How To Incorporate Benches Into Your Space

When decorating a room, we tend to prioritize basic furniture pieces like sofas, beds, and tables. If we need seating, we always scout for a sofa or a nice accent chair. Those looking for storage end up going for sleek cabinets, too. To save on space while being able to accommodate guests, get storage, and maintain the look of your home, you can invest in a versatile piece of furniture that serves multiple functions: a bench. The bench boasts of form and function that can update the home, plus it can fit in a sprawling house or a tiny condo unit. Let these ideas inspire you to shop for one soon: 

Create seating options in the dining area

IMAGE Marc Jao

Many homeowners are incorporating benches into their dining nooks to accommodate more guests and to create a seamless aesthetic for the living and dining areas. Not only does it provide plenty of seating, it also creates a lot of dimension in the space. As an extra tip, you can also create a faux breakfast nook by furnishing a cushion on top and leaning it against a wall.

Achieve extra seating and storage in one

IMAGE Marc Jao

A window bench is a great option if you have a huge window that needs sprucing up. Ask a carpenter to customize a seat that has secret storage compartments where you can keep extra linens, books, and other knickknacks. If you want it to be more portable, you can fix your bench with a top opening (similar to a chest). By opting for a bench with storage and a cushion on top, you can even create a beautiful window seat that can double as a reading nook.

Liven up your entryway

IMAGE Dairy Darilag

The most common way to elevate an entryway or foyer is by placing a console. This option, though, isn’t the most practical. Consoles, although they have storage, can also be quite pricey. A bench is a great, more affordable alternative. Whether it has storage or not, a bench can make your space look put together and can provide you a place to sit when you need to put on your shoes or somewhere to put down your bags and other things after coming home.

Polish the look of your bedroom

IMAGE William Ong

If you feel like your bedroom needs that extra oomph, you can take your cue from actress Iza Calzado's bedroom by placing a bench at the foot of your bed. Not only will your space look chic and elegant, you're also carving out an extra seating space or a spot where you can temporarily keep some of your belongings like books, clothes you'll wear the next day, and a few blankets. 

READ: Iza Calzado's Modern Eclectic Condo Unit

RL Tip: Shop for pretty yet sturdy benches at The Landmark Makati's Home Section, Mandaue Foam, Habitat, and Our Home.