Yes, I’m/the whole EHD team is still in a hardcore “let’s make life feel and look better” mindset. For me, it’s been everything from health to beauty to home organization. I’m slowly chipping away at things that have been on my list of to-dos for a while, and wow, wow, wow, it just feels really good to check those babies off. So, in the spirit of January, this is a post filled with mostly decor pieces that are both great looking as they are practical (aka will make your life better). Oh, and it’s all from Wayfair, so you know the prices are great, and that shipping is FAST. I promise that there is so much power in making just one small positive change, even if we think it’s a waste of time if we can’t get everything we have on our lists done all at once. It’s not a waste, and it really helps…I know from experience. So let’s dive in, shall we?
I know I talked about shoe storage in my post last week about organizing products, but there were only two options (both great if I do say so myself), but I felt we needed more, and with some variety. These will only focus on shoe storage for entryways or mudrooms (aka the kind you see and want to look beautiful).
What a stunner! Modern traditional style, great looking hardware, holds up to 12 pairs of shoes (at least that’s what it says in the description, AND has a drawer! Oh, sorry, it’s also under $150:)) I just think it’s so chic and offers so much function, even beyond the shoe storage. It does come in a few other colors if black doesn’t work with the rest of your decor.
But you might prefer more of a bench style (it’s nice to have a place to sit when you’re putting on or taking off your shoes), and that’s where this wonderful piece comes in. The perfect amount of detail to make it feel special but not “too much,” holds eight pairs of shoes, and is only $120.
This one I LOVE visually, but clearly it doesn’t have the same storage capacity as the others. I see this one more for the person, couple, family, etc, that doesn’t have a shoe storage problem but does need a bench. Then let’s say if a pair of shoes needs a quick temporary home or if guests come over, then this is a perfect fit. The curves of the arms are so good, too.
The Portland team made sure I included boot trays because they are well acquainted with wanting a nice-looking place to put their wet and/or dirty shoes. I thought this one was pretty ideal! It has a great MCM style, beautiful stain (there are two other options as well), and two tiers! Double the shoes, double the fun, they say:)
However, if you don’t need two tiers and prefer a tray that’s easy to wipe down, either of these are great looking and work with a ton of styles. The galvanized steel one is $40 and wonderfully classic, and the copper one is $46 with that chic and quiet square pattern on the base. Can’t miss with either.
If you need a boot tray, you probably need an indoor weather mat, right? We like ones that are simple, have a nice neutral color, and a subtle pattern. This one is great because it really checks those boxes, and if you read about it, this puppy is durable. This slender size is great too for smaller or more narrower spaces.
Two more options! The blue one reminds me of the one in Em’s mudroom, but it also comes in a variety of other colors, and I LOVE the dot pattern on the brown one (which also reminds me of the one in Em’s mudroom:)).
Em has been using this exact rug pad since her LA days, and as someone who has had the pleasure of walking on it, it’s soooooo nice. I’ve wanted one for a long time, and 2026 may be the year. Here’s what she said about it in 2020:
“With what feels like 1/2″ of memory foam, this rug pad (combined with this comfy rug) is SO COMFY. We originally bought it because our first Persian rug was pretty thin and I wanted concussion-free wrestling periods. It isn’t just non-slip, it adds at least 1/2″ of underfoot serious memory foam comfort. The only downside is that if you get it EXACTLY the size of your rug then you can see the edge of it, but if you get it too much smaller then you can see the line underneath where it ends. So I ended up cutting an inch or two off so the rug just slightly goes over it. Not everyone is as into comfort as I am but I think these little things are subconscious signals that say, ‘come in, sit, relax, stay awhile,’ which is how I want us to feel in our home.”
I just recently replaced my pillow inserts, and wow, do I notice a difference! If you are in the market, one of the reviewers said this about these ones:
“You know those hotel pillows that we all love so much. Well, these are those pillows. They aren’t too soft to where your head sinks down into the pillow, and you wake up with a crook in your neck, and they aren’t too firm when you feel like you slept on a brick all night and wake up with a stiff neck…”
Sold? Ya, me too.
Why not have your nightstands work even better for you and have a built-in charging station? If you are someone who leaves their phone in another room while you sleep, you are my hero. But for the rest of us, the idea of having the easiest access to a charging port for one of our many devices sounds pretty amazing. But basic and overly modern nightstands are not really our preference. Instead, look at how great these modern traditional ones are. The black ones have cleaner lines and that cute open nook over their two drawers, while the light toned ones have those wonderful rounded feet. No losing with either of these options.
Here are some more modern options. The fluting on the MCM-inspired one is the perfect detail for just enough visual texture (also only $130). Then how cool is the more postmodern one! Its shape is modern, and the wood texture is so organic-looking and beautiful. Just a great option for a beautiful but unexpected piece (and at the great price of $165).
As I am sure many of you know, EHD LOVES an end-of-bed bench. Make it a storage bench?? Chef’s kiss. So when I saw this one I knew I had to include it. So pretty, elegant, AND practical.
This bench (as proven by these photos) is perfect for either an entry, hallway, or end of the bed, etc. The colors are great, the style is classic, and from the looks of it, it has a decent amount of storage. No notes.
I feel like this one is a sneaky storage bench. When you look at it, you don’t immediately think “storage bench.” The style is versatile, the color is neutral but fun, and because it’s 100% upholstered, it looks cozy too:) All of the benches are around $200, which isn’t bad at all.
Let’s just say most of my costume jewelry is in a very pretty pink Intentionally Blank shoe box. Not a terrible solution, but it’s not a great one or one I want to display. These two, on the other hand, are a different story. If you read any trend posts from last year or Arlyn’s 2026 color trend post from Wednesday, then you know light blue is one of THE colors currently. It took me by surprise last year, too, and I couldn’t love it more. So if you want to dip your toe into the icy blue world, this light blue jewelry box is perfect. But you are more of a classic natural wood tone person and have the budget to go a little over $100, this walnut beauty is a no-brainer. If I were further along in my bathroom design, I would be having a VERY hard time choosing between these two.
But maybe you’re like, “Jess, aren’t you cute with your three little drawers, but that is NOT going to cut it for my jewelry collection.” Fair! So then here is an option that can be wall-mounted or hung over a door. And not only do you get a significant amount of jewelry storage, but you get a wall mirror too! They also come in other fun colors if black doesn’t work with your overall style.
Now this jewelry armoire says to all of these previous options, “hold my beer” when it opens up and reveals SEVEN drawers, two doors for hanging pieces, AND a top compartment with a mirror. I think the next step up from this would be a jewelry closet. It’s simple, stylish, and gives you so much incredible storage!
It’s 2026, and if you somehow don’t have a lot of cords to manage, then I am very impressed! I feel that most of us there’s at least one area in our home where the cords are out of control, and these cute little boxes can help manage the cord chaos. The white one is meant to sort of camouflage into the background with its simple, sleek lines. The green one is more of a “show me off” gal with that fun color and cool texture. Something for everyone…
…unless you prefer a natural material like this wonderful woven basket option! Again, you can’t go wrong.
If nothing else, I hope this post was a little extra encouragement to keep going with those little improvements in whatever way you wish. Wayfair is, of course, just such an incredible resource that we think should always be a place to look for great pieces that make your home and life better…at great prices. Hope you all have a good and safe weekend.
Love you, mean it.
Opening Image Credits: Photo by Kaitlin Green | From: The Mudroom Dog Washing Station: Measurements, How It’s Working + Some Practical Dog Products