Entryway Bench and Storage Shelf with Hooks

Entryway shelf ana white diy plans
Difficulty
Intermediate
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Simple entryway organizer bench and shelf with hooks set - Free plans by ANA-WHITE.com

entryway bench simple diy

Big solution for a small space!  This entryway shelf and bench combo is a favorite because it stores so much, looks beautiful, and is an easy build!  

All 1x material - so no ripping plywood.  And no Kreg Jig required (although you can use yours if you have one!)

Mudroom Bench shelf set

Free plans follow.  Please share a photo via brag post if you build.  

Thanks so much, Ana

 

NOTE: This plan has been updated.  If you need the old version of this plan, it is available here.

Dimensions
Entryway bench and shelf plans
Dimensions shown above

Preparation

Shopping List

Shopping List for the Bench

1 - 1x12 @ 8 feet long - cut the 46-1/2" and 48" pieces from this

1 - 1x12 @ 6 feet long

2 - 1x4 @ 8 feet long

 

Shelf Shopping List

1 - 1x8 @ 8 feet long - cut the two 46-1/2" pieces from this

1 - 1x8 @ 10 feet long

1 - 1x2 @ 6 feet long

 

Backs for both shelf and bench

1 - 1/4" plywood @ 48" x 24"

 

3 Double Hooks

Common Materials
2 inch screws
3/4 inch finish nails
1 1/4 inch finish nails
Cut List

BENCH

1 - 1x12* @ 46-1/2" - bottom

2 - 1x12* @ 13-1/4" - dividers

2 - 1x12* @ 17-1/4" - sides

1 - 1x12* @ 48" - top

1 - 1x4 @ 48" - top back

2 - 1x4 @ ~12" - top sides - CUT TO FIT

2 - 1x4 @ ~ 11-1/4" - footer sides - CUT TO FIT

1 - 1x4 @ 49-1/2" - footer front - CUT TO FIT

1 - 1/4" plywood @ 14" x 48" - back

*The bench built with 1x12s will be pretty narrow.  You can easily make the bench deeper by substituting a wider width board for all the 1x12s, for example a 16" wide project panel.  Just substitute all the boards with the *

 

SHELF

2 - 1x8 @ 46-1/2" - main shelf/back

2 - 1x8 @ 8-1/2" - dividers

2 - 1x8 @ 16-1/2" - sides

1 - 1x2 @ 49-1/2" - top back

1 - 1x8 @ 49-1/2" - top front

1 - 1/4" plywood @ 10" x 48" - back

 

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Drill
Circular Saw
Brad Nailer
Power Sander

Instructions

Step 1

BENCH: Since people will be sitting on the bench, I recommend attaching the main boards (the 1x12s) with either 2" self tapping wood screws or 1-1/4" pocket hole screws (drill holes on the 3/4" setting) and glue.

The trim boards (the 1x4s) can be added with 1-1/4" brad nails and wood glue)

Measure and mark out the dividers and attach.

Step 2

Attach sides to the bottom.

Step 3

1-1/4" nails to attach 1x4 to back of seat.

Step 4

Attach seat to the base with 2" screws or pocket holes.

Step 5

Measure and cut to fit the 1x4 trim boards.

Attach all with 1-1/4" brad nails and glue.

Step 6

Measure and cut the sides.

Step 7

Repeat for the front footer.

NOTE: If you are having trouble attaching the footer in the center to the bottom 1x12 you can simply add a scrap 1x4 block, flat nailed to the underside of the bottom shelf, flush to the front edge.  You don't need the 1x4 all the way down, just in the center area.

Step 8

Cut back with circular saw.  Save scrap for the shelf back.

Use 3/4" brad nails to attach back.

Step 9

The shelf can be nailed together. Use glue and 1-1/4" brad nails.

Step 10

Nail and glue together.

Step 11

Cut sides off with circular saw at an angle to prevent a sharp corner at eye level.  Attach to the project with nails and glue.

Step 12

Attach top back with 1-1/4" brad nails and wood glue.

Step 13

Repeat for the front of the top.

Step 14

Attach back with 3/4" brad nails and wood glue.

Attach hooks to the hook board.

To hang the shelf, locate a stud in the wall and screw through the 1x8 hook board into the stud in the wall.  You can hide the hanging hole with wood filler and paint/stain.

Comments

Erika (not verified)

Thu, 05/12/2011 - 09:05

@Chatty - did you ever find baskets that fit? My husband made this bench/shelf six months ago and I have been trying ever since to find baskets with no luck! I've tried everywhere too and I'm getting ready to make him rebuild the bench with different sizes ;)

deveney (not verified)

Sat, 09/03/2011 - 10:32

ok, so my husband made this for me about a year ago and i have yet to find baskets that fit in the bench. has anyone found any?? i am about to just order the pottery barn bench and baskets, because what good is a bench if no baskets are made for that size?? we followed the original plans, so we have a rectangle shape rather then a square....a barely squeezed the shelf baskets from pottery barn into the shelf that we made. they over hang just a little and are a bit hard to get in and out, but not too bad. any suggestions would be great!

