The entryway is the first space guests see when entering your home, so it’s important to make a great first impression.
One way to elevate your entryway and add style is with a thoughtfully designed bench.
Not only does a bench provide handy seating for removing shoes or coats, but it also makes a statement and sets the tone for the rest of your home’s decor.
When selecting a bench for your entryway, consider the size of the space as well as the style of your home.
Look for a bench that complements your existing decor while still standing out as a focal point.
Materials like wood, metal, or upholstered fabrics can all work well depending on your aesthetic.
Include built-in storage, if needed, for stashing shoes, bags, or other items.
And don’t forget about comfort – your entryway bench should invite guests to sit awhile.
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Rustic Wood Bench
A rustic wood bench exudes comfortable, farmhouse charm perfect for a cozy cottage-style entryway.
Look for a bench made of finished hardwoods like oak or pine.
Distressed details like dings, chisel marks, or nailheads add to the rustic aesthetic.
Try topping the bench with a padded linen or burlap cushion for comfort.
Then accessorize with a jute rug, wrought iron hooks, and a wooden sign for a complete farmhouse vibe.
A long six-foot bench provides ample seating.
Or consider two smaller matching benches placed on either side of the entryway to cultivate balance and symmetry.
Stow shoes, hats, or gloves in built-in cabinetry or wooden crates beneath the bench.
The deep brown tones of the wood bench contrast beautifully against painted white shiplap walls for the ultimate rustic entryway.
Tufted Upholstery Bench
For glam yet cozy style, select a tufted upholstery bench in a soft velvet or linen fabric.
Button tufting provides plush aesthetic detail.
Choose a neutral beige, tan, or light gray to complement a wide range of decors from modern to traditional.
The soft fabrication ensures supreme comfort, making your tufted bench as practical as it is pretty.
Consider a rolled or curved back design for added elegance.
Skinny turned wood legs in a black finish create sharp contrast against the upholstered bench.
For traditional spaces, select rounded bun feet instead for classic charm.
nclude diamond tufting, nailhead trim, or piping along the edges for even more eye-catching style.
Anchor the tufted bench on an ornate area rug.
Hang a gilded mirror and add fresh florals in a vase to complete your glam entryway oasis.
Modern Wood Bench
Clean lines and sleek simplicity make a modern wood bench ideal for contemporary spaces.
Look for a bench with a low-profile, horizontal design crafted from rich walnut or maple wood.
Metal legs in black, bronze, or chrome provide industrial contrast.
Keep the form simple without ornate carvings or details to cultivate a minimalist aesthetic.
A coat of clear lacquer or oil allows the wood’s natural grain to shine through.
For a pop of color, upholster the bench in faux leather or linen in vibrant hues like red, turquoise, or chartreuse.
Float the modern bench on a plain jute rug layered over polished concrete floors.
Add a geometric console table behind the bench along with a sleek branch floor lamp.
The mix of wood tones, crisp fabrics, and metallics strikes the perfect modern balance.
Upholstered Storage Bench
An upholstered bench with storage space below is the ultimate functional accent for tiny entryways.
Look for a bench with hinged lift-up lids or deep drawers to hold a surprising amount of stuff.
Soft cotton, linen, chenille, or velvet fabrics keep the storage bench looking luxe.
Choose a neutral color like navy or gray to complement your existing entryway decor.
Nailhead trim around the base of the bench adds textural intrigue.
For contemporary styles, opt for acrylic or lucite hardware.
Or in traditional spaces, select metal hardware with an antique brass, bronze or nickel finish.
Built-in organization like cubbies, shelves, or compartments keep stored items neat.
Place frequently-used accessories like gloves, sunglasses, keys in handy bins for grab and go convenience.
The storage bench hides away the clutter, keeping your entry looking stylish and tidy.
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Mid-Century Modern Bench
The sleek retro lines of a mid-century modern bench lend iconic style to your entryway.
Look for a bench marked by tapered wood legs, low profile, and clean angles.
Select a wood with beautiful grain like teak, walnut, or ash.
Often the legs will be directly connected to the seat, eliminating side rails for floating effect.
Upholster the bench in leather, vinyl, or microfiber for added durability and easy wipe-down cleaning.
Keep the color scheme neutral with black, tan, grey or ivory.
Or choose bold yellow, turquoise, or red hues to make the bench a bright focal point.
Add a complementing kidney bean table and sculptural floor lamp for a complete mid-century look.
For a petite entryway, choose a narrow two or three-seater bench.
Or fill a larger space with a six foot extra long double bench for expansive mid-century appeal.
The bench evokes mid-century style while providing a handy spot to sit and slide on shoes.
Banquette Bench
For a cozy built-in look, install a banquette bench along one wall of your entryway.
Custom designing a banquette allows you to perfectly fit your entry’s dimensions.
Select standard lumber and basic bench framing for DIY-friendly construction.
Or hire a carpenter to create a tailored bench with mitered joints, blocking, and supportive bracing.
Upholster the banquette in a durable fabric like denim, twill or faux leather that holds up to heavy use.
Nailhead trim adds textural interest to the sides of the banquette.
Include removable cushions for easy cleaning.
Store shoes, bags or accessories in built-in cabinets beneath the bench.
For a three-sided bench nook, install the banquette under a window.
Add a two-sided corner banquette for seating and surface space in a unused angled corner.
The custom fitted bench transforms wasted entryway space into functional seated storage.
Antique Bench
For timeworn charm, display a true antique bench in your entryway.
Look for benches from the 19th century Victorian era made of wood, cast iron, or upholstered fabric.
