Entryway Bench and Grab Handle Setups

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Putting on and taking off shoes is a balance test. Standing on one leg to pull on a boot, or bending down to tie laces, is a moment when many people wobble. At the front door, that often happens while holding bags or keys, on a mat that may be wet. A bench by the door lets shoes go on seated, and a grab bar beside it gives a firm hand-hold for sitting down and standing up. This guide explains how to choose the bench, where to put the bar, and how to lay out the entryway so coming and going is steadier.

Why a seated shoe routine helps

Standing to put on shoes means balancing on one leg while the hands are busy. Sitting removes that. The user can rest both feet, lift one at a time, and use a long shoe horn or reacher to avoid bending low. Sitting down and standing up is still a moment that needs support, which is where the grab bar comes in.

Choosing a bench

What to look for

• Seat height that lets the user sit with feet flat and knees about level with hips. For many adults, around 17 to 19 inches. Measure a chair that the user finds easy to rise from.
• Stability. Heavy, wide benches that do not tip when sat on at one end. Test sitting at the end.
• Depth enough to sit back comfortably.
• Storage for shoes, so they are not on the floor.
• A cushion that is firm, not soft and sinking, which makes standing harder.

Two bench examples

The SONGMICS bamboo shoe rack bench is 27.6 inches wide with two shoe shelves below the seat, a compact size for smaller entryways.

The VASAGLE storage bench measures about 11.8 by 31.5 by 17.3 inches, with a padded seat, a shallow hidden compartment under the seat and open shoe storage. Check the seat height suits the user, since lower seats are harder to rise from.

Adding the grab bar

A grab bar beside the bench gives something solid to hold when lowering to sit and when pushing up to stand. It also helps when stepping over the threshold.

Where to put it

• Vertical bar on the side wall, near the front edge of the seat. A vertical bar suits pulling up to stand, because the hand can slide to the height it needs. Our guide to vertical or horizontal grab bars explains the difference.
• Bottom of the bar about 8 to 12 inches above the seat height, with the top at about shoulder height when standing. Adjust for the user.
• On the side of the stronger hand, if the bench is in a corner and only one side is possible.

A short peened bar gives a good grip. The Moen 12-inch peened grab bar has a textured, slip-resistant finish and is rated up to 500 lb when installed into a stud or with Moen SecureMount anchors.

Specs are from manufacturer and retailer listings and can change between versions; check the listing before you buy. We don't show prices because they change often; the button shows the current price on Amazon.

Installing it

1. Find the studs with a stud finder and confirm with a small test hole.
2. Mark the bar position with the user sitting on the bench and reaching naturally.
3. Fix the bar with the screws and anchors the maker specifies, into studs or rated anchors.
4. Pull hard on the bar in every direction before use.

If you are not confident fixing into studs, hire a handyperson.

Laying out the entryway

• Clear path from the door to the bench, with no rugs or shoes in the way.
• Non-slip mat with a rubber back and low edges at the door.
• Shelf or hook beside the door for bags and keys, so hands are free.
• Good lighting, ideally a motion light, so the user does not hunt for a switch with full hands.
• Lever door handle that can be opened with an elbow. See our guide to a doorknob to lever converter.
• Long shoe horn kept on a hook by the bench.
• Coats on hooks at shoulder height, not above head height.

Shoes that help

Slip-on shoes with a firm heel counter, or shoes with hook-and-loop straps, are easier to put on seated than lace-ups. Elastic laces turn lace-up shoes into slip-ons. A long shoe horn helps the heel slide in without bending.

Thresholds and steps

If there is a raised threshold at the door, it can catch toes, especially when tired or carrying something. A small threshold ramp or a contrasting strip of tape on the edge helps. If there are steps outside, add a rail and light them well.

Renters and no-drill options

If drilling is not allowed, ask the landlord. Many will agree to a grab bar for safety, especially if you offer to fill the holes when you leave. Suction grab bars are not suitable for full body weight support, so do not use them for standing up. A heavy, stable chair with arms can stand in for a bench plus bar.

A coming-home routine

Set the bags on the shelf, close the door, and sit on the bench before taking off shoes. Put shoes straight into the bench storage, slip on indoor footwear while still seated, then stand using the grab bar. Doing it the same way every time makes it automatic, even when tired.

FAQ

What height should an entryway bench be?

One that lets the user sit with feet flat and knees about level with hips, often around 17 to 19 inches.

Where should a grab bar go next to a bench?

On the side wall near the front edge of the seat, usually vertical, fixed into studs.

Can I use a coat hook to pull myself up?

No. Coat hooks are not made for body weight. Fit a rated grab bar.

Is a shoe bench stable enough to sit on?

Many are, but test it by sitting on the end. Light benches can tip.

What shoes are easiest to put on seated?

Slip-ons with a firm heel, shoes with hook-and-loop straps, or shoes with elastic laces.