Guest (not verified)

Mon, 09/05/2011 - 16:17

Did you try Ikea? I believe they have some that would work for you! They come in White, Black and Rattan. Hopefully this helps.

Caryn (not verified)

Sat, 10/01/2011 - 15:44

My husband built the bench a month ago and we love love love it. Cost us less than $75 from Home Depot. However, baskets are a problem. I have looked at Target, Michael's and IKEA. Nothing fits, the cubbies are not deep enough. I saw an earlier post for the container store, which we will check out. If we were to do it again, I would have purchased IKEA baskets and then used those measurements to make the cubies for the bench.

Guest (not verified)

Tue, 11/22/2011 - 11:39

I was wondering about the color you painted or stained this system. It looks stained but not sure. What did you use (brand/color) because I want it to look just like yours. I love it! Thanks so much!

kylihoot

Sun, 01/01/2012 - 13:01

What kind of finish did you use on this? Stain or paint? It looks awesome!

Guest (not verified)

Mon, 01/02/2012 - 13:56

what kind of wood did you use when you made this? have you tried different kinds and find one works better for this project? (: lovvvveee this bench!!

smhwolf23

Sun, 02/05/2012 - 12:15

Hey Ana, I am new to your site and just love, love, love it! My husband and I want to build this bench and shelf, but we need to down size it to fit our small space. I was wondering how you would adjust your cut list to 30in. instead 48in. I would like to keep the 3 sections, but if we may have to just have 2 sections to make it work. Any help with adjusting the size would be greatly appreciated!

Manda (not verified)

Mon, 02/13/2012 - 11:29

Hi! I just bought all my wood for this project over the weekend, and I've noticed there's a 1x6 on the shopping list and cut list for the shelf... but I can't find it on the plan anywhere. Am I blind or is it not listed in the steps?

Thanks!

Jaymee Jackson (not verified)

Wed, 02/29/2012 - 14:30

It goes behind the 1x3 on top of the shelf. It took me a while to figure it out as well.

sgilly02 (not verified)

Wed, 02/29/2012 - 20:23

Why do you need baskets? You've all made this beautiful project, so I know you could easily whip together some wooden crates - probably from scraps - that would fit perfectly in your space and look fantastic, too! These made by Robohead are especially nice, http://ana-white.com/2012/02/vintage-workshop-storage-bench. But even some simple ones like this, made to fit your opening, would be functional and sturdy: http://ana-white.com/2010/09/vintage-crate-carts.html

Frankandcathy (not verified)

Fri, 03/02/2012 - 21:04

Is it just me or should these angled lid piece cuts be made before attaching? I'm trying to figure out which tool you'd use to make them since there's no saw listed here. The rest looks pretty simply. Can anyone help me out on making those cuts?

Thanks!

Jodster52 (not verified)

Sun, 03/11/2012 - 07:34

This was my first attempt at making any sort of furniture so I tried this project. The instructions were easy to follow and the shopping list was a great help. Thank you for the instructions and drawings.

compulsivediyer

Mon, 07/23/2012 - 09:53

When I download the PDF and even the printer-friendly version, the instructions stop at Step 9 with the shelf. I am really wanting to build this shelf, but the instructions just look like they are missing some. Can someone please help?

sap12 (not verified)

Wed, 08/15/2012 - 20:17

What is confusing is that the 1x3 is laying down and not standing up. It says to refer to step 3 for directions. The 1x3 should stand up and the 1x6 lays in front on top of the 1x8. (I think anyway! This is the conclusion I came to! lol)

Eliza (not verified)

Sun, 01/06/2013 - 08:40

You mean that it would end up the top shelf is overhanging the 1x8 by almost an inch? It doesn't look that way in the picture...??

Howard (not verified)

Wed, 12/05/2012 - 18:22

Great work! I can't believe you really make it! We are a factory which can make them in a very low price. wall storage cabinet + entryway storage bench= $70.

david w (not verified)

Sun, 12/30/2012 - 10:18

What is best way to attach this to the wall?

Thanks!

Eliza (not verified)

Sun, 01/06/2013 - 08:37

Hi Ana! Love the design! I'm going to be building this next weekend and I'm confused as to how the 1x3 works with the 1x6 work together with the top shelf? In Step 9 it is showing as laying down but I don't know what to do with the 1x6? I am hoping you can clarify, seems others had the same question.

In reply to by Eliza (not verified)

Lady Goats

Sun, 01/06/2013 - 12:23

I would imagine that the 1x6 goes in front of the 1x3. From the main photo, it appears there's a small lip on the top. That would make sense since she has it listed as "top, front"

Eliza (not verified)

Sun, 01/06/2013 - 16:35

Thanks for the reply! I'm just wondering why that would be the way to do it, as opposed to buying a 1 X 12 and cutting 3" of the width, to have one 1 X 9 piece instead of 2 boards on the top?

