Entry Benches with Built-In Hooks: Your Ultimate Guide to a Tidy and Stylish Entryway

Transforming Your Entryway: How an Entry Bench with Hooks Creates an Organized Welcome

The moment you open your front door sets the tone for your entire home experience. An entry bench with hooks—sometimes called a hall tree or mudroom bench—serves as the perfect foundation for creating an organized and welcoming space. These thoughtfully designed pieces combine comfortable seating with strategic hanging space, transforming what could be a chaotic drop zone into an efficient, stylish greeting area.

Picture the typical weekday scenario: coats dropped over chairs, shoes scattered across the floor, bags slumped against walls, and the frantic morning search for keys. Now imagine instead walking into a well-organized entryway where everyone’s belongings have a designated place. Bench hooks and storage solutions bring order to this daily chaos by providing a natural landing spot for your essential items.

The beauty of entry benches with hooks lies in their dual functionality. The seating component offers a comfortable place to put on or remove shoes, while the hooks keep coats, bags, hats, and other hanging items visible, accessible, and—most importantly—off the floor. This combination creates not just organization but a visual calm that extends throughout your home.

Beyond mere practicality, these versatile furniture pieces contribute significantly to your home’s first impression. Available in styles ranging from rustic farmhouse to sleek modern designs, an entry bench with hooks can be both a statement piece and a workhorse of daily organization. When thoughtfully selected, it becomes an extension of your home’s personality while solving one of the most common household challenges: entryway clutter.

Learning how to organize a small entryway bench can completely transform how you experience coming home each day. The right entry solution creates a transition space that helps you decompress from the outside world while maintaining order in your home—proving that organization isn’t just practical but essential to creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Essential Benefits: Why Every Home Deserves an Entry Bench with Hooks

Maximized Organization That Keeps Essentials Within Reach

An entry bench with hooks fundamentally changes how you interact with your home’s entrance by creating designated zones for everything you need when coming and going. Keys, bags, coats, dog leashes, and umbrellas all find their proper place, eliminating the infamous “where did I put that?” moment that delays so many morning departures. Studies suggest the average person spends nearly 10 minutes daily searching for misplaced items—time that could be saved with thoughtful organization systems. By keeping everyday essentials visible and accessible, these multi-functional pieces streamline your daily routines and reduce unnecessary stress.

Space-Saving Design That Works in Any Entryway

Whether your entry area is spacious or compact, these versatile pieces make excellent use of vertical space—one of the most underutilized dimensions in many homes. By combining multiple furniture functions into a single footprint, space-saving entryway ideas like hall trees with hooks can reduce the square footage needed for entryway organization by up to 50% compared to separate pieces. Even in the smallest apartments or townhomes, space-saving entry benches for small homes can transform narrow hallways or modest foyers into efficient, welcoming spaces that make a strong first impression while maintaining functionality.

Practical Seating That Enhances Daily Routines

The seemingly simple addition of seating to your entryway delivers outsized benefits to your daily routines. Having a comfortable place to sit while putting on or removing shoes prevents awkward balancing acts and makes transitions smoother for everyone from young children to elderly family members. This practical benefit extends to everyday moments like setting down groceries, checking mail, or waiting for family members to get ready. The bench portion also provides temporary staging space when unpacking bags or sorting through items before distributing them throughout your home.

Style Enhancement That Elevates Your Entryway’s Appearance

Entry benches with hooks aren’t just organizational tools—they’re also significant design elements that set the tone for your entire home. As one of the first pieces visitors see, these benches contribute substantially to your home’s aesthetic first impression. Available in countless styles from minimalist modern to ornate traditional designs, the right bench can anchor your entryway decor while reflecting your personal style. Many homeowners find that upgrading this single furniture piece creates a more cohesive, intentional look throughout their entrance area, making the space feel thoughtfully designed rather than merely functional.

Clutter Reduction That Creates Mental Clarity

Perhaps the most profound benefit extends beyond the physical—a well-organized entryway fundamentally changes how you feel when entering and leaving your home. Environmental psychologists have found that visual clutter increases stress hormones and decreases focus, while organized spaces promote calm and mental clarity. By providing a systematic way to manage the items that typically create entryway chaos, these benches create a psychological buffer zone between the outside world and your home sanctuary. This organized transition space helps family members mentally decompress when arriving home and start each day with greater clarity when heading out.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Select the Perfect Entry Bench with Hooks

Choosing the right entry bench with hooks requires thoughtful consideration of both your practical needs and design preferences. This furniture piece represents a significant intersection of function and style—one that will impact your daily routines and your home’s first impression for years to come. Rather than making a quick decision based solely on appearance, a methodical approach ensures you’ll select a bench that truly serves your household’s specific requirements.

