The entryway is the first space you and your guests see when entering your home.
This small but mighty area makes a big impression and sets the tone for the rest of your home’s style.
An entryway bench is a functional and decorative way to welcome visitors and give you a place to sit while taking off shoes or coats.
When choosing an entryway bench, think about your home’s aesthetic and what will be the most practical and comfortable option.
Upholstered benches provide soft seating while rustic wood benches match farmhouse style.
Built-in or fold-down benches are space-saving options.
Storage benches with lift-up lids offer concealed spots to stash shoes, hats, gloves and other items.
Bench cushions can be customized with colorful, printed fabrics that coordinate with your home’s color scheme.
Beyond the bench itself, decorating the surrounding entryway with wall art, a mirror, shelf display and fresh florals pulls the look together.
Use these entryway bench decor ideas to create a beautiful and functional space your guests will love walking into.
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Rustic Wood Bench
If you love farmhouse style, a rustic wood bench is the perfect entryway seating.
The natural wood tones and textures add cozy warmth.
This type of bench works well for a casual, laidback space.
Look for a solid wood bench or one made from reclaimed barn wood if you want authentic rustic charm.
Unfinished, distressed and weathered wood finishes add to the timeworn appeal.
Soft colored stains like grey wash, whitewash or light brown enhance the wood grain without hiding it.
Wrought iron accents and casters lend industrial flair.
Rustic design is all about mixing materials, so add metal buckets for umbrella storage and woven baskets for mitten collection.
Hang galvanized metal wall hooks for jackets and hats.
Complete the look with a jute area rug.
For decor, lean a vintage ladder against the wall to display framed family photos.
Allow extra umbrellas to live in the corner.
Add a potted tall plant like bamboo or a fiddle leaf fig tree next to the bench.
The plant’s natural texture complements the wood bench.
Finish off your farmhouse entryway with a welcome sign or embossed medal wall art.
Upholstered Bench
An upholstered bench brings softness and comfort to the entryway.
This type of seating works in nearly any home style from traditional to modern.
Choose neutral colors like cream, tan or light grey to keep it classic.
Bold prints or patterns make the bench a focal point.
Tufted cushions and turned wood legs add elegance.
Nailhead trim gives it some punch.
Store away hats, mittens and other winter accessories in cloth bins and baskets underneath the bench.
Jute, wool and leather textures complement the upholstered fabric.
Incorporate nature with a large potted floor plant like a fiddle leaf fig or palm.
Above the bench, hang wall hooks with each family member’s name to designate spots for coats and backpacks.
Flank the hooks with black and white prints for a modern gallery wall.
It’s all in the details: adorn the wall with round mirror coat hooks and display cute mittens from a twig coat rack for a delightful vignette.
Modern pedestal candles in black, white or metallic add sculptural flair.
Place the candles on a mirrored tray to reflect light.
Finish off this sophisticated entryway with an area rug.
Storage Bench
Entryway benches with built-in storage compartments solve multiple problems at once.
You get a spot to sit when putting on shoes and a place to conceal items you don’t want cluttering up the entryway.
Look for storage benches with lift-up or flip top lids.
Inside you can stash gloves, hats, umbrellas, shoes, pet supplies, kids toys – anything you need easy access to when running out the door.
Placing baskets inside the storage bench keeps things organized.
Some entryway benches even have removable fabric bins or cubbies.
With concealed storage, the top of the bench can remain clutter-free for a clean look.
A simple storage bench made of wood, wicker or metal meshes well with many design aesthetics from modern to coastal.
Paint or finish the bench in a neutral tone like white or tan so it blends in.
Add baskets on top in colors like blue, green or salmon to inject your color palette.
Incorporate natural elements with woven textures, wood tones and rattan to reinforce the coastal or cottage feeling.
Hang a large mirror above the bench to open up the small entryway.
Finish the look with a seagrass area rug.
Built-In Bench
For a custom look, create a built-in bench along the entryway wall.
This is a good option if you’re lacking floor space.
Built-in benches are super practical and take up minimal visual room.
They can blend right in while offering plenty of seating and storage.
Opt for classic white wainscoting paired with plain cabinet doors along the bench base.
Add charming accents like trim, molding or legs in wood tones.
Incorporate open shelving above the bench to display cherished photos, flowers and decor.
Coat hooks mounted on the wall offer a handy spot for jackets.
Paint the wainscoting and cabinetry a light neutral color to keep the entryway feeling bright and airy.
A large mirror above the bench also helps open up a small space.
Flank the mirror with wall sconces for a polished look.
Their glow illuminates the entryway and makes it feel warm and welcoming.
