This Sleek Storage Bench Expertly Hides My Entryway Clutter (It Holds So Much!)

One of the first and last things that family and friends see when they stop by my house is the entryway. Unfortunately for me, given the lack of storage, organization, and general decor, it’s the messiest and least inviting area in my home. I needed something that hid the mess, looked nice, and created storage, but didn’t scream “storage organizer,” either. Enter: The Article Thari Bench, a winner from our Organization Awards. My entryway instantly became a much more welcoming area for guests, and much less of an eyesore for me. 

The Article Thari Bench is a sturdy and sophisticated storage bench available in two fabric colors and two wood stain finishes; I have the Everest Gray fabric and Walnut stain. Apartment Therapy editors (myself included) are huge fans of Article because its investment-worth furniture looks way more stylish than utilitarian, and this is a perfect example. 

Before getting the Thari bench, shoes, reusable grocery totes, unread mail, and stuff would accumulate no matter how often I’d declutter and organize my entryway. The previous bench I had was fine if you needed to sit and take off your shoes, but didn’t offer storage, so the area was always an unsightly nightmare. Thankfully, the Thari bench checks all the boxes I needed — ample storage, hidden organization, and streamlined aesthetics.

The Thari bench is split into two sections — there’s the main bench with a large compartment underneath, and then a removable side tray that conceals a second, smaller storage area. The main storage area is cavernous and perfectly sized for out-of-season accessories, extra slippers for guests (yes, I live in a no-shoes-inside household), and face masks — things that are always strewn about when I don’t need them and nowhere to be found when I do. Each category of stuff gets its own canvas tote bag or clear storage container so it’s easy to move around as needed.  

The removable tray up top holds sunglasses, keys, and water bottles — all the essentials I grab on my way out the door (or, well, more like all the things I forget to grab and double back for). Underneath the tray, I put in extra hats, umbrellas, and reusable grocery bags. 

As for the bench itself, the cushion offers firm support when sitting on it to put on shoes and the smooth, soft-closing hinged lid won’t give you an unexpected surprise, either — I never worry about slamming it on my fingers if I’m in a rush. The bench also sits across from the door that leads to the basement, so I can also sneak in some extra storage underneath for workout sneakers while keeping essential footwear on the Yamazaki Tower Shoe Rack that flanks my front door. 

The Article Thari Everest Bench is pricey, but I still think it’s a worthwhile investment. It’s given me smart storage and a mess-free entryway, and even though I know that things will continue to accumulate, at least no one will have to know.

Buy: Article Thari Everest Bench, $649

Want to see more award-winning products? Explore our 2024 Organization Awards for our top picks.