25 Hallway Storage Ideas For Shoes, Coats & Clutter
Oskar
Always struggling for space in your hallway? Check out our clever hallway storage ideas to take back control from the clutter!
Key Takeaways:
- Storage benches and console tables are great options for storage in medium-sized hallways.
- If you’re short on space, use decorative baskets, wall hooks and compact furniture for hallway storage.
- Larger hallways can benefit from shelving units, sideboards and cupboards to manage the clutter.
Your hallway is the first impression of your home that visitors see, as well as being the space that welcomes you back every day. However, as it’s a high-traffic area, it’s often a target for lots of clutter, such as shoes, bags, coats and jackets, which can pile up quickly.
Luckily, there are plenty of storage solutions available to keep your hallway looking neat and tidy. You can go as minimal as a few coat hooks on your wall or a woven basket in the corner, or bring in some stylish and functional furniture like benches or console tables if you have the space.
Check out our hallway storage ideas that can work in both cosy, snug entrances and those with a little more room to spare.
In This Article:
How To Keep Your Hallway Organised & Tidy
1. Wide Open Shelving
An open shelving unit can work really well for storing shoes and boots in your hallway, since it’s simple to see all of your options at a glance once you’ve organised them. You can easily grab the pair you need without any cupboard doors or drawers, making your mornings even more efficient.
You’re not limited to storing just footwear on your open shelving, either; adding a tray or bowl on top creates a convenient drop-off point for keys, sunglasses, loose change and other pocket essentials. Balance out the storage with some decor if you have space leftover, like vases and ornaments.
Open shelves tend to have a modern, minimalist style, but they can lean more rustic if they’re wooden or wood effect. The decor that you pair with them can have a big impact too, since just a few sophisticated pieces can elevate the whole unit.
2. Tall Shelves & Cupboards
If you need open shelving but don’t have enough space in your hallway for a wide unit, you may want to look for a tall but slim option. This way, you’re saving valuable floorspace while still getting excellent storage.
Choosing a unit that adds some cupboards alongside the open shelves gives you the best of both worlds, since you can divide everything between covered or uncovered storage. You might want to keep clutter like parcels that need to be returned and out-of-season accessories (such as gloves and scarves in summer) stored but not on display, which is where cupboards come in handy.
Add a houseplant or two, real or faux, to your open shelves to create a connection between your hallway and the nearby outdoors, and brighten up the space.
3. Compact Open Shelving
Love the look of open shelving but don’t have quite enough space in your hallway for a full unit? There are some more compact options, and while you do have to compromise on the storage you get in your hallway, you’ll also have a lot more free wall space.
You can use this wall space for coat hooks, wall-mounted shelves, or even a mirror, which can lighten your hallway and make it feel more spacious.
4. Seating With Subtle Storage
When you’re running low on space but really want to make the most of your hallway, multipurpose storage can be a really smart idea, like a bench with a shelf for shoe storage. This setup is especially clever since it makes taking your shoes off and putting them on more comfortable, as you can sit down while you do it, and also ensures that your shoe storage is close by.
The closer it is, the less effort it is to organise your hallway, which means you’re more likely to keep it that way. They also tend to be slimmer than armchairs or accent chairs, so you can still enjoy some comfortable seating even in a narrow hallway.
5. Multipurpose Bench & Chest
If you’re putting together a traditional-style hallway, try adding a classic-style chest that can double as a subtle bench. The covered storage space means you can keep your hallway looking tidy without having to worry about arranging everything inside your chest too.
Look for wooden options with weathered finishes and light patterning to really fit in with a timeless, antique-inspired aesthetic. Consider placing a natural, woven rug in front of the chest to add texture, if you have enough floor space.
6. Rustic Storage Bench
Some storage benches come with woven baskets slotted into a gap underneath the seat, which are perfect for a rustic, boho hallway look.
Pair one with a welcoming natural or brown rug and layer the seat cushion with a chunky folded throw at one end to create a charming space in your hallway. However, keep in mind that a plush top won’t reliably support heavier decor, like vases and table lamps, so it’s best to stick to blankets, cushions and other soft furnishings.
7. Sleek Open Wardrobe
Wall hooks can be useful for hanging up coats and jackets, but if you want something with more presence and functionality, an open wardrobe might actually be what you need. It sounds unconventional for hallway storage, but it’s a modern way to keep your coats tidy on hangers and, if it includes a lower shelf, you can put your shoes and boots below.
This is a great way to streamline the process of getting ready to go out, since nearly everything you need will be in one place. Set up a small console table next to your open wardrobe with a dish on top for your keys and other outdoor essentials to maximise the efficiency!
Remember that anything you won’t be wearing regularly, like winter coats during the warmer months, should be stored separately so they don’t take up valuable space.
8. Linen Lined Baskets
If you have a particularly small hallway with little floor space, even compact furniture might make the room feel too cramped. Decorative storage, such as woven baskets, can fit snugly in corners or underneath furniture, and they’re excellent drop-off points for shoes, scarves and other accessories.
