Maybe something like these on the wall where you have a bench and hooks?

Or are you wanting a more involved solution? This looks to me like a generous space by the door, so maybe I am missing your question.

You have added items there for good small storage such as the coat hooks??? & the bench with the baskets under. Can you spread the two paintings apart to line up with the opening to the stairwell below it? Very nice job with what you have.

I should've mentioned that the hooks were put in by the original homeowners. Trust me, it's not practical when you have two kids and a husband with coats, shoes and boots. I moved everything out just to take the picture ;)

Carol - I was thinking something along that line. But if you notice, that the top of the wall is not perpendicular to the floor. The high triangle ceiling is an eye soar when you put one of the cabinets in the current place of the bench.

We did buy one and it's not aesthetically appealing. The half wall leading to the lower level also adds to my troubles. Its an eye sore when you put one of the fixtures there and see the half wall sticking out.

Also, if you notice there is not coat closet in the entrance. So when I have guests over, everyone piles them on the bench. There is also no coat closet up the stairs. Any suggestions on adding something?

Is the garage heated? Does the family use the garage entrance most of the time? If so, could you put a coat closet for family members in the garage before you enter the home - or even construct a vestibule in the garage where family members would take off their clothes and shoes. For guests - where is the nearest closet in the house? That becomes the guest closet, even if you, as the host, have to walk the coat down stairs and into an office. How much wall space is to the right of the dining room entry (where the light switch is?). Could an armoire be placed there for guest coats?