Entry hall closets can be a real pain. They are not only boring to look at, but often the bi-fold doors come off the track. Or, maybe there are so many coats in the closet that the doors won’t even close! And, I might add, there is no place to sit to put on shoes. An easy and inexpensive way to jazz up your entry hall and make the closet more efficient is to remove the doors and install a bench and some hooks.
Depending on your home’s aesthetic, you can make it any style you want—traditional, farmhouse or minimalistic. No matter what you choose, the basic concept is the same: you’re creating a place to sit to put on/take off shoes and a hook to hang your coat on.
Then, you can use your imagination and go from there! For you DIYers, this is a very easy project that you can tackle on a weekend:
- Remove the closet doors, the door track (at the top) and the brackets (at the bottom)
- Paint, wallpaper or install beadboard (as shown) to make this little spot special
- Purchase a bench from a local big-box store or order online
- Install hooks and a top shelf if desired
- Use baskets to store gloves, scarves, shoes, etc.
- Add a bench cushion and a few toss pillows to dress it up
If this is a project you are going to tackle on your own, please send me your before and after pics. I would LOVE to see it!
