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The Spruce / Sabrina Jiang
Whether you're always losing your keys or are just looking to organize your entryway, a key holder is a great decor option. These handy pieces combine form and function while holding your keys and other essentials like mail, hats, handbags, and more, so you'll always know where to find them.
“It’s important first of all to find one that meets your practical needs, and then to find one that fits your style and the style of your home,” says Priscilla Moiseoff, lead stylist and interior designer at Walker Edison Furniture. Moiseoff also recommends keeping location in mind; consider where in your home the key holder will live and how much space you have for it. She notes that it may make sense to opt for a small accent piece or a larger statement unit, depending on your situation.
With these considerations in mind, we researched dozens of key holders, evaluating their style and hanging format, extra features, and ease of use. Our top choice is the Yamazaki Magnetic Key Holder, because it has a sleek and compact design with plenty of holders for your keys, mail, and other small items.
Read on to discover the best key holders to suit a variety of needs, preferences, and budgets.
Best Overall
Yamazaki Home Magnetic Wood & Steel Key Storage Box
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Food52
Easy to install
Has an extra storage compartment
Durable
Storage compartment can fill up quickly
Too small for larger households
We love this Magnetic Key Holder from Yamazaki, because it has five key hooks and a small upper compartment to hold mail or other small items like sunglasses, travel hand sanitizer bottles, or other small items. You can hang it on any magnetic surface or wall-mount it with screws. Available in two different finishes, it has a modern and elegant style that meshes well with contemporary and traditional home styles. With a weight capacity of 2 pounds and a small footprint, this pick is ideal for renters, apartment dwellers, or those who need a small solution for their keys, masks, dog leashes, and more.
However, the small footprint could also be a drawback, especially for larger households. While the upper compartment can hold a few papers in case you get a lot of magazines or oversized mail, this key holder will fill up quickly. Still, it's constructed of durable wood and steel, making it a sturdy pick that should last in your home for ages. It's quick to set up, especially if you can use the magnetic connection. Overall, this model is a reliable and sleek choice to keep your daily essentials organized.
Price at time of publishing: $29
Dimensions: 3.75 x 7 x 1.23 inches︱Weight: 0.62 pounds︱Material: Wood, steel︱Color: Ash, walnut︱Extra Features: Mail holder
Best Budget
MarleyLifeDesign Towel Hooks Plastic Door Hangers
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Etsy
Versatile
Comes in various colors
Easy to install
No extra storage compartments
Weight capacity is unclear
If you're looking for a budget-friendly and versatile option, look no further than these minimalist MarleyLifeDesign Towel Hooks Plastic Door Hangers. Not only can you use them as key holders in your entryway, but you can wrangle cords by your desk, hang towels in the kitchen, and find countless uses for these pretty plastic hooks. They come in three different color duos, including blue/yellow, black/gray, and burgundy/pink, so it's easy to find an option that will work with any decor theme or style. Even better, each set gives you ten hooks, which should be plenty for small apartments or households that need to hang a few sets of keys.
However, finding how much they can hold is up to trial and error, since the maker does not list the weight capacity. If you have a particularly large set of keys or are looking to hang your daily tote bag or other heavier items, these may not be the best solution. Nonetheless, these hooks can be applied similarly to Command strips, making them easy to install wherever you need them.
Price at time of publishing: $13
Dimensions: Not listed︱Weight: Not listed︱Material: Plastic︱Color: Blue/yellow, black/gray, burgandy/pink | Extra Features: None
Best Splurge
West Elm Mid-Century Kids Hook Mirror
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West Elm
Generous weight capacity
Has a mirror
Made in a Fair Trade facility
No extra storage compartments
Needs two people to assemble
Make a statement in your entryway with this elegant—and very functional—Mid-Century Entryway Mirror from West Elm, crafted from sustainably-sourced, pecan-finished wood in a Fair Trade facility. While it has no extra storage compartments for mail, we love that it has a ledge on the mirror that can hold handy items like sunglasses or decorative accents like candles. We also love how the antique bronze pegs have a generous weight capacity of 5 pounds, allowing them to hold tote bags, winter coats, and other heavier items alongside your keys.
