Forget the Bench—Try This New Entryway Trend Instead

Be it a tufted built-in, mid-century stunner, or antique passdown, it seems that designing an entryway has become as easy as shoving a bench up against the wall. But as one of the most basic (and realistic) places to dump your daily gear, it’s easy to see why this straightforward fix has long been the prefered staple of choice. But what if we told you there was a cooler catch-all out there that fulfilled the same essential purpose?

No longer relegated to your neighborhood movie theatre, favorite concert venue, or high school gymnasium, stadium-style seating is making major waves in the realm of interior design—specifically when it comes the entryway. A not-so-snoozy alternative to your standard vintage bench or tired console table, this seemingly familiar, sports-approved essential is the hottest trend to hit the foyer since round mirrors. Ahead, five inspired ways to bring this laid-back look home.

The Solo Exhibit

Form-meets-function is the driving force behind Susan and Ben Work’s dynamic design ethos. At the couple’s artfully balanced San Francisco home, a vintage bench from an Italian cinema earmarks the whitewashed entryway. Though this show-stopping display isn’t necessarily a storage-friendly solution, the piece ultimately serves as a reminder to guests that here and now is the time to take off their shoes. ScheduleScheduleScheduleSchedule

The Mod Homage

When designer Olga Naiman first moved into her Brooklyn condo, she didn’t let her renter status deter her from swathing the “temporary” space in bold splashes of color and wildly graphic prints. An ode to the resurgence of primary hues, her fire engine red set by Pierre Paulin (which she snagged from 1stdibs) is an ultra-contemporary example of how far this look can go. ScheduleScheduleScheduleSchedule

The Farmhouse Way

By the good graces of Chip and Joanna Gaines, the modern farmhouse is no longer simply an aesthetic: It’s a movement. If your style strictly adheres to all things rustic, spend your next flea market hunt on the lookout for a worn wood arrangement with stellar vintage appeal. Warm linen moments and neutral throw pillows will complete the charming scene.

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The Utilitarian Approach 

Chic-comfort is the name of the game in restaurateur and interior designer Tara Oxley’s eclectic Brooklyn brownstone. A practical place to plop down to tie your shoes or drape your coat, her understated entryway upholds the importance of functionality with its low-maintenance arrangement. ScheduleScheduleScheduleSchedule

The Storied Spot

Talk about a home run. In this design-forward Greenwich Village loft, actual benches sourced from the old Yankee Stadium have been thoughtfully paired with a complimentary canvas by artist Chris Willcox. Why go to the ball game when you can bring the ball game to you?

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