Mixing It Up: 7 Entryway Pairings (That Are Big on Style & Storage)
Photo: Studio McGee
Maybe you haven’t given too much thought to what your entryway looks like. Yes, it’s a spot to drop your keys and slip off your shoes, but it’s also the first space you see when you walk in your home. And we’re here to say that your entryway can be just as stylish (and still functional) as every other space in your home.
We’re firm believers that an entryway should serve a dual purpose- as an attractive area to enter your home and a place for all your belongings to well, belong. And it’s just as important that the space also function for your daily life- whether that means bountiful baskets, heaps of hooks, or seating with space for storage underneath. It’s about finding the pieces that fit your style and work for your way of life. If your entry functions as a drop zone for the whole family, you’ll definitely want more concealed storage, whereas if you live alone and have less square footage, you may want a compact console and a few space saving wall hooks.
With versatility in mind, we’ve created 7 entryway pairings in a number of different styles and combinations, with all the components you’ll need for stylish and smart storage. These designs are a mix of benches, consoles, hooks, coat racks, artwork, mirrors, baskets and runners that will work, whatever your entry needs may be. So what are you waiting for? keep scrolling to get your entry way under way!
Want to see even more foolproof pairings? Check out Mixing It Up: 12 Bed Linen Pairings, Mixing It Up: 12 Pillow Pairings That Work and Mixing It Up: 15 Bedroom Furniture Pairings That Work.
Geometric Glam
An interplay of geometric shapes, with a touch of the 80s, makes this a fun and fresh option for your entryway. And a slender, freestanding coat rack is a great option for hanging all your everyday essentials.
BOBBY’S TIP
Besides being an attractive spot to put on shoes and place your bag, an entry bench can provide plenty of storage underneath it. Add a couple baskets to stash shoes and anything else you use often.
Round Metal Wire Basket | Burtonsville Terrazzo Mustard Bench | Fabric Wrapped Mirror | Maurizio Coat Rack
Total= $816
Neutral Farmhouse
Farmhouse style gets a minimal and paired down approach with a grey console table, black & white photography and simple black wall hooks. A check pattern runner is traditional, but graphic, and ties the whole pairing together.
Plaid Fleece Tufted Runner | Salvage Barn Series Photograph | Havsta Grey Console Table | Matte Black Decorative Hooks
Total= $383
Photo: Ikea
Design: Amber Interiors
Scandi Shapes
Light wood tones, natural textures, and brass accents combine for a distinctly Scandinavian vibe in this entry. The modern pill shaped console and mirror also add a more contemporary touch.
BOBBY’S TIP
A console table with a shelf gives you double the surface space to keep keys, mail and other essentials.
Listerby Console Table | Stamped Metal Brass Mirror | Handwoven Rug With Jute | Mina Brass & Bamboo Basket
Total= $279
Brass & Blues
A cheerful, blue console table brightens things up, and provides ample drawers and surfaces for stashing your essentials. Graphic art and brass hooks bring a bit of surprise and shine to a simple set up.
BOBBY’S TIP
Add a vase of flowers or a plant to your entry console for a cheery welcome home each day.
Total= $354
Rustic Organic
If you relate more to rustic and relaxed style, a carved wood bench and textural rug and storage basket will make your entry interesting . A black iron mirror adds a bit of edge, and will come in handy for checking your outfit before heading out the door.
Aseana Large Round Market Basket | Jute Rug | Eastwood Round Mirror | Croll Wooden Bench
Total= $663
Design: Reath Design
Photo: Room & Board
Eclectic Indigo
Boho elements and blue tones join forces for this grouping that has lots of visual interest. A woven seat bench and bamboo hooks bring in natural elements , while the indigo abstract art and runner make a colorful impact every time you enter.
Lumarco Woven Bench | Modern Abstract Art Print | Mariella Multi Hook | Elvira Tribal Design Blue Runner
Total= $240
Sleek & Structured
Strong lines are the connecting element in this entryway, with a black metal legged console, linear umbrella stand and striped runner. A graphic piece of art is a playful addition, and helps balance the rigidity of the other pieces.
Total= $486
Hi Bobby! I have a small space and was thinking about whether to get a bench with storage, a narrow console table, or possibly both for my entryway and decorate from there (taking some of your suggestions above!). What do you recommend for a small NYC apartment with a max of 80 inches of wall space for an entryway? I want to be practical but also have it look stylish. I’d appreciate any advice you can give!
I would suggest a slim console table that has drawers that you can stash mail, keys, etc. I love this option with a flip-down front for easy access. You can also place storage baskets or bins below it to hold shoes. You could also go with something like this, which has even more storage below. xx -B