In the bench, the 1 X 3 makes sense as it serves as the backing of the seat of the bench, as the 1 X 3 sits vertically. This is my first jab at furniture making, so just trying to understand.. :)

KittyinAZ (not verified)

Fri, 01/11/2013 - 09:54

I love these plans and they would work great in the space I want to use them in, but I have 5 people that I would need spaces for --- is this easily expanded? And if so, would there be an easy calculation for adding additional cubbies?

ms.nique89

Tue, 02/11/2014 - 00:22

this might be a dumb question but how are the pieces of wood staying together are they glued or nailed like how is assembled I guess is what im trying to ask because she doesn't say where to nail or how too. I'm a city girl i know nothing about building except maybe molecules in my lab lol... thankyou so much if you respond...

Abbey (not verified)

Sun, 01/20/2013 - 07:05

Are the plans for the shelf portion available someonewhere? I can't find them.

akenney1

Sat, 09/28/2013 - 05:42

The finished dimensions say this bench is 14 inches depth. How do you get that measurement with a 1 x 4 and a 1x12 ?

Brittany Olson

Sun, 01/19/2014 - 08:01

This is great! I've been looking for a piece of furniture like this for my dining room and our last name is also Olson so I thought it was totally meant to be for me to build this one when I saw that! lol. I sent this to my dad. :)

Lu7997

Fri, 07/25/2014 - 06:18

My youngest's daughters room has that rustic feel to it and this bench would be a perfect addition for her stuffed animals and some loose toys. (Also as she gets older she could sit and get ready or watch TV on it)

I have looked at furniture stores, and other sites trying to find the perfect shelves for her and well I should have known to come here first.
(The bed was built from here, tables from here, doll furniture from here)

Now my issue is converting the plans and measurements to be able to use pallets. (The planks are 1x12x36). Using these saves me so much money. They are oak (from what I can tell) and don't split on me when I use screws which for her is usually the best. (The nailer is great and holds but I like the extra protection I get with screws for my rough little girl)

My first thought is to make it shorter and just make the cubbies smaller. (No problem there. But I would really like to keep it true to size. So if I can get some ideas I would love it.

Thank you So much
Angela

njmred

Wed, 08/20/2014 - 11:54

For some reason, I can't see the whole list of plans (it stops at step 9 for the shelf). Does anyone have the full list? I want to do this for my wife when she is away this weekend.

carlc

Sun, 11/30/2014 - 16:55

The wall mount piece won't go flush against the wall what type of hanger did everone use. I used two D-Ring picture hangers. The wall is perfectly flat. I either am not completely flat on the back of the piece or the hangers are making it kick out.

Any advice would be helpful. I made this for a friend and Im trying to fix it.

rierphfft

Fri, 01/16/2015 - 05:18

Does anyone know how to make this bench but with hinged doors? This would be my first piece, but I really want to use it to store shoes and I'd like to hide them with doors. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

jenfromnc

Wed, 06/10/2015 - 13:45

The rest of the steps for the top shelf unit are missing. I can't figure out how to create the top. Is it just a larger board attached to the top of the completed cubby section? The cut list is listing a "top bottom" "top back" and "top front". Help? :-)

christy10799

Fri, 08/28/2015 - 17:57

Someone please answer this. I'm very confused. The sides are 1 inch by 12 inch, top shelf 1x12x48, bottom shelf 1x12 x49 1/2. This makes NO SENSE! Please help! I'm afraid I might cut the wrong size board if I can't figure this out. I'm DYING to know the answer to this mystery! The top shelf sits on top of the 1 inch sides and the dividers. The bottom shelf is placed NEXT to the sides. This would be 48 1/2 inches total across the bottom shelf so this is not equal to the top. The top shelf appears to be flush without any parts sticking out. So mind boggling lol! I actually read every single comment on here hoping I could find a comment regarding this but nope, no luck. Please explain why these measurements are different.

Lady Goats

Fri, 08/28/2015 - 21:34

Oh, this gets completely, completely confusing. Boards are actually not the dimensions they're called. I know, right? DUMB! Long story short, 1" lumber is nearly always actually 3/4". Here's a cheat sheet to show you some dimensions (a 1x2 is actually 3/4 x 1 1/2, a 2x4 is actually 1 1/2 x 3 1/2). Hopefully it helps you figure out that the dimensions are actually correct (as confusing as it is!). http://mistupid.com/homeimpr/lumber.htm

StevenPortland

Sat, 08/29/2015 - 07:28

When boards are referred to as 1" thick, they are really only 3/4" thick.  We refer to this as 1" nominal size but 3/4" actual size.  Here, the bottom shelf is cut at 46.5".  To the left of it is one of the 1x12 boards.  But this board is really just 3/4" thick.  To the right of the bottom shelf is a second of the 1x12 boards, so another 3/4" thick.  This means that the total width of the bottom is 46.5" + 0.75" + 0.75", which equals 48.0".

SmithsRestoration16

Wed, 10/19/2016 - 17:44

i really wish i knew where you got the baskets, i want to make it just like it shows in the bicture