How to Incorporate Benches into Room Design

Any room in the home can benefit from the addition of benches, and since they can be found in so many different styles and sizes, it should be simple to find one to suit just about any style home. Whether adding additional seating areas in a room or creating a vignette, benches are quite versatile in any home's decor. Some benches include a storage space beneath the seat, which is handy when trying to keep a room clutter free. Benches can add a lot of functionality to any room in the home, and here are some simple ideas that anyone can use to work benches into their decor.

The Foyer

A natural for the entryway, a bench has a nice, low profile to work even in the tiniest of spaces. They are also quite functional in a foyer, and they offer a place to sit and take off muddy boots as well as a place to store hats and gloves. Since a bench can be tucked into even the tightest corner, they work in just about any entryway, large or small. If a bench has built in storage, it also brings a lot of functionality to an often crowded space, and it makes it just that much easier to keep a really active part of the home neat and clean. If you want to use a bench in a more formal foyer or entry, hang a beautiful piece of wall art above it, such as candle wall sconces or fleur de lis metal wall sculptures.

The Porch

On a backyard deck, a bench is a great addition that can be used for seating or to hold plants, adding a little color to the area. Indoors in a sunroom, benches provide a simple solution for comfortable seating, especially when topped with large, comfortable cushions. Benches are fabricated in many different materials from wood to wrought iron, and they can be constructed in very basic styles or with a lot of intricate detailing. The appearance of a simple bench can be made much more substantial by flanking it with two, small, end tables. This ensemble creates a stunning statement in a sunroom or on a patio, and the tables offer a convenient place to set a drink or a colorful potted plant.

Dining Areas

Indoors, in rooms like kitchens or dining rooms, a bench can be used to create the illusion of a custom built window seat. If the room has an alcove, tuck the bench in there, and it instantly takes on a built-in look. Then add some comfortable cushions to the bench make it a more inviting. Drape a soft throw over the cushions, and now there is a cozy spot to enjoy a morning cup of coffee. Benches can also offer additional seating in dining areas when needed.

The Bathroom

In a bathroom, a bench can be used in any number of ways. It makes a wonderful place to sit while putting shoes on and off, and it can also be used in the shower for convenience. Benches also can double as step stools for younger children helping them to reach to sink to brush teeth and wash hands. A small bench comes in very handy when tucked beneath the vanity offering a comfortable perch for applying makeup and grooming.

The Bedroom

In a bedroom, a bench placed at the foot of the bed is both useful and attractive. It is the perfect spot to sit and remove shoes, or it is a convenient spot to store spare pillows or blankets. A bench placed under a window in a bedroom creates a great little sitting area mimicking a built-in window seat.