17 Ways to Make Better Use of Entryway Corners
Open up to the possibilities for improved entryway storage, seating and architectural interest by considering the corners
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta... More »
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Entryways are often full of weird corners. Doorways can cut into the walls, staircases can create slanted partial walls and so on, so that foyers, mudrooms and other entryways tend to wind up with more corners and nooks than most, and many of them tend to be awkward. Turn these design challenges into design successes, complete with opportunities for storage, workspace, reading nooks, pianos, charging stations and more.
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Make a great first impression. Picture it: You crack this door ajar and as you peek inside, the first thing you see is this lovely wood-accented niche with flowers spotlighted. It makes a great first impression before the door is even opened all the way.
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| Build in a storage bench. This bench fills a corner in a generous entryway and provides lots of spots for hiding shoes, outerwear and sports equipment. |
by CWB Architects
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Keep umbrellas handy. The saying "A place for everything and everything in its place" must have been inspired by umbrellas in a proper stand next to the front door.
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The same idea works for a stand full of walking sticks and canes.
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| Add more formal seating. In this grander front entryway, the look of the furniture has been kicked up a few notches. A high-backed tufted settee is a great spot for putting on or removing shoes; a tripod lamp lights up the corner and draws attention to the intricate moldings and the artwork. |
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This bench runs right into the corner. There are shelves and hooks along the wall, and the corner adds a nice clear and open element.
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This built-in bench creates a cozy nook for lounging. In smaller homes every comfortable spot counts.
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Nestle in a console table. Here a curved table is just the right fit for a small corner with little wall space. A table near the front door is wonderfully convenient for stashing keys and outgoing mail.
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Tuck in a corner shelf. These wire shelves are great for stashing umbrellas, gloves, backpacks and other supplies needed just before someone dashes out the door.
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| Enjoy a corner window. I think I've mentioned a corner window in every corner ideabook so far, so here is a stunning example in a contemporary foyer. |
| Gain a shaft of natural light. This very narrow window abutting the corner is so much more interesting than the usual drywall. |
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| Foyer staircases provide some interesting and challenging corner spaces. Here's another way to place a bench for taking off shoes. (Just wondering: Does anyone else keep picturing Mr. Rogers coming in and getting into his comfy shoes and cardigan whenever I mention taking off shoes on an entry bench?) |
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| Create a home office. This understair corner provides plenty of space for a desk, files and supplies. See more clever ideas for underneath the staircase |
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Mount a landing station. This floating cabinet has room for keys and personal tech items, and even has a built-in charging station.
Add height with vases or sculptures. A corner that is interrupted by a stair landing can be a bit awkward; negotiating it with objects of different heights distracts from the awkwardness.
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| Create a cozy reading nook. Whom is this for? Probably a nervous parent waiting for a teenager who has missed curfew. |
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| Bring in the baby grand. Some foyers are so large that they need bigger items that will stand up to the scale. A piano is the right size for this staircase corner, and the ivories tickled here can probably be heard all over the house. |
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Play off a staircase's varying heights. This tablescape gives the eyes a lot of places to rest. From the gourd-shaped base to the tops of the stems, it fits into the staggered stairs behind it.
by Patricia Benson
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Sneak in a dresser or cabinet. It can take some time to find just the right piece for a small hallway corner, but this is a great way to sneak extra storage into a small home. Also, note the way the art and the tall wood piece draw the eye up and give the cabinet a strong presence.
Embrace awkward jut-outs. An occasional chair and console table were not going to mitigate this awkward jut-out. However, a very creative large custom piece that highlights the whole thing makes it look like it's an intentional architectural move. In fact, it makes me want this for my own house (and the wet bar on the other side of the jut-out, of course).
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Plant a coatrack. This tree-like coatrack serves as sculpture and hangers at once. Plus, you can fling your hat at it and it might actually stick.
Want ideas for making the most of corners in other rooms? Check out our ideabooks on corners in the kitchen, corners in the home office, corners in the bedroom and corners in the living room and family room.
Want ideas for making the most of corners in other rooms? Check out our ideabooks on corners in the kitchen, corners in the home office, corners in the bedroom and corners in the living room and family room.
Comments
jannie Wrapping that jutted corner in custom woodwork is a wonderful idea, though the materials here seem a little heavy. Still, it's a nice piece of out-of-the-box thinking that would help owners of both old and new homes that employ these odd little bump outs to mask duct work, sewer stacks, plumbing, etc.
5 months ago · Like
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Traditional Log Homes Ltd Does it really have to be a "square" jut out? I used a 45 to hide a sun tunnel down to the main floor. It doesn't require custom cabinetry to hide this chamber. 
5 months ago · Like
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cillisa Yes, I DO picture Mr. Rogers! :D
5 months ago · Like
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Traditional Log Homes Ltd ????
5 months ago · Like
kengle Seriously...a cane and walking stick stand. Not contrived at all.
5 months ago · Like
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jkristamagee Lovely post - very very good topic In my opinion -
5 months ago · Like
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marlia The green umbrella stand in the entry way pics is very cool, where can I pick up one
4 months ago · Like
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sjmom Some excellent ideas for every size space. The only item I did not see and love in a foyer is a grandfather clock.
4 months ago · Like
j0dy I just added in the pic of the tree coat rack to my idea book. After looking at it though (Through the link provided) I have to say for $2,100! never mind...Who has the money to spend that much on a coat rack! or any accessorie for that matter. I think I would make my own, even with found objects and it would cost next to nothing...thoughts?
4 months ago · Like
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frenchdecor @j0dy if you are going to do something yourself here is some ideas. Take vintage or any good looking drawer front panel and add cabinetry knobs you like and use it as coat rack. You can find some useful stuff on curb (broken furniture). For free standing coat rack you can use 1.5" in diameter bamboo 3-6 sticks, make holes (diagonally) for smaller diameter short sticks, insert them in holes (like branches). For stand/base could be used a beautiful big ceramic planter (filled with soil or any heavy material, top decorated. For light things like baseball caps I put only bamboo sticks, I bought them in Plant store about $2 each and had free planter in winter, in summer I don't need coat rack. You can make "mushroom" to the top of bamboo from piece of fabric filled with anything you can think of. That should cost you next to nothing. Hope it was helpful, or at least hint. Good luck.
4 months ago · Like
frenchdecor I hope following link will help to make beautiful clatter free entryways for most needs and styles. I can't buy, but some are easy DIY projects or custom made furniture. http://www.eurofurniturenj.com/catalog/Collections/Linea-Hall-Units-Italy/#caption
4 months ago · Like
fredericklc Unique uses of small spaces. These pictures are making me re-think my corners.
4 months ago · Like
anns2 My husband and I both use walking sticks/canes/shillelaghs when arthritis flares. It's good to have them all in one place, and close to the door is perfect.
3 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on Jan. 6, 2013.
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