Linen-lined baskets create a particularly charming, cosy aesthetic. Choose baskets with removable, washable liners for the most versatility, so you can refresh them every so often and restore that bright, clean look.
9. Woven Storage With Lids
You can combine decorative storage with other furniture, such as benches or shelves, to add some extra organisation to your hallway. Box-shaped baskets with lids are ideal for this, as you can stack them easily and slot them into your shelving or a cupboard.
This means you also have the choice of whether to display the baskets or not. They can add to a rustic, cottagecore vibe, but if you’re going in a different direction with your hallway’s style, then you can keep them out of sight and still enjoy the organisational benefits.
Lids can also be useful for keeping curious pets out of your storage, especially if it’s close to the floor or on ground level.
10. Round Storage Trays
Woven trays can be a smart addition to your hallway shelves, sideboard or console table, since they let you easily keep track of keys, wallets, purses and other essentials. Position them so that they’re in your eyeline as soon as you get home and you’ll soon get into the routine of using them.
You can pair natural coloured woven trays with wooden furniture to create a warm, rustic atmosphere in your hallway. Alternatively, a light woven tray will pop against black or dark grey furniture, introducing a visually interesting, dramatic contrast.
11. Convenient Laundry Basket
Your hallway might not be a room you’ve ever considered putting a laundry basket in, but it can actually be a smart way to intercept muddy or dirty outerwear. Instead of hanging up a jacket that needs a wash, and potentially forgetting to put it in with the laundry, you can immediately sort it into a designated pile of clothes headed to the washing machine.
It can be hard to hide a laundry basket in your hallway if it’s a tight space, but choosing a woven design with a light linen liner and a lid can be more decorative. When the lid is flipped down, it’ll just look like a rustic storage basket, adding to your hallway’s charm.
12. Country Style Console Table
Console tables are perfect for hallways, so much so that they’re also called ‘hallway tables’. They tend to be narrow and come in a range of styles, but they all have a top surface that you can use for some extra storage in your hallway.
Often, they will have drawers, a low shelf, or a combination of the two. The low shelf is ideal for shoe storage, and you can keep your hallway looking organised by keeping clutter in the drawers.
Look for lightly coloured, country-style console tables if you want to brighten up your hallway and make it feel a little more spacious.
13. Minimalist Hallway Table
Minimalist console table designs are great for making the most of your space, since they’re one of the most compact hallway storage furniture options. While they might not have extra shelves, cupboards or drawers, you can add decorative storage to the table’s top surface.
However, if you prefer to keep the simple, streamlined look, try a toned-back approach with a faux plant or lamp on one side of the console table. On the other side, add a bowl or tray where you can drop off your day-to-day essentials when you come inside and then pick them up when you’re heading out.
14. Console Table With Shelf
You may want to go for a console table with two surfaces rather than drawers if you don’t need hidden storage in your hallway and want a more open look. Scandi style goes hand-in-hand with a clean, minimalist design, so look for light wood tables to add inviting calmness to your hallway.
To make sure your console table sets a serene tone for the rest of your home, space out everything that you put on the shelves and leave space for occasional additions. That way, if you do use it as a drop-off point for keys, earphones and other essentials, it won’t feel too crowded during the day.
15. Modern Hallway Table With Mirror
Simple console tables not only provide you with storage, but can also make hallways feel more spacious due to their clean silhouettes. Double down on that effect by adding a wall mounted mirror above your table for some extra brightness.
Try to place the mirror so that it reflects a source of light, such as a table lamp, or ideally a nearby window. If you’re going for a charming, rustic look with your console table, consider using a candle, and adding some nearby natural decor to link to the outside world.
16. Retro Rattan Storage
A retro-inspired rattan console table can add some fun style to your home, and provide extra storage for your hallway. Look for an option that combines compact cupboards with an open shelf to give yourself some choice for how to organise your hallway clutter.
Cupboards are a smart way to keep everything untidy out of sight, but open shelving can be more efficient for things you’ll often pick up, like your keys. Anything you won’t reach for as regularly can go in the cupboards, decluttering your entryway while leaving space for a lamp or ornament on top of the table.
17. Fluted Console Table With Drawers
Your hallway storage should be both functional and stylish, and one option to achieve that is a fluted console table. Fluted detailing is a sophisticated choice that can work well in traditional aesthetics and modern styles, making it a particularly versatile option.
If you decide to pair your console table with a mirror, look for one with a frame that complements the fluted details, such as a ribbed or etched texture. This will both brighten up your hallway storage area and add some extra style to your space!
18. Extra Wide Hallway Table
Although many hallways need space-saving storage solutions due to small or awkward dimensions, some options make the most of your space in larger rooms. If you need the extra storage, a wide hallway table could be ideal, offering more drawers and shelf space.