This piece has a large footprint, making it suitable for those who have a larger space and are looking for a statement piece to warm up their entryway, hallway, or foyer. However, due to its large size, the assembly is a bit more laborious than other options on this list. While it comes with all the hanging hardware, you will need another person and a Phillips head screwdriver to complete the assembly process. Once it's hanging, it's very easy to clean and maintain—simply wipe it down with a soft, dry cloth and make sure the screws are properly tightened, since they can become loose over time. Overall, this is a splurge-worthy piece that's durable enough to last for years.
Price at time of publishing: $200
Dimensions: 21 x 34 x 7 inches︱Weight: Not listed︱Material: Wood and bronze hardware︱Color: Pecan-finished wood︱Extra Features: Mirror, ledge
Best for Letters and Keys
Ugiftt Wall Mounted Mail Organizer with Shelves and Hooks
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Amazon
Versatile
Generous weight capacity
Durable
Needs two people to install
Rustic design doesn't match many home styles
If you need a key holder that will hold the day's mail, look no further than this durable option from Ugiftt Wall Mounted Organizer with Shelves and Hooks. It has a large compartment that can hold standard envelopes as well as magazines and larger papers. We also love that it has an extra shelf where you can store sunglasses or a cute potted plant. It has a weight capacity of 10 pounds, so it can hold keys, pet leashes, jackets, and more on the five double hooks and three single hooks. We also think it'd be a great addition to a home office to hold extra papers, charger cords, and items you don't want to clutter your desk.
Although it doesn't lend itself to all design styles, we think the distressed wood finish would look great in rustic and farmhouse homes. It does come with mounting hardware and is rather easy to install, but you may need to enlist another person to help you.
Price at time of publishing: $18
Dimensions: 10 x 16 x 4 inches︱Weight: 2.79 pounds︱Material: Wood and metal︱Color: White︱Extra Features: Multiple hooks, mail holder, small shelf
Best Personalized
4 Wooden Shoes Personalized Key Hooks
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Wayfair
Matches many design styles
Pre-drilled holes for easy hanging
Durable
May not match online photo
Not ideal for renters
Turn a functional item into personalized decor with the 4 Wooden Shoes Personalized Key Hooks. Designed to look like a chalkboard, this durable and lightweight manufactured wood key holder comes in a sleek black finish. It lends itself to various design styles but may not look exactly as pictured online, due to variations in the wood. You can personalize it with names or a short phrase 25 characters and under, so this would work great as a gift for newlyweds or a couple who have just moved into a new home together.
This key holder has four simple hooks and a modest 3-pound weight capacity, so it can hold smaller items like leashes and masks alongside your keys. We love that it comes fully assembled and has pre-drilled holes to help with hanging. Since it requires mounting onto the wall, this isn't the best option for apartment dwellers or other renters who cannot make changes to the walls.
Price at time of publishing: $53
Dimensions: 5 x 11 x 0.63 inches︱Weight: 1 pound︱Material: MDF wood︱Color: Black︱Extra Features: Personalized
Best Removable
iDesign York BPA-Free Plastic AFFIXX Self-Adhesive 4-Hook Key Rack
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Amazon
Easy to install
Affordable
Versatile
Cannot hold heavy items
Too small for larger households
With an easy-to-install (and remove) adhesive, the iDesign York key holder is ideal for renters and those who are looking to maximize their small space without drilling holes. It's crafted from lightweight plastic and aluminum and has a brushed stainless steel finish that makes it look more expensive than it is. Its simple design also lends itself to many home decor styles, such as traditional, modern, minimalist, and more.
With four hooks, we can imagine this versatile item holding keys and masks in your entryway, charger cords in your office, and combs and loofahs in your bathroom. However, since it is so small and lightweight, it's not ideal for larger households or for holding heavier items like jackets and tote bags.
