15 Entryway Storage Hacks That Work Even In The Smallest Studio Apartments

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Trying to style your tiny foyer? There are lots of ways to make the most of a small entryway, but when you also need to utilize the space for storage, you've got a real design challenge on your hands. Studio apartments (or any home that's bursting at the seams) require optimizing every last square inch, so there isn't always room for a minimalist approach to entryway design. But that doesn't mean you have to completely forgo style for function. All you need is a good storage hack that will turn your teeny entryway into an inviting and covertly storage-friendly space. 

There is good news and bad news when it comes to small entryway storage. The good news is that often the best way to define small entryways is with decor pieces that double as extra storage. Entryway tables, benches with low shelving, or even just a coat rack or wall hooks can help distinguish the entryway from the rest of the home while adding much-needed storage space. The bad news is that these storage solutions — intended to define the space — can quickly devolve into cluttered "drop zones" that look more like the inside of a junk drawer than a welcoming entrance to a home. The solution? Small, simple storage hacks that will help define and utilize your small entryway without getting lost in clutter. Here are 15 clever ideas for your space.

A table is a tried-and-true way to add a little storage to an entryway, and even design experts like Joanna Gaines have used them to distinguish small entryways. In fact, Gaines used a table to define the foyer in her own home. On an episode of TODAY, Gaines took interviewer Jenna Bush Hager on a home tour and explained that a table is a simple way to provide both a warm welcome and a practical spot to drop your keys. Opt for narrow tables with a few drawers or shelves to pack in extra storage.

If your entryway is too narrow for a table, a shelf makes an excellent storage alternative. Install a shelf below a mirror for a twist on the classic table-and-mirror entryway decor, or hang floating shelves and top them with decorative baskets for an entryway focal point that doubles as storage. Renters can also utilize this hack with no-drill adhesive shelving options in all sorts of styles and sizes. These shelves might not hold as much weight, but they'll work well to keep your small on-the-go essentials ready to grab.

No entryway floor space? No problem. Use a wall shelf with hooks for an all-in-one entryway storage unit. It will keep your outerwear, purse, backpack, umbrella, and pet gear all neatly organized and off the floor. A few baskets on the shelf can stow gloves, sunglasses, mail, and other by-the-door items without looking cluttered.

An entryway bench is a great way to define a foyer, but don't let the space underneath go to waste. Instead, shop for storage benches with shelves underneath (great for shoe storage) or a bench that opens up to reveal a compartment for a hidden storage solution. There are tons of storage benches to suit your style, space, and needs. If you don't have room for a full bench, look for a storage stool to add a spot to put on your shoes.

If you have a closet in your entryway, maximize its storage space by utilizing every square inch. Take stock of what you need to store in the closet, then start from the bottom and work your way up, designing an organization system to fit your needs. Multi-tiered shoe racks or cube storage make great use of the closet's floorspace, and utility holders like Dollar Tree's Essentials Anti Slip Mop and Broom Holder can get your household supplies off the floor. Hang coats, bags, and umbrellas on closet racks, and install a shelf above for additional storage.

An entryway closet can be great for extra storage, but it can also make a small foyer feel even more closed up, not to mention that multiple doors in a cramped entry can be a spatial nuisance. Open up the space by removing the closet door and transforming the closet into an entryway focal point chock full of storage solutions that will hold much more than winter coats and shoes. Think stylish closet storage units, decorative shelves, and storage decor accents like baskets and containers to keep all your entryway essentials in their place.

If you're handy and want to level up your entryway transformation, this project is for you. DIY sleek hidden storage in your closet nook that looks like a chic wall feature at first glance, but moonlights as an entryway storage cupboard. This project would look great above bench seating or as a standalone wall storage solution for a small entryway. Design the cupboard doors to be stylish and functional, attaching a few wall hooks on the outside and installing shelving on the inside for customized entryway storage that suits your space.

Another option for a tiny entryway with multiple doors is to hang a door organizer. This allows you to utilize otherwise wasted space to store all your shoes, bags, and out-the-door accessories. If you have the space inside a foyer closet, hiding it on the inside is a great way to create hidden storage space in the entryway. You can also opt to hang it facing the foyer so it becomes a visible organizational feature, and you can dress it up by incorporating hanging greenery or decor items.

IKEA wall cabinets are a great solution for limited entryway space. In particular, the TRONES storage cabinets pack a surprising amount into each shallow, closable cubby. Measuring just over 7 inches deep, they're a great option for super-narrow foyers. The cabinets can stack on top of each other, and their sleek pull-down doors offer hidden storage without cramping the foyer. Store shoes, small bags, pet gear, and mail inside, and use the recessed top for stashing your keys and sunglasses. The doors easily detach for quick cabinet cleaning as needed.

Every last inch counts when it comes to entryway storage, so if your small foyer features an awkwardly-shaped or slightly-too-small nook, don't let that space go to waste. There is, without a doubt, a table, shelf, or cabinet out there that is just dying to fill the spot. Tall, narrow cabinets like IKEA's ENHET can act as mini entryway closets, and a storage bench or stool can transform an awkward nook into an intentional feature. If all else fails, shelves and wall hooks will put the space to work.

Some design experts avoid hall trees for entryways at all costs since the big, bulky units can quickly turn into a cluttered mess. However, utilizing corners is a great way to maximize wasted space, and a corner hall tree can add functional storage in a small entryway without encroaching on the foyer's flow. Hall trees combine several entryway storage solutions in one unit — shoe racks, hooks, high shelves, and a bench for sitting. If you can resist the urge to make your hall tree an overstuffed catchall, it will optimize your corner storage space.

Many people don't do anything with the entryway space that is covered when the front door is opened, but this area is a great spot for extra storage. You'll have to see what type of storage solution is practical in your space (that won't turn into a door-blocking nuisance), but even adding a few hooks or narrow shelves on the wall will help. You may even be able to stow a small table or shoe bench behind the door and create a defined entryway space that can be kept out of view when welcoming guests.

Teeny, tiny entryway with zero room to spare? No problem. Installing a pegboard by (or even on) your front door can provide a surprising amount of nimble, versatile storage. Hang your cold-weather coats and accessories on the pegboard all winter, then rearrange the storage hooks and compartments to accommodate your sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen in summer — you can find tons of pegboard accessories online to fit your needs. Pegboards can be screwed into solid wood doors or hung over the top for a renter-friendly solution.

Another great way to utilize that behind-the-door wasted space is by hanging a long rail with hooks for all your out-the-door essentials. You can use no-drill rails if you prefer, and simply add some S-hooks to create instant storage in an otherwise unused spot. Hang jackets, bags, hats, pet leashes, and umbrellas on the hooks so you're always ready to walk out the door. You can even make this rail your entire entryway storage solution by adding hanging baskets and a mail caddy — all without taking up an inch of floor space.

Who says storage has to be unsightly? Instead of choosing between decorative wall accents or practical wall pieces, infuse both into your small entryway design using statement hooks. Choose hooks that will blend seamlessly with your gallery wall or decor pieces so they'll be intentional even when not in use. Go for bold, show-stealing hooks that demand attention, or paint hooks the same color as the wall for a monochromatic look. Just be sure to account for what you want to hang in your design so the hooks provide the storage you need.

Most of us struggle to make the most of vertical space. For a tiny entryway in desperate need of extra storage, consider how you can use vertical space right up to the ceiling. Install shelving that lines the walls above the doors, and use decorative baskets to hold items you don't reach for every day. Think seasonal gear that you can switch out throughout the year or items that you only use every once in a while, like hiking boots, beach towels, or picnic blankets.