1. Hall trees are the perfect addition to a formal entryway, offering an attractive place to hang coats, hats, scarves, and more. Shelf, drawer and bench-style storage offer plenty of room for items that normally create a heap of clutter.
2. These are attractive pieces of furniture, with styles in forged wrought iron, metal, wicker, rattan, pine, and a variety of hardwoods, including French Maple, cherry, oak, and mahogany. These Exquisite pieces have hand-carved details, optional stone tops, and antique finishes.
3. Some are made of fine hardwood and certain metals are intended for indoor use only. If the finish is weather resistant and designed to inhibit rust when exposed to excessive moisture, they can be used indoors, or in outdoor locations like covered patios.
4. Hall trees offer one-stop options for the entire family: mirrors are perfect for a last-minute attire, hair, or makeup checks, and umbrella stands keep umbrellas handy when there is the threat of rain. Consider a hall tree that has a tilt-down storage compartment for storage of shoes or winter boots.
5. Your entryway can make a dramatic statement about you and your sense of style. Start with an elegant hall tree; add decorative cushions, Persian- or art deco area or accent rugs, and romantic sconce wall lighting to make a dramatic first and last impression as guests enter and leave your home.
6. If you have kids, you know that they can never remember where they left their jackets, shoes, hats, gloves and backpacks. Try a kids-only hall tree at the back door or in the mudroom - a place for all their belongings, and bench seating so kids have a place to sit and put on or take off shoes and boots.
7. Hall trees with weather-resistant finishes can be used on decks and patios to store gardening hats, jackets, and shoes. Shelves and storage drawers provide a safe place for small gardening gloves, knee pads, and tools.
8. Hall trees with cubbyholes, shelves, drawers, and tabletop storage provide a convenient drop for keys, wallets, glasses, briefcases, laptops, cell phones, pens and notepads. Hall trees placed at the main entrance of the home make perfect message centers, where parents and kids can leave or pick up important notes and memos.
9. When shopping for a hall tree, consider the various sizes and constructions available. Make sure that the it is not too overpowering for the entryway, that it matches the existing decor, and that the craftsmanship is worthy of a place of recognition in your home.
10. Burr and mahogany veneers saved on wood and became popular in the Victorian era - these paper-thin, knife-cut sheets of veneer produced cost-effective alternatives to lavish hardwoods. However, the most valuable Victorian coat racks/hall trees (valued in excess of $8,000 in today's antique market) were made of expensive rosewood, lush walnut, and rich mahogany.
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