Say Goodbye to Slushy Floors and Wet Entryways: Genius Winter Hacks to Keep the First Room of Your Home Beautiful All Season Long

There’s nothing quite as comforting as stepping out of the cold into a warm entryway – but that very space is also the most vulnerable to the elements.

Wet boots, umbrellas, and damp coats, combined with constant exposure to the outdoors, leave floors prone to mud, rain, and slush, creating extra cleaning work and undermining your home’s first impression. With a few expert strategies, however, your entryway can remain welcoming and pristine, regardless of the weather.

Leslie Ward, a real estate professional and interior design expert at Raleigh Realty, sat down with Homes & Gardens to highlight the importance of organizing your entryway over these freezing weeks and months. Thankfully, her advice is so simple to follow.

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'For both my real estate career and my expertise in the field of interior design, I have found that entryways tell an untold story because, when a buyer enters a residence with slush on the floor or a hallway that’s wet and cluttered, they not only see the melted snow, they subconsciously think about the maintenance involved,' she says. 'The good news is that this is one of the simplest problems to correct by making a few intended upgrades.'

'A heavy-duty scraper mat [exactly like this one from Amazon] can be placed outside the door, and a washable, absorbent runner can be placed inside,' Leslie says. 'Again, low-pile washable runners with a rubber or waterproof backing [like this rug at Target] are what to look for. This approach dramatically minimizes moisture entry into the home.'

There's a misconception that ultra-durable mats aren't designed to be aesthetic. However, in recent months, I've discovered some pieces that are beautiful pieces that are beautiful enough to sit in the most exclusive of entryways. I've listed some of my favorites below.

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'Instead of letting the boots melt onto the floor, a boot tray with raised edges [like this boot tray at Amazon] can be used. For an easier upgrade, the tray can be filled with decorative pebbles to keep the boots above the waterline, allowing them to dry faster. A large plant tray or a utility tray from a hardware store can do the trick,' Leslie says.

This Minimalist Japanese Entry Bench Solves Winter Gear Overload – Even in Small, Cluttered Entryways

How to Make Your Entryway Storage Look Nicer – 6 Simple Tricks From Designers to Turn Your Hard-Working Pieces Into a Design Moment

5 Things Minimalists Never Have in an Entryway – What I Always Avoid for a Clutter-Free, Stylish Home

‘A simple slatted wood rack, which can be a DIY weekend project, allows for ventilation and efficient drying time. An entry bench with open cubbies also keeps footwear out of the water and off the floor,’ she says.

These solutions are not just practical; they also add texture and style to the space. By thinking beyond a standard mat or tray, you can create an entryway that is both functional and inviting.

(Image credit: The Cotswold Company)

Sometimes, these solutions can damage the look of your entryway, but they don't have to. As explained above, many durable rugs feel like a design choice rather than a functional necessity, and you can elevate your boot trays with decorative stones to make them feel more intentional. Investing in a modern entryway bench to help wth storage is another way to combine both practicality and style seamlessly.

'From a design perspective, the contained area should never appear as clutter. You can find trays, runners, and storage pieces that complement your home's style. Don’t forget to add a bench, hooks on the walls, or even a console for better placement of all items. This way, even with messy weather conditions outside, the area never appears cluttered, thus making it warm and inviting,' Leslie says.

To keep your entryway looking beautiful all year round, the key is to create contained, intentional areas that complement your home’s style. By planning ahead, even the messiest days outside won’t disrupt a warm, welcoming entryway, all winter long. For more tips, we explore how best to clean an entryway in our dedicated guide.