How to Winter Proof Your Entryway

Dirt, debris, salt, and water are just a few of the things that can make their way into your entryway area during the cool winter months. Whether you have hardwood, luxury vinyl, or tile in your entryway, it’s best to winter-proof your space to keep damages from occurring. Thankfully, with a few small updates, your entryway will be ready to tackle any winter weather that comes along. 

We’ve put together our top suggestions for winter-proofing your entryway during even the toughest winter weather months so you can prepare your home for any mess. 

Winter-Proof Your Entryway with Waterproof Flooring 

When it comes to entryway flooring, there’s no mistaking that waterproof is the way to go! Whether it’s raining, snowing, or sleeting, you won’t have to worry about the hustle and bustle of taking your shoes off before you get in the door when you choose waterproof floors. In addition, waterproof floors are proven to be long-lasting, as they’re made to handle water splashes and spills that are likely to come in from outside. 

One of our favorite waterproof flooring options is engineered hardwood because its genuine hardwood appearance brings charm to any interior design! Modern, contemporary, transitional, and even farmhouse styles are complemented beautifully from the beauty of engineered hardwood, and any home that experiences winter weather will benefit from its many features.

Add a An Area Rug 

One way to protect your beautiful entryway floors is with an area rug. Available in tons of beautiful colors, styles, and designs, there’s one that’s perfect for every home. Placing the rug in front of a door to the interior of your space will help you collect dirt and debris from shoes, keeping it from being tracked into the rest of your home. Not only will you keep dirt from entering your home, but you’ll also protect entryway flooring from becoming damaged. Not all flooring just inside the door is waterproof, water-resistant, or even durable enough to handle the wear and tear of the winter elements. That’s why an area rug is an excellent choice for any space, no matter the flooring! 

Waverly Gray Area Rug by Nourison

Another option for area rug placement is to add one to the inside of your door for shoe storage. This works especially well if you take your shoes off when coming in and out of your home. You’ll have a designated area for shoes that is out of your way when coming inside. 

Hang Extra Coat Hooks 

In the cold winter months, you and your family members will likely put on a jacket before venturing outside. Some closets are inconveniently placed behind the front door, while others offer ample storage in a nearby hallway. But, no matter your situation, extra coat hooks are always an excellent choice because they offer you an area to hang wet jackets to dry. You won’t have to worry about damaging other articles of clothing in your coat closet, and if you choose to entertain guests, there will be plenty of space for them to hang their jackets too. 

Interior Design: MICHELLE BERWICK  Photography: LARRY ARNAL

Coat hooks can also be used for hanging purses, scarves, and other winter accessories, so there’s almost no reason not to make this update to your space, since it’s so easy and useful! 

Take Advantage of Cabinet Storage 

Built-in cabinet solutions are all the rage in this year’s top home upgrades, and rightly so. They provide all kinds of storage for every season and are one of the most useful items in a home’s entryway. Winter gloves, hats, and scarves can be hidden in the cabinets during the summer months, while umbrellas, purses, and different types of boots can easily be removed from storage when inclement weather ensues. 

Interior Design: MICHELLE BERWICK  Photography: LARRY ARNAL

Not only are these cabinet storage areas incredibly useful, but they’re also built right into the wall for a custom look. Crafted to suit the space, cabinet storage could be just the thing you’re looking for if you want to enhance the look and feel of your home, especially if it looks like it’s missing something. 

The winter months can take a toll on your home, but they don’t have to! Winter-proof your entryway today and you won’t have to worry about vacuuming or sweeping up dirt at the end of every day.  After all, while winter doesn’t last forever, it does come back every year! 

Want to learn more about waterproof flooring? View our waterproof vinyl, or visit a Carpet One Floor & Home store near you, where a knowledgeable sales pro can give you advice on what type of flooring is best for your entryway.