The Best Tall Cabinets for Organizing Cluttered Entryways
Entryways tend to easily become cluttered catch-alls for shoes, coats, bags and everything else brought into the home. The resulting mess of piles on the floor can make your home feel constantly chaotic.
Installing a tall storage cabinet is an ideal way to bring order back to your entry space. With their vertical design and abundance of storage features like shelves and rods, tall cabinets maximize every inch to get your entry organized.
Benefits of a Tall Entryway Storage Cabinet
Unlike wide horizontal cabinets, the narrow profile of a tall cabinet is perfectly suited for the confined space of many entryways. Tall cabinets condense storage volume into a smaller footprint while utilizing the full wall height.
Styles ranging from modern to traditional allow you to coordinate with your existing decor. Materials like wood, metal and composite wood offer durability and style.
Maximize Vertical Space
The vertical orientation takes advantage of often overlooked space up to the ceiling. Elements like cabinets stretching floor to ceiling, high shelves and hanging rods double your organization potential.
Look for interior heights of at least 72 inches to maximize this benefit in standard height rooms. For really narrow spots, consider cabinets only 25-30 inches wide but 8-10 feet tall.
Concealed Storage Behind Doors
Conceal the chaos while still keeping items accessible. Enclosed cabinets with doors create a clean, polished look while keeping your stuff hidden but within easy reach.
Hinged cabinet doors allow full access into the cabinet without having to move anything. Sliding doors save even more floor space in tight spots.
Customizable Organization
Features like adjustable shelving, removable accessories and optional hanging rods allow you to really customize storage to your needs.
Reposition shelves to fit anything from shoes and purses to boxes and sporting goods. Take shelves out when you need to hang full-length coats and robes.
Key Features to Look For
When evaluating entryway cabinets, keep these key features in mind to find the best option for your specific storage needs:
Adjustable Shelving
Being able to reposition shelves to suit your storage needs makes a huge difference in utility. Adjustable shelves accommodate various item sizes from shoes and bags below to boxes and baskets up top.
Look for shelves that adjust in 1-inch increments and hold 50+ pounds securely. Sturdy steel pin and hole systems allow easy adjustments.
Drawers
Drawers are ideal for corralling smaller items like gloves, hats, keys and mail. Look for smooth ball-bearing glides for easy access. Felt lined drawers will protect delicate objects.
Consider the size and number of drawers needed. Deep drawers suit bulky scarves and purses. Shallow stacked drawers organize accessories.
Hanging Rod
Entryway cabinets often include a closet rod for hanging coats, jackets and robes. Opt for sturdy steel rods with adjustable height.
Pay attention to weight limits when storing heavy outerwear. Choose rods that extend the full width of the cabinet for maximum usage.
Doors
Doors contain messes and conceal contents without limiting accessibility. Hinged cabinet doors with soft-close hinges prevent slamming. Sliding doors optimize space savings.
Durable finishes that wipe clean and resist scratches from daily wear and tear are key. Wood, laminate and thermofoil offer style and function.
Interior Organizers
Bins, trays and dividers keep interior spaces neatly organized. Open shelves benefit from dividers to neatly store folded items. Drawers organizers for jewelry and accessories.
Look for felt lined, moisture resistant bins for muddy shoes and accessories. Use trays to group similar items.
Design and Material Options
Tall entryway cabinets are available in an array of materials and designs to meet both form and function needs. Consider the following options:
Wood Cabinets
Wood cabinets provide a classic, elegant look. Oak and maple offer durability while pine provides a more budget-friendly option. Styles range from traditional to contemporary.
Opt for cabinets with plywood side panels over particle board for enhanced strength. Look for sturdy dowel assembly and furniture grade finishes.
Metal and Wire Cabinets
Sleek metal tall cabinets work perfectly in modern, industrial style homes. Durable steel wire shelving stands up to heavy use. Some metal cabinets even include handy hooks.
Powder coated finishes deter rust and scratches. Look for wider gauge steel with reinforced cross-bars for stability and strength.
Laminate Cabinets
Vinyl laminated cabinets balance durability, ease of cleaning and style. Thermofoil and melamine finishes resist moisture, stains, scratches and dents while providing a decorative wood-like look.
Contemporary laminate colors like glossy white and sleek black fit modern spaces. Woodgrain patterns offer traditional charm. Laminate works well in laundry and mud rooms.
Measure Carefully for the Perfect Fit
Take careful measurements before purchasing your tall entryway cabinet to achieve the perfect custom fit.
Measure the floor dimensions from wall to wall and wall to door/window trim. Record the ceiling height and any baseboard clearance needed.
Account for moldings, radiators or electrical panels that may reduce installation space. Leave ample floorspace around the cabinet for walking and opening doors.
A tight fit helps the cabinet feel integrated rather than hulking. Leaving 1-3 inches of clearance around the sides is ideal.
Tips for Smooth Installation
Proper installation ensures your entryway cabinet provides sturdy performance for years. Keep these tips in mind:
Securely Fasten to Studs
Locate and securely attach the cabinet backing to wall studs for enhanced stability. Toggle bolts work for stud-less installation but provide less support.
Use shims as needed to ensure the cabinet top and bottom are level and plumb when mounted. A small carpenter's level is handy for checking.
Factor in Floor Variances
Most floors have imperfections that prevent cabinets from sitting flush against the wall. Use metal angle clips and shims to overcome dips or gaps.
Self-leveling floor compound can help level major irregularities for a smooth install. Cutting away base trim often helps too.
Use Professional Installers When Needed
Some tall cabinets like IKEA's PAX system offer complex installation requiring expert assembly. Utilizing professional installers may be worth the added cost and give peace of mind.
Installers have specialized tools and expertise for challenging situations like tall ceilings and uneven floors. They can ensure cabinets are properly secured and level.
Complementary Entryway Storage Solutions
While a tall cabinet anchors your entry storage, a few additional pieces can help tackle specific needs:
Entryway Bench
A storage bench provides seating to take on/off shoes while storing items right at the door. Look for bench cubbies, drawers and lift-up seats.
Coat Racks and Wall Hooks
Coat racks and wall hooks provide space to hang purses, bags, leashes and umbrellas. Stagger hooks at various heights for family members.
Floor Storage Caddies
Freestanding floor caddies with shelves and hooks hold shoes, gloves and mail. Durable metal mesh or canvas construction keeps them lightweight.
Small Utility Cabinets
A small cabinet with just 1-2 shelves or a wall cubby provides supplemental storage for items like calendars and sunglasses.
Tall entryway cabinets are problem solvers for the narrow confines and clutter that tends to accumulate in home entrances. Look for style and features that suit your space.
Focus on cabinets with adjustable elements, ample storage volume and quality materials to create your ideal organized entry. With a little planning, you can install a custom storage solution that conquers chaos and welcomes you home in style.