The selection process involves assessing several key factors: the physical constraints of your space, your family’s unique storage and organization needs, material quality that matches your lifestyle, and design aesthetics that complement your home. Each of these considerations carries weight in determining which bench will work best for your situation. A complete understanding of choosing a compact bench can help you navigate these decisions with confidence.

Many homeowners make the mistake of purchasing based on appearance alone, only to discover their beautiful bench doesn’t accommodate their family’s coats or fit properly in their space. By taking time to evaluate your specific requirements before shopping, you’ll avoid these common pitfalls and find a piece that delivers both beauty and functionality for your unique situation.

In the following sections, we’ll explore each selection criterion in depth, providing practical guidance to help you identify the perfect entry bench with hooks for your home.

Space Assessment: Measuring and Planning Your Perfect Fit

Before falling in love with any specific bench design, a thorough space assessment provides the foundation for a successful purchase. Start by measuring your available width, accounting for any architectural features like doors, windows, or wall switches that might limit placement. Most entry benches range from 36 to 72 inches wide, with narrower options available for tight spaces.

Depth measurements are equally critical—allow for at least 16 inches of bench depth plus additional space for comfortable seating without blocking traffic flow. Remember to account for the door swing arc by measuring the full path your door takes when opening and closing. This often-overlooked detail can quickly rule out certain placements or size options.

Height considerations matter from both practical and aesthetic perspectives. Standard bench seating heights range from 17 to 20 inches for comfortable sitting, while the overall height with hooks typically reaches 65 to 78 inches. If you have lower ceilings or overhead obstacles like light fixtures, be particularly attentive to the total height measurement.

For visual planning, try the painter’s tape technique—outline the potential bench dimensions directly on your floor and wall using tape to create a clear visualization of how the piece will occupy your space. This simple step helps identify potential traffic flow issues or space constraints before making a purchase. Those with particularly limited room might need to explore narrow entryway bench options specifically designed for compact areas.

The perfect entryway bench height often depends on who will be using it most frequently. If children will be the primary users, a slightly lower seat height (around 16-17 inches) might be more appropriate, while taller family members might prefer a higher bench (closer to 19-20 inches) to avoid excessive bending.

Functional Requirements: Matching Features to Your Family’s Needs

The ideal configuration of your entry bench with hooks should directly reflect how your household will use it daily. Consider the number of family members and their typical routines—do you need abundant hook space for multiple winter coats, or just a few key spots for everyday items? Standard designs offer between 4-8 hooks, but options with additional capacity are available for larger households.

The weight capacity of both the bench seating and hooks deserves careful attention. Most quality benches support between 250-400 pounds of seating weight, but this can vary significantly based on construction. Hook strength is equally important—metal hooks typically support 10-25 pounds each, suitable for heavy coats and loaded backpacks, while some decorative hooks may have lower weight ratings.

Storage configuration represents another key decision point. Options range from open shelving (ideal for quick access to shoes), enclosed cubbies (providing neater visual appearance), drawers (perfect for small items like gloves and keys), or under-bench space for baskets and bins. Your family’s specific organization style and the items you typically bring through your entryway should guide this choice.

Entryway hall trees often combine multiple storage solutions with integrated hook systems, providing comprehensive organization in a single unit. Consider whether family members will realistically maintain complex organization systems or would benefit from simpler, more intuitive storage options.

For households with children, evaluate accessibility features—can kids reach the hooks independently, or will they need adult help? Are storage components easy for small hands to manage? These practical considerations ensure your bench will actually be used effectively rather than becoming another obstacle in your entryway.

Materials Matter: Understanding Construction Quality and Durability

The materials used in your entry bench directly impact its longevity, maintenance requirements, and visual appeal. Solid wood options like oak, maple, and pine offer exceptional durability and timeless aesthetics but vary significantly in hardness and price. Oak provides outstanding strength and distinctive grain patterns, while pine offers a more budget-friendly alternative with softer characteristics that may show wear more quickly.

