Transform Your Entryway: Small Space Storage Solutions for NYC Apartments

Transforming a cluttered entryway into a well-organized space can significantly enhance the ambiance of your home. The entryway is the first area you see when entering and the last as you leave, making its organization crucial. After tolerating a chaotic entryway for months, I decided to revamp the space to simplify my daily routine.

Armed with a measuring tape, I embarked on a project to optimize the storage in my narrow four-foot-wide NYC studio apartment entryway. Every square inch counts, similar to the kitchen, and I’m eager to share the products that transformed my entryway into a functional area.

Space-saving retractable wall hooks

Writer Remi Rosmarin's organized entryway, with a wall rack with coats and bags on the Umbra wall-mounted hooks. — Writer Remi Rosmarin’s organized entryway features a wall rack for storing coats and bags.
Remi Rosmarin

Wall hooks were prioritized in my entryway overhaul. Despite having a closet, jackets often ended up on door handles or chairs. I needed a dedicated spot for frequently used items, and the mounted coat rack was the perfect fit.

After seeing it at a friend’s place, I was sold. It’s sleek, with five metal hooks supporting up to 25 pounds. The retractable hooks are ideal for limited spaces. Installation was quick and secure, providing an organized spot for jackets, bags, and hats, simplifying morning routines.

An expandable shoe rack

Baskets of toiletries and cosmetics sit on glass closet shelves above several pairs of dark shoes and boots organized on an expandable shoe rack. — An expandable shoe rack holding several pairs of boots and shoes is tucked away under floating glass shelves.
Remi Rosmarin

Shoes were the main entryway clutter, necessitating a shoe rack. The available space was narrow, making regular racks impractical. After measuring, I chose a simple expandable shoe rack. It’s affordable, easy to assemble, and accommodates 6 to 12 pairs of shoes.

Utilizing vertical space with three tiers, it fits my entryway perfectly. Its expandability ensures future use in different areas. For those with more room, a narrow shoe cabinet can provide ample concealed storage and additional surface space for essentials or decor.

Trinket trays to keep essentials handy

Floating glass entryway shelves hold a hand sanitizer, a home fragrance diffuser, and baskets and dishes for her wallet, keys, and other everyday supplies. — Remi’s floating glass entryway shelves hold a hand sanitizer, a home fragrance diffuser, and baskets and trinket trays for her wallet, keys, and other everyday supplies.
Remi Rosmarin

Misplacing items was a common issue until I introduced trinket trays for essentials. Built-in shelves in the entryway were underutilized, but now they host trays for keys, wallets, and decorative items, keeping everything organized.

Designating a tray for each item might seem excessive, but it significantly helps with organization. I’ve repurposed gifted trays over the years, and for those seeking new options, Anthropologie offers a variety of stylish choices.

Soft storage baskets that keep the mess concealed

A soft storage basket and a woven baskets holding toiletries sit on a glass shelf above several pairs of dark boots and shoes. — Soft storage and woven baskets are great for hiding small messes, like receipts and beauty products.
Remi Rosmarin

Fabric storage bins from The Container Store have accompanied me through multiple moves. Their cotton construction is both durable and flexible, unlike wicker, allowing them to fit snugly in tight spots without damaging clothes.

The small Laguna bin serves as my “purse bowl,” a TikTok-viral concept where the contents of your purse are emptied at day’s end, making it easy to switch bags the next day. This bin holds plenty of essentials, and its fabric design keeps clutter out of sight.

A mirror to brighten the space and get last looks

Entryway wall with a round mirror, white door, intercom, and glass shelf holding household items. — Remi accented her entryway wall with a round mirror, which makes the space feel larger and gives an opportunity for last looks before heading out the door.
Remi Rosmarin

Adding a wall mirror was a simple solution to the bland beige wall and narrow hallway. It expands the space visually and is perfect for last-minute appearance checks before leaving.

Although I used a mirror I already owned, many options are available with hooks or shelves for added functionality. The West Elm x Emma Chamberlain collection offers stylish mirrors with additional storage features.

Floating shelves that make use of vertical space

Glass shelves hold woven baskets, a reed diffuser, sanitizer bottle, dishes, jewelry, and small toiletries against a beige wall. — Floating shelves are a great way to add extra storage without taking up a lot of space.
Remi Rosmarin

Although my apartment includes built-in entryway shelves, floating shelves are a cost-effective upgrade for any space. They’re easy to install, adding purpose to empty wall areas.

Worried about holes in the wall? Consider a Command adhesive ledge, capable of holding up to 5 pounds without damage.

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