A bench with storage may even be more practical.

I'm always a fan of trying to "work with what you got" first -- I think the existing chest could work! I would keep the lamp and add a piece of art to the left (slightly off-center). Then, you could take a smaller 2-seat bench or stool and put it by the stairs for a similar look.

If you want to try something new, a plant and bench with some decorative baskets would be beautiful--I would definitely add a small accent rug in front of the bench if you can.

Take a pic of the final result and share, I'd love to see it!

A simple wood bench with boxes under it will look good and be practical.

Maybe add some hooks.
These containers are nice:

Thanks Lauren Davidson! This area used to be more "decorated" but since we painted and did the floors I'm starting from scratch. I used to have a mirror above the chest, but if I keep it I'm wondering if a few pieces of abstract art would look better with a more modern lamp. Our heat registers are in the floor and are in the worst spots for an area rug! Because of that, I was thinking of possibly getting a cowhide since it's mis-shapen.

I love what you've got there, but can it fit on the stairway wall better?

And put lamp on left side, maybe a bowl to drop keys or glasses, (that's what I drop on my entryway table).

Thanks therightlook. I liked your idea so I just pivoted the table to go against the stairway wall, but I'm not too sure it works like this....

This is what a guest would see coming through the front door.

And here's the front door...

No, you're right it looked better the other way. :)

I appreciate the idea though, therightlook! Thanks!

I think I’d shop around a bit to see what could fit in that space, accommodate a place to sit, and offer closed storage for a tidy entryway. I wouldn’t choose this particular finish for your home, but do you like a piece like this?

Your cabinet can work but considering the desired function of the space, you will be happier with a bench or hall tree. If choosing a bench, consider closed storage beneath the bench for shoes and wall hooks hung above for coats. Piecing the space together will give your entry opportunity for a personalized and versatile function. See the compact storage bench below for a starting point:

The hall tree with the wardrobe in the above post looks to be a great design for your space and storage needs!

Best of luck with your project!

Sorry, I did a bad job describing what I'm hoping to accomplish. I do have tons of closet space in this area....3 (one on either side of the front door and then one double closet across from the stairs). So I dont need hooks for jackets. I really want to avoid a "mudroom look" and rather create an elegant entry, that could also be useful for my kids. I guess my question is....do I have enough space to put a bench and tree here or would it look ridiculous and too crammed? If I'm not able to recreate a look similar to the instagram photo I posted, and I keep the chest I currently have, how can I make this area more finished/pulled together? Thanks!

nimackay your space there is small. I think what you have is perfect. Put an oval mirror on wall something pretty and elegant.

Something like this:

And a bowl on the table:

How about a hall tree? You could have one custom made for your space with no coat hooks.

I don't think the lamp works there and I don't like seeing the plug. Also the chest is a little too wide for the space. I'd consider a smaller wall mount demi-lune and art or distressed mirror.

@nlmackay I love the idea of a cowhide!! If you want to try something totally new I think if you did a bench like [this[(https://www.houzz.com/products/flynn-slat-bench-table-espresso-prvw-vr~62456390):

with a few cute throw pillows (to bring in colors/textures that match your existing decor) and some storage baskets, it would be perfect!

If you arent too crazy about the idea of a HUGE plant, you could do a smaller (or tall, but thin) plant in the same spot, and add couple offset floating shelves on the wall straight ahead where the black chest is currently. Another thought is to do a statement floor lamp in lieu of a plant, like these:

https://www.houzz.com/products/maya-tripod-floor-lamp-dark-gray-and-black-walnut-prvw-vr~108057639

https://www.houzz.com/products/versanora-romanza-tripod-floor-lamp-white-shade-6023-prvw-vr~51969715

https://www.houzz.com/products/bronze-repeat-floor-lamp-prvw-vr~89025529

You really don't have the space for much.

Check out the Stall shoe cabinets at IKEA. They're one of the most ingenuous products ever. They are only about 7 inches deep, yet hold 8 pairs of shoes or boots each or gloves, hats scarves! It might fit on the wall to the right of your stairs or to the left of your current chest. I gussied mine up with pretty art and plants on the top shelf and it looks amazing.

I do think you have room for a bench with baskets underneath and think that will go a long way in solving your 'no mud room' dilemma. And I am so glad that you don't intend to add hooks for coats since you have plenty of closet space. Not very attractive when in use, and it would completely change the look and feel of your foyer.

From the photo you posted, it does look like you could do a skinny bench like they did in that design. However, it doesn't look like you would be able to much in the way of storage. Here are just a few little ideas from our designs that might interest you as well.

There needs to be more pictures of the hall area from the front door back and from the kitchen. It looks like you may have a lot of wasted space. You have a nice area to work with and if you send more pictures everyone could get a better feel for the space. You don’t want this area to be junky and a catch all. It needs to have beautiful, smart storage. This is your main entrance! Send more pictures and lets see if you get better feedback.

It looks like you have about 3 maybe 3.5" of space for a bench. Not a ton of room, but I do like your idea. I say get a really wonderful bench and baskets for under neath for storage, forget the lamp- you do not have nearly enough room. I would NOT do a hall tree. When the kids are older you can go back to an elegant chest and lamp (although the lamp you have right now is too tall for that chest), in the mean time you can still find an elegant bench and make the space fit your families needs. Good luck!

I think a bench that is narrow enough to fit will be too narrow for any storage to tuck under and also uncomfortable to sit on.

Could you replace the chest with a beautiful upholstered chair? You could set a basket of slippers next to it.

And you could turn one of your closets into a "mudroom" with a bench/basket storage below and a hanging rod or hooks above, if that is something you would be interested in.

I am new at looking at these pictures on the web site. Once I tapped the pictures to enlarge them, I realized there is a big difference. You don’t have a lot of space, but more pictures from the entrance door back would be good to have a real feel for you home. A lamp in the entrance is so inviting, but if you have one it needs to be the correct size, decor and so on. But first, decide on the main piece.

If your house is extremely casual, you could put a bench with hooks above.
I personally prefer closed storage for a mudroom, especially if it's the first thing one sees upon entering the house.
If the kids always come in the front door, then closed storage would be my choice with a bench on the side wall for sitting to remove shoes or boots before putting them inside the cabinet.
If the kids come in from the back door or driveway door, a bench and hooks will work fine.

How about a "gossip" bench style piece with a long pullout basket below for shoes.

(Sorry for the screen shot quality photo) With this multifunctional piece you've got your entry lamp at the right height and location, a bench and shoe storage. The drawers in this piece are great for keys, etc. too. I'd also have a long vertical art piece on that wall you see first when walking through the front door.

Better picture:)

PS should have mentioned, your "new" walls and floors look beautiful :)

chickadee70 you've got me wanting one...

How about an entry settee?