That is nice, too. I guess I’m just thinking that you can’t sit on it and access what is inside of it at the same time. Does that make sense?
And, honestly, one of our closet friends is over 300lbs. I am a little reluctant to offer a wicker bench, though I absolutely love the idea of incorporating a different texture.
Okay, I’m trying not to clog up the flow of this with too many direct replies.
Yes, @Marilyn that is our hall tree, but I am wailing at the price of that as we paid FAR more! That must be a resell site? I hope?! The one you linked that mostly matches that is nice. But, I am really intrigued by your idea of getting something and then just incorporating a shoe rack INSIDE of it. That is the type of creating thinking that I just do not have.
@deb922 - I think I am too lazy to move a basket around. And, I feel like that just spreads out the sand. At least right now, it is pretty well-contained in the entry. We just don’t have lots of spare room to have options.
@conmama - For some reason, that looks more bathroom-y to me? And, I have nowhere to paint something like that. Our garage is communal, and I don’t think our neighbors would take too kindly to that. Plus, I have no skill set. I guess I could pay someone to do it.
I appreciate all the help and suggestions! I’m starting to lean toward a small bench that has racks underneath it. I like the idea of being able to sit on it, and access the shoes. I realize this doesn’t hide the shoes, as I have requested, but at least they would be under the seat instead of just exposed. The Ethan Allen hall tree bench really can only accommodate one person at a time, so another seat might be good.
I love how helpful everyone is here - thank you!
I will check them out. Thanks!
Yes, that was a resale site - the product has been discontinued.
Open bench with shoe storage - there would be tons of options if you could go up to 36” but still some interesting smaller possibilities. Can you tell I miss window shopping?!
This last one holds up to 550 pounds. You could top it with a cute cushion.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08C7KN8GW/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_AD6X453RF5FE28WX0SHF?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
@Hoggirl I like the wicker cabinet @conmama showed you and I understand it is white and you won’t be able to paint it, but did you read in the description that it also comes in NATURAL?
Anyway, I noticed in your current hall tree, there are two drawers…couldn’t some shoes go in those?
I live in a small apartment. I have a coat rack on the wall and then under it, I have a bench unit and the bench unit has two baskets in two cubbies (basically) and I put my shoes in those two baskets that are pulled in and out of the cubby units. I also have more shoes under the bench and those are not that noticeable. I fit my entire seasonable shoe wardrobe in both baskets and under the bench.
This is NOT the bench unit that I own, but it has the same type of baskets that mine has, in which I put lots of shoes. This one comes in cream which matches your other hall unit:
Here is an ivory wood storage bench that is 36 inches wide!
Here’s a small ivory wood bench that has a shelf you could put shoes on and you could put another row of shoes under the shelf.
Remember that the shoe storage has to fit in a 32" space. That narrows (pun intended) the field considerably.
Found some more options:
This beige upholstered bench has great shoe storage inside and comes in smaller dimensions and is even on sale:
I missed the 32 inch width requirement…and so I did show some that are 36 inches and one is 34 inches but I think a couple are 32 or less inches.
Here’s one that is 33.8 inches wide. I am unclear if the bench will simply be on a wall that is 32 inches wide or if there are vertical walls on either end of the bench where it must fit exactly, whereas if it was just the back wall, a bench that is 1.8 inches wider than the wall is not very noticeable.
And for something entirely different in ivory the holds 12 pairs of shoes:
https://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Porch-Den-Deslonde-Round-Shoe-Storage-Ottoman/20559075/product.html?option=17013581
And another one of this type:
Most people would not like our casual method, but I’ll mention it. We keep some of shoes/sneakers etc (mostly mine, I have a lot) in the downstairs guest bathroom. It’s handy because it is off of the hallway at the garage entry that we use 99% of the time.
Some are on bottom shelf of a small sideways bookshelf in a large gap between shower and and toilet - magazines and other items on top shelf. Others used less often are in a laundry basket in the shower, which is almost never used. When guests visit, I move the laundry basket to the garage.
Is there a furniture maker in your area? If so, you could have a custom piece made—the open box you mentioned in one of your last posts. It could be the size you want, wood could be painted or not. You decide!
When I owned a house, we had a mudroom for all of this which was off the foyer, but we came into the house through the garage and right into the mud room and guests came in the front door and not through the mud room. We designed our mudroom and it had coat hooks and shelving and a bench. We designed all the cubbies to hold specific items and then the bottom shelf was for the kids’ shoes and then our shoes were under the bench.
I would go to a couple of Home Goods in your area if you’re ok with going in a store and look for any benches they have with storage. I’m picturing end of bed bench with an upholstered top that lifts up. Or just a small entry dresser with drawers - one drawer for your shoes, one for H and if there is a third use it for guests
Another possibility - Use a skirted table (or table with tablecloth), then hide a rolling bin (or two) underneath it.
Some ideas here - Adding a Skirted Table When Decorating a Room
Example:
I have a small hall way into my apartment. My son-in-law put this on the wall for me. It is from Ikea. He got a 3 pack for me.
I like this one best of what you have suggested!
