Choose the Best Small Entryway Cabinet for Your Home

Adding storage to a small entryway can be a challenge, but a compact cabinet offers an excellent solution. The right small entryway cabinet provides both form and function for tight spaces near the front door. With careful selection, it can also complement your decor and organize essentials in a beautiful way.

Choosing an entryway cabinet that perfectly suits your space requires some consideration. By measuring your available area, evaluating storage needs, and comparing design options, you can find your ideal cabinet match.

Measure Your Entryway Dimensions

Before shopping for an entryway cabinet, accurately measure both width and depth of the target area in your foyer. Standard reach-in cabinet sizes vary from around 12-24 inches deep and 12-48 inches wide. However, if you have an unusually narrow or shallow spot, custom sizing may be required.

Grab a tape measure and note vertical height as well. Consider an entryway cabinet height that aligns with other furniture pieces nearby or suits your personal preference. Standard heights range between 28 and 84 inches.

Tools to Measure With

• Tape measure
• Laser measure for accuracy
• Measuring app on smart device

Tips for Measuring

• Measure at both floor and ceiling height if space is uneven
• Account for baseboards, trim, and existing furniture
• Photograph the area for reference

Evaluate Your Storage Needs

Consider what types of items need storage in your small entryway. Coats, shoes, umbrellas, hats, gloves, mail, keys, and leashes are common items people store near their front door. Analyze your family's needs to determine if open, closed, or even hidden storage makes the most sense.

For private storage of clutter or unsightly items, enclosed cabinet storage excels. For display or easy grab-and-go access, open shelves or a mix of open and closed storage could work well.

Maximize Storage Capacity

Look for an entryway cabinet with features that make the best use of the space inside:

• Adjustable shelves
• Drawers of different sizes
• Retractable key hooks
• Hidden compartments

Creative Entryway Storage Solutions

If your family has extensive storage needs, get creative with cabinet add-ons like:

• Matching bookcases or shelving units
• Stackable storage bins and baskets
• Overdoor hangers for coats and bags
• Under-cabinet hooks for keys

Complement Your Entryway Style

When selecting a small entryway cabinet, consider your home's architectural details and overall decor. Clean-lined contemporary designs complement modern spaces, while ornately carved wood cabinets pair nicely with traditional styled homes.

Metallic finishes like oil-rubbed bronze or stainless steel lend an industrial vibe. For a rustic twist, try weathered wood textures with visible grains.

Materials to Match Your Style

• Wood: Oak, mahogany, walnut and more
• Metal: Iron, steel, tin
• Glass: Clear, frosted, stained
• Wicker: Natural woven texture

Finishing Hardware and Details

From a basic entryway storage piece to an eye-catching display cabinet, extras like hardware, molding, and carvings add style:

• Turned wood legs
• Clawfoot feet
• Cast metal pulls
• Glass knobs
• Crown molding

Compare Different Cabinet Materials

Entryway cabinet materials should suit your family's lifestyle in terms of durability, ease of care, and cost. While solid hardwoods like oak resist moisture, scratches, and wear best, they come at a higher price point. Engineered woods with veneers offer an attractive look for less.

The Pros and Cons of Common Materials

Wood: Attractive grain, susceptible to water damage, easily scratched

Metal: Durable but prone to dents, usually coated for protection

Glass: Sleek and stylish but fractures if impacted, shows smudges

Wicker: Natural patterned texture but not super durable long-term

Buy For Life or Buy To Update?

If investing in your "forever home," pay more for timeless, higher-end cabinetry with quality construction and woods like mahogany or teak. If transient or looking to renovate down the road, less expensive materials merit consideration for the short term.

Consider Cabinet Color and Overall Look

Neutral entryway cabinet colors like white, black, espresso, and gray blend seamlessly into most spaces with existing decor. They make versatile choices that easily coordinate additional accessories. Deep wood stains in oak or walnut also deliver fail-proof, classic style.

Choosing Color to Stand Out or Blend In

• White: Timeless and brightens space
• Black: Striking modern drama
• Espresso: Rich warmth
• Gray: Sophisticated neutral
• Oak Stain: Traditional beauty
• Walnut Stain: Decadent richness

Consider Your Whole Entryway's Color Palette

Before selecting an entryway cabinet color, examine your front door, flooring, walls, furniture, and accent pieces. Pull a paint swatch from existing colors to coordinating perfectly.

An opaque color like navy or red makes a bold style statement. For a lighter look in small spaces, glass cabinet fronts with internal shelf lighting illuminate contents.

Added Features and Functionality to Look For

Look for cabinet features that make storage efficient and entryway tasks easier. Consider adjustable drawers, retractable key hooks, interior lighting, or built in mail slots.

Storage Essentials

Convenience additions like:

• Drawers: Silverware organizers
• Shelves: Built in mail sorters
• Doors: Mirrored for space illusion
• Hooks: Pull out for ease of access

Stylish Extras

Elevate form and function with:

• Interior lighting: Ambience and visibility together
• Glass fronts: Show off favorite objects
• Cubbies: Store baskets attractively displayed

Set Your Budget

A quality small entryway cabinet investment runs between $100-$1000. Simple wooden reach-in cabinets start around $100, while retailing upwards of $1000 for solid wood designs with glass fronts is typical.

Factors Impacting Cost

• Materials used
• Construction quality and hardware
• Added features
• Customization
• Brand name

Save on an Entryway Cabinet

From clearance deals to DIY options, savvy shoppers can cut costs:

• Shop retailer sales and check resale sites
• Buy floor models or scratched/dented boxes
• Compare pricing across vendors
• Repurpose an existing case piece
• Purchase unfinished model for custom DIY paint/stain

Brand Reputation and Product Warranties

Trusted retailers like Simpli Home and Home Decorators Collection are safe bets for decent quality entryway storage furniture that should last a few years at minimum. Higher-end specialty custom cabinetry companies may offer lifetime warranties.

Ensure Durability and Protection Through

• Manufacturer warranties
• Solid woods over composites
• Corner protectors
• Tempered glass

Investing just under $500 can provide better construction and materials than ultra-budget cabinets. Carefully check reviews for insight into real customer experiences with assembly, longevity, and overall satisfaction.

Ease of Assembly and Maintenance

Pre-assembled entryway cabinets offer hassle-free convenience but cost more for shipping. Optimize flexibility through DIY assembly of flat-packed cabinet boxes. Just ensure all necessary hardware and clear instructions are included first.

Assembly Tips

• Review all parts and hardware beforehand
• Carefully follow diagram instructions
• Use power tools for efficiency

Caring For Your Cabinet

With periodic cleaning and care, an entryway cabinet should deliver years of service:

• Dust surfaces frequently
• Clean glass minus ammonia
• Use cabinet liners to protect interiors

By oiling wood annually, inspecting drawer alignment, and spot cleaning messes quickly, your entryway cabinet will continue looking fabulous.

Choosing the ideal small entryway cabinet requires closely evaluating your home's needs. Measure for proper proportions, choose adequate storage capacity, select colors and materials aligning with your style, and accessorize for functionality.