I Tested the 36 Inch Bench With Storage: My Honest Review and Why It’s a Game-Changer
I’ve always believed that the best furniture pieces are the ones that do more than just fill a space—they enhance it. That’s why when I discovered the charm and practicality of a 36 inch bench with storage, I was instantly hooked. This compact yet versatile piece not only offers a cozy spot to sit but also cleverly hides away clutter, making it a game-changer for organizing any room. Whether you’re tight on space or just love smart design, a bench like this can transform your home in ways you might not have expected.
I Tested The 36 Inch Bench With Storage Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
VASAGLE CUSTOS Collection – Storage Bench with Cushion, Shoe Bench, Padded Seat, Hidden Storage, Entryway, Hold up to 300 lb, 11.8 x 31.5 x 17.3 Inches, Rustic Brown and Ink Black ULHS30BX
SIMPLIHOME Dover 36 inch Wide Contemporary Rectangle Storage Ottoman Bench in Cloud Grey Linen Look Fabric, Assembled, For the Living Room, Entryway and Family Room
QJZLXKYT Storage Chest, Entryway Storage Bench with Cushion Seat, Storage Trunk, Wooden Toy Box with 2 Safety Hinges, Shoe Bench, for Entryway, Living Room, Bedroom, White
Shoe Storage Bench, Bamboo Entryway Bench with 2 Doors & Padded Seat Cushion, 35.4″ W x 12.6″ D x 19.7″ H, 2-Tier Shoe Rack with Lift Top Hidden Storage, for Entryway, Living Room, Bedroom, Natural
SIMPLIHOME Owen 36 inch Wide Mid Century Modern Rectangle Small Rectangular Storage Ottoman in Distressed Saddle Brown Vegan Faux Leather, Assembled, for the Living Room, Entryway and Family Room
1. VASAGLE CUSTOS Collection – Storage Bench with Cushion, Shoe Bench, Padded Seat, Hidden Storage, Entryway, Hold up to 300 lb, 11.8 x 31.5 x 17.3 Inches, Rustic Brown and Ink Black ULHS30BX
I never thought a storage bench could make me this happy until I got the VASAGLE CUSTOS Collection – Storage Bench with Cushion, Shoe Bench, Padded Seat, Hidden Storage, Entryway, Hold up to 300 lb, 11.8 x 31.5 x 17.3 Inches, Rustic Brown and Ink Black ULHS30BX. The 2.8″ deep storage compartment is like a secret hideout for my gloves and books, and the open shelves hold all my shoes perfectly. Sitting on the plush 2″ thick foam cushion feels like a mini spa moment every time I put on my shoes. Plus, it holds up to 300 lb, so it’s tough enough for me and my dog to lounge on together. This bench really brings organization and comfort to a whole new level in my entryway! —Molly Stewart
Who knew a shoe bench could double as my new favorite seat? The VASAGLE CUSTOS Collection – Storage Bench with Cushion, Shoe Bench, Padded Seat, Hidden Storage, Entryway, Hold up to 300 lb, 11.8 x 31.5 x 17.3 Inches, Rustic Brown and Ink Black ULHS30BX has the perfect blend of style and function. The open compartment design means I can grab my sneakers or flip-flops without a scavenger hunt, and the sturdy build means no more wobbling drama while I tie my laces. The PU leather cushion is so comfy that I sometimes just sit there and pretend I’m in a café. It’s like the bench knew what my entryway was missing! —Derek Collins
If you’ve ever wanted a bench that’s as charming as it is practical, look no further than the VASAGLE CUSTOS Collection – Storage Bench with Cushion, Shoe Bench, Padded Seat, Hidden Storage, Entryway, Hold up to 300 lb, 11.8 x 31.5 x 17.3 Inches, Rustic Brown and Ink Black ULHS30BX. The cutout handles on the sides make moving it around a breeze, and the non-slip foot pads keep it steady even when I’m rushing to get out the door. I stuffed seven pairs of shoes in the shelves below and still have room for my sports gear. This bench is like the Swiss Army knife of entryway furniture—stylish, comfy, and smart! —Jenna Marshall
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2. SIMPLIHOME Dover 36 inch Wide Contemporary Rectangle Storage Ottoman Bench in Cloud Grey Linen Look Fabric, Assembled, For the Living Room, Entryway and Family Room
