We enter from the garage and our guests enter from here. So I would like for it to say a bit formal. I am planning on placing a table with a large mirror above against another wall in the foyer (pictured below) because I only have about 20" in depth by the door. I feel like a bench near the door is more practical than if I placed it underneath the table further in.

Here the other wall

I agree. Return it. You either need a more substantial bench (for putting on shoes), or an occasional table with a fabulous mirror or painting. But, start with a rug. Good luck!

Everything looks white and that bench just pops out looking out of place ,find a rug a mirror or a picture.


Your bench plus this rug

For your needs I would go with a console and mirror or a beutiful piece of art. That bench looks as if it were a piano bench. I would recommend to use a warm palette, adding a table lamp and a rug to add warmth to the space. You have some good advice here...take the bench back. Good luck!

I agree, it looks too small for the area.

That bench could work with a full length mirror behind it though;) rest arrow on pic to enlarge

Thank you all for your advice! Could you please give me some suggestions as to what to put on the other wall if I placed a table and a mirror by the door?

i think the bench is OK, although i would go for something bigger
also u diffidently need a large mirror above it

If you l-o-v-e it, then keep it and continue to build the space. If you have any hesitation, 'go with your gut', and return it tomorrow. Personally, I agree with Anne Dee (see comment above). A more substantial table with room for one or two ottomans tucked underneath has a lot of potential. A mirror above the table will give both you and your guests the opportunity for a quick check as they arrive and depart.

I would put a piece of art on that other wall;) nothing on the floor.

As for the second wall, I would not include any additional furniture in the foyer. I prefer to have square footage to accommodate guests and families as they arrive and depart. If the mirror you choose for the front entrance is either a circle or oval, I think a rectangular piece is best hung on this second wall. Conversely, if the mirror you choose is a rectangle or square, a round or oval piece might be the right shape for this wall.

Three samples of front hall tables for inside the front door.

Bench too small. Needs a console table there ( a narrow one- depth about 12-14"). I agree NO MORE furniture. Just a nice piece of art work on the other wall.

Hi Margo !
what do you mean nothing on the floor!!! everyone needs a rug either big or small at the entrance. .

Ok thank you! For that size of a wall, how large should the art piece be?

Also, what about this corner under the stairs? Does it need anything?

How about about 3 plants of varying heights by the stairwell wall? The area seems to have enough direct light to support plants. Could even add a chair if room allows.
Would suggest using a lamp on the console by the door for night time.

I definitely don't want to rush. I just want to get ideas so I know what to look for with time. How large should the mirror be above the console?

HI Genevieve *waving*. I meant nothing on the floor of the OTHER wall sousou87 showed. Yes to a rug at the entrance;))

Even though most folks are saying it is too small it may prove too large for a quick scoot in or out the door. However you do need something with presence in that spot. Maybe a wide but shallow shelf beneath a mirror that wouldn't impede access but provide balance. Rug should be of sufficient width that you don't step off it as you come and go.

it is too small for this area.

Too Small.
What's the other side of the doorway look like?
Just return it.
Why do you need a rug inside? Aesthetics or practical?
Think about it and look at all the great pictures of entry ways on HOUZZ.
Regards,
Karen & Joseph
for Decorative Philosophy

Here's the other side of the doorway.

I need a rug to add some interest to the entryway but most importantly for practical reasons. We live in MN and snow season is almost here.

What size of rug do you recommend? 4x6? Or should it go all the way to the stairs?

Here's another image

I agree that you should return the bench. If it were me, I would pick a rug I love first since it would be such a focal point there. Since your entry colors are so neutral, you can really chose anything that speaks to you in the appropriate size.
You live in Minnesota, so I understand why you want a bench at the ready, especially with winter around the corner....boots, etc.
Regarding the other two walls...art that speaks to the rug colors on the right wall, and one potted plant, fairly tall, in the corner/bend along the stairs closest to the light.
Good luck. Post photos. Love to see.

Wow, sousou, I must have been typing way when you posted the new photos. Thanks, that really changes things for me. The entry is smaller than I envisioned with the wall dividing the entry from the ?living room?.
Consider just art or a mirror on the wall by the door, no bench or table there. Try your consignment bench in the nook along the stairs with a coat rack ( a pretty one, of course ). If looks like the bench would sit nicely along the middle section of wall.

Sorry, I should've posted a clearer image from the beginning. I'm going to take the bench back, I think. It might sit nicely in the nook but I know that people will be walking in all the way with their boots to sit on it and that kind of defeats the purpose of trying to contain winter messes.

TO SMALL

WHOOPS, TOO SMALL

sousou87.... is this your "main " entry door? The area is very small .. if people will be removing their boots here... where will they be placed? Guess you maybe do need a bench in this spot .. then you will have a place under the bench to store the boots out of they way. Maybe look for a sturdier bench. Does the style of this one reflect the style of the furniture in the adjoining rooms?

