[Contemporary Entry[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-entryway-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_741~s_2103) by Bridgewater Cabinets & Cabinetry Mill Cabinet Shop

Growing up, we had a mudroom with a picnic bench along one wall. They are less than 12" wide. It is handy to have a spot to sit if needed... and that can easily fit below a row or 2 of hooks.

I would do a mix of closed storage and bench with hooks above it. 12" is plenty. Be sure to have storage in or under the bench, too!

If you do hooks above the bench, make sure they are high enough that you don't hit your head on the hooks when you sit down. And think about tall adults, not just the kids.

Definitely agree with the other posters. Work the bench or shelf in with the hooks so you don't bump into the hooks by accident.

This post was edited by rmsmi on Wed, May 7, 14 at 9:23

I like the narrow bench idea, because i think it's nice to have a place to sit down, and it's not like it's supposed to be a deep window seat to read in or something - to put on your shoes you could have a ledge to balance on a bit and it would be helpful. I remember the ice skating rink by my house growing up had these benches that were so narrow they were more like balance beams - they were probably like 8" wide. Anyway, I think you can do it with 12". Maybe see if you can borrow something from a friend,or buy something you can return that is freestanding, just to get it in there and test and see if it is comfortable for you and your preferences before you build the bench.

For some reason I'm picturing this as an addition - do you have maybe have room to recess the bench, or even just the space above where the hook are, maybe between the studs, a few inches into the wall? if so it might help with the hooks at least because it would keep coats and everything you hang on them from bulking out into the walkway.

How about a hinged bench that folds against the wall and folds out easily when needed?