Carving Out Storage Where There Is None
Making do in tight quarters is nothing new to This Old House readers: Many house plans skip a mudroom. But finding a place to put all your outerwear is no impossible feat. Here, we drew inspiration from interior designers and builders on storing your things out in the open—or behind closed furniture-cabinet doors—for creating an organized space.
Add a Dutiful Storage Cabinet
A charming, multitasking piece of furniture corrals miscellaneous gear in an entryway designed by Mark English Architects.
Transform a plain chest of drawers into a coveted catchall by copying one of our five paint transformations for a flat-pack dresser.
Build a Tiny Bench in a Tight Corner
A simple build turns a tight corner into a well-used drop zone for items like keys, hats, and more in a thoughtful period remodel from Tim Cuppett Architects.
Create a seating area with our steps for building an entry bench with pipe fittings.
Top Wainscoting with Handsome Wall Hooks
Sizable hooks play up rustic accents and provide a sturdy place to hang hefty items in a corner built by Anchor Builders.
See how wall hooks work in a family’s catchall foyer remodel.
Catch Shoe Grime in a River-Rock-Lined Tray
A lipped tray lined with river rocks safeguards the floor of a Jennifer Grey Interiors-designed living room from dirty shoes.
For drying out wet Wellies, build a colorful boot stand.
Install a Floating Shelf for Catching Miscellaneous Items
Blink and you’ll miss this handy little surface situated in a cheery loft corner designed by Deakins Design Group.
Find more genius ways to hide your stuff in plain sight with sneaky storage hacks.
Keep a Stool Handy
A solo stool pulls double duty as a perch for pulling on shoes and a surface for dropping a shopping bag in this Angela Free Design entryway.
If a rustic wood stool isn’t your style, opt for a colorful ceramic garden stool instead.
Use a Side Table and Chair as a “Drop Zone”
An upholstered side chair and a shapely side table designed by Lauren Leonard Interiors give reason—and a convenient place—for pause.
Create your own “drop zone” that’s big on character by building a three-tiered side table and making over a plain chair with painted stripes.
Invest in an Umbrella Stand
This Cottage-style space from Scott Sanders LLC makes the case for including an umbrella stand in your multipurpose entry.
Avoid inclement-weather drips by building a tub-foot umbrella stand.