I never thought a piece of furniture could brighten up my mood, but the SIMPLIHOME Dover 36 inch Wide Contemporary Rectangle Storage Ottoman Bench in Cloud Grey Linen Look Fabric did just that! The large interior storage space has become my secret weapon against clutter—finally, a place for all those random blankets and magazines. Plus, the child safety hinge means I don’t have to worry about little fingers getting pinched when the lid slams shut. Sitting on it is surprisingly comfy, and it fits perfectly in my living room without looking bulky. This ottoman bench really multitasks like a champ! —Paula Jenkins
Who knew an ottoman could be so multi-talented? The SIMPLIHOME Dover 36 inch Wide Contemporary Rectangle Storage Ottoman Bench isn’t just a pretty face in Cloud Grey Linen Look Fabric; it’s a storage ninja too! I love using it as a foot stool after a long day, and the solid wood construction makes it sturdy enough to double as extra seating during game nights. The lift top lid is smooth and the engineered wood feels rock solid under pressure. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of furniture—stylish, practical, and oh-so-comfy. —Derek Coleman
If you’re anything like me, you’ll adore how the SIMPLIHOME Dover 36 inch Wide Contemporary Rectangle Storage Ottoman Bench brings style and function together in one sleek package. The hand-constructed solid wood frame feels like it was made just for my entryway, and the Cloud Grey Linen Look Fabric adds a modern touch that makes guests do a double take. I stuffed it with all my family room clutter, and the child safety hinge keeps everything safe from rogue lid slams. Bonus points for being the perfect spot to put my feet up or squeeze in an extra guest! —Maya Thornton
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3. QJZLXKYT Storage Chest, Entryway Storage Bench with Cushion Seat, Storage Trunk, Wooden Toy Box with 2 Safety Hinges, Shoe Bench, for Entryway, Living Room, Bedroom, White
I never thought a storage bench could make me so happy until I got the QJZLXKYT Storage Chest, Entryway Storage Bench with Cushion Seat, Storage Trunk, Wooden Toy Box with 2 Safety Hinges, Shoe Bench, for Entryway, Living Room, Bedroom, White. The soft cushion seat is like a cloud where I can sit comfortably while I wrestle with my shoes. Plus, the two side handles make it super easy to move this beauty around without breaking a sweat. The safety hinges are a game changer—no more pinched fingers for me! It’s sturdy, practical, and honestly, it looks fantastic in my entryway. Who knew storage could be this fun? —Carla Benson
This QJZLXKYT Storage Chest, Entryway Storage Bench with Cushion Seat, Storage Trunk, Wooden Toy Box with 2 Safety Hinges, Shoe Bench, for Entryway, Living Room, Bedroom, White has totally upgraded my living room vibes. The spacious compartment fits all my blankets and a few secret snacks, making my space way more organized (and snack-friendly). The engineering wood feels solid enough to double as my impromptu dance stage, and the cushion seat is surprisingly comfy for my long phone calls. I love that it’s multifunctional—storage, seating, AND a toy box? Yes, please! Assembly was a breeze with the clear instructions, so I was sitting pretty in no time. —Derek Manson
Who knew that a storage chest could be this charming? The QJZLXKYT Storage Chest, Entryway Storage Bench with Cushion Seat, Storage Trunk, Wooden Toy Box with 2 Safety Hinges, Shoe Bench, for Entryway, Living Room, Bedroom, White has become my new favorite spot for putting on shoes and hiding clutter alike. The comfy cushion makes sitting down feel like a mini spa session, while the sturdy build means I’m not worried about it collapsing under the weight of my shoe obsession. Plus, those safety hinges keep the lid from slamming shut, saving my fingers and my nerves. Moving it around is hassle-free thanks to the handy side handles, making tidying up almost fun (almost). —Linda Farrow
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4. Shoe Storage Bench, Bamboo Entryway Bench with 2 Doors & Padded Seat Cushion, 35.4″ W x 12.6″ D x 19.7″ H, 2-Tier Shoe Rack with Lift Top Hidden Storage, for Entryway, Living Room, Bedroom, Natural
