6 Best Slim Hall Chests Creators Recommend
Introduction — a best-kept secret I’m telling you
There’s a best-kept secret among interior-obsessed YouTubers and home-organizing pros: slim hall chests can completely transform a narrow entryway without crowding it. I’ve watched dozens of channels—design gurus and practical organizers—test dozens of models and keep returning to six specific pieces that nail the balance of style and storage. If you want curb-to-couch calm the moment you step inside, these are the slim chests I trust and recommend.
Why I trust these recommendations
Top YouTube channels with huge audiences—names you’ve probably seen—don’t just pick products for looks. They test materials, check drawer glides, measure for real-world shoes and mail, and consider finish durability. I adopt their picks because those creators combine aesthetic sensibility with real-life accountability. The following selections are all available to order today and reflect that same rigorous vetting.
How I chose these slim hall chests
I had three strict criteria: narrow footprint (under 16 inches deep), useful storage (drawers, cubbies or drop-downs), and built-to-last materials. I also favored pieces with finishes that hide fingerprints and hardware that feels solid. Finally, I leaned into pieces that photograph beautifully—because if a console doesn’t make your hallway look good through a camera lens, it probably won’t make you smile every day.
6 Best Slim Hall Chests Creators Recommend
- IKEA HEMNES 3-drawer chest — classic, budget-friendly, solid-wood charm
Product description The IKEA HEMNES 3-drawer chest in white stain is crafted from solid pine with a white stain finish that lets the wood grain show through. Dimensions: 31 1/8″ W x 13 3/8″ D x 30 3/8″ H (79 cm x 34 cm x 77 cm). Each drawer has wooden runners and metal supports for durability. The top is slightly recessed to prevent items from sliding off.
Why creators like it YouTubers love HEMNES for its traditional styling that photographs beautifully and its surprising sturdiness at a modest price. It’s a favorite in budget-friendly entryway makeovers because it pairs with modern hardware easily.
How it looks and feels White-washed pine grain, soft edges, a matte finish that resists glare—this chest reads cozy, cottage, and clean. The drawers glide with a gentle, satisfying motion.
My personal take I’ve used a HEMNES in a rental hallway for two years; it handled keys, dog leashes, and a weekly stack of mail without a single squeak. It’s not ultra-modern, but it’s warm and very forgiving with everyday wear.
Value proposition Solid wood at an entry-level price point; easy to paint or switch out knobs for a more custom look.
Practical buying advice Measure your doorway clearance and allow at least 3″ for walking space in narrow halls. If your home is humid, choose the pre-finished option to avoid warping.
- West Elm Streamline Narrow Console (Walnut) — mid-century modern, refined proportions
Product description The West Elm Streamline Narrow Console in walnut veneer features a thin profile with a single slim drawer and lower open shelf. Dimensions: 48″ W x 12″ D x 30″ H. The top is walnut veneer over engineered wood with a solid hardwood frame. The drawer uses soft-close glides and the legs are tapered solid wood.
Why creators like it Design-focused YouTubers praise its silhouette and photography-ready walnut tone. It’s frequently used in style videos showing how to balance decorative objects and functional storage.
How it looks and feels Warm, mid-toned walnut with a subtle satin sheen. The drawer face is flush and minimal, and the slim legs give the chest an airy, floating appearance.
My personal take I placed this console in a long, narrow entry and loved that it visually lengthened the space. The single drawer swallows sunglasses and a slim pad for mail, while the shelf holds baskets for shoes.
Value proposition A designer look without custom pricing; good for someone who wants clean lines and a tactile wood finish.
Practical buying advice If you need more closed storage, pair it with a woven basket on the lower shelf to hide shoes and scarves.
- CB2 Peek White 3-Drawer Narrow Dresser — modern minimal, durable laminate
Product description The CB2 Peek 3-drawer narrow dresser is finished in a matte white laminate over engineered wood with metal runners and soft-close drawers. Dimensions: 28″ W x 14″ D x 30″ H. Hardware is hidden; the drawers have a recessed pull for a seamless face.
Why creators like it Minimalist YouTubers recommend it for small apartments because it looks high-end and is forgiving to spills and fingerprints. It’s a recurring pick for “small-space sanctuaries” and apartment tours.