Engineered wood materials like MDF (medium-density fiberboard) and particleboard provide cost advantages and consistent appearance, but generally offer less durability than solid wood alternatives. Look for quality indicators like smooth, sealed edges and sturdy backing panels when considering these options. High-quality engineered wood benches with proper protective finishes can still provide many years of service at a more accessible price point.

Metal construction elements—particularly in hooks, frames, and accents—add both style and strength. Wrought iron, steel, and aluminum components each offer different benefits, with steel providing maximum strength while aluminum resists corrosion more effectively. Pay attention to weight ratings on metal components, as these provide direct indicators of durability.

For benches with upholstered elements, fabric selection significantly impacts both appearance and maintenance. Performance fabrics with stain-resistant treatments make practical sense for high-traffic entryways, while leather or vinyl options offer easier cleaning but may feel cold during winter months. Consider seasonal temperature variations in your entryway when selecting seating materials.

Construction quality often reveals itself in the details—examine joinery techniques (dovetail and mortise-and-tenon connections indicate quality craftsmanship), hardware durability (solid metal hinges and drawer glides), and overall sturdiness. A well-constructed wood entryway bench should feel solid without wobbling or creaking when tested.

Finally, consider finish quality and protection. Sealed surfaces resist moisture damage—a critical feature for furniture that may encounter wet umbrellas, snowy boots, or damp coats. Multi-step finishing processes generally provide superior protection and appearance compared to basic single-coat finishes.

Style Selection: Finding a Design that Complements Your Home

Your entry bench makes a powerful style statement as one of the first furniture pieces visitors encounter in your home. The design aesthetic should harmonize with your existing décor while expressing your personal taste. Farmhouse style benches feature distressed finishes, X-pattern details, and rustic hardware that create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. These farmhouse entryway benches work beautifully in homes with country, traditional, or transitional décor schemes.

Modern designs emphasize clean lines, minimalist silhouettes, and often incorporate mixed materials like wood with metal accents. These modern entryway benches complement contemporary homes and provide sophisticated organization without visual clutter. Look for features like hidden storage compartments and streamlined hook designs that prioritize function without sacrificing style.

Industrial aesthetic options feature exposed metal components, weathered wood, and utilitarian details that reference factory and warehouse design elements. These pieces work particularly well in lofts, converted spaces, and homes with existing industrial touches like exposed brick or ductwork. The robust materials typically used in industrial designs also offer excellent durability for busy households.

Traditional entry benches with hooks draw inspiration from historical furniture styles, often featuring carved details, curved lines, and richer finishes like cherry or mahogany tones. These classic designs create a formal, established feel that complements colonial, Victorian, and heritage homes while providing timeless appeal that resists trend cycles.

Color selection plays a crucial role in how your bench integrates with your overall design scheme. White and light neutral benches create an airy, open feeling while darker finishes add visual weight and formality. Consider how your bench color relates to your flooring—strong contrast creates a focal point, while closer color matching helps the piece blend more subtly into your space.

Remember that hardware details—hook styles, drawer pulls, and hinges—contribute significantly to the overall aesthetic. These smaller elements can refine the style direction and should coordinate with existing hardware throughout your home for cohesive design flow.

Top-Rated Entry Benches with Hooks: Our Recommendations

After evaluating dozens of entry benches with hooks based on construction quality, functional design, customer satisfaction, and value, we’ve identified standout options across several categories. Each recommendation addresses different household needs while maintaining exceptional quality standards and design integrity.

For maximum organization capacity, the Nested Goods Hamilton Hall Tree excels with its comprehensive storage system that includes six double-strength coat hooks, three divided cubbies, and two spacious drawers. The solid wood construction with reinforced joinery ensures stability even when fully loaded with winter gear. Its 48-inch width accommodates multiple family members without overwhelming medium-sized entryways, making it an ideal solution for busy households seeking complete organization.

Compact spaces benefit from the Nested Goods Corner Hall System that cleverly utilizes often-wasted corner space. Despite its space-efficient footprint, this design incorporates four sturdy hooks, a comfortable bench with hidden storage, and a small upper shelf—proving that even modest entryways can achieve complete organization. The triangular design maximizes function while minimizing interference with traffic flow, an essential consideration for apartments and smaller homes.