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Fold Down Bench
Another space saver is a fold down bench, perfect for small entryways.
Look for an entryway bench that easily folds up against the wall, similar to a fold down table.
When visitors arrive, simply lower the bench to provide a spot to comfortably remove shoes.
Then lift it up flush with the wall so the narrow entry corridor remains clear.
This versatile bench works especially well paired with a console table.
When folded down, the bench is the perfect seat for putting on shoes and using the console to hold keys, sunglasses and other small accessories.
When folded up, it creates more floor space while keeping the console table in place.
Play up the compact functionality of a fold down entryway bench.
Outfit the wall above with wooden pallet cubbies to hold mail, gloves and hats.
Underneath, line up a row of canvas bins to sort shoes by family member.
Finish the coordinated look with gallery wall art.
Then just flip up the bench and unclutter the entryway when not in use.
Tufted Bench
For a touch of elegance, choose a tufted entryway bench.
The button-tufted cushions and carved wood legs give it a classically rich style.
Tufted benches come in a range of fabrics from faux leather to velvet.
Opt for neutral tan, cream or grey to keep it timeless.
A camel color has a vintage vibe.
Deep red or navy blue velvets make the bench feel luxe but cozy.
Add ornate details like casters, nailheads or crystal finials on the bench legs.
Place a mirrored tray on the bench to catch keys and mail.
Under-bench storage drawers are great for hiding away gloves, hats and other cold weather gear.
Play up the traditional charm with framed black and white family photos, floral arrangements and rich wood tones.
A vintage-style chandelier ties the look together.
Use an oriental-inspired area rug to give this elegant entryway warmth and texture.
Window Bench
Strategically placed beneath a window, an entryway bench takes advantage of the natural light.
When choosing a window bench, look for a size and style that fits seamlessly within your entryway
Opt for a streamlined profile without ornate carvings so it doesn’t overwhelm the space.
Window benches make a nice reading nook thanks to the ample light.
In a farmhouse entryway, use the bench to display potted plants, woven baskets and hardcover books.
Floating wood shelves mounted above provide more spots for decor.
In a modern entryway, paint the windowsill, wall and bench the same crisp white.
Add colorful throw pillows and an abstract area rug for a hint of brightness.
Display succulents, candles and ceramic vases along the windowsill.
If the entryway feels cramped, hang a large mirror above the bench to create the illusion of more space.
Keep the colors light and furniture scale petite.
Add POW with eye-catching details like metallic stool legs or patterned toss pillows.
Rattan Bench
Natural woven rattan makes an attractive and eco-friendly entryway bench material.
Rattan has a neutral tan hue that suits any color palette from bold tropical to crisp Scandinavian.
Its casual texture infuses cozy warmth and works well in coastal, boho or cottage spaces.
Look for entryway benches made of water hyacinth, seagrass or banana leaf rattan varieties.
These have an organic handmade look, unlike synthetic plastic rattan which appears fake and dull.
When paired with real wood legs, the result is chic and earthy.
Decorate a rattan entryway bench with woven baskets holding blankets, shoes and colorful clutch purses.
Fresh greenery in planters enhances the nature vibe.
For a beach house style, display white conch shells, starfish and glass floats.
Add character with textures like jute rugs, macrame hangings and linen cushions.
Complete the laidback look with printed accent pillows and ceramic garden stools beside the bench.
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Wicker Bench
Similar to rattan, wicker makes an attractive entryway bench material that is casual yet elevated.
The basket-woven texture of wicker furniture adds visual warmth and pairs well with many decor styles.
Neutral cream wicker blends seamlessly into the soft backdrop.
Opt for navy blue or black wicker benches to make a bolder statement.
Soften a wicker entryway bench with outdoor pillow cushions and a cozy throw blanket.
Use resin wicker if your entryway sees a lot of wet, snowy boots during winter months – it holds up well to moisture.
Place the wicker bench atop a patterned vinyl, sisal or coir entryway rug.
Under-bench storage is key for hiding muddy boots.
Use the bench top to showcase your style with baskets of faux botanicals and decorative vases.
Mount a thick jute-wrapped board above as a rustic art piece and place to hang coats.
The earthy jute tones complement the wicker bench beautifully.
Modern Wood Bench
Clean lines and sleek wood make an entryway bench feel contemporary.
Opt for unadorned bench and shelf silhouettes to keep the look simple yet luxe.
Benches in lighter wood finishes like ash, beech or maple evoke an airy Scandinavian aesthetic.
Darker stains like ebony black create drama and sophistication.
Wood benches look striking paired with marble shelves and topped with lush pothos plants for an indoor garden vibe.
Use woven water hyacinth storage bins to inject softness and texture.
