The Entryway Closet Hack That Adds A Built-In Look And Hides All Your Shoes

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It might feel like your entryway closet is taking up space rather than adding to it. While it's useful for storage, it might not be the most attractive or efficient addition to your entryway. But what if the closet wasn't a closet anymore? Without losing storage space, you can transform your entryway closet into a quaint and, more importantly, useful built-in wallpaper-lined nook for shoes with an abundance of personality. Complete this practical space by adding a shoe cabinet, coat hooks, a vintage light fixture, and even a seat to sit on when you put on your shoes.

There are a few customization options you can choose based on the style of your home and your desired aesthetic, but all roads lead to the same first step — removing the closet doors. Depending on what you want the final result to look like, you may have to undertake some other kinds of minor demolition, such as busting out built-in shelves. Either way, you'll end up with a place to store your shoes, hats, and maybe your coats, and a bench to sit on or tabletop to throw your keys on. You're also creating a feature that gives guests a unique first impression. You have a lot of creative freedom with this closet hack, allowing you to either embrace the biggest entryway design trends right now or channel your personal style quirks.

As mentioned, you'll first need to remove the doors from your entryway closet. Also remove anything closet-related, like shelving or closet rods. Reduced to three walls and a bit of ceiling, your closet is ready to transform into a built-in nook. But first, you need to decide what design style you're going for. The easiest and most cost-effective option is to simply leave the closet frame as-is, complete with the original door trim. Use a wood filler like the Gorilla All-Purpose Wood Filler to fill in any screw holes from the now-removed door hinges. Wait one to six hours for the filler to dry, and then sand and paint it with a color that matches the trim.

More experienced DIYers might want to create something more bespoke. In that case, break out a hammer. You can remove the trim from around the closet, leaving a seamless nook that's flush with the wall. If you want to expand the size of your nook, remove the front walls of the closet, opening the space up for the full width of the closet interior. Since you will be modifying the framing, review your home's building plans to ensure you're not knocking out any load-bearing beams. If you're at all uncertain, hire a home remodeling contractor to review the project and provide expert guidance. While you're in the renovation phase, you can play with the shape of the nook, too. For example, you could follow YouTuber Making Manzanita lead and turn your regular closet into an archway by mounting curved wood framing and drywall inside the existing frame.

You're still in the rough stages of your closet transformation: It's time to add the built-in storage. If you'd like somewhere to sit while you put on your shoes, you can purchase a short shoe cabinet that will fit the width and depth of your closet-turned-nook. Make sure it has a sturdy tabletop that could support the weight of a person. You could also choose a tall shoe cabinet to function as an entryway console with lots of storage. Whether the piece of furniture you choose is tall or short, you'll need to build a platform to raise it off the ground slightly. You may also need to frame out the space between the cabinet and the nook's walls, securing it to the wall studs.

Once your shoe cabinet of choice is secure, cover the outside — including the top — with plywood painted to match the trim or the palette you've decided on for your nook. You could also disguise the shoe drawer fronts with stained wood paneling. To add some of your own personality to the nook, paint the walls a bright accent color or use this as an opportunity to finally use that roll of rare vintage patterned wallpaper you've been hoarding for a special project. If you used a short cabinet and have a bench seat, transform an old blanket into a seat cushion for a better sitting experience. Add coat hooks for even more storage and a downlight in the ceiling for better nighttime illumination.