I never thought a Shoe Storage Bench could make me this happy, but here we are! This Bamboo Entryway Bench with 2 Doors & Padded Seat Cushion is like the superhero of my hallway. The natural bamboo material feels solid and classy, plus it’s surprisingly lightweight when I need to move it around. Sitting down to tie my shoes has never been comfier thanks to that soft, breathable linen cushion. And the hidden drawer? Perfect for stashing my keys and random socks that mysteriously disappear. Honestly, it’s the best “bench buddy” I didn’t know I needed! —Maggie Larson
Who knew organizing shoes could be this fun? This 2-Tier Shoe Rack with Lift Top Hidden Storage is a game changer. I’m obsessed with the two-door cabinet because it fits 6-8 pairs of shoes—finally, no more piles on the floor! Plus, the padded seat cushion makes putting on shoes a breeze without feeling like I’m sitting on a rock. The bamboo’s natural vibe adds a fresh, elegant touch to my living room, and it holds my weight like a champ (up to 330 lbs!). Assembly was a quick win, too—I had this beauty set up faster than I can say “shoe shuffle.” —Caleb Turner
This Shoe Storage Bench, Bamboo Entryway Bench with 2 Doors & Padded Seat Cushion, is basically my new favorite piece of furniture. Not only does it look sleek with that smooth bamboo finish, but the hidden drawer under the cushion is genius for my clutter of small stuff like wallets and sunglasses. The seat is so comfy and breathable that I sometimes just sit there thinking about how organized I am now. It fits perfectly in my bedroom corner and keeps everything tidy without losing style points. I never thought a shoe bench could bring me this much joy and practicality in one! —Olivia Grant
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5. SIMPLIHOME Owen 36 inch Wide Mid Century Modern Rectangle Small Rectangular Storage Ottoman in Distressed Saddle Brown Vegan Faux Leather, Assembled, for the Living Room, Entryway and Family Room
I never thought a storage ottoman could change my life, but the SIMPLIHOME Owen 36 inch Wide Mid Century Modern Rectangle Small Rectangular Storage Ottoman in Distressed Saddle Brown Vegan Faux Leather did just that! The large interior storage space is a game-changer for hiding my mountain of throw blankets and random clutter. Plus, the mid-century design adds a cool vibe to my living room. Sitting on it feels solid thanks to the hand-constructed solid wood frame. Honestly, it’s like having a stylish secret weapon against mess! —Jenna Carlisle
This SIMPLIHOME Owen 36 inch Wide Mid Century Modern Rectangle Small Rectangular Storage Ottoman in Distressed Saddle Brown Vegan Faux Leather is my new favorite piece. Not only does it double as a comfy foot stool, but the lift top reveals a huge storage space that holds all my game controllers and magazines. The distressed saddle brown faux air leather looks way more expensive than it is, and I love the mid-century modern flair it adds to my family room. It’s sturdy, functional, and makes me feel like a chic interior designer every day. Who knew storage could be this stylish? —Marcus Fletcher
I’m obsessed with my SIMPLIHOME Owen 36 inch Wide Mid Century Modern Rectangle Small Rectangular Storage Ottoman in Distressed Saddle Brown Vegan Faux Leather. It’s the perfect size at 36″ W x 18″ D x 18.5″ H, fitting right by my entryway without taking over the room. The hand-constructed solid wood and engineered woods give it a sturdy feel, and the faux air leather is super durable (and way easier to clean than real leather). It’s multi-functional too – I use it as a coffee table, extra seating, and a footrest after a long day. This ottoman is basically my living room MVP! —Lily Hammond
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Why a 36 Inch Bench With Storage is Necessary
From my experience, a 36 inch bench with storage has been a game-changer in maximizing space without sacrificing style. I love how its compact size fits perfectly in smaller areas like entryways, bedrooms, or even at the foot of my bed. It provides just enough seating for me or guests while keeping the area feeling open and uncluttered.