If you do go with a larger console table, make sure you still take care when measuring up the area where it will go, especially if it’ll be a tight fit, such as between two walls.
Be intentional with the decor you choose to pair with it, too. A tall, thin table lamp can add some drama without taking up too much space, and it’ll have an even stronger impact if you contrast it against shorter ornaments and books.
19. Dark & Compact Console Table
If you still want a drawer for extra storage but don’t have enough room for a large console table, consider more compact options that still have a drawer. They may be a little wider than minimalist console tables without drawers, but they can be shorter in depth, which makes all the difference in small hallways.
Just remember to plan out how much space you’ll have left to walk through your hallway. Try to keep a walkway of around 90cm to 120cm free, or enough space for you to comfortably pass by the table.
20. Stylish Drawers, Cupboards & Shelves
Need a lot of different storage options in one fairly compact piece of furniture? Console tables can actually be surprisingly versatile, so an option that includes shelving, drawers and cupboards all in one might be just what you need.
A console table in a darker shade can look quite sophisticated in a modern hallway, especially when positioned against a lightly coloured wall. This contrast can add a pop of visual interest to your entranceway, alongside providing plenty of extra storage for your hallway.
21. Wide Hallway Sideboard
Sideboards are usually a little larger than console tables, and can often have a larger depth, so they’re not the best choice for particularly narrow hallways. However, they are one of the best options for maximising hallway storage when you have more space to work with.
Generally, sideboards prioritise cupboard space over shelving or drawers, so they’re also a smart choice if you’d like to keep most of your hallway clutter out of sight, similar to drawers. However, you also get a little more space for larger items, such as winter boots, coats and bags, which might not easily fit in drawers.
22. Fluted Hallway Cupboard
Fluted sideboards are excellent choices for minimalist hallways, especially when you choose one made out of light wood. The look leans toward clean, sophisticated Scandi and Japandi style, both of which can actually make your hallway feel more spacious.
Try to keep the decor on top of the sideboard balanced, and leave space in case you need it for dropping off keys and essentials. You could add a bowl for this purpose, pairing it with a taller ornament or vase on the other side to add balance and contrast.
23. Modern Hallway Sideboard
Add some distinguished style to your hallway with a modern sideboard in a dark wood shade. It’ll give you plenty of cupboard space, which you could use for tidying away shoes, or anything else you might need close to hand in your entranceway.
This can differ between households depending on your needs, but you might need larger storage space for bags, umbrellas, hats, scarves and coats.
24. Woven Retro Style Cupboards
If the rest of your home has a retro aesthetic, then there’s no need to put it on hold in your hallway. You might be limited to just one or two pieces of furniture, so make them count by picking options full of personality and style, such as a sideboard with rattan-fronted cupboard doors.
As well as providing storage space, a sideboard is a great way to add decor to your room. The top surface is an opportunity to bring together framed art, faux plants and ornaments to create a warm, welcoming entryway.
25. Traditional Hallway Sideboard
Two-door sideboards can be a great choice for hallways, since they’re a little more compact than three-door options. However, if you choose one with an additional drawer, you should still have plenty of hallway storage.
Often, a sideboard with painted wood in a light, neutral shade can be the best option for a hallway. It’s a grounding aesthetic to come home to every day, and a versatile look that works especially well in traditional and country style homes.
When you don’t have a lot of space in your hallway, you should prioritise wall-mounted storage options like hooks and compact furniture that still gives you floorspace to walk through.
A slim console table with a dish on top to store keys, a drawer for essentials and a low, open shelf for shoes can provide all the storage you need without taking up too much space.
To make sure you’re getting the right hallway storage for your home, consider both how much space you have and your household’s needs. If you only need a small amount of storage for keys and shoes, you should look for a console table or small cupboard rather than a large sideboard.
However, if your hallway is regularly overrun by piles of bags, coats and other clutter, you should consider a combination of storage options. Pair some decorative baskets with a cupboard, or use two console tables with drawers and shelves.
Empty space in your hallway is the perfect opportunity to add something useful for your daily routine, such as a bench that combines storage and seating or a dedicated shoe shelf. Think about how you normally use the space, and include furniture that will make your mornings a little less stressful.
That could be an open wardrobe as a sophisticated coat rack, storage baskets for depositing shoes, or even a shelving unit. Think about everything that normally clutters up your hallway, and choose storage solutions that specifically target those issues.
It’s Time To Take Back Your Hallway
Your hallway can quickly get overwhelmed by clutter, but adding storage can really help keep everything under control, as well as adding some extra style. While you’re furnishing your hallway, you might also be interested in some mirror ideas for brightening the space and ways to make a narrow hallway seem wider.
Oskar
Oskar is an expert home interiors blogger who loves sharing practical DIY tips and home inspiration. Alongside style advice, he also writes expert how-to guides with easy step-by-step instructions to help you update your space with confidence.