In the coastal suburbs of Perth, the Young family struggled with their small entryway. Living in a MIDHILL apartment, they needed a storage bench that fit their modern American glam style without overwhelming the tight space. The humidity in Western Australia made durability a must, and the long shipping distances from overseas suppliers meant they couldn’t wait months for delivery.
The Youngs moved into their three-bedroom apartment in Cottesloe two years ago. With a 4m x 2m entryway, every piece had to be functional and stylish. Their living room featured an ivory white sofa and a champagne gold accent table, but the entryway felt cluttered with random shoes, bags, and seasonal decorations. ‘We love our neighbourhood but the humidity makes storage tricky,’ says Sarah, 35. ‘Shoes get moldy if left in the open air.’
The family ruled out traditional shelving units because they made the space feel smaller. ‘We needed something low-profile but with serious storage capacity,’ recalls David, 37. ‘We checked out local furniture stores but nothing matched our aesthetic.’
The Low Profile 9 Drawer Chest from a U.S. manufacturer caught their attention. Measuring 120cm wide, 60cm deep, and 85cm high, its shorter, wide silhouette was ideal for the narrow entryway. At A$5870.00, it was premium-priced but offered 216L of storage across nine drawers. The 14kg solid oak frame, reinforced with birch ply, was designed to withstand Australia’s coastal humidity. ‘The matte ivory white finish is stunning, and the silver and champagne gold legs add the perfect touch of glam,’ Sarah says.
The mixed U-shaped and round knob pulls felt hand-finished, not mass-produced. ‘We love how the long U-shape pulls on the left drawers match the round knobs on the right,’ David notes. ‘It adds character without being too fussy.’
The Youngs’ decorator, Maya from Modern Interiors in Fremantle, suggested they consider wholesale options. ‘For dealers in Sydney or Brisbane, this piece is a winner because it blends style with practicality for Australian homes,’ she explains. ‘The manufacturer offers MOQs of 10 pieces for A$5300.00 each, a saving of A$570.00 per unit. The shipping time is still six weeks from the U.S. but that’s better than waiting nine months from Asia.’
The manufacturer also offers a 5-year warranty on frames and drawers, reassuring dealers about longevity in humid conditions. ‘Shops in tropical Cairns would especially appreciate the UV-resistant finish and anti-mold treatment,’ Maya adds.
The Youngs ordered two benches for their entryway and one for the hallway closet. ‘We chose the ivory white model because it brightens the space without competing with our blue living room wall,’ Sarah says. ‘The silver and champagne gold legs add a sophisticated contrast.’
The delivery was smooth despite the long distance. ‘The packaging was excellent, and the manufacturer’s team helped with assembly instructions via video call,’ David mentions. ‘Two of us managed it in under two hours.’
For dealers in Australia, this storage bench addresses key market needs. The modern American glam style appeals to homeowners in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. The low-profile design suits smaller homes and apartments, while the deep drawers handle seasonal clothing and beach gear. ‘Coastal buyers love the durability features, and the price point positions it as a premium yet affordable piece,’ says Ben Carter, procurement manager at Furniture Source in Adelaide.
The manufacturer also offers customization options, including three colour choices (ivory white, soft grey, and navy blue) and interchangeable legs (oak, metal, or glass). ‘This flexibility helps dealers cater to different neighbourhoods,’ Carter notes. ‘For example, our clients in the leafy suburbs of Sydney prefer the navy blue model.’
Three months after installation, the Youngs haven’t regretted their choice. ‘The storage is fantastic—we fit eight pairs of shoes, hats, and winter coats in each bench,’ Sarah says. ‘Best of all, nothing has mold because the drawers stay dry.’
The benches have also become statement pieces. ‘Guests love how they blend with our entryway rug,’ David adds. ‘It’s the kind of detail that makes a home feel complete.’
For dealers considering this model, it’s a strategic move. ‘Stocking pieces that solve real problems, like humidity resistance and space-saving design, builds loyalty,’ Maya advises. ‘The Youngs now raves about it to friends in Perth and Hobart.’