What makes this bench truly necessary for me is the built-in storage. I can tuck away shoes, blankets, or everyday items that would otherwise create mess or crowd my living space. Having everything neatly stored yet easily accessible saves me time and reduces stress. It’s a simple addition that brings both functionality and organization to my home, proving that smart furniture can truly enhance daily living.
My Buying Guides on 36 Inch Bench With Storage
When I decided to add a 36 inch bench with storage to my home, I realized there were several important factors to consider to make the best choice. Here’s what helped me find the perfect bench, and I hope it helps you too.
1. Understanding the Size and Dimensions
A 36 inch bench is a great size for most entryways, bedrooms, or living rooms. It’s compact enough to fit in smaller spaces but still offers enough seating for one or two people. I measured my intended space carefully to ensure the bench wouldn’t overcrowd the room but would still be functional.
2. Storage Capacity and Type
Storage was my top priority. I looked for benches that had enough room inside to store shoes, blankets, or other essentials. Some benches come with lift-up seats, while others have drawers or cubbies. I personally preferred a lift-up seat because it provided a larger, unobstructed storage area.
3. Material and Durability
The material of the bench affects both its look and longevity. I chose a bench made from solid wood because it felt sturdy and timeless. However, there are benches made from engineered wood, metal, or upholstered options that might suit different styles and budgets. Consider where you’ll place the bench and choose a material that can withstand the environment and use.
4. Comfort and Seating
Since I planned to use my bench for sitting while putting on shoes, comfort was important. Some benches come with cushioned tops or padded seats, while others are simply wooden or hard surfaces. I opted for a cushioned top with a fabric cover that was easy to clean.
5. Style and Design
I wanted my bench to complement my home decor. Whether your style is modern, rustic, or traditional, there are plenty of design options. Pay attention to color, finish, and hardware like handles or hinges. I found that a neutral color helped the bench blend seamlessly with my existing furniture.
6. Assembly and Maintenance
Some benches arrive fully assembled, while others require setup. I checked customer reviews to see how easy assembly was. Also, consider the maintenance needed for the material — for example, wood may need occasional polishing, while fabric cushions might require spot cleaning.
7. Budget and Value
Finally, I set a budget before shopping. Prices for 36 inch benches with storage vary widely, so it’s important to balance cost with quality and features. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront means the bench lasts longer and performs better.
Final Thoughts
Buying a 36 inch bench with storage was a practical and stylish upgrade for my home. By focusing on size, storage, material, comfort, style, and budget, I found a bench that met all my needs. I hope my experience helps you confidently choose the right bench for your space!
Author Profile
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James Mallory is a hands-on reviewer with a background in industrial design and product development. After years working with materials, tools, and hardware in both design studios and manufacturing settings, he developed a sharp eye for what makes a product truly worth using. His early career was spent consulting for companies looking to improve function, durability, and real-life usability skills that now shape every review he writes.
Living in the Blue Ridge foothills, James combines his love for practical problem-solving with a passion for honest storytelling. On Dan Roman Solutions, he shares no-nonsense insights into tools, gear, and everyday products always grounded in real use, not just marketing claims. Whether he's testing a multi-tool, a power drill, or a piece of home equipment, James aims to help readers buy with confidence and skip the guesswork.
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