Those seeking exceptional craftsmanship should consider the Artisan Collection bench with hand-forged iron hooks and bench supports combined with solid oak planking. The traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery and multi-step hand-finishing process reflect true artisanal quality, while the timeless design ensures it will remain stylish regardless of changing trends. Though commanding a premium price, its heirloom quality construction justifies the investment for those seeking lasting quality.

Budget-conscious shoppers will appreciate the Modern Essentials bench that delivers remarkable value without compromising core functionality. The engineered wood construction features a protective laminate finish that resists scratches and moisture, while the simple design complements various décor styles. Though lacking some premium features like soft-close drawers or additional shelving, it provides the fundamental benefits of seating and hanging storage at an accessible price point.

Multi-functional options like the Nested Goods Storage Master prioritize versatility with features like an integrated mirror, concealed key hooks, and adjustable shelving that adapts to changing storage needs. This adaptability makes it particularly valuable for evolving households where organization requirements may change over time. The thoughtful design details—like reinforced hook mounting and water-resistant lower storage—address common pain points identified in customer feedback.

For distinctive design, the Architectural Series stands apart with its mixed material construction combining reclaimed wood, blackened steel, and brass accents. This statement piece serves both practical needs and aesthetic goals, functioning as functional art in your entryway. The attention to detail extends to functional elements like precision-weighted hooks that automatically return to alignment when not in use.

Our entryway coat rack bench collection features many of these recommended options, along with specialized designs like corner hall trees that address specific spatial challenges. Each recommended piece balances quality construction, thoughtful design, and value appropriate to its price category.

Stylish Solutions: Creative Ways to Enhance Your Entry Bench Setup

Transforming your entry bench from merely functional to truly spectacular involves thoughtful styling that complements both your bench and your overall home aesthetic. Start by creating a welcoming vignette that greets visitors and family members. A small table lamp provides practical lighting while adding warmth, or consider battery-operated candles for ambiance without electrical requirements. A small dish for keys or a decorative bowl for seasonal items adds both function and visual interest.

Textiles dramatically enhance comfort and style through thoughtfully selected entryway bench cushions that add color, pattern, and softness to hard seating surfaces. For maximum versatility, choose cushions with removable, washable covers that can be changed seasonally. Complement bench cushions with coordinating throw pillows at one end to create an inviting spot to sit. Textile choices should consider practicality—darker patterns or performance fabrics withstand dirty shoes and damp coats better than delicate options.

Storage accessories elevate both function and appearance when thoughtfully selected. Baskets and bins in natural materials like seagrass, water hyacinth, or canvas add texture while containing smaller items that would otherwise create visual clutter. Choose containers that fit precisely within your bench’s cubby spaces or underneath the seating area for a custom, intentional look. Label options range from subtle leather tags to decorative chalkboard panels, depending on your style preference.

Wall space surrounding your bench presents additional styling opportunities. Consider installing a large mirror above the bench to reflect light, create the illusion of space, and provide a quick appearance check before leaving home. Alternatively, create a gallery wall with family photos or artwork that expresses your personal style. For practical enhancement, floating shelves above hooks provide additional display space or storage for seasonal items.

Seasonal decoration approaches keep your entryway fresh and engaging throughout the year. Rather than completely redesigning the space, identify a few key elements to rotate—perhaps changing cushion covers from light linen in summer to rich velvet in winter, or switching decorative objects to reflect upcoming holidays. A small potted plant or fresh flowers bring life to the space year-round, with species selections changing with the seasons.

Coordinating your bench styling with adjacent spaces creates visual flow and harmony. Pick up colors from nearby rooms in your textile choices, or echo materials and finishes used elsewhere in your home. This thoughtful coordination makes your entryway feel integrated with the rest of your home rather than a disconnected transition space. Space-saving entryway seating solutions can be both beautiful and practical when styled with intention.

DIY Possibilities: Creating Your Custom Entry Bench with Hooks

For those with woodworking skills and tools, creating a custom entry bench with hooks offers the opportunity to design a piece perfectly tailored to your specific space and needs. Before embarking on this project, honestly assess your skill level—beginner woodworkers might start with a simple bench design using dimensional lumber, while those with intermediate skills can attempt more complex features like drawers or cubbies.