Take it upscale with brass accents on the bench legs and modern decor like geometric candles, abstract art prints and fresh flower arrangements.
Or keep it minimalist with just a single piece of statement wall art, like a line-drawing cityscape.
Striped Upholstered Bench
Want your entryway bench to make a statement?
Choose one with bold wide stripes in contrasting colors like black and white or navy and tan.
Striped upholstery adds an instant punch of pattern, blending classic and whimsical vibes.
For traditional spaces, look for striped benches with dark turned-wood legs, nailheads and skirted bottoms.
Modern and contemporary homes can rock benches with striped seat cushions and sleek metal legs.
Make it cute for a kids entry by choosing bright rainbow stripes.
Use crisp white millwork, wainscoting and built-in cubbies to balance out the bold stripes on the bench.
Display colorful artwork and flower arrangements alongside vintage finds.
Keep patterns minimal on area rugs and window treatments.
The striped bench steals the focus, so let it shine.
Leather Bench
For a sophisticated entryway, consider a leather bench.
The supple leather upholstery feels luxurious and the rich color pairs well with marble, wood tones and metallics.
Modern sanctuaries or glam transitional spaces are perfect backdrops for a leather entryway bench.
Look for top-grain, full-grain and embossed leather benches to get the most authentic look and durability.
Dark brown leather benches have an executive feel that oozes confidence – think antique libraries and smoky men’s clubs.
Cream, tan and grey leathers feel a bit softer and more feminine.
Use surrounding decor to balance the luxe leather bench.
Metal tables and shelving add sleek contrast.
Acrylic urns filled with faux greenery, coffee table books, and gold decor exude refinement.
Hang an oversized gilded mirror above the bench to amplify the eleganc
Place it atop an abstract area rug for an artful foundation.
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DIY Bench
Want to upgrade your entryway on a budget?
Consider a DIY bench project using an affordable cabinet or dresser found at a secondhand or salvage store.
Look for a piece with good bones and dimensions that will fit the space.
From there, it’s easy to give it new life.
Sand and stain or paint the cabinet wood for a fresh color palette that fits your entry.
Replace the old hardware with new knobs and pulls for an updated look.
Add a wood plank top for comfortable seating.
Then decorate it to suit your style with stencils, colorful paint, fabric, trim accents and more.
The drawer and cabinet storage are perfect entryway options for hiding clutter quickly.
Place a tray on top for holding keys and sunglasses.
Get creative with the decor too – decoupage with colorful maps, line drawers with pretty papers, stencil patterns or monograms.
The possibilities are endless.
Kids Bench With Cubbies
If you have a family, a kids bench with built-in cubbies is a handy addition to the entryway.
This creates designated spots for backpacks, shoes, jackets and other kid gear.
No more clutter all over the floor!
The bench gives kids a place to sit while changing in and out of muddy shoes or big snow boots.
Look for entryway benches with open shelving or fabric bins inside the cubbies.
These make contents easy to see – helpful for reminding kids what belongs where.
For large families, get a double wide bench with several cubbies and hooks.
Add kid-friendly patterns like polka dots, plaids and bright colors.
Above the bench, mount a magnetic chore chart or art display board.
Let the kids decorate it and you’ll have a spot to display their latest creations front and center.
Add a colorful area rug and whimsical wall art to finish off this family-friendly entryway.
Ottoman Bench
Entryway benches come in all shapes and sizes – including ottomans!
Square or rectangle ottomans work perfectly as impromptu entryway benches.
Just add a fabric top and legs, or use as-is.
The soft cushioned top provides comfortable seating.
Lift up the hinged lid to stash away items quickly.
Look for square ottomans around 2-3 feet wide – enough room for 1-2 people to sit and remove shoes.
Place a narrow console table behind for setting down keys and bags.
Use decorative baskets to wrangle hats, gloves and other accessories.
Hang wall hooks above filled with each family member’s jacket.
When guests aren’t visiting, simply shut the ottoman to conceal everything, keeping the entryway clutter-free.
Change up the ottoman’s look by swapping out the removable fabric cover seasonally or when you want to refresh your decor.
Ottoman benches are so versatile!
I hope these entryway bench decor ideas sparked inspiration for your home!
Outfitting your entryway with seating sets the stage for a warm, welcoming space.
Customize your bench with storage, fabric, color and style elements tailored to your aesthetic.
Then build the rest of the entryway decor around it.
The bench serves as a tidy spot for taking off coats and shoes – no more messy piles!
Plus it’s an attractive focal point and conversation starter for guests.
Before you know it, your entryway will become one of your favorite spots and make an unforgettable first impression.
Which bench decor idea would look best in your home?
