What is a hall tree? A hall tree is a freestanding piece of entryway furniture that combines a place to hang coats, a bench to sit on and storage for shoes and small things, all in one unit. Most hall trees have hooks or a hanging rod on a tall back panel, a bench seat about 17–20 inches high, and cubbies, a shelf, baskets or drawers underneath for shoe storage. Some add a mirror, a top shelf or closed cabinets. Typical sizes are 24–60 inches wide, 12–20 inches deep and 66–80 inches tall, and taller wardrobe-style hall trees can reach close to the ceiling. Choose one by measuring your entry, counting the coats and pairs of shoes your household uses every day, and anchoring it to the wall.
This guide covers what a hall tree is used for, the main types, standard hall tree dimensions, how to choose one for your entryway, materials, safety and styling, with real measurements from our hall-tree style wardrobes.
What Is a Hall Tree Used For?
A hall tree gives every family member one landing spot by the door. Coats and bags go on the hooks, shoes go under the bench, and keys, gloves, hats and dog leashes go in a drawer or basket. The bench lets you sit down to put shoes on, which is easier for kids and older adults, and it keeps the floor of a small entryway clear.
The idea is old: Victorian homes used tall "hall stands" with hooks, a mirror and an umbrella holder. Today a hall tree is also called a hall stand, an entryway bench with coat rack, a coat rack bench or a hall bench, and the same piece works in a mudroom, a hallway, a back door or a bedroom.
Types of Hall Trees
| Type | What it has | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Open hook-style hall tree | Back panel with hooks, bench, shoe shelf or cubbies | Small entries, everyday coats and bags |
| Hall tree with storage bench | Lift-top bench or drawers under the seat | Hidden storage for gloves, hats, pet supplies |
| Hall tree with mirror | Mirror in the back panel | A last look before you leave |
| Hall tree with shoe storage | Shoe rack, cubbies or a shoe cabinet below | Families with many pairs of shoes |
| Corner hall tree | Angled back that fits a corner | Tight foyers and awkward corners |
| Wardrobe-style (cabinet) hall tree | Open hanging area with a rod, bench, drawers and cabinets above | Larger entries and bedrooms that need closet-level storage |
A coat rack alone holds coats but not shoes, and a shoe bench holds shoes but not coats. A hall tree does both, which is why it's the most complete piece of entryway furniture for a busy household.
Standard Hall Tree Dimensions
| Measurement | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Height | 66–80 in (wardrobe-style up to about 100 in) |
| Width | 24–36 in (compact), 40–60 in (family size) |
| Depth | 12–20 in (wardrobe-style about 22–25 in) |
| Bench seat height | 17–20 in |
| Bench seat depth | 12–18 in |
| Hook height | About 60–70 in for adults, 40–48 in for kids |
| Bench length per person | About 18–24 in |
For an entryway bench, length matters more than height. A 36-inch bench seats one adult comfortably with room for a bag; 48–60 inches seats two people putting on shoes at the same time.
How to Choose a Hall Tree
1. Measure the space
Measure the wall width, the ceiling height and the floor space in front. Keep about 36 inches of clear walkway in front of the bench so people can sit, stand and pass, and check that the front door and any closet doors still swing fully open. In a narrow hallway, a hall tree 12–16 inches deep leaves the most room.
2. Count coats, bags and shoes
Plan on one or two hooks per person, plus a few for guests and seasonal coats. Count the pairs of shoes each person wears every week; open cubbies usually hold one or two pairs each, and a 30-inch shelf holds about three adult pairs. Store off-season items elsewhere. See our shoe storage ideas.
3. Pick open or closed storage
Open hooks and cubbies are quick to use and let wet coats and shoes dry. Drawers, cabinets and a lift-top bench hide clutter, which matters in an entry guests see. Many people choose a mix: open hanging space for daily coats and closed storage for everything else.
4. Check the bench and weight capacity
A bench seat around 18 inches high suits most adults. Check the weight ratings for the bench, hooks or rod, shelves and drawers, especially if you hang heavy winter coats and bags. A sturdy frame and a wide base improve stability.
5. Plan for height
Tall hall trees use vertical space well, but measure your ceiling first, and leave a few inches above the top so you can tilt the piece upright during assembly.
6. Match your style
Farmhouse hall trees use painted wood and black hooks; modern ones use clean panels and slim hardware; traditional pieces add molding, a crown and framed doors. Light finishes keep a dark entry bright; darker wood hides scuffs.
Materials: Solid Wood, Engineered Wood and Metal
- Solid wood: the heaviest and most durable option, easy to repair and refinish, but more expensive.
