Arguably one of the most versatile pieces of furniture, benches can be used in almost any room in your home to provide extra seating or stylish storage. A true example of form follows function, the simple and smart design of benches can also serve as a solution to many decor challenges. Take a cue from our talented design consultants and check out below how they’ve used beautiful benches in various rooms in the home.
1. In the Bedroom
A bench at the foot of the bed not only serves as a sleek accent piece and visual anchor but also provides a place to sit while you get dressed or pack your bags for a vacation. When it’s not in use, consider outfitting it with a few books and magazines or a chic, decorative tray. Or keep it modern and minimal like Cantoni designer Bonnie Sly did with our Oste bench in the gray-toned bedroom above.
Design Tip: The top of the bench should be a few inches below the finished top of your bedding. Also make sure it is scaled in length–a short, dinky little bench at the end of the bed can throw the whole room off.
2. In the Entryway
A bench in the entryway is a great way to welcome guests, serving as an attractive statement piece and a place to sit to put on and take off shoes. In the entryway pictured above, our Muse bench covered in a luxe hair-on-hide adds interest and eclecticism to the minimal look as well as beautifully contrasts the light wood flooring. Benches can also help to bring order to what ultimately becomes a busy area, offering a place to drop your handbag or shopping bags when you’re on-the-go. Perfectly propped against a wall, a bench also takes up very little space, leaving room to tuck away shoes below or hang coats above, so no more space is taken up than necessary–should you not have it.
3. In the Dining Room
A bench at the dining table acts as a fun, flexible and stylish substitute for dining chairs. Not only can a bench help to make room for guests as it typically can seat more people in less space than chairs would require, but it also creates a more intimate and casual seating arrangement. We love the look of a single bench, like our one-of-a-kind Vintage wood bench pictured above with a cluster of dining chairs for a more eclectic look.
4. In the Living Room
It’s clear benches are a very useful piece of furniture, yet they’re so often forgotten in the living room as a major part of the seating arrangement. Due to its horizontal lines and low-profile design, a bench can help round out as well as define a seating area more than a set of chairs can and in a less imposing way as say, a sofa. Case in point: In the warm, modern living room (pictured above) by Cantoni designer George Saba, the sleek, white bench not only anchors the space but also provides unobtrusive, extra seating to enjoy the warmth of the fireplace.
5. In the Closet
Add a bench to your closet and turn it into your very own dressing room. Use it to lay out multiple outfits, try on shoes or pack for a weekend getaway. It’ll especially come in handy after you’ve done the latter and need a comfortable place to sit down and relax.
What are some of your favorite ways to decorate with benches? Let us know in the comments below! Plus check out a few of our favorite modern benches below, including the ones featured in the homes above!
