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Your entryway sets the tone for the whole home. A pile of shoes by the door is not the welcome anyone wants. I learned that after tripping over my kids’ sneakers one too many times.
A bench with shoe storage fixed the problem and made the space look pulled together. These entryway bench ideas with shoe storage include three easy projects, product picks, and safety notes for hinges, anchors, and wall mounting.
1. Classic Wooden Bench with Open Cubbies
A simple wooden bench with open cubbies is the most popular choice for good reason. Shoes slide in and out easily, and it suits farmhouse, modern, and traditional homes.
Give each family member a cubby, or add small baskets inside to hide shoes completely.
Quick checklist: For more ways to style the space, see these entryway decorating ideas.
- Each family member gets their own cubby
- Shoes go in and come out without any effort
- Works with farmhouse, modern, and traditional spaces
- Very easy to find at most furniture stores
- Easy to use
- Any style
- One cubby each
2. Upholstered Bench with a Lift Top Lid
To hide everything, choose a lift top bench. Sit on it, lift the padded seat, and tuck shoes inside.
Look for safety hinges that hold the lid open and close slowly, which protects small fingers. An interior at least 12 inches deep fits adult shoes.
Quick checklist:
- A hinge with a soft close mechanism (trust me on this one)
- Durable upholstery that wipes clean , linen or faux leather both work
- Interior depth of at least 12 inches to fit adult shoes comfortably
- Hides it all
- Safety hinges
- Small entryways
3. Mudroom Style Bench with Drawers
A bench with two or three drawers feels built in without custom cabinetry. Drawers hide shoes, dog leashes, and everything else that gathers by the door.
Label them for each person and add wall mounted coat hooks above for a complete drop zone.
Quick checklist: If you have a bigger drop zone, these modern mudroom ideas are worth a look.
- Drawers keep everything out of sight
- You can label them for each family member
- It looks more like furniture and less like a storage solution
- Great for narrower entryways where a tall unit would feel overwhelming
- Built in feel
- Labeled drawers
- Drop zone
4. Floating Bench with Wall Mounted Cubbies Above
If floor space is tight, go vertical. A floating bench on the wall with a shelf and hooks above gives you storage without bulk.
It suits modern and Scandinavian homes. A floating bench must be anchored into wall studs with brackets rated for a person’s weight.
Quick checklist:
- Make sure the bench is properly anchored into wall studs
- Keep the cubbies at a reachable height , roughly eye level works for most people
- Use matching wood tones for the bench and cubbies for a cohesive look
- Saves floor
- Airy
- Into studs
Project Card · 3 hours · Moderate
Materials Needed
- Solid wood board for the seat
- Heavy duty hidden shelf brackets rated for seating
- Stud finder, level, and drill
- Lag screws
- Coat rack with shelf
How to Make It
- Find and mark at least two studs at seat height, about 18 inches.
- Fix the brackets into the studs with lag screws and check level.
- Slide the seat board onto the brackets and secure it.
- Hang the coat rack with shelf about 4 feet above the bench.
- Test the bench slowly with your full weight before daily use.
5. Bench with Wicker Basket Storage Underneath
This feels relaxed and lived in. Leave the space under the bench open and slide in wicker or rattan baskets.
You can pull them out to clean, swap sizes, and label each one with a tag.
Quick checklist: Love the idea of reading by the door? These entryway reading nooks double as storage.
- Baskets add texture and warmth to the entryway
- You can find baskets at almost any price point
- Easy to switch out seasonally
- Works with nearly every decorating style, especially coastal, bohemian, and farmhouse
- Warm texture
- Flexible
- Easy cleaning
Project Card · 20 minutes · Easy
Materials Needed
- Two or three baskets that fit under the bench
- Tags or small chalkboard labels
- Twine
- Boot tray for wet shoes
How to Make It
- Measure the height and width under the bench.
- Choose baskets about an inch shorter than the gap.
- Tie a label to each basket with twine.
- Slide them in side by side.
- Put a boot tray beside the bench for wet or muddy shoes.
6. Corner Bench with Built In Shoe Storage
Corners are often wasted. A corner bench with storage underneath uses that space and seats more people.
It feels cozy and often looks custom. A thick cushion makes it comfortable.
Quick checklist:
- Uses space that would otherwise go to waste
- Creates a nook like feeling that’s cozy and inviting
- Can accommodate more shoes than a standard bench
- Often looks custom even when it’s not
- Uses dead space
- More seats
- Cozy
7. Industrial Metal Bench with Shoe Rack
For industrial or loft style homes, a metal bench with a shoe rack fits right in. Think black iron with wood slats or a padded seat.
It is durable and easy to wipe clean. A waterproof boot tray underneath catches snow and mud.
Quick checklist:
- Extremely durable and long lasting
- Easy to clean , just wipe down
- Makes a design statement on its own
- Pairs well with concrete floors, dark walls, or exposed brick
- Durable
- Easy clean
- Urban look
8. Built In Bench with Floor to Ceiling Storage
If you are renovating, a built in bench with tall cabinets on each side is the gold standard. It looks custom and uses every inch.
Plan 12 to 14 inches of depth for most shoes and a few taller sections for boots. Anchor tall cabinets to the wall so they cannot tip.
Quick checklist: For coats and boots, see these coat closet organization ideas.
- Open shelving versus closed cabinets , both work, it depends on whether you like things visible
- Cabinet depth of 12 to 14 inches works for most footwear
- Add pull out drawers in the lower section for kids’ shoes, which tend to be smaller and easier to lose
- Include a few taller sections for boots
- Custom
- Maximum storage
- Anchor tall units
9. Repurposed Vintage Bench with Added Shoe Storage
Take a vintage pew or sturdy secondhand bench and add shoe storage underneath. It looks collected and full of character.
Add a simple shelf with L brackets, slide in shoe racks, or build a small frame with cubbies. Look for solid wood and a seat height of about 18 inches.
Quick checklist:
- Add a simple shelf attached below the seat using L brackets and a piece of plywood
- Slide in some wire shoe racks or stackable shoe shelves underneath
- Build a small wooden frame with cubbies that sits under the bench independently
- Solid wood construction that can hold weight
- A seat height of around 18 inches for comfortable sitting
- Enough clearance underneath , at least 10 inches , for the shoe storage to fit
- Character
- Collected
- Solid wood
Project Card · 1 hour · Easy
Materials Needed
- Plywood cut to fit under the seat
- Four small L brackets
- Wood screws and drill
- Sandpaper and paint
How to Make It
- Measure inside the bench legs about four inches above the floor.
- Cut and sand the plywood shelf.
- Paint it to match the bench.
- Screw two L brackets to each side leg.
- Set the shelf on the brackets and screw it down.
How to Choose the Right Entryway Bench
Measure first. Leave at least 36 inches of walking space in front of the bench so the door and path stay clear.
Count the shoes your family keeps by the door, then add a few spaces for guests. Choose wipe clean fabrics, and if you have young children, pick lids with safety hinges and anchor anything tall.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size bench fits a small entryway?
A bench 30 to 36 inches wide and 14 to 16 inches deep fits most small entryways while leaving room to walk.
How do I keep an entryway bench from smelling like shoes?
Let shoes air out before storing them, use open cubbies or baskets for airflow, and add a box of baking soda inside closed storage.
Are lift top benches safe for kids?
Choose ones with safety hinges that hold the lid open and close slowly.
How high should an entryway bench be?
About 18 inches is a comfortable seat height for most adults.
Can I mount a floating bench on drywall?
Only with brackets fixed into wall studs. Drywall anchors alone will not hold a person’s weight.
Final Thoughts on Entryway Bench Ideas with Shoe Storage
The right entryway bench does more than hold shoes. It sets up a routine, keeps the house tidier, and makes the first thing you see feel organized and welcoming.
Start with your space, your storage needs, and your style. Once you have the right bench, you will wonder how you managed without it. Entering through the garage? These garage entryway ideas keep that door tidy too.
