what's on the side directly across the pew?

ideas for bench on the window side

I would start with a beautiful rug to make it welcoming. The bench is nice but looks lost, we need more photos of the entire area, please.

I see you have a bin beneath your pew. Why not add more, and number them or initial them for your children? Love the use of the antique. A beautiful (washable!) rug—see Dash and Albert indoor/outdoor rugs for style and color—and you are on your way to an inviting entrance!

Great suggestions-thank you all! I do have a great rug but waiting to lay it down until our puppy is out of the chewing stage!

You could paint the interior of door, add a runner and blinds and a cute light fixture

It looks like you have baseboard heating so a built-in bench may not work. Just add labelled baskets under pew and lots of pillows so they can’t use it as a catch all. Lol.

On the wall between window and doorway or across from windows if room, you could add a storage unit for coats, knapsacks, hats and gloves.