Who sits on an indoor bench or even an outdoor bench for an extended period of time? Because benches are designed to be used as temporary seating, you might think they’re not worth the expense. However, the versatility of an interior bench just may surprise you. As an accent furniture piece, it can be adapted to virtually any room. While it might be unusual to spend an extended period of time seated on a bench, having one or two (or even three) in your home can definitely improve the room’s interior design, making the space more practical and functional. Because benches are so distinctive, from traditional to contemporary, they will even add a sense of style and elegance to any room they are in.

Benches in the Bedroom

The bed bench has been well received by those designing their ideal master bedroom as a convenient spot for putting on shoes, setting down a purse, or depositing a stack of laundry until it can be stashed away. Often placed at the foot of the bed, the bench helps define the bed itself, the natural focal point of the room’s design. Bed benches like the Tommy Bahama Home Island Estate Plantain Bed Bench, which are typically backless, have taken on an identity as a