Asked on Nov 13, 2018

Need advice on removing an entryway closet

Has anyone removed an entryway closet to make a larger entryway? My front door opens right into a closet and it's a tiny, congested area. I feel like if I remove the closet (like REMOVE REMOVE IT, not just take the closet door off!), it'll make my entryway and entire living room bigger and more open. Suggestions, photos? The closest pic I can find of what I'm looking for is this here. Thanks

  6 answers
  • Kelli L. Milligan Kelli L. Milligan on Nov 14, 2018

    Go for it, will have to address the floor and find a place for coats.

  • Ellis Ellis on Nov 14, 2018

    I feel your pain. I had the exact same situation, and I didn't do what you propose because I needed the closet for coats, boots.


    If you really want to do it, figure out where you're going to put the stuff that's in the closet--or you'll end up with more space, but messy because people toss their coats, shoes, purses there.

    • See 2 previous
    • Ellis Ellis on Nov 20, 2018

      I had exactly the same situation, door distance-wise. Awful, isn't it? I also had stairs right behind the closet, so removing the closet was a real temptation, because it would have improved the look and flow of the space.


      It comes down to what you're happiest with. Good luck!

  • Yes, for sure there are needs to remove an entryway closet. The key is to have some sort of other storage area for incoming jackets etc. whether it's just a coat hook mounted on the wall, or freestanding small bench or coat tree, to remove the closet in your situation sounds like it'd be a good idea. Here are a couple of examples where we re-did the closet space by the entry: My daughter in law did this to their closet. We redid our hall closet into a library. And here's a post where I didn't want to build in a closet so used this instead.

  • Nancy Flemming Nancy Flemming on Nov 14, 2018

    Yes take it out, put in a bench with shoe storage underneath and hooks above, you will gain a little space as the bench would only be about 16" to 18" deep and the closet probably takes up at least 2 feet taking out that end wall will give the illusion of a lot more space. Good luck


    • Holly Petersen Bingeman Holly Petersen Bingeman on Nov 15, 2018

      Thanks Nancy! I think it'll make the entire room and entry so much larger, more functional (especially with kiddos). I actually find that I don't need "storage solutions" but rather practical ways to use my space. Then I don't hang onto too much stuff I don't need :-)

  • Jaya Aysola Jaya Aysola on Jul 28, 2019

    Hello! Did you ever end up doing this? We have the exact same problem and I would love to see before and after pictures ???

  • Sukhdev Momi Sukhdev Momi on Jul 27, 2020

    Just question on this, Could it be a load bearing wall? Any clue how to check it? I have to remove the same , just wondering that if it is a load bearing wall.