I walk you through building a simple modern entryway bench step-by-step.
Watch the video below for the full how-to and grab the free plans / cut list PDF here.
diy entryway bench tutorial
Entryway benches are a must have. They create a perfect space to act as a springboard for coming or going — with a place to slip on shoes before you leave or rest your bag as you come in.
An entryway bench is a place to pause – whether for you as you’re getting ready to go out or settling back in after coming home – or for guests as they to begin to get comfortable as they arrive.
It can be hard to find a bench that fits your entryway perfectly.
Whether you have a narrow space, and odd-shaped entry, or it’s just overly small, in many cases its far easier to DIY a bench that is custom for your space.
This DIY entryway bench design is super simple and an easy project to tackle in about an hour (+ time to let dry).
DIY Entryway Bench
Materials
Instructions
- Check out the video for the full tutorial
Make it!
Bench Dimensions:
36 in. (3ft) long X 16 in. deep X 17½ in. tall
My entry is pretty small, so I chose to build a bench to fit my shorter wall. That wall is 42″ so a 36″ bench makes the perfect size to still be able to have decor elements next to it.
If you need a longer bench, these plans are SUPER easy to customize to better fit your space, just swap the two 2″x8″x36″ with 2″x8″x___” boards to make the bench as long as you need it for your entry.
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How to style your DIY Entryway Bench
Decor elements give your bench personality and help create a warm welcome for guests and some functionality for you as you leave and return home.
Some people like to load up their bench with all sorts of decor, but I like to keep it simple, elegant, and a little practical — especially for a bench like this one that is pretty small.
My must-haves for styling a bench are a couple pillows to add texture or color — they also help make the bench more comfortable.
I also like a basket or bin underneath for storage — ours is mostly filled with our favorite shoes for easy access, but you can also store your entry essentials like a pop-up umbrella, flashlight, etc.
Some optional elements include a vase with fresh or faux greenery. My bench wasn’t really long enough for this, but if you have a longer bench its a great way to add life and balance to the other end.
I also display a pair of boots under my bench — not only for easy access, but also because some pairs of shoes are just too adorable to be hidden away.
Don’t forget to pin this post for later, and save the video to your DIY ideas playlist on YouTube
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FREE PLANS
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What do you think — leave a comment below, or use #neverskipbrunch
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cara newhart
I'm Cara, the designer & diy queen behind Never Skip Brunch. I'm a color & prints obsessed DIY queen who's here to help you create a beautifully lived-in life through home design advice and chic DIY tutorials
Thanks for the article. I did have a question though I think you could answer. What is the best type of sander for sanding a deck? I was using an orbital sander but it’s not really cutting it. Thanks for the post, and I look forward to seeing your reply. 🙂
Orbital sanders usually work pretty well — the only issue being that it will take a lot of time to get everything sanded. If it’s not working, you probably need a coarser (lower numbered) grit of sandpaper. You can also rent orbital floor sanders from stores like home depot which are larger and can help the job go much faster.
Hope that helps!
Cara
Howdy! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be okay.
I’m absolutely enjoying your blog and look forward to new posts.
Yes I do, you can find me at twitter.com/caranewhart!
Hi there! I’m getting ready to make this bench but the cut instructions might have a typo. The 2×4 shows to cut 4- 2x4x8 and then again 4- 2x4x8. I’m guessing it should be somewhere around 15″ for the 4 legs but do you have the specifics? Or am I just reading it wrong?
Yes — so you’ll need four 2×4 pieces that are 8″ long and then four 2×4 pieces that are 15″ long
I have a question! Do you have any recommendations for making this an outdoor bench for a porch? Seal/top coat for water protection?
Yes! It would be adorable on a porch. If it’s covered you could probably use a polyurethane like this — https://rstyle.me/+zEmA9qZAEiLPY-MPpJBZYQ but if you need some more serious water protection I would use a sealer like this — https://rstyle.me/+6EQ30I0-BKJJGZejtHOlTQ
Cant wait to see how it turns out!!
What type of wood species did you use?
Yes this is just pine framing lumber!
What did you spray it with at the end?
I used some matte polyurethane to seal and protect it! It also comes in gloss and semi-gloss — https://rstyle.me/+zEmA9qZAEiLPY-MPpJBZYQ
You’ll have to let me know how it goes if you make it!
This is honestly the best DIY project I’ve every done and I had to come on here to say thank you! I really struggle with DIY things, but I want to become a little more self sufficient. So when my husband and I called in a contractor to refinish our hardwood floor in our entry way, I knew I wanted to attempt some simple DIY decor to complete the look. Your project fit that bill exactly and I’m so in love with the way it all turned out.