White Shoe Storage Benches for a Period Property

Period hallways are often narrow, sometimes dark and usually full of detail, from encaustic floor tiles to deep skirting boards and decorative cornicing. Storage in these spaces needs to work hard while staying visually quiet, and a white shoe storage bench can do exactly that when it is chosen with care. In this guide we explain why white suits older British homes and why a warm or soft off white is usually more forgiving than a brilliant one. We look at the design details that feel at home in Victorian, Edwardian and 1930s houses, including tongue and groove panels, turned or tapered legs, shaker framing and heritage inspired cushions. We also cover how to work around skirting boards, dado rails, uneven floors, radiators and tall ceilings, how to style the bench with mirrors and umbrella stands, how to size it for a narrow terrace and how to keep white paint looking fresh....