Basic tools needed include a circular saw or miter saw, drill, sander, measuring tools, and basic clamps. Material options range from pine (most budget-friendly and easiest to work with) to hardwoods like oak or maple for greater durability. Pre-made components like decorative hooks, bench legs, or drawer pulls can simplify construction while adding professional-looking details to your finished piece.

The construction process typically involves building the bench base first, followed by any storage components, and finishing with the vertical back panel and hook installation. Critical measurements include a comfortable bench height of 17-19 inches, depth of at least 15 inches for comfortable seating, and hook placement at approximately 5-6 feet from the floor for adult use, with possibly lower options for children.

Numerous free and paid plans are available online through woodworking websites, video tutorials, and DIY blogs. These resources provide detailed cutting lists, step-by-step instructions, and finishing recommendations suitable for various skill levels. Many plans can be modified to fit your specific dimensions or design preferences.

Customization possibilities represent the greatest advantage of DIY construction. You can adjust dimensions to perfectly fit your available space, select materials and finishes that match existing furniture, position hooks at ideal heights for family members, and incorporate special features like hidden compartments or charging stations that aren’t available in commercial options. For inspiration, browse best small benches for entryways to gather design ideas that might be adapted for your custom project.

From a cost perspective, DIY benches typically save 30-60% compared to purchased pieces of similar quality, though this advantage decreases if you need to purchase significant tools. The time investment ranges from a weekend project for simple designs to several weekends for more elaborate constructions with multiple storage features and detailed finishes.

Maintenance Mastery: Keeping Your Entry Bench Looking Its Best

Regular maintenance ensures your entry bench remains beautiful and functional for years to come. Establish weekly quick-clean routines that include dusting surfaces, wiping down hooks, and clearing any accumulated items. Monthly deeper cleaning should address bench seating, storage areas, and checking all hardware for tightness and proper function.

Material-specific care techniques maximize longevity. For wood finishes, avoid harsh chemical cleaners in favor of mild soap solutions or specialized wood cleaners followed by furniture polish appropriate for your finish type. Metal components benefit from occasional wiping with a slightly oily cloth to prevent rust and maintain shine. Upholstered elements should be vacuumed regularly with spot cleaning as needed—always test cleaning products on an inconspicuous area first.

Preventative maintenance significantly extends your bench’s lifespan. Place protective pads under heavy items stored on wooden surfaces to prevent scratches. Consider applying furniture wax to wood components every 6-12 months to maintain moisture resistance and shine. For benches placed near doors, monitor for water exposure during rainy seasons and promptly dry any moisture to prevent damage.

Stability checks should become part of your routine maintenance. Test all hooks periodically by applying gentle pressure to ensure secure mounting. Tighten any loose screws, particularly in high-use areas like the bench supports and hook attachments. If you notice developing wobbles in the bench structure, address them immediately before they worsen—often a simple tightening of connection points resolves these issues.

In high-traffic households, inspect for wear patterns quarterly and address them before they become problematic. Wood edges might need light sanding and touch-up finishing, while upholstery may benefit from fabric protector reapplication. Maximizing small spaces with smart entryway benches includes maintaining them properly to ensure long-term functionality in challenging environments.

Seasonal maintenance provides opportunities to rotate stored items, clean less-accessible areas, and refresh your entryway’s appearance. Use these quarterly check-ins to evaluate whether your current setup still meets your family’s needs or if adjustments would improve functionality.

Common Questions: Entry Bench with Hooks FAQ

What weight can typical entry bench hooks safely hold?

Standard hooks on quality entry benches can typically support between 10-25 pounds per hook, depending on the construction method and materials. Metal hooks secured with proper hardware into solid wood backing offer the highest capacity—usually sufficient for winter coats, backpacks, and purses. Hooks attached only to engineered wood materials generally have lower weight limits. For safety, avoid hanging multiple heavy items on a single hook, and teach children not to pull or hang on hooks.

How many hooks do I need for my household?

A practical guideline is to provide at least 1-2 hooks per household member, plus 2-3 additional hooks for guests. For a family of four, this translates to 6-11 total hooks. Consider your climate and lifestyle when determining hook quantity—households in regions with distinct seasons requiring different outerwear may benefit from additional capacity. Remember that overfilled hooks create visual clutter and may exceed weight limits, so err on the side of more hooks rather than fewer when possible.

