How to Outfit the Entryway

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By eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating: (4 Ratings)

Outfit the entryway to suit your routine of leaving and re-entering the house and to make it guest-friendly.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Shallow Trays
Sunglasses
Umbrellas
Coat Racks
Decorative Bowls
Key Racks
Lights
Umbrella Stands
Wall Mirrors
Wastebaskets
Wall Mirrors
Chewing Gum
Breath Mints
Combs
Facial Facial Tissues
Lights
Umbrellas

Step 1

Decorate the entryway to be an appropriate transition to rooms leading from it. Entryway wallpaper, flooring, light fixture, etc. should blend, not clash, with the view into adjoining rooms.
Step 2

Light the entryway adequately so that nobody trips over a threshold or the edge of a rug.
Step 3

Hang a generously sized mirror to give yourself and your guests a chance to check your appearance.
Step 4

Install a rack for coats, hats and purses if there's not a closet in the area.
Step 5

Keep an umbrella stand handy and stocked with at least one inexpensive spare umbrella to offer a guest in case of an unexpected downpour.
Step 6

Plan for a spot to drop and retrieve keys. This could be a rack with a small hook, a drawer in a hall desk or a pretty bowl atop a console.
Step 7

Designate a place for outgoing and incoming mail. This could be a wall rack or a tabletop tray.
Step 8

Provide some storage for essential rushing-out-the-door gear. This may include breath mints, chewing gum, facial tissue, a comb, postage stamps, safety pins, sunglasses and any other last-minute article you might need.
Step 9

Set a wastebasket in the area if there's a logical spot for it. It will be handy for discarding junk mail, gum wrappers, tissues, stray threads on clothing, etc.
Step 10

Consider placing an armoire near your entryway door, whether at the front or back of the house, to catch potential clutter such as jackets, purses, backpacks, newspapers, etc.

Comments

Muse said

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on 12/4/2007 I like to hang the message board in the kitchen, it's more like an easel for a cafe ambiance. By the way, your suggestions were really terrific. I made some notes of things I hadn't thought of. :)