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20 Entryway Bench Ideas That’ll Make Your Life Easier (and Better Looking)

Console table, who?

Headshot of Hadley MendelsohnBy Hadley Mendelsohn
entryway ideas
ERIC PIASECKI

When it comes to styling an entryway, there's one designer go-to item that wins every time: a bench. It provides a seat for lacing up and waiting on rides or visitors, but can also function as both an extra surface for delivered packages, decorative objects, or loose items like keys, masks, and glasses, and can also be a sneaky way to hide shoes. And the humble bench manages to accomplish all this while still keeping a rather low profile. Whether your foyer is formal, doubles as the heavily trafficked mudroom, or it's essentially just a narrow hallway, these entryway bench ideas will ensure you're in good hands as you decorate the space.

1

Display the Goods

entryway with bench
Emily Followill

Stacks of books bring character and depth to this simple wooden bench in an entryway designed by Jeffrey Dungan without overcrowding it. Plus, since it's lower than a console table, there's extra wall space for that fabulous gallery wall.

2

Upholster a Two-Seater

small entryway with bench
Heather Hilliard Design

A two-seater in custom upholstery warms up this small entryway designed by Heather Hilliard. The bench is positioned in the center of the wall for a symmetrical look while the wallpaper and mirror stay out of the way and pack a lot of style punch.

3

Make It Artful but Stay Small

small entryway with red bench
Haris Kenjar

Not quite a bench but not quite a stool either, this geometric red piece in a foyer by Andy Beers of Ore Studios is perfectly proportioned for the space and almost looks like art, but also proves quite functional.

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4

Optimize Nook

small entryway
Tamsin Johnson Interiors

A built-in niche gets a second life with cozy cushions, bolsters, and colorful throws. Task lighting, artwork, two wall hooks, and an umbrella holder complete this small but mighty entrance designed by Tamsin Johnson Interiors.

5

Spotlight a Sculptural Piece

ishka design entryway with modern bench
Ishka Designs

If you're someone who prefers minimalist, clean-looking environments, take note of this space by Ishka Designs and keep things simple with a sculptural bench crafted with locally-sourced materials. Hang a piece of statement art above it.

6

Choose a Double-Tiered Piece

small mudroom ideas 
Amy Neunsinger

For a small entry that opens right into a blue-and-white kitchen in Beverly Hills, Mark D. Sikes kept the theme going with preppy striped wallpaper. This ensures the two rooms complement each other and blend well. A double-level bench means double the room for storing market totes, too.

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7

Mirror a Wall

small entryway
Kingston Lafferty Design

A mirrored wall in the stair landing makes this small, architecturally quirky entrance by Kingston Lafferty Design appear much larger. A fun cone-shaped red pendant and pink curved bench bring the rustic archway to life.

8

Keep Pathways Clear

entryway bench
Nicole Franzen

Two small upholstered benches frame a pedestal table in this contemporary entryway designed by Kristin Fine. Nestled in the corner, the furniture remains clear of any walkways and doorframes.

9

Make It More Than a Transition Area

entryway with bench
Read McKendree

A small bench features loose cushions in a gray-brown fabric to offset the icy blue tones in this entryway designed by Elizabeth Cooper. A brass floor lamp and small side table turn the little nook into a bonus sitting room, should you want to lounge there a little longer.

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10

Go Under the Stairs

entryway with bench
Catherine Kwong Design

Can't decide if you want a bench or a console table? This entrance designed by Catherine Kwong proves that you can have both. And if that awkward gap is present in your entryway, just use it to your advantage and see it as an opportunity for a style moment.

11

Be Laidback

entryway bench
James Merrell

A backless, low bench ensures a laidback vibe in this hallway entrance designed by Ellen Kavanaugh. Neutral colors ensure that the tiled floor, texture-rich accent wall, and vintage sconce do all the talking.

12

Float Your Furniture

entryway with bench
KATIE NIXON

Though the obvious placement for an entryway bench seems to be right up against the wall, Caitlin Wilson makes a strong case for floating it instead. The area rug helps ground it and tie the narrative together.

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13

Use Vintage Items

white, room, green, interior design, furniture, home, wall, shelf, house, table,
Leanne Ford Interiors

You don't have to build a fancy custom unit with seating and storage. Take note from Leanne Ford by sticking with the basics and saving money by reworking vintage items, like this simple bench.

14

Add a Small Side Table

small entryway with built in bench
Werner Straube

Designed by Corey Jenkins, this little nook is another great example of a small but impactful entryway. He maximized limited space with a built-in bench and slim side table for keys and other essentials. Then he covered the wall in an eye-catching blue wallpaper to break up all the white space. It's the perfect complement to the chevron throw pillow and graphic artwork.

15

Don't Overcrowd the Pathway

pink and gray entryway
Björn Wallander

Janie Molster used a collection of black-and-white art to add a contemporary touch to the muted pinks and grays of her Richmond entryway. A narrow bench keeps the path clear.

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16

Do It All With One

small entryway with floating bench
ERIC PIASECKI

A floating bench and storage piece in this entrance by Kureck Jones proves that you can't go wrong with customization. With two drawers for essential eyesores and a surface for a lamp and a small bench with a comfy cushion, this two-in-one built-in has it all. Plus, there's still room for a mirror and plenty of wall hooks.

17

Build by a Closet

small entryway with bench
Heather Hilliard Design

A coat closet and wall hooks keep things tidy in this playful entryway designed by Heidi Caillier, and a small bench with a middle divider gives people a place to remove their shoes.

18

Make It Cozy

entry bench
Hadas Dembo

Hadas Dembo turned this entryway stair landing into a cozy reading spot with a bench, area rug, and floor cushions. Pile on the throws to get a similarly bohemian look.

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19

Keep a Sense of Humor

entryway ideas
Brigette Romanek Studio

A hyper-realistic portrait of a watch dog or beloved pet is the perfect piece of artwork for an entryway. In this foyer by Romanek Design Studio, the juxtaposition between the dog's serious expression and the laidback floor tiles, throw pillow, settee, and sconces create a fun air of irreverence.

20

Keep Scale in Mind

entryway ideas
TRIA GIOVAN

This entryway designed by Anthony Baratta is full of life, thanks to the folk quilts, wallpaper, area rug, and grand scale. The upholstered bench features a dainty scalloped trim and polishes off that corner.

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