Sadly, I did not pay attention to bench height when we did our mudroom. The bench is almost too high for an adult to comfortably sit and put shoes on, forget about kids using it. It's simply too far off the ground. They literally have to pull themselves up there and it's useless.

My bench is 23 inches from the floor - way too high. My hooks are 39 inches from the top of the bench and they seem OK. The kids can reach those once they've scaled the bench.

Thanks! I made the bench 19" to allow for tall boots. Could I ask about how high your cabinets are from the top of the hooks/bench? I appreciate your help and love your mudroom!

Thanks for your help as well, JRH76! May I ask the height from the bench to the top of your cabinets/cubbies?

The cleat built into the cabinets to hold the hooks is 6" wide, and there's about 5" above the hook to the bottom of the upper cabinets. You might want a wider cleat if your installing taller hooks. We went with the flatter ones to leave space between the top of hooks and the upper cabs.

Great advice!

For planning purposes, the bench height should be the same as a dining room chair, which is typically 18"H with a top that is 3/4" - 1 1/2" thick. Cabinet manufacturer's window seat cabinets are usually 18"H. (Note that older toilets are around 15"H and comfort height toilets are 17"-19"H, for comparison).

Bench height is one of those details that feels minor until you get it wrong. I recommend 18 inches as a standard — it matches a dining chair seat height and works comfortably for adults and children alike. For hooks above the bench, 42 to 44 inches measured from the bench surface is a reliable target, placing them at roughly 60 to 62 inches from the floor. That keeps adult coats clear of the bench seat without making children stretch uncomfortably. For upper cubbies or shelving above the hooks, allow at least 12 inches of clearance so hanging coats don't bunch against the shelf edge. A cleat system built directly into the cabinet sides gives you flexibility to adjust hook placement as your family grows.