Fall Entryway with DIY Chalkboard Sign

During Target’s summer sale a few months ago, I picked up this frame that I thought would be perfect for an entryway given that it had the little hooks to organize keys and other items. I showed you it here during our home tour a couple weeks ago. 

Here is a before photo of it in this next image.  As you can see, there is a place for inserting photos, too, which I still had empty due to the fact that I could not decide what I wanted on there. Both hubby and I agreed that the color was a bit off than what we would prefer but I could not pass up a $10 sale at Target for this. I knew it could look better with paint! So as I am in the process (and it is a process) of redecorating our home, I figured I would give this little entryway organizer a chalkboard makeover and paint the wood brown. I already had both paint colors on hand. 

A few coats of chalkboard paint (I’d say about 4 coats to get it to look right), some brown acrylic multi-surface paint, and I am loving the after look.

I am loving the deeper colors and the idea of being able to change up the writing however I desire. And because it is Fall, I decided to write some inspiring Fall words on there.

Also, notice the white labels in the before photo are gone. I painted the spaces with chalkboard paint, too. It is easier to write and erase (repeat) than to have to find paper to replace if the items are rearranged on the hooks.

Here is a look at our small but very functional entryway. Remember, there is very poor lighting in this house.

The chalkboard sign also works as a place to hang small lightweight jackets/sweaters, keys, bags, hats, and other small hanging items.

This is an end table I had from a few years ago. It fits well in the space. I placed a couple items I had on hand on top of it.  The only new item is the lamp for added lighting in the space. See that large oversize couch on the corner? It works as a sitting area for putting on shoes close to the entry, too. 

I found this lamp while browsing through the Isles at Target, a few weeks ago. They seem to be having a major Fall sale. Both pieces were sold separately at $4.95 each! There were many different lamps and shades so I decided to pick whichever combo I liked best. Hubby complemented me on how much he like the lamps (I bought two). The lamp sits on a stack of books to give it some height.

I added one of the candles my husband gave to me for Valentines, a few years ago – wooded wick plus Tropical flavors. The colors compliment the season well.

A  catch-all try. We all need one of those in the entryway right? Technically, it is for incoming mail but receipts and keys end up in there, too.

I also added some faux flowers from IKEA USA and an old painted water can from Target. Both items were already on hand.

My kids painted these little pumpkins they got from our church’s Fall Fest a few weeks ago.

I love that this little end table has double shelves to add a few collect-all baskets at the bottom. The top shelf holds a basket of mail for sorting and at the very bottom, a basket with kids shoes. This shoe system has being working well for the kids for a while now. It is so much easier for them rather than having to reach into the closet for their shoes. But I am about to organize our shoe closet with those heavier boots and cold weather shoes so we’ll see how that goes.

 And then a wire basket ($3 bucks at Target) that holds the kids umbrellas. By the way, I just can’t seem to have enough wire baskets!

Like I said, there is not much to the entryway, but it is very functional and has been working well with this little set up.

What about you? Do you have a large or small entryway? Do you make it functional or is it only for style or looks? I would love to know your thoughts in the comments!