Now that we have a little one in the house, we were in desperate need of an entryway makeover. We wanted more storage and a good place to hang up jackets. We decided that an armoire would be the perfect fix!
While armoires typically live in the bedroom section of most stores, who says they can’t be used in other areas of the house? The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines an armoire as “a usually tall cupboard or wardrobe,” which means that by definition it is a piece of closed storage that can hold all different types of contents. It is a very versatile piece of furniture, and can be used to store so much more than just dresses and pants. Aside from the bedroom, the entryway is another great place to use this workhorse piece of furniture. It is the perfect solution for hiding jackets, ski pants and winter coats thanks to its tall, open interior. Because when you walk into your entryway after a long day at work, you don’t want to see these things. You just want to know that they’re there, in their proper place, hidden from view. There’s nothing worse than walking into a cluttered mess. It’s important that this room invokes a welcoming feeling, especially if you’re expecting guests!
And while an armoire has all of your storage needs covered, it is helpful to have a bench to put on your shoes and a mirror to make sure you don’t have any spinach in your teeth 🙂 Other elements that will improve your entryway include some hooks to hang dog leashes and other things you need easy access to, plants to add some life to the space and a piece of artwork to infuse some extra character. Adding some of your own handmade touches will set the tone for the rest of your home as well… check out these easy home decor DIYs for inspiration.
Armoires are ideal for hiding clutter, thanks to their substantial doors. They typically hold a large quantity that would otherwise be out in plain view (and causing a major eyesore in a part of the house that should be inviting and organized). When choosing an armoire for your entryway, it’s important to pick one that will feel natural in your space. Scale is key. Pick one that is tall enough to utilize vertical space, but isn’t so large that it overwhelms the room. This armoire has a generous area for jackets, but still feels compact enough to fit comfortably in a small home. It also comes in a larger size for more spacious entryways.
Baskets are a helpful element for any entryway makeover, and you get bonus points if they fit right inside of the armoire like they do here. They will help to organize and separate smaller items so you can easily find what you’re looking for. They can also be removed if you need a closer view or if you want to bring them somewhere else. Other things you may be able to add to the interior doors of your armoire include bulletin boards, adhesive hooks, note boards, etc.
In addition to the open area above, armoires often have a drawer below. It’s a handy location for corralling scarves and other accessories. Alternatively, it could be a great hiding spot for things like shoes or even backyard toys. If you have little ones at home, consider putting their outdoor gear in this drawer so they can independently get ready to go outside.
Sure, when we hear the word “armoire,” we usually associate it with the bedroom – a place to hang dresses and pants. But I hope these tips have inspired you to try using an armoire in another part of your house. The entryway is one of the highest traffic areas of the home since everybody funnels in and out of the house at this point, which means that closed storage is a must. Otherwise, even the most organized gear would still look cluttered. An armoire fits the bill perfectly!
This entryway makeover
was completed in partnership with Oak Furnitureland.
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