guest’s walk through your door is purely a luxury. The best idea I can provide for you in small spaces is to work with what you have. If you do that then you’ve won your first battle of the day.
If you have any other entry way dilemma’s then please send me a photo so that I can better help you out with finding some solutions. I can only help you if I can see your space.
Today is about finishing our master bedroom, so I must get back to it. I am framing some amazing prints and I have been having quite the time finding photo mats for their specific size. Grrrr…. I promise I will show you soon!!! Please be patient with me.
Jodi
FYI: You can get custom mats cut at Opus for cheap, they just take about a week!
I priced out Michaels and it would have been around 20 each and would have taken 10 days. I think I found a solution for now. Thanks for the heads up for next time.
I was just thinking about our front entry way and what to do with it. The area is narrow and long. No closet near by. At one end is the door and the other end is the bathroom. There is no room for a sitting area- or any furniture for that matter. When guests come over I usually put their jackets on the handrail leading to our basement. I like the hooks that you have shown in your blog, but how could I make that look good?
Thanks!
Dealing with an area that is long and narrrow can be tought. I’ve been in one home before that was long and narrow with the same lay out and they hung hooks on a really nice board that they liked. Another idea is hanging hooks on an antique window if you like that look. Basically you can hang hooks on anything that you love and is strong enough to hold the hooks. This may not work all the time for your regular jackets, but would definitely when guests need to hang their jackets.
Hope that works.
Yes, thank you. I have seen the antique window idea before- it looks really great!