Are entry benches with hooks difficult to assemble?

Assembly complexity varies significantly between models. Simple designs with minimal storage features typically require 30-60 minutes for assembly with basic tools. More complex units with drawers, cabinets, or extensive shelving might take 2-3 hours and require intermediate DIY skills. Most quality manufacturers provide detailed instructions, pre-drilled holes, and all necessary hardware. If assembly concerns you, look for options labeled “quick assembly” or check customer reviews specifically mentioning the assembly process.

Which materials perform best in high-traffic entryways?

For high-traffic areas, prioritize durability and ease of cleaning. Solid hardwoods like oak and maple resist dents and scratches better than softer woods. Metal components should feature protective coatings to prevent rust from wet outerwear. For bench seating, performance fabrics with stain-resistant treatments or easy-clean materials like vinyl and leather outperform standard fabrics. Avoid unsealed woods, delicate finishes, and light-colored upholstery that will quickly show soil and wear patterns.

How do I safely secure tall entry bench units to prevent tipping?

All tall entry furniture should be anchored to wall studs using anti-tip hardware, typically L-brackets or furniture straps. This safety measure is particularly crucial in households with children who might climb on the furniture. Most quality pieces include wall anchoring hardware, but if yours doesn’t, suitable kits are inexpensive and widely available. Always locate and anchor into wall studs rather than just drywall for secure installation. The small effort of proper anchoring prevents potentially serious accidents.

Can I add hooks to my existing bench?

Yes, many standard benches can be converted into entry storage systems by adding hooks or a hook rail. Choose hooks with mounting hardware appropriate for your bench’s construction—wood screws for solid wood, specialized anchors for engineered wood. For best results, add a backing panel to distribute weight properly rather than mounting hooks directly to a bench with an open back. Ensure hooks are mounted into structural components rather than decorative elements, and consider the overall stability of your bench before adding the weight of hanging items.

What are the best solutions for affordable entryway bench options?

Budget-conscious shoppers can find quality options by focusing on smaller-scale benches, simplified designs, or engineered wood construction with quality finishes. Look for sales at the end of seasonal cycles, floor models with minor cosmetic imperfections, or unfinished pieces you can customize yourself. Some retailers offer bench and hook sets separately at lower combined prices than integrated units. Consider repurposed furniture as well—kitchen benches, deacons benches, or even dining benches can be adapted for entryway use with the addition of wall-mounted hooks.

Your Personal Entry Solution: Making the Right Choice

Selecting the perfect entry bench with hooks represents an investment in both your home’s organization and its aesthetic appeal. The ideal choice balances functional requirements with design preferences—creating a solution uniquely suited to your household’s specific needs. Remember that this furniture piece serves multiple critical functions: providing seating for transitions, organizing essential items, and creating a positive first impression of your home.

As you evaluate options, prioritize accurate measurements and space planning. Even the most beautiful bench will disappoint if it doesn’t fit properly in your entryway or accommodate your family’s storage needs. Take time to measure thoroughly and visualize how different options will function in your specific space before making a final decision.

Quality construction directly impacts both appearance and longevity. While budget considerations are valid, investing in better materials and craftsmanship typically delivers greater value over time. A well-constructed bench with hooks will serve your family for many years, making the initial price difference between good and excellent quality a worthwhile investment for such a frequently used piece.

Consider how your selection fits into your overall home design story. The best entry solutions feel intentional rather than isolated—connecting visually with adjacent spaces while establishing the design tone for your home. Our entryway benches collection offers varied styles to complement different architectural and decorative approaches.

The transformation potential of a well-chosen entry bench extends beyond simple organization. When thoughtfully selected and styled, these functional pieces create a sense of welcome and order that influences how you experience arriving home each day. Your entryway sets the tone for your entire home experience, making this furniture choice particularly significant.

For homes with space constraints, exploring ways to transform entryways with space-saving benches can dramatically improve both functionality and appearance without requiring architectural changes. The right bench maximizes available space while minimizing visual clutter—creating an organized welcome regardless of your entryway’s dimensions.

By carefully considering your specific needs, accurately measuring your space, and selecting quality construction in a style you love, you’ll create an entryway that functions beautifully for your household while making a positive impression on everyone who enters your home.