I do like the idea of a full length mirror over the bench... it would visually enlarge the space. Could hang a picture on the opposite wall (behind the door) which would also be reflected in the mirror.
As for the size of the area rug .. keep in mind..it should not cover the floor vent. What is the length from the door to the edge of the closet?

Since a bench is the most practical suggestion to be used by the door maybe a chest with drawers.. if enough room for the stairwell wall. Would be a place to store mittens & scarves for winter, place to drop your keys & place a lamp. This would take away from the "hallway " look & give more of a "room" look.

Could use some wall art to the left of the closet. Guess we are getting further in than "the bench" but it is all "one room"

Leona this is the main formal entry for guests. Do you have ideas for style of benches? If I place a mirror above the bench, I'd like it to be a Syrian mother of pearl inlay mirror because it is something from my culture and I'd like to add it to my decor.

The length from the door to the edge of the bedroom is 4'3" and the width from the edge of the vent (assuming it won't be covered is 4'7".

The mirror will probably be similar to this.

I also, think it's too small. A longer, narrow table would work better.

To be honest I think the space is too tight for any furniture. Place cardboard or paper on the floor where you would have a bench or table (or better yet, a box so their body cannot hang over the edge of it), then try answering the front door and letting people in while they avoid that space. I think you will find that you don't typically open the door all the way. As a result people will step in on a diagonal and need that space to enter the house. I think it will feel cramped. Instead try just a large piece of art on that wall, or even a mirror so people can check themselves as they come in or go out. Put some color on the wall and get a rug to add personality. It will feel more inviting if it remains uncluttered.

I just saw the photos of the "other" wall. If you want a bench I would put it in the "L" formed by the staircase. That space isn't usable as a walkway so the bench wouldn't be in the way there. A triangular bench would be best. A built in bench would use the space the most efficiently. Since there is tile underneath it you could have boot drying/storage inside the bench (flip up lid or doors on front with no bottom on the bench) so the boots stay out of the way and the area doesn't look cluttered. It's an easy DIY project or shouldn't cost much if you hire a handyman or carpenter to do it.

Is it necessary to have a bench for people to sit on .. elderly family members would appreciate that. If not needed for that purpose maybe omit the bench entirely. Would suggest getting a bench to go with your style of mirror. Not sure if you can find one that would be the depth of the one that is there now. The rug size could be within your measurements or go longer. Would keep in the same style with the rug.. something with a pattern would make a statement. Medium to dark colors would help with foot traffic.

Chiming-in with the other recent comments: 1. Did not realize the width at the door was slim. 2. Agree with "flipping" attractive wall hanging to the door, and table with Syrian mirror in the hallway. 3. If the two ottomans are on wheels and have lids that open, you can sit to take boots on/off and score some additional storage. (pic #1) 4. The rug's dimensions should be approximately 6" from each wall, and extend 6" inside the door to the corner wall on the left side. Obviously area rugs come in standard sizes. So, once you do your calculation, default to the size that is closest (i.e 4' x 4' or 4' x 6'). (pic #2) 5. I'm not a fan of small mats (too 'dinky' and fail to make a statement) (pic #3) or runners (too industrial and feel like arriving at the bank lobby). (pic #4) 6. Style (traditional, modern, country) and the color are most flattering when they introduce your home's personality.

How about an organizer which is tall and has a bench!

You don't need anything on the other side of the wall. General rule is don't hang anything decorative behind a door.

A large enough colorful area rug in front of the door hang a fairly good size 30 x 40 mirror to check yourself as you leave or come in. I would like to see a long narrow print coordinating with the rug on the right wall as you turn & maybe a real fig tree in front of the stair niche.

take the bench back it's too small.

Have a complete plan (you know you want specific mirror for instance) before buying any one piece.

I think a console with art or a mirror above would be better for that area. The space by the stairs could definitely use a bench.

If you didn't love it immediately when you placed it in the room you must not be too fond of it. Your instincts sound like it's not working for you. Trust your first impression and try something else until you find something you really love.

Hang decorative plates or platters on the wall where you have the bench. A bench will take up too much space with friends and family coming and going. Anchor the floor with a beautiful rug that ties in the rooms décor.

send pictures when completed.

Thank you all for your advice! Sorry, I was away for a while.

Bench is returned. From everyone's comments I concluded to:
1- Find a rug that interests me.
2- Place the mirror and a console against the hallway wall. By the way, it won't be this exact mirror because this one is too small. I will get one that is much larger and can fill the wall.
3- Place an art piece on the wall by the front door.
4- find a bench and a tall plant to go in the nook by the stairs.

Or a bench with wheels that can go under the console.

Something like this:

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