The back-to-school season has a way of turning even the most organized homes into a whirlwind of backpacks, shoes, lunch bags, permission slips, and jackets. If your entryway tends to become the family's catch-all, now is the perfect time to give it a refresh.
A thoughtfully designed entryway doesn't just look beautiful, it helps simplify your daily routine and ease your mind. With the right furniture, storage, and organization systems, you can create a welcoming space that keeps clutter under control and makes getting out the door just a little bit easier.
During our latest Wayfair Professional Live, Erin and Heather redesigned a real homeowner's space before diving into one of our favourite seasonal topics: creating functional entryways for busy families. Today, we're sharing the biggest takeaways, along with the exact products featured in our mudroom design.
Why Your Entryway Matters
Your entryway is one of the hardest-working spaces in your home. It's the first thing you see when you walk through the door and the launching point for busy mornings, after-school routines, and weekend activities.
When every family member has a designated place for their belongings, you're not just creating a prettier space, you're creating a smoother daily routine.
Whether you have a spacious mudroom or a compact front entrance, these simple upgrades can make a big impact.
1. Invest in an All-in-One Hall Tree
If you have the space, a hall tree is one of the best investments you can make for a family-friendly entryway.
Look for a piece that combines:
- Closed cabinets to hide everyday clutter
- Open shelves for baskets or seasonal accessories
- Hooks for coats and backpacks
- Cubbies for shoes
Everything has a designated home, making it much easier to keep the space tidy (even during the busiest school weeks).
Pro Tip: Label baskets for each child so everyone has their own drop zone. Backpacks, hats, mittens, library books, and sports gear all stay organized and are easy to grab before heading out the door.
2. Don't Have Room? Try a Storage Bench Instead
Not every home has space for a full mudroom setup, and that's perfectly okay.
A storage bench paired with wall hooks offers many of the same benefits while taking up much less room. Shoes can be tucked neatly underneath or inside the bench, while coats and backpacks stay off the floor.
Bonus: the bench also gives kids a convenient place to sit while putting on shoes before school.
3. Choose a Rug That Works Hard
Your entryway rug is one of the hardest-working textiles in your home.
Instead of choosing something purely decorative, opt for:
- Durable, easy-to-clean materials
- Darker colours or patterns that hide dirt
- Washable options whenever possible
For narrow entryways, a runner helps define the space while protecting your flooring from muddy shoes and wet boots.
4. Keep the Family Schedule Visible
Back-to-school season often means everyone's schedule looks a little different.
A wall calendar or monthly planner placed near the entrance creates a quick visual reminder of appointments, extracurricular activities, school events, and important dates.
Because you'll naturally pass it multiple times each day, it's much easier to stay organized without relying solely on your phone.
5. Create a Landing Spot for Everyday Papers
Permission slips, school notices, mail, receipts, we all know how quickly paperwork can pile up.
A narrow console table or corner desk gives these everyday items a designated place before they make their way onto your kitchen counter.
Pair it with a decorative tray or basket to keep everything contained while still looking intentional.
6. Add Flexible Seating
One of our favourite details in this design is the simple swivel chair tucked beside the desk.
While it may seem like a small addition, it creates a surprisingly functional moment within the entryway.
Use it to:
- Sign school forms before heading out
- Set bags down while unpacking
- Help younger children put on shoes
- Create a quick homework spot before backpacks head to bedrooms
The best spaces are designed to support real life and sometimes it's the smallest details that make the biggest difference.
The Final Product: The Ultimate Family Friendly Mudroom
Our goal is always to create spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful, and this front entryway does exactly that. Every piece was selected with everyday family life in mind while maintaining a warm, elevated aesthetic that feels welcoming from the moment you walk through the door.
Love the look?
