Hall Trees Take Root in Entryways

The "mud room" is the 1990s solution to the problem of where to place a dripping umbrella, coat or hat. In the 1860s, the hall tree was the answer. . . . The 6- to 9-foot-high hall tree, placed near the front door, was designed to stand flat against the wall. It held the clothes and accessories needed for bad weather. Hooks for coats were at the top. There was a mirror in the center, a bench that stored boots and an umbrella, and a cane stand at the bottom."
-- Quoted from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via Find Articles

You can still find hall trees - and if your home could accommodate one, it might be a fine entryway storage solution. And they come in a range of styles and sizes - and prices. I'll skip the antiques and show you a few of the other options.

The photo above is the hall tree from Bernhardt Residential's American Anthology collection.




For a very different look, there's this French Country style hall tree.




And here's another style - a hall tree from Harold's Oak House, which specializes in Amish furniture.





This hall tree from Sawdust City is available in 34 different colors.




You can also get a wrought iron hall tree; this one is by Bago Luma. It loses the storage portion of the bench, though.




And bamboo is another option. May 26, 2008: Unfortunately, this item doesn't seem to be available any longer.