Curved backs, intricate scrollwork, and cabriole legs give antique benches lavish ornamentation.
A painted white or distressed finish shows off wear that gives the antique piece nostalgic appeal.
For shabby chic style, look for a peeling chippy painted bench to upcycle.
Add new foam and fabric to restore an original upholstered antique bench.
Place an ornate antique under an entryway console decorated with vintage framed art and silver pieces.
Complement with a Persian rug, tufted chair, and crystal chandelier for a glamorous old world aesthetic.
The aged charm of an antique bench adds heritage to your foyer.
Metal and Wood Bench
The combined natural beauty of wood and sleek look of metal come together to create an elegant entryway bench.
A popular combo includes an oak or walnut stained wood seat and back with black metal legs.
Or make the wood basin of the bench the star with thin hairpin legs.
Industrial chic designs feature distressed wood paired with galvanized pipe legs.
Or contrast the dark wood with shiny brass legs for warmth.
Include a shelf below for both open and concealed storage.
Anchor the mixed media bench on an abstract wool area rug to accentuate the varsity of materials.
The wood and metal duo fits right into both modern farmhouse and industrial loft decors.
Keep accessories minimal with just a hook pendant light and vase of branches to showcase the dynamic bench design.
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Mudroom Bench
Bring function and organization into your home’s main transition space with a mudroom bench.
Look for units with spacious shelving above and below the bench to keep daily items stored but easily accessible.
You’ll be able to grab coats right as you enter or exit while keeping spare bags and shoes organized.
Select cabinetry doors with either shaker paneling or chicken wire grilles to lend the mudroom bench rustic style.
For a more contemporary look, install sleek shelves without doors.
Add coat hooks along the sides or back of the bench for bag and jacket storage.
Top the bench with a sturdy wood seat and include spacious drawers or baskets below.
Use washable fabrics like cotton canvas or nylon webbing to upholster the bench.
These family-friendly materials hold up to heavy use and still look tidy.
Position the mudroom bench beneath wall sconces or pendant lights for handy visibility when getting ready to head out or unpacking when returning home.
Entryway Hall Tree
An entryway hall tree takes the functionality of traditional mudroom benches up a decorative notch.
Hall trees feature panels of storage cubbies tucked behind classically styled cabinet doors or an aged metal grille.
Beautiful design details like crown molding and fluted columns elevate the look of the storage bench.
Select a painted hall tree with chippy distressing or opt for luxurious hardwoods like acacia.
Include brass or porcelain knobs for added elegance.
Complement with a plush bench cushion and distressed area rug.
Hang a wall mirror above the hall tree to open up the entryway.
Then use the storage bench surface to place decor like lamps, vases, or framed photos when not in use.
Position a smaller upright hall tree in a narrow foyer.
Or fill a larger room with an expansive shelving unit complete with a padded bench.
The entryway hall tree conceals clutter while providing decor-friendly display space.
Window Bench
Strategically placed beneath a window, an entryway bench takes advantage of the extra seating space.
Look for a long padded bench that fits perfectly within your window frame.
Include built-in storage like lift-top drawers or cabinets to tuck away extra items.
Select durable marine vinyl or polyurethane upholstery able to withstand sun exposure and still look fresh.
For a streamlined look, choose cushioning the same width as the bench rather than toss pillows.
Add contrasting welting or double stitching along the seams for defined detail.
In a Craftsman-style home, select an arts and crafts inspired bench complete with thick square legs and oversized scroll arms.
For farmhouse flair, use a refinished wood bench with chippy painted legs and burlap throw pillows.
Place potted plants on the ends of the bench windowsill to warm up the space.
The window bench creates an inviting vignette while maximizing room for seating.
Corner Bench
Take advantage of an empty corner and awkward angled space with a corner entryway bench.
This seating solution saves room compared to a standard linear bench.
Look for compact two-person corner benches with arms on either side.
Or fill a large area with a roomy corner sectional bench.
Benches with adjustable arms allow you to piece multiple sections together for customized seating.
Include storage space beneath the bench like shelves, drawers or hidden cabinets
Choose durable, easy-to-clean faux leather or microfiber upholstery.
Position the corner bench beneath wall hooks for coats and bags.
Placing the bench diagonally opposite the door creates a handy staging area to sit and slide shoes on.
Add a floor lamp behind the bench to illuminate the space.
The corner bench opens up seating options even in a cramped entryway.
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DIY Entryway Bench
For one-of-a-kind style, design and build your own entryway bench.
Refinish and upcycle an old bench frame from the flea market or thrift store.
Sand the bench down and apply new stain or paint with some distressing for vintage character.
Use reclaimed wood from old barn doors or fencing to create bench legs.
Upholster the bench in your choice of eclectic printed fabric.
Add classic tufting and nailhead trim along the base for detail.
Include a shelf below to hold baskets, books or decor.
Accentuate the handmade charm of your DIY bench by topping it with a set of crocheted or embroidered throw pillows.
Let the bench frame and legs establish the overall size and shape.
Then add your own creative details through woodworking, painting, staining and upholstery.
For a transparent finish, coat the bench in polyurethane to seal and protect your handiwork.
The DIY entryway bench reflects your unique style.
The entryway bench tops the list of both stylish and functional focal points.
With endless options for size, color, material and storage space, you can find the ideal bench design to suit your home and style.
Use your bench as a handy spot to sit while transitioning from outdoors to inside
At the same time, make a lasting decorative impact on all who enter your home.
Your entryway bench sets the stage for the rest of your home’s interior design, so choose wisely to reflect your personalized taste.
