An Elegant Invitation: Why We Love Entry Benches

In the homes we design throughout Sonoma County, Marin County, and San Francisco, the entryway serves as more than a point of arrival. It’s a moment of transition. A chance to reset. And like all transitional spaces, it deserves the same level of intention and artistry as any other room in the home.

Image via Studio Own Architecture

I’ve come to see the entry bench as the perfect quiet luxury for these homes: one that brings both function and peace to your daily rhythm. Whether it’s a custom piece designed specifically for your home or a freestanding upholstered bench that fits seamlessly into the design, it’s often the first thing our clients didn’t know they needed… and now couldn’t live without. 

A Softer, More Refined Landing

I always aim to design homes that support how my clients live. An entry bench offers a soft place to land, right where you need it most. Not only does it give you the space to set down your bag and take off your shoes the moment you come through the door, but it also allows you to take a moment to shift into whatever comes next before you rush off into the hustle and bustle of your home.

What makes a bench particularly special in this context (as opposed to just a chair or a stool) is that it doesn’t require you to accommodate its limitations. Unlike a chair, it’s easy to plop onto for a quick second. It’s less formal, less restrictive, more inviting, The bigger and more cushioned it is, the more welcoming it feels, even if it’s only rarely used. The message it sends is, “Welcome home! This little spot is for you, designed with nothing but your comfort and convenience in mind.”

Why Upholstery Matters

In an entry, especially one that’s open to the main living areas, the bench shouldn’t feel utilitarian. A simple wooden bench may work perfectly in a mudroom; but for primary entries, I recommend a softly upholstered piece that brings warmth and elegance into the space.

In this context, we often look for performance fabrics that offer both resilience and beauty. There are some stunning options available now, including performance velvets, that are perfect here. That said, believe it or not, mohair is actually a favorite of mine for this purpose. In the right home, its refined, elegant feel is such a beautiful touch atop an entry bench. And while it’s certainly not a performance fabric, you’d be surprised how beautifully it wears. I love that it doesn’t flatten like velvets sometimes can. Our clients just love that it’s gorgeous!

Thoughtful Simplicity, Artful Layering

The bench itself doesn’t need to be ornate. In fact, a simple silhouette often works best. The artistry comes in with the material selection, the texture of the wall behind it, and the accessories layered into the vignette, including pillows, artwork, and even ambient lighting.

Image via Pintrest

Much like a powder room, the entryway is one of the places in a home where you can try something a little different and unexpected.

Whether we’re working in a historic home in Marin or a contemporary retreat in Sonoma wine country, I always like to treat the entry space as an opportunity to make an impactful impression.

Form Meets Feeling

Regardless of whether the bench is something you use every day or not, you’ll feel its presence as It sets a calm, thoughtful, considered tone for the rest of your home.

These are the details that distinguish your home from everyone else’s home and make it feel like your own personal sanctuary.

Whether we’re working on a new custom home design or a luxury renovation, this is the layered intentionality that defines the experience of working with RHD. And it all starts at the front door.

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Looking to elevate your home’s entry?

From redesigning your primary residence to creating a private getaway retreat in Sonoma County, Marin County, Napa Valley, or San Francisco, we’d love to help you bring new life to the space that welcomes you home. Let’s talk about your project.

Your home. Your sanctuary.