Entryway Shoe Benches: 19 Options Compared

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Details

An entryway bench gives you a seat for putting on shoes, and it hides the shoes once they are off. This roundup compares nineteen shoe benches with cubbies, drawers, doors, or shelves underneath. The benches differ widely in width, height, and seat style, so the comparison table comes first.

Each entry uses the specs and highlights from its own listing. Those are the seller’s claims, so confirm the dimensions, the seat height, and the weight rating on the product page before you order.

Quick answer

• Choose a cushioned bench with open cubbies for the simplest storage and a seat.
• Choose a bench with drawers or doors if the hallway is visible and you want the shoes hidden.
• Measure the hallway depth first. Most benches here are about 11 to 15 inches deep.

Who should buy these and who should skip them

Buy these if the entryway has room for a bench and you need a seat while putting shoes on.

Skip these if the hallway is narrow, or if you need a higher seat for tall boots. Check the seat height in the listing before you buy.

Comparison at a glance

The 19 options, one by one

Open cubbies or drawers?

• Open cubbies show every pair at once and make shoes easy to find. They also show dust and clutter, so they suit a household that keeps the bench tidy.
• Drawers or doors hide the shoes and keep the hallway neat. You cannot see inside without opening them, so they suit small items such as keys and gloves as well as shoes.

Fitting a bench in the hallway

Measure three things: the wall width, the depth in front of the bench, and the space you need to sit down. A bench about 12 inches deep needs about 30 inches of clear floor in front of it, so the hallway has to be roughly 42 inches deep. In a narrow hallway, a bench of 27 to 29 inches wide leaves room for a coat rack beside it, while a 31 to 32 inch bench suits a wider wall.

Measure the door swing too. A bench placed where a door opens will block the door or make you step around it, so plan the bench on the wall that the door does not swing across.

Cushion, seat height, and comfort

Several benches include a padded cushion. The listings describe the cushion as cotton, linen, or leather. A cushion helps while you put on shoes, but it wears over time, so check whether the cushion is removable for cleaning. Seat height matters more than width for comfort: if you need to lift a boot onto the seat, check the seat height before you buy.

Materials and care

Engineered wood and laminate suit a dry entryway. Oxford fabric and metal frames are lighter but need a wipe after wet shoes. Bamboo and solid wood look warmer, but they need dry care, since standing water can mark the finish. Use a damp cloth on any surface, and dry it quickly after wet shoes or boots have been placed on it.

Worked example: a 36-inch hallway

Say the hallway wall is 36 inches wide and you want 30 inches of clear floor. A bench about 12 inches deep needs the hallway to be about 42 inches deep. If the hallway is shallower, pick a slimmer bench.

Frequently asked questions

How many pairs fit in one bench?

It depends on the compartment size. Some listings give a count, such as 7 to 9 pairs for one model. Check the compartment size against your shoes.

Can I sit on these benches?

Several have a cushion. Check the weight rating in each listing before you sit with a load, since ratings differ widely.

Is a bench better than a shoe rack?

A bench gives a seat and storage in one piece. A shoe rack without a seat leaves more floor space but gives nowhere to sit.

Which bench suits a narrow hallway?

Choose a bench 27 to 29 inches wide with a shallow depth, and check the listing’s depth before you buy. Wider benches need a longer wall.

Do these benches need assembly?

Several listings include an assembly kit or instructions. Check the included components and the listing before you order, and allow time for assembly.

Can a bench go in a closet?

Yes. Some listings say they suit a closet as well as an entryway. Measure the closet depth first, since most benches here are about 11 to 15 inches deep.

Sources

• Product listings linked in each entry (specs and highlights).

Related guides

• Best Coat Closet Shoe Storage
• Best Boot Storage Cabinet
• Best Shoe Storage for Small Closet: 6 Space-Saving Picks

Bottom line

For a seat and open storage, pick a cushioned bench with cubbies. For a hallway you want to keep tidy, pick a bench with drawers or doors. Measure the hallway depth first, and check the weight rating if you plan to sit.