Three Great Places To Use Benches In Your Home
via Glitter Guide
Benches are such versatile pieces of furniture, aren’t they? They work well in so many different areas of your home and give you a lot of bang for your buck - they add a ton of functionality for just a teeny little bit of space! That’s a pretty killer combination, isn’t it?
Today I want to get you thinking creatively about three different ways you can use benches in your home - namely in entryways, at the dining table, and at the foot of the bed. I’ve got lots of examples of spaces that use them beautifully, and I can’t wait to share them with you.
Let’s get this party started!
Benches in Entryways
I'm kicking this off with one of my favorite places to use a bench - the entryway! I absolutely love using them there because it gives you a spot to sit, creates a drop zone, and it just looks good there. If you don’t have a “real” entryway in your home (like us!), adding a bench along a wall by your front door can help create the illusion of one. Just add some hooks or artwork above it and voila! You now have a functional entryway!
via Over the Ocean
If you have a separate mudroom or side entry, this is a great place to put a bench as well. Having just a little bit of seating in that area is perfect for putting your shoes on or dropping a bag. You can plop a freestanding bench in there or if you’re planning to add built-ins, you can incorporate one into your plans (I’m a big fan of that idea!). Take a look at the image below for an example of a simple, but thoughtfully designed built-in area.
In terms of bench style in an entryway, you have a lot of flexibility. You can go with a backless, upholstered, natural wood, or whatever your little heart’s desire. It’s more about your personal taste and preferences, as well as what you need the bench to do. The image above and below are great examples of benches with backs, and if you go back to the top of the post, you can see a backless wood bench example. One suggestion I have is that if you’re going to put hooks above it, go for a backless one; otherwise, coats and bags end up hanging down over the bench’s back, which can look a little messy.
via A Beautiful Mess
Benches at Dining Tables
Putting a bench on one or both sides of a dining table has become increasingly popular in recent years. If you’re wanting to create a more casual vibe, this can be a great strategy!
I tend to divide dining benches into two general types: built-in, which is usually up against the wall, or a regular ole bench, which is just like it sounds! In small dining areas or breakfast nooks, benches or banquettes can be an awesome way to create a custom and cozy look without taking up a lot of space. Regular benches are great if you want to break up the uniformity of a bunch of chairs around a table or you want to be able to have the option of squeezing in more seating on a regular basis.
via Inspired By This (Design: Pure Salt Interiors)
When it comes to choosing your particular bench, you can either match it to your dining table or go with something in a completely different style that stands out. A good rule of thumb is to either let your chairs or the bench be the star of the show - not both. So if you have standout chairs, go subtle with the bench, or vice versa.
If you'd classify yourself as a minimalist or want to keep the look super simple, you can go with a matching table/bench set. Generally, I'm not a huge fan of that look, but it can be done well. The image above is a great example.
via Blackband Design
We've all seen built-in benches before, but I wanted to show you an example of a really creative take on that concept using the dining room above. This extra long bench seat is definitely a statement and it actually looks really comfortable. I feel like banquettes are often not that way, but if you design it to be more like a chair, you and your guests will be thrilled to linger over a meal at your house!
via Coco Kelley
This last example above shows a nice combination of chairs and a bench. I like how she added some cushions to the wood bench - it adds some nice color and all of the bottoms that sit there will appreciate it!
Benches at the End of the Bed
I'm a huge fan of the look of a bench at the end of a bed if you have the space for it. It's a great way to add function, style, and personality to your bedroom. It works equally well in small and large bedrooms - if you have a small space, it doesn't take up a lot of room, or if you have a large bedroom, it can be a nice way to fill it up! It's magic, I tell you. Magic.
It also provides a perfect spot to sit down when you're getting dressed or putting shoes on. Every bedroom needs a good spot for those purposes!
via The Inside
If you need extra storage, pick up an upholstered bench that opens up. It's great for extra linens and off-season items. It also adds some softness, which you can't have enough of in my opinion - bedrooms should always be cozy!
via Kaemingk Design (Photo: Alyssa Rosenheck)
If your bedroom needs some warmth, a wood or woven bench can work wonders. Their openness also doesn't feel visually heavy, which is nice, especially if you have a larger bed frame.
via Amber Interiors
So! Are your wheels turning on how you might incorporate a bench into different places in your home? Where else have you used one that I didn't mention today?
