“It’s so much more than aesthetic,” says Holly Blakey, professional organizer and founder of Breathing Room Organization + Styling. “The entryway or mudroom is so essential to the functioning of a family.” As tempting as it can be to buy a striking hall tree that brings instant polish to a space, her expert advice is to spend a moment to not only consider how you’ll be using this piece, but to also “take into account who your family members are, and your lifestyle.” One household’s perfect solution is another household’s disaster zone, so really ask yourself questions about whether you need a bench for tying shoes, a space for hanging coats, a wall of shoe cubbies, or something else completely. “Sometimes a hook to hang a jacket makes more sense than a locker with a door, or than a basket with a lid," Blakey notes. Once you have a checklist ready, you can shop confidently. Our favorite hall tree is the Kathy Ireland Home by Bush Furniture Woodland Hall Tree and Shoe Bench with Doors. It’s sleek, and has sophisticated storage options and all-around functionality that would suit a variety of homes and needs. Here are the best hall trees to tidy up and elevate your entryway. One thing worth noting is that it’s made of an engineered wood product. While this likely keeps the price reasonable (it’s solidly in the middle tier of pieces we considered), it may be less expensive of a material than you’re originally expecting. The only real downside we found to this piece, though, is that the lower storage option is designed to be cabinets, so households with kids might want to be mindful of their practicality (and of potential pinched pinkies). Although, adept DIYers could opt to leave the hinges off for open shelving, if so inclined. Either way, we think it’s a great all-around option that will serve households with varying needs. Price at time of publish: $800 While the bench itself has a weight limit of roughly 198 pounds, limiting the use that adults can get, it’s still a versatile height to help younger users stay steady while zipping up jackets and pulling on shoes. We were also glad to see adjustable feet for positioning, along with included straps for anchoring it to the wall. The two-tone industrial design may be a bit limiting, but if it suits your space, we think this has the potential to be a great, budget-friendly choice for busy households. Price at time of publish: $76 As stunning as this set is, however, it may overpower some rooms with both its size and shape. Although, if your budget and space allow, we think you’d be hard-pressed to find as elegant and practical a set, nor one that will likely last you for years to come. Price at time of publish: $3,694 Also worth noting is that metal feet raise the piece above your floor a few inches—just high enough that shoes or toys could slip underneath, so plan accordingly. And, like many of the pieces collected, securing it to the wall is highly recommended. Luckily, anti-tip hardware comes with the piece. Price at time of publish: $849 Since this is a slimmer piece, note that the actual room for sitting on the bench is limited by the side rails; these will be a benefit for households with squirmy kids, or where bags and totes tend to be piled together, but they may make an adult with a winter jacket feel cramped. We recommend removing those puffy coats before you sit. The top shelf is also less deep than the lower bench and cubbies, limiting what can be stored and displayed up above. On the other hand, it helps the seat feel more open, which could be a benefit for those who use the bench. If you have limited space in your entryway, we think it’ll check many helpful boxes for you. Price at time of publish: $170 That said, if you’re not looking to store dozens of shoes, then the shape of the lower cubbies may be limiting for you. The other potential downside we saw is the top shelf height of 77 inches; it may be too high to comfortably reach on a regular basis (however, this may be a perk if you need to store things out of reach of young kids). But if neither of these traits are dealbreakers for you, this could be a great fit for big, busy households, especially if you’re looking to keep your entryway organized. Price at time of publish: $470 The storage rack under the bench is also one open shelf, which we like for larger bags, or for bins if you choose. You’ll see that many hall trees offer tiered shelves near the floor, so in the case of this piece, having an open compartment adds to its versatility. You can even store backpacks down there if the mood strikes (or if you or your household’s members don’t like to reach for the hooks). Price at time of publish: $499 The other area to plan for is the two lower cubbies. They’re designed to suit 15-inch bins, which are also sold by Better Homes & Gardens. It’s a less common size than popular 12-inch styles, so your options for coordinating are more limited. Of course, smaller sizes or different styles are always an option, too. Price at time of publish: $235 If we could wave a wand and change anything about this piece, we might consider additional hanging hooks or a more spacious bench area, but these are minor changes. If you’re after a sturdy piece that blends form and function, this is it. Price at time of publish: $1,299 Take into account how much space you have for it, and how you’ll be using it. For example, will it be taking the place of a coat closet or complementing one? Do you need low-level storage options for smaller people to reach into? Will you be stashing infrequently used (but still necessary) seasonal items? Do you like open shelves, drawers, bins, or cupboards, or a combination of them all? Blakey explains that “knowing your space well and knowing yourself well,” will really help ensure that you’re making the best choices to maximize your space, and your hall trees, in ways that work for you and your household.
Material and Color
“When you like the way something looks, you’re more motivated to keep it up,” Blakey explains. But that’s not to say you should only opt for an aesthetically-pleasing piece that matches your decor. Her advice is to “take into account what you need and how you can really make your space functional.” A gorgeous piece that merely gathers dust won’t be as helpful as one that features the storage and organizational elements that will help you and your family thrive, no matter what color or shape it is. Note that material not only is a design element, but also dictates how sturdy and durable your piece is, and how you might adjust it to suit your needs. Metal-framed hall trees, for example—like the VASAGLE Coat Rack, Hall Tree with Shoe Bench—often have wire shelves that allow for S-hooks to hang additional belongings, while wooden units aren’t always as flexible (unless you’re handy with a drill). These may feel like minor details, but they’re worth considering as you search for the right piece.
Required Assembly
If your hall tree requires assembly and you’re savvy with a drill, then you’ll want to plan ahead for the time and tools involved. If you don’t consider yourself to be handy with tools, or you’re simply not comfortable for any reason, consider tapping a friend, family member, or professional for help. Note that some of the larger pieces can include delivery and assembly, as well. If you’re not the party responsible for putting your new piece together, be ready to accommodate the delivery and installation process, which can still take time (even when it’s professionally handled).
Why Trust The Spruce?
Dena Ogden is a lifestyle and commerce writer who’s been writing professionally since 2016, and with The Spruce since August 2022. For this piece, she did thorough research on hall trees currently available at major retailers, and evaluated products based on size, features, material, design, and overall value. She also spoke with professional organizer Holly Blakey, founder of Breathing Room Organization + Styling, about hall trees and entryway organization, storage, and design. To decide what works best for you, measure the designated area and then factor in the floor space around it, too. You don’t want to overwhelm a busy intersection of your home, or turn a busy walkway into a tripping hazard. Once you have a sense of how much space you can (safely) dedicate to your piece, start making that checklist of the necessary features you want it to have, and the right pieces will start to emerge as you search.
