I recently moved into a house with a hallway that was crying out for a bench, and it quickly became clear just how much difference this one piece of furniture could make. Even a simple design brought order and purpose to what had previously been an awkward, underused space.
As I explored different entryway ideas, hallway benches stood out as one of the most versatile and hard-working options you can add. They offer a place to sit, somewhere to rest bags or shoes, and often extra storage too, all while helping to define the layout of a hallway. For British homes where space is often limited, choosing the right bench can make an entrance feel considered rather than cluttered.
This shopping edit brings together the most beautiful hallway benches and modern entryway benches available now, chosen for both their looks and their practicality. I have focused on styles that suit a range of interiors, from classic to contemporary, with materials and proportions that work well in UK homes. These are benches that earn their keep while elevating the look of your hallway.
When buying a hallway bench, it’s worth thinking carefully about how you use the space on a day-to-day basis. If your hallway is often choc-full of shoes, bags and coats, a bench with built-in storage can be a real game-changer. It helps keep clutter neatly contained while still providing a comfortable spot to sit.
On the other hand, in a small entryway or narrow hallway, a more streamlined design without drawers or baskets can make the space feel lighter and less crowded.
As with any key piece of entryway furniture, pay attention to style, material and finish. Choosing a bench that complements your overall aesthetic will ensure it feels like a natural part of your home, rather than an afterthought.
Classic Wooden Hallway Benches
A beautifully made classic wooden bench that works perfectly placed under a coat hook. Neptune also makes these Somerton bootroom bench baskets, which fit perfectly underneath, should you want to store muddy boots, hats, gloves, and dog leads.
In some cases, having a back to a hallway bench is desirable, and this would be my choice for a classic, unfussy handcrafted piece of furniture that will look just as beautiful in fifty years as it does on the day of delivery.
If you love the wooden bench aesthetic but have a slightly more contemporary look in your hallway, then this is the bench to opt for. It's made from wood and rattan and has three large seats. I've seen pieces similar to this in designers' showrooms with a pricetag more than ten times the price.
Hallway Benches with Built In Storage
A truly beautiful piece of furniture, this hallway bench is petite and compact, making it ideal for small hallways that often feel cramped and crowded. Slim in profile and designed to sit flush against the wall, it still offers impressive practicality, with a storage box below that’s deep enough to hold plenty.
Hallway benches can be surprisingly expensive, so if you’re looking for a more modestly priced option that still looks chic, this is the one I recommend. It offers masses of storage, and simply adding a window seat cushion on top makes it extra comfortable – perfect for perching while you pull on your wellies.
If it’s storage you’re after but your style leans more maximalist than minimalist, this green velvet and rattan design is a perfect choice. Striking yet practical, it would look just as beautiful in a bedroom or sitting room, where it could be used to store cushions, blankets or even electronics.
Benches That Bring Character to the Hallway
A truly beautiful velvet bench, available in charcoal velvet, linen herringbone, or hazelnut leather upholstery. While the charcoal velvet pictured above is undeniably pretty, if, like me, you have muddy hounds to contend with, the leather option is a far more practical choice.
If you want to keep your space comfortable and neutral, and don't have a riot of animals and children in tow, then this linen and ash is perfect for uncluttered, hushed interiors. If you love that pared-back Cotswolds-luxe style, then this is perfect.
If all of these suggestions thus far are simply not making enough of a statement, Soho Home has produced this marvellous creation. It's large, so it's really best for hallways with plenty of space. However, the deep, dark chocolate velvet and large storage space below make it ultra luxurious, and it's truly a sight to behold.
If you’re looking for more hallway storage ideas to keep this high-traffic area clutter-free, it’s worth considering casual storage for soft items like scarves, hats, and blankets – as well as those random bits you can just toss in, like dog coats, umbrellas, and reusable shopping bags. A wicker basket works well, but I find planters to be sturdier and more waterproof. The Tetbury Planter from Neptune is perfect for the job, holding masses of ‘stuff’ without ever looking messy.