- Engineered wood (MDF or particleboard): smooth, stable and paintable, and the most common material for large hall trees and cabinet-style units. Keep wet boots on a tray rather than directly on the shelves.
- Metal frames: slim, industrial-style hall trees are lighter and easy to move, but usually have less closed storage.
Why are some hall trees expensive? Size, solid wood, closed cabinets, soft-close drawers, built-in lighting and heavy-duty hardware all add cost. A simple metal-and-board hall tree costs far less than a tall wardrobe-style unit with drawers.
Where to Put a Hall Tree
- Front entry or foyer: on the wall closest to the door, but not behind the door swing.
- Mudroom or back door: where kids, pets and muddy boots come in. See mudroom ideas.
- Hallway: choose a shallow model and keep 36 inches of walkway.
- Bedroom or dressing area: a hall tree with a hanging rod works as an open wardrobe and a place to sit while you get dressed.
For more on furnishing the rest of the entry, see our entryway ideas.
How to Secure a Hall Tree to the Wall
A hall tree loaded with coats and bags is top-heavy, and children may climb on the bench or pull on the hooks, so anchor it. Use an anti-tip kit: find a wall stud with a stud finder, screw the bracket into the stud and the top of the hall tree, and use anchors rated for your wall type if there's no stud. Anchor it before you load it, keep the heaviest items low and spread coats across the hooks. See how to anchor furniture to the wall.
Styling a Hall Tree
- Add a bench cushion or a folded throw for comfort and softness.
- Use matching baskets or bins in the cubbies to hide clutter and give each person a basket.
- Keep a tray or bowl for keys and sunglasses on a shelf or a nearby console.
- Hang a mirror above or beside it if the hall tree doesn't have one.
- Put a washable rug and a boot tray in front to protect the floor.
Homsee Hall-Tree Style Wardrobes Compared
Our Vestia modules are tall, wardrobe-style pieces that combine open hanging space, drawers and top cabinets in a beige painted MDF finish. The 3-Door is a true hall tree with a built-in bench; the 2-Door and 4-Door add open storage without a bench. Every module is 101.5 inches tall including the crown, so you need a ceiling of at least about 102 inches.
| Vestia 3-Door | Vestia 2-Door | Vestia 4-Door | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall size (H × W × D) | 101.5" × 58.6" × 24.8" | 101.5" × 40.9" × 24.8" | 101.5" × 59.1" × 25" |
| Built-in bench | Yes | No | No |
| Hanging height | 64.2", open, two rods | 42.6", open | 51.4", behind a door |
| Drawers | 2 under the bench, 33 lbs each | 3, 22 lbs each | 4 pull-out trays, 33 lbs each |
| Built-in lighting | Yes | Yes | No |
| Best for | Entryway drop zone with seating | Narrow walls | Bedrooms and closets |
The 3-Door's closet rod is rated for 110 lbs and its LED lighting has natural (5500K), warm (3000K) and low settings on a wireless remote. Each module ships flat-packed and takes two adults about 180 minutes to assemble. Anchor every module to the wall. See all hall trees, or compare more closet storage in our wardrobe buying guide.
Hall Tree FAQ
What is another name for a hall tree?
A hall tree is also called a hall stand, an entryway bench with coat rack, a coat rack bench, a hall bench or an entryway organizer.
Where do you put a hall tree?
In the entry you use most, on a wall near the door but outside the door swing, with about 36 inches of clear floor in front. Mudrooms, back doors, hallways and bedrooms also work.
How long should an entryway bench be?
Allow about 18–24 inches of seat per person. A 36-inch bench seats one adult with room for a bag, and a 48–60-inch bench seats two. Leave a few inches of wall on each side.
What is the standard size for a bench?
Most entryway benches have a seat about 17–20 inches high and 12–18 inches deep, and range from 36 to 60 inches long.
How tall is a hall tree?
Most hall trees are 66–80 inches tall. Wardrobe-style hall trees can be taller; our Vestia modules are 101.5 inches, so measure your ceiling first.
How do you secure a hall tree to a wall?
Screw an anti-tip bracket into a wall stud and the top of the hall tree, or use anchors rated for your wall type where there's no stud. Anchor it before loading the hooks, shelves and drawers.
Why are hall trees so expensive?
Larger hall trees use more material, and solid wood, closed cabinets, drawers on soft-close slides, built-in lighting and heavy-duty hooks or rods all add cost. Simple metal-frame hall trees cost the least.
What are some good ideas for storage in a hallway?
Use a shallow hall tree or bench, wall hooks, a slim shoe cabinet, floating shelves and baskets. Keep at least 36 inches of walkway. See hallway decor ideas.
Related: Entryway ideas · Mudroom ideas · Shoe storage ideas · How to choose a shoe cabinet