Sauder North’s Avenue Storage Bench gets everything right when it comes to curating a front entryway that welcomes you home and makes tidying up manageable. The benchtop lid lifts up for a secret storage area, and when it’s closed, serves as a great place to sit and tie your shoes. There’s also a built-in rack for lining up your favorite pairs of boots, sneakers, and sandals. In essence, it’s convenience all tied up in a sturdy, modern farmhouse frame. To buy: $96 (was $115); amazon.com. The bench works perfectly in several different ways, whether it’s placed by the front door or slid beneath a coat rack in a mudroom. And assembly isn’t too bad either. Though it’s recommended to have a friend or family member help you build it, several shoppers noted that they were able to put it together just fine on their own. “This was the easiest piece of furniture I’ve ever put together,” wrote a shopper. “Instructions were clear, parts were labeled, and most importantly, the bench looks great.” Another person added that once it’s built, the bench will hold up through plenty of use: “I’ve had this in my home for over a year and it has stood up well.” The sneaky compartments and simple construction are only made better by the unit’s looks. Modern farmhouse design has been trendy for years now, and for good reason. The blend of rustic and elegant, modern details sounds contradictory, but works like a dream when mixed together, making it so easy to work into any room. A stylish piece of furniture like this means you can maintain that homey farmhouse look you love without cutting down on those necessary organizational elements. “I love how the bench tied into our modern farmhouse theme,” explained one reviewer. “We have a small home, but still wanted to create an inviting space when you enter the home. Nailed it!” Aside from the light oak shade, the bench is available in a darker smoked oak color, too. And if you like the look of your entryway bench, you can even buy it in a set with a matching coffee table or a complementary bookcase to keep the modern farmhouse aesthetic consistent throughout more of your home. Freshening up your entryway is a piece of cake with a secret storage bench, especially one that won’t cramp your style. It’s not worth sleeping on either, because Sauder North’s version is nearly $20 off right now.