Price at time of publishing: $9
Dimensions: 1.2 x 6 x 1.8 inches︱Weight: 0.96 ounces︱Material: Plastic, aluminum︱Color: Brushed stainless steel︱Extra Features: None
Best With Shelf
West Elm Bekins All-In-One Entryway Storage
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West Elm
Comes in various colors
Generous weight capacity
Matches many design styles
Needs two people to assemble
Shelves can look untidy
If you're looking for an elegant key holder or shelving solution, the Bekins All-In-One Entryway Storage offers two shelves alongside six notched pegs with a weight capacity of 50 pounds. The pegs come in two different sizes, so you can hang heavier items, like winter coats, on the larger size, and smaller items, like keys and masks, on the smaller pegs. Meanwhile, the shelves can hold mail, sunglasses, cute decor items, and more. Unlike some key holders, though, the Bekins lacks a place to put mail, so a big pile of magazines, bills, and letters may appear untidy.
This durable engineered wood key holder comes in two color schemes to complement various home decor styles. We're partial to the dark walnut shade with bronze accents shown here, but the white option with brass hardware looks just as stunning. This piece requires assembly, and the instructions recommend having another person help you. Fortunately, it includes all the hardware you need and comes together within a few minutes.
Price at time of publishing: $50
Dimensions: 7.7 x 32.7 x 7.7 inches︱Weight: 8.25 pounds︱Material: Engineered wood︱Color: Walnut with dark bronze accents; white with brass accents︱Extra Features: Shelf to hold mail or nicknacks
Best With Mirror
Umbra Cubiko Wall Mirror and Storage Unit
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Amazon
Generous weight capacity
Has an extra storage compartment
Five-year warranty
May need to use your own anchors
Not ideal for renters
Take one last look at your face and hair as you grab your keys and prep to leave your home with help from the Umbra Cubiko Entryway Organizer. It has just about everything you’d want in an entryway catch-all: pegs for keys and a semi-enclosed space where you can display decorative items or stash the mail. This durable powder-coated steel shelf has a 40-pound capacity, so you know it's designed to last. With a sleek black finish and sharp lines, we imagine this organizer in a minimalist home.
It has a small footprint, making it ideal for small spaces. However, you do have to mount it on the wall with screws, so it's not suitable for renters who need their walls to remain as they are. It comes with everything you need for installation, but be aware that you might find this step tricky and might benefit from using your own anchors. As a bonus, the key holder is backed by a five-year warranty should you encounter any problems.
Price at time of publishing: $28
Dimensions: 8 x 12.63 x 4.13 inches︱Weight: 2.58 pounds︱Material: Powder-coated steel, glass︱Color: Black︱Extra Features: Shelf
Best With Message Center
Kate and Laurel Stallard Chalkboard Wall Organizer with Hooks
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Bed, Bath & Beyond
If you need to double-check a checklist or leave a message to a roommate or family member, look no further than the Kate and Laurel Stallard Chalkboard Wall Organizer with Hooks. It's designed with a huge chalkboard, where you can write messages, checklists, and any other reminders you may need before you walk out the door. Even better, it actually comes with a small bag of chalk to get you started. For storage, it has three small compartments that you can use to hold chalk, wallets, and other small trinkets. Meanwhile, the three double hooks at the bottom are perfect for storing keys, hats, masks, and more.
You can wall-mount this unit, which includes all of the hardware needed to hang it. It comes fully assembled, but since it is quite large, we recommend getting another person to help you install it. Unlike other options on this list, it is on the more expensive side, but we think the natural brown finish of the wood feels especially charming and high-end. While this would serve as a great statement piece in your entryway, we also think this would be great in a kitchen.
Price at time of publishing: $134
Dimensions: 24 x 24 x 3.5 inches︱Weight: 4.6 pounds︱Material: Metal, wood︱Color: Wood︱Extra Features: Chalkboard, cubby holes
If you’re looking for a key holder, the Yamazaki Magnetic Key Holder is our top recommendation: It’s well designed and attractive, and it can hold keys and a few essential odds and ends. If you have a metal door or another surface that works with magnets near your entryway, it’s particularly ideal, but it also can be mounted with screws. For a more budget-friendly pick, opt for the MarleyLifeDesign Towel Hooks Plastic Door Hangers. These plastic hooks are available in two colors per set and can be used in the entryway and throughout your home.
What to Look for in a Key Holder
Style and Format
Choose a key holder that works with the style of your décor. For example, if you have a farmhouse-style home, look for options made of wood with natural or distressed finishes that emphasize their grain pattern. Minimalist lovers should look for sleek lines and neutral solid colors and can opt for key holders made out of coated steel, brushed finishes, and more. If you have more of an eclectic style, try looking for single-hook options that come in bold colors and finishes to effortlessly accent your already mixed decor.
You'll also want to consider its hanging format. Most key holders are wall-mounted, meaning you may have to drill holes into the wall, which is not ideal for renters. If you need a non-permanent solution, look for adhesive or magnetic key holders.
Extra Features
While some may opt to find hook-only options, key holders come with plenty of extra features if you need them. For example, if you're looking for a quick place to stash the day's mail or need a new place to display stylish candles or potted plants, try looking for a key holder with baskets and shelves. We recommend options with baskets specifically for mail, since too much mail can sometimes look untidy on an open shelf.
Other extra features include chalkboards for leaving messages and reminders in larger households, mirrors to take one last look at yourself before leaving, and personalized backboards.
Ease of Use
Whether you choose a wall-mounted or adhesive-style key holder, consider the ease of assembly and installation. Most key holders come fully assembled unless they are larger statement pieces that need building. Note whether you can assemble and install it yourself, or need someone to help you, along with what tools you'll need.
What type of hook you choose will also change the unit's ease of use. Key holders with hooks or double hooks will securely hold your items—especially if they're on the heavier side—but they may catch on your fingers or feel too fiddly. Key holders with pegs are a great alternative, allowing you to quickly slide your keys on and off. If you're worried about your items slipping off of pegs too easily, you can also look for options with notched pegs, which feature a shallow indentation for your item to nestle into and keep secure.
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How do you hang a key holder on the wall?
Key holders come in different formats, sizes, and hanging mechanisms. The most common hanging mechanisms are wall-mounted, which need to be screwed into the wall, and self-adhesive, which stick to the wall. Both have fairly straightforward installation processes, but please consult your specific model’s instructions or needs, since different styles may require other installation methods.
To install a wall-mounted model, take a pencil, and mark a spot on the wall where the screws will go. You can do that by holding the key holder up to the wall and bubbling in the screw hole or by putting a piece of masking tape on the holder, marking the holes on it, and taping it to the wall. Make sure to level and align the key holder or tape properly so it will hang straight once installed. Then slowly drill a hole into the wall.
If there is a beam, you can screw the screw directly into the wall. If not, you should drill a hole for a molly, and hammer the molly flush to the wall before installing the screw. Once you're done drilling a hole, feed the screw through the key holder, and line it up to the hole (or molly) on the wall. Then use a screwdriver to tighten it in place. Repeat this step on every hole until the keyholder is secure.
To install a self-adhesive model, wipe off the hanging area on the wall with an alcohol wipe. Then peel off the paper covering the adhesive on the back of your keyholder, and firmly press it to the wall for a couple of minutes. Before placing any items on the key holder, let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour to ensure that it has completely adhered to the wall.
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Where should you hang a key holder?
The most obvious place to hang a key holder is by the door. That way, your keys will be the last thing you grab on your way out and the first thing you hang up after closing and locking the door. The next best place to hang a key holder is a landing area where you put your bag, coat, shoes, or other items after coming home. From a risk and safety perspective, keep in mind that hanging your keys in too visible a location can make it easier for thieves to steal your car after breaking in or for someone to snatch an extra set on their way out the door without you noticing.
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How high should you hang a key holder?
The best height for a key holder is roughly eye level, to make your keys easy to spot and easy to hang and grab, depending on which way you are coming or going. If you live with other adults, place the key holder at a level where everyone can comfortably reach it. If there are young kids in the house, hang it high enough so that it’s out of reach.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Madeleine Burry has been writing for The Spruce for several years. For this roundup of key holders, she consulted with Priscilla Moiseoff, lead stylist and interior designer at Walker Edison Furniture, to understand essential features and nice-to-have functionality. Then she researched dozens of key holders available for sale online, considering their designs, installation processes, and features. She selected options for a variety of budgets and design needs and preferences.