An entryway bench can be more than just a place to put on shoes—it’s a chance to make a great first impression when friends and family enter your space. In fact, with the right styling, your entryway bench can serve as a welcoming space that reflects your personality and design preferences.
To help inspire you, we put together a guide to 10 ways to style an entryway bench to help you make your space your own.
1. Add Storage Baskets
Place a couple of woven or fabric storage baskets underneath your bench. Not only do storage bins provide a handy place to stash shoes, umbrellas, or bags, but they also add color and texture. We recommend looking for baskets that complement the rest of your decor, like neutral colors for a minimalist look or patterned baskets for a pop of style.
2. Layer Cushions
A few well-placed cushions can transform your entryway bench into one that feels warm and inviting. Play around with different sizes, textures, and colors, like pairing a neutral-toned cushion with a few patterned ones, or layering textures like cotton and linen to add depth and additional coziness. For those who want to add a bit of color to their entryway, cushions are a simple way to do just that.
3. Use a Throw Blanket for Texture
Adding a throw blanket over one end of the bench is an easy way to introduce softness and warmth. We recommend choosing a blanket with a pattern or color that complements the rest of your entryway, and to drape it casually over one corner of the bench for a relaxed feel.
4. Incorporate Greenery
You can never have enough plants. A small potted plant or vase of fresh flowers can breathe life into your entryway. Place a plant next to the bench or on a small shelf above it. Succulents, ferns, or even a hanging plant in a wall-mounted pot will brighten your space. For those worried about keeping a plant alive, choose a hardy variety like a succulent or cactus. Or, opt for a fake plant if that’s more your style.
5. Add Hooks
There’s never enough space for coats, bags, and keys! Mounting a set of hooks above or next to your bench provides extra storage space for your essentials and adds character to your entryway. Hooks in brass or black finish add a modern touch, while wooden ones create a rustic feel.
6. Install a Mirror
A mirror above the bench not only reflects light but also makes your entryway feel more spacious. Choose a round mirror for a softer, modern look, or go with a rectangular mirror to add height and create a more sophisticated feel.
7. Display Artwork or Photos
Give your entryway personality by hanging a favorite piece of artwork or a framed family photo above the bench. Choose artwork that reflects your style, whether it's a landscape or a photo of loved ones. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter for friends and family coming over.
8. Add a Shoe Tray
If shoes are a staple in your entryway, a shoe tray under or beside the bench keeps them organized and helps protect your floors from mud and dirt. While a simple black tray is a classic choice, shoe trays come in various colors, materials, and styles that add both practicality and style to your entryway.
9. Use a Statement Rug
A small rug under the bench adds color and comfort, grounding the space and creating a designated entryway zone. Worried about the rug getting dirty? Look for a durable material like jute or a washable cotton rug, especially if your entryway sees a lot of foot traffic.
10. Personalize with Decorative Trays or Bowls
The best addition to an entryway? Knick-knacks. Place a decorative tray or bowl on the bench for small essentials like keys, sunglasses, or mail. This simple addition is both functional and stylish, giving your entryway a polished, organized look.
With a few simple styling tricks, your entryway bench can go from a basic seating option to a beautiful focal point. Inspired by the above tips? Be sure to check out our full collection of benches.
