Buying guide for best entryway benches

Is the entryway of your home frequently littered with shoes and coats? Are you looking for a way to neaten the area so tripping hazards are eliminated and the space feels more welcoming? Consider investing in an entryway bench.

With an entryway bench positioned close to your door, you and your family members have a convenient place to sit while putting on and taking off shoes — as well as a place to store those shoes. Some entryway benches even have places for you to hang your coats and keys. When shopping for an entryway bench, you’ll find lots of different sizes and styles. Some entryway benches offer more functions than others, too. Our shopping guide will break down your options so you can easily select the entryway bench that’s best for your home.

We’ll also touch on price, as these versatile pieces of furniture vary as much in cost as they do style and function. Read on to learn about our favorite options.

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If an entryway bench features a place for baskets, keep in mind that the baskets could be switched out eventually if you want a change in style.

Questions to answer before buying an entryway bench

Your answers to the following questions can help narrow your search for the perfect entryway bench.

Which is more important for you and your home: ample storage or a large seating area? Some of your options will have one or the other but not both.

Would you prefer a bench with upholstered or wooden seating? Some people find upholstery a necessity for comfort. Others prefer the classic look of wood, as it matches their décor.

Will your entryway bench serve more as an accent piece, or are you in need of extra shelves, cabinets, and hooks? If you’re just looking for visual flair, practical features like shelving probably won’t matter as much to you.

Is there a specific finish, color, or construction material you want to match the surrounding décor of your home? For example, if your entryway has lavender wallpaper, you probably don’t want a wine red bench. If your entryway has barnwood flooring, you might prefer to buy an entryway bench made of barnwood.

Choosing a bench size

The entryway of your home may be tight quarters or a large, open space. You’ll want to choose an appropriate bench size for your space. Jot down the measurements of your entryway before you begin shopping.

Remember:

• An oversized bench may overpower a smaller entryway, but a small bench may not provide the seating and space needed for a family or larger home.

• If you’re lacking in horizontal space, an entryway bench with a taller back panel featuring hooks and shelves may be your best bet.

Features

Three features you will probably find most important in an entryway bench are storage, seating, and the materials with which the bench was made.

Storage

For many folks, storage is one of the primary benefits of owning an entryway bench. Some entryway benches have a shelf under or above the seating area for shoes. Upholstered benches often have a hidden storage compartment. Here are a few more possibilities.

• Some entryway benches include multiple cubbies above or below the seating area. Baskets can be placed in these cubbies for easy storage of smaller items.

• Some entryway benches have multiple hooks and/or shelving for coats, shoes, and keys.

• An entryway bench with cabinets gives you extra space to store items. Closing the doors of the cabinets allows you to hide anything you don’t want out in the open or seen by guests.

Seating

Most entryway benches provide seating of some type, but the amount of seating and the type of cushion (or lack of cushion) will differ. The larger (and pricier) the bench, the more seating you will have.

An upholstered entryway bench with plush cushions creates a warmth and cozy feel. However, the cushions will require special cleaning. A bare wood or metal seating area is easier to clean and a breeze to maintain; an occasional wipe with a damp rag and cleaning spray should suffice. However, the look of a bare bench may seem more sparse or cold than that of a cushioned bench.

Some entryway benches come with a weight limit, which you should pay attention to — particularly if you opt for a lower-cost entryway bench that may be made of less-sturdy materials.

Materials

Most entryway benches are made of wood or metal. A metal frame has a more modern feel and takes up less visual space. For a home with contemporary décor, this may be the most appropriate choice.

Wood will give you a wide array of options. Whether your style is traditional or modern, wood looks good. For example, a rich mahogany or oak finish pairs well with traditional furnishings. White wood or birchwood creates a fresh farmhouse feel.

Entryway bench prices

The price range for entryway benches begins slightly under $50 and can climb up to $200. In that wide range, you’ll find some differences between products that may be significant.

Inexpensive: At the lower end of the price spectrum, under $50, you can expect to find benches with simple frames and designs. There may be fewer storage options, but you will still see some shelving and areas for shoe storage at this price. Upholstered entryway benches in this range are few, and the upholstery may not be of the highest quality. If you’re hoping for a bench you can sit on in this range, check the weight limit first to make sure it’s suitable.

Mid-range: Between $50 and $150, you’ll find mid-range entryway benches with more options, including shelving, drawers, baskets, and hooks. You’re more likely to get suitable seating in this price range, and your upholstered choices also increase in number.

Expensive: As you move toward the $200 mark, you will see an improvement in shelving and upholstery quality. An entryway bench at the top of this price range may be made of solid wood, and the padding may be plush.

Tips

• If you opt for upholstered seating, pick a fabric that is easy to clean and can easily hide stains. Bear in mind that a light-colored entryway bench may not mix well with small children or exuberant pets.

• Take complete measurements of your entryway before you begin shopping. The width, depth, and height of the bench you buy all matter, and you wouldn’t want to order something only to discover it doesn’t quite fit.

• For smaller entryways, consider a taller bench with hooks and vertical shelving.

A simpler bench may not give you bountiful storage options. However, there may be a way for you to utilize the area below the bench to store shoes or above the bench to hang hook and keys.

FAQ

Q. Do most entryway benches come assembled or in pieces?
A. Most entryway benches require minimal assembly and can often be completed by one person without the assistance of a second. Assembly time can range from one to two hours.

Q. What is the best way to keep a bench and seating area clean?
A. An entryway bench made of wood or metal can probably be wiped down fairly easily with a rag and the appropriate cleaning spray. An upholstered bench may have removable/machine washable parts. If not, you might be able to wipe it down with a fabric cleaner and leave it to air dry. Before you attempt to clean any type of entryway bench, however, it’s wise to check with the manufacturer to see which methods are recommended.

Q. Which type of storage is most versatile: open shelving or baskets?
A. Both types of storage have benefits. Open shelving above the seating area is the perfect place for hats or shoes that are rarely worn. Shelving below the seating area is the ideal place for shoes and boots in heavy rotation. Baskets can work for smaller children’s shoes and knick knacks. While both shelving and baskets are functional, consider your personal needs before purchasing.