Farmhouse Entryway Bench Plans for Small Spaces
The rustic charm of farmhouse style brings coziness and character to any home. However, incorporating that vintage-inspired look can be tricky with limited space. We'll share creative bench plans optimized for small entryways without sacrificing style.
Maximizing your small entryway with a bench adds seating and storage while infusing farmhouse personality. Strategic design choices allow you to emulate the casual style of a country farmhouse no matter the square footage.
Choosing Materials for a Small Space Farmhouse Bench
Selecting the right materials ensures your bench aligns with your design vision while fitting the space. Hardwoods like oak or maple provide durability for high-traffic areas like entryways. Softer pine can work for painted bench projects. For a more budget-friendly option, repurposed wood from old furniture or pallets brings that signature aged patina.
An antique inspired ceramic tile floor complements farmhouse benches. For easier cleaning around rainboots or snowy months, opt for wood-look porcelain. Fabrics like durable canvas or soft linen suit the casual style while hiding day-to-day dirt.
Key Measurements and Dimensions
Knowing standard entryway sizes helps tailor bench dimensions. Allow 32-36 inches walking clearance between bench and opposite wall. Check door swings to ensure placement doesn't obstruct openings. For unusual shaped entryways, get creative - built-in bench seating lining unique nooks or custom benches filling angled walls.
Standard bench height falls around 18 inches. Bench depth ranges 15-18 inches deep, wide enough for bags beside seated guests. Optimal bench length depends on space but leave enough walking clearance. 42-72 inches allows multiple seated guests.
Storage Solutions for Small Space Benches
While under-bench storage suits wider entries, incorporate storage above or adjacent in narrow spaces. Open cubbies display decorative baskets matching your style. Coat hooks on the wall or bench end provide bag and jacket hanging space. Extend storage upwards with wall-mounted shelves for hats, gloves or shoes. Use vertical real estate through hanging racks or shelving near the bench without consuming floor space.
Bench Designs for Small Farmhouse Entryways
From repurposed furniture to corner nook benches, various designs allow you to maximize your available space.
Repurposed Furniture Bench
Breathing new life into old furniture makes for budget-friendly and eco-conscious projects. Sand and paint an old dresser or cabinet found secondhand or in your own attic to invent clever seating hiding storage inside.
Corner Entryway Bench
Often overlooked, corner nooks provide the perfect foundation for built-in benches without stealing valuable real estate. Line the walls with plush cushions surrounding storage compartments concealed neatly underneath.
Extending Bench
For more flexible seating options, consider an extending bench on compact casters. With fold-out seating stowed underneath, quickly convert your entryway for hosting guests or scale back when not entertaining.
Removable seating cubes also maximize flexibility allowing you to reconfigure your bench setup as needed while stowing the rest.
Adding Farmhouse Touches with Decor
Infuse farmhouse personality into small spaces through intentional decor choices reflecting the casual vintage style. Incorporate reclaimed wood materials or chalk paint finishes. Plush seat cushions invite guests to sit a spell covered durable woven fabric like classic ticking stripe. Cozy knit throws reminisce of homemade quilts draped over wicker baskets placed to store hats and gloves. Galvanized metal pails embellish wall hooks adding industrial flair. A potted fiddle leaf fig tree or eucalyptus wreath incorporate organic textures while black and white family photos elicit nostalgia of days past.
DIY Instructions for Building a Small Space Farmhouse Bench
Constructing your own bench allows fully customizing to your space and style preferences. Follow these simple steps for creating a narrow hall bench on a budget.
Planning and Sourcing Materials
- Measure entryway space and sketch plans
- Determine needed length to allow walking clearance
- Source reclaimed wood material from demolition companies, craigslist or Facebook marketplace
- Sand wood to smooth surface for painting/staining
Building the Bench Frame
Construct a simple wood frame aligned with your dimensions using 2x4s or similar lumber material. Cut boards to size using a handsaw or power miter for crisp edges. Join pieces together securing with wood glue, nails from a hammer or electric screwdriver. Include vertical boards on the wall side to mount firmly once completed.
- Paint or stain bench to desired finish
- Add plush seat cushion custom-sized to bench top
- Decorate with baskets, throw blankets and farmhouse wall art
Follow these simple bench plans for building a narrow yet stylish farmhouse entryway bench maximizing unused space without overpowering a compact entrance.