As the front door swings open, it’s the entryway that sets the tone for the entire home. And what better way to greet your guests than with a stylish, functional entryway bench? At Sofa Spectacular, we understand the importance of creating an inviting first impression, which is why we’re excited to share our top tips for designing an entryway that wows.

Maximize Function and Style with Built-In Benches

One of my favorite entryway bench ideas comes from Maria Nantes: the built-in bench. Not only does this custom furniture piece add a touch of elegance to your space, but it also serves multiple purposes. As Nantes explains, “Use a bench with built-in drawers in your entryway and it’ll serve three purposes at once—it’ll add style, create functional storage, and provide seating.”

Imagine walking through your front door and being greeted by a beautifully crafted, built-in bench. The clean lines and thoughtful design instantly make a statement, while the hidden storage compartments allow you to tuck away shoes, bags, and other entryway essentials. And of course, the bench provides the perfect spot for guests to sit and remove their footwear.

For a more rustic, character-filled vibe, consider a solid wood built-in bench, as Nantes suggests. “This rustic wood bench instantly infuses the space with character, and if you want to bring in an additional splash of color and pattern, throw pillows are a great way to do so.”

Layered Entryway Designs with Benches and Mirrors

Another entryway design tip comes from Tina Thomas on LinkedIn. She emphasizes the importance of creating a layered, dimensional space in the entryway, using a bench and a wall mirror as key components.

“A bench and a wall mirror are both essential entryway components, and to create an interesting design, keep their shapes and materials in mind in order to create a layered and dimensional space,” Thomas explains.

Imagine pairing a sleek, modern bench with an ornate, vintage-inspired mirror. Or, for a more cohesive look, you could opt for a bench and mirror that share similar materials, like rustic wood or gleaming metal. The interplay of shapes, textures, and finishes helps to add depth and visual interest to the entryway.

Thomas also suggests incorporating additional storage and organizational elements, such as coat hooks or a built-in bench with beadboard wall paneling. “Incorporate a built-in bench with coat hooks into your entryway and add beadboard wall paneling to turn it into an accent wall. If you don’t have a coat closet or want to keep hats and jackets on hand by the front door, stylish coat hooks are a simple and inexpensive solution.”

Embrace Unique Shapes and Layouts

When it comes to entryway benches, thinking outside the box can yield some truly stunning results. As Tina Thomas notes, custom-built furniture is often the answer for challenging layouts.

“If you have a small entryway with multiple corners and nooks, consider installing a wrap-around bench that works with the parameters of the space instead of clashing with them,” Thomas advises.

Imagine a cozy, L-shaped bench that hugs the walls of your entryway, providing ample seating and storage without overwhelming the space. Or, for a larger entryway, Thomas suggests floating a round bench in the center of the room, rather than pushing all the furniture against the walls.

“If your entryway has a large negative space in the middle, instead of pushing all the furniture against the walls, float it to fill the room. Traditionally, you will see a round entryway table filling this role, but switch things up and use a round bench instead. It will make an unexpected design statement that will instantly elevate the entryway, and the space will feel more visually balanced thanks to an even furniture layout.”

Mix and Match Entryway Benches

If you’re looking to add flexibility and personality to your entryway, consider mixing and matching different types of benches. As Tina Thomas suggests, “Instead of one long bench, bring in two upholstered cube benches. They provide flexibility since they can be moved around more easily and can either be used side by side or in two different spots in your entryway.”

Placing these versatile cube benches under a console or along a staircase wall can create a dynamic, visually interesting entryway. And if you have the space, Thomas recommends incorporating built-in storage elements as well.

“When space permits, consider installing a built-in bench with surrounding storage cabinets, drawers, and cubbies. Customize it to you and your family’s needs. You can treat the built-ins as a decorative feature as well, using a paint color that contrasts the walls, adding texture with storage baskets, and finishing them off with interesting hardware.”

Embrace Narrow Entryways with Slim Benches

Just because your entryway is on the smaller side doesn’t mean you have to forgo the charm and functionality of a bench. According to the Center for Smiles, “a rustic wood bench adds a simple touch yet a big dose of character. Just because your entryway is narrow doesn’t mean you can’t fit in a bench—a slim-profile one such as this doesn’t take up too much space or block the front door.”

This slim-profile bench can transform a narrow entryway into a warm and welcoming space, without overwhelming the area. And if you have an especially awkward layout, Tina Thomas suggests using a pair of smaller benches instead of one larger piece.

“Use a pair of small benches if you have an awkward entryway layout and don’t have room for one long piece. Whether it’s a nook under the stairs or a small alcove by the front door, fill it with two small benches to instantly add function and style.”

Elevate Your Entryway with Sofa Spectacular

At Sofa Spectacular, we believe that the entryway is the perfect place to set the tone for your entire home. By incorporating a stylish, functional entryway bench, you can create a warm, welcoming space that leaves a lasting impression on your guests.

Whether you opt for a custom-built, built-in bench, a unique floating design, or a pair of versatile cube benches, the key is to choose a solution that reflects your personal style and meets the demands of your specific entryway layout. With a little creativity and the right furniture, you can transform your entryway into a true showstopper.

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your dream entryway today with the help of Sofa Spectacular. Your guests will be eager to step inside and experience the warm, inviting atmosphere you’ve created.