How it looks and feels Smooth matte surface that photos beautifully without glare, crisp edges, and a modern wedge-like profile. The laminate gives it resilience in high-traffic entryways.
My personal take I’ve watched creators put this in student housing and tiny flats—it cleans up easily, and the recessed pulls keep the silhouette calm. The drawers are shallow but excellent for gloves, wallets, and keys.
Value proposition A modern aesthetic and easy maintenance at a reasonable cost.
Practical buying advice Laminate surfaces scratch differently than solid wood—use a cutting board under heavy decor and avoid sharp metallic decor bases.
- Pottery Barn Benchwright Narrow Chest (Aged Pine) — rustic charm with functional depth
Product description The Pottery Barn Benchwright Narrow Chest (aged pine finish) is made from reclaimed pine with metal drawer pulls. Dimensions: 36″ W x 13″ D x 30″ H. Drawers have dovetail joinery, full-extension glides, and there’s a slightly distressed finish for that curated, vintage look.
Why creators like it Lifestyle YouTubers recommend this when they want a lived-in, comfortable entryway that still reads curated. It blends rustic texture with practical storage.
How it looks and feels Warm honey tones, visible knots and grain, matte patina, and tactile metal pulls with slight oxidation. It conveys homeliness and durability.
My personal take I’ve staged cottages with the Benchwright; it absorbs the accidental knocks of busy families and hides wear with its finish. The drawers pull out fully, great for stashing seasonal gloves and mail overflow.
Value proposition Reclaimed wood aesthetic with solid joinery—good for people who want character and durability.
Practical buying advice Because it’s real wood, expect slight dimensional variations; measure twice if you’re fitting it into a tight built-in niche.
- Target Threshold Carson Narrow 3-drawer Chest — everyday practical, great price
Product description The Threshold Carson narrow 3-drawer chest is made from engineered wood with a melamine finish in a soft greige color. Dimensions: 30″ W x 12″ D x 28″ H. Drawers have metal glides and polymer drawer stops. The finish is matte and resists fingerprints.
Why creators like it Budget-focused creators say this one punches above its weight for everyday households. It’s often chosen for quick, affordable entryway refreshes that still look polished.
How it looks and feels Neutral greige that photographs warm under soft lighting, simple round knobs, and a compact footprint that fits in very narrow spaces.
My personal take For a temporary home or first apartment, this chest gives you usable storage and a calm look. It handled dog leashes, kids’ backpacks, and recycled paper without complaint.
Value proposition Low-cost, functional, and easy to replace—great for people who refresh decor every few years.
Practical buying advice Expect assembly; if you’re placing heavy objects on top, use a reinforcement board to spread weight across the top surface.
- Anthropologie Penn Console (Ivory/Gold Trim) — decorative, boutique-quality statement piece
Product description The Anthropologie Penn Console features an ivory lacquer finish with brushed gold metal trim and a slim protruding top. Dimensions: 40″ W x 13.5″ D x 32″ H. Construction is engineered wood with a high-quality lacquer and thin brass-finish legs. The single drawer has a velvet-lined bottom and soft-close hardware.
Why creators like it Fashion and decor creators pick the Penn Console when they want a small hallway to feel curated—luxury touches like the gold trim and velvet drawer lining photograph exceptionally well.
How it looks and feels Polished ivory lacquer that glows in natural light, contrasted with warm metallics. The drawer lining and soft-close glide give a deluxe tactile experience.
My personal take I recommend this when you want a small-but-luxe look. It’s more decorative than rough-and-tumble, so it’s best in lower-traffic zones or households that keep clutter minimal.
Value proposition Statement-making finish and luxe details—worth it if you want a piece that doubles as decor.
Practical buying advice Keep liquids away from lacquer; use felt pads under trays. If you have young kids or pets, place it in a less-ruffled spot.
What to look for in a slim hall chest — clear criteria I use
- Depth: Aim for 10–15 inches (25–38 cm) to keep walkways clear while offering usable storage. Deeper than 16 inches often obstructs narrow halls.
- Height: 28–36 inches is comfortable for dropping keys and sitting to put on shoes.
- Materials: Solid wood or solid hardwood faces over engineered substrates resist sagging; laminates are easy to clean.
- Hardware and drawer slides: Soft-close or full-extension metal glides extend lifespan and usability.
- Finishes: Matte or satin finishes photograph better and hide small scratches; distressed finishes hide wear.
- Function: Consider drawer sizes—shallower drawers for small items; full-extension deeper drawers for shoes or bulky items.
- Assembly and delivery: Check dimensions for doorways and ask if the company offers white-glove delivery for expensive pieces.
My practical checklist before buying
- Measure doorways and the final hallway width.
- Allow at least 30–36 inches of clearance for single-file traffic in entryways.
- Think about what you’ll store (mail, umbrellas, shoes, tech chargers) and choose drawer depth accordingly.
- Decide whether the finish should match existing trim or deliberately contrast.
- Consider maintenance—wipeable surfaces vs. woods needing oil or waxing.
Styling tips from creators I follow
- Keep the top simple: one tray for keys, one low vase for fresh stems, and a mirror above to bounce light.
- Use woven baskets on open shelves to hide shoes—texture adds warmth and visual interest.
- Layer a runner underneath for a hallway that feels intentional and cozy.
- Add a wall hook nearby for daily bags—combine open and closed storage for best functionality.
Personal testimonial — why these choices work for me
I’ve redone three entryways in the past five years and used at least four of the six chests listed. The HEMNES lived with me through moves and still looked solid; the West Elm Streamline brought a refined vibe to a rental that otherwise felt plain. I appreciate pieces that look good in photos because they usually feel considered in person, too.
FAQ — quick answers creators always cover
Q: What depth should my slim hall chest be? A: Under 16 inches is ideal; 10–13 inches keeps traffic comfortable while offering surface space.
Q: Can narrow chests hold shoes? A: Shallow shoes or flats work well; for boots, look for taller narrow chests or add a low bench with under-storage.
Q: What finish is best for high-traffic entries? A: Matte or satin laminated finishes resist fingerprints; distressed or darker woods hide scuffs well.
Q: Are cheap options worth it? A: Yes if you’re on a budget—just expect less longevity. Choose a lower-cost chest for short-term needs or frequent redecoration.
Q: How do I keep the top clutter-free? A: Use a shallow tray and a couple of small containers to corral keys, receipts, and masks.
Comparison chart — at-a-glance (features I emphasize)
- IKEA HEMNES: Solid pine, 13.375″ D, classic cottage look, best budget solid wood.
- West Elm Streamline Narrow Console: Walnut veneer, 12″ D, mid-century modern, best for photography-ready styling.
- CB2 Peek 3-drawer: Matte laminate, 14″ D, modern minimal, best for easy maintenance.
- Pottery Barn Benchwright: Reclaimed pine, 13″ D, rustic, best for character and durability.
- Target Threshold Carson: Melamine, 12″ D, affordable, best for temporary homes/apartments.
- Anthropologie Penn Console: Lacquer & gold trim, 13.5″ D, boutique styling, best for statement looks.
Real-life placement ideas
- Narrow urban entry: CB2 Peek or Target Threshold for durability and easy maintenance.
- Cottage or farmhouse: IKEA HEMNES or Pottery Barn Benchwright for warm wood grain and character.
- Minimalist modern: West Elm Streamline for walnut tone and clean lines.
- Boutique or refined spaces: Anthropologie Penn for polished detail and luxe finishes.
Final buying advice — how to pick one right now
Start by measuring. If your hallway is extremely narrow, prioritize depth and low-profile hardware. Next, decide whether you want the piece to be mostly functional or a focal point. If functional, go with laminate or a simple drawer system like CB2 or Threshold. If a focal point, invest in West Elm or Anthropologie for the refined finishes. Remember that most creators value proportion and scale over brand—so pick the chest that fits your space visually and functionally.
Closing note from a friend who’s done this
I’m telling you this from hours of watching creators test, measure, and photograph these pieces—and from moving them through real life. A slim hall chest is a tiny investment for a huge payoff: a calmer entry, better daily routines, and a space that looks intentional. Pick one that fits your space, your way of living, and your favorite aesthetic—and you’ll notice the difference every time you walk in the door.