Storage Benches

A storage bench is one of the most useful pieces you can put in a hallway. It gives you somewhere to sit while pulling on boots, and hides the shoes, bags and scarves that would otherwise pile up by the front door.Many hallway benches are built around shoes, with open shelves, flip-down compartments or drawers beneath a padded seat. Open racks let damp shoes air out, while closed cabinets look tidier in a space everyone walks through. Ottoman-style benches with a lift-up lid are better for hats, gloves and dog leads, and folding versions pack away when you need the room. Measure the depth: around 30cm suits a narrow hallway, while deeper benches are comfier to sit on. Check the weight capacity if adults will use it daily, and choose wipe-clean faux leather or a darker fabric near the door.For more space-saving tricks, see our under stairs storage ideas, or browse hallway storage and organisation.