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Photography by PIPPA DRUMMOND

Among the long list of challenges that result from living in a small space, a lack in storage solutions typically tends to reign supreme. While it’s safe to say that most tiny-home-dwellers have to make sacrifices when it comes to furnishing their space (I mean, who has the square footage for a dining room in a studio?) there are a handful of ways to make due with what you’re given.

One such sacrifice comes by way of the entry—an underrated moment most would be hard-pressed to give a second thought—the often-overlooked first impression of a home, which plays to aesthetics just as much as it upholds an element of functionality. And for those who live in a small space, they understand all too well the struggles that result from the lack of one.

That said, we’re here to shed some light on a clever hack we’ve spotted in a number of small spaces, which prove that an entry—or something that comes relatively close to one—is entirely doable with the tried-and-true trick ahead. Read on to find out how to have an entry, when you don’t have the room for one.

The Breakdown

Here’s where we dissect the well-thought-out details that comprise this scene—found in ultra cool-girl Joyce Lee’s New York apartment. The fundamentals of the look come by way of the oversized mirror paired with an ultra-thin console that can be designated for everything from lightweight accessories and jewelry to a landing spot for a catch-all or simply a decorative moment.

Photography by Balarama Heller

The Mirror

An oversized option is key here. Mirrors make a major statement in small spaces, instilling the illusion of a grander space and visually-expanding the tight-quarters of a compact area. Bonus points if you can position it either adjacent or in front of a window—suddenly you have double the amount of natural light flooding in.

Photography by west elm

The Skinny Console

Long and narrow are the primary criteria here, but ensuring a functional element is still key. The console becomes a convenient moment, which can be used to house everything from your decorative accessories (and even jewelry) to a catch-all for keys, mail, and various other odds and ends.

Photography by urban outfitters

The Wall Hook

With this, you have free decorative reign—you may either opt for a streamlined hook shelf or individual hooks for a more eclectic finish. Whether you’re using the hooks for coats, bags, or umbrellas (the list could go on and on), opt for an option that best fits your space and needs.

Photography by Michael Wiltbank

If a console is less your speed—and instead you’re looking for a decorative piece that also upholds a functional element—consider swapping the ratios of two of the bigger components of the look: the mirror and the bench. Opting for a bench that skews larger in size will allow you to utilize it as both a method of storage (minimizing the need for a console) and a spot to crash on before you head out the door.

In this compact Brooklyn apartment, a wall-mounted shelf provides ample room for storage (making clever use of the empty wall space up top) while a rustic bench and mini-mirror take care of the remaining elements of the tried-and-true small-space hack.

Photography by LAURE JOLIET

Not all entryways are created equal and even larger homes may come without one. In that case, it’s up to you to carve out the space for one, and spoiler alert: this hack can work beautifully there too. Designate the handy mirror-and-skinny-console combo for the empty spot adjacent to the door and you’ll have a beautifully functional zone that will establish a striking first impression. Skip the bench in this one, for a pared-down approach that is more simple and elegant.

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