We needed a place to put shoes, mail, odds and ends when entering the house.  And I have to say, you don't really know your spouse until you try to put a piece of furniture together!  The directions were clear and concise, we just couldn't agree on a few left over pieces.  But after we did things my way, I'd now comfortably sit on this bench to take off my shoes.  It's been so useful lately with storing hats/gloves in the one basket and our dogs' jackets and leashes in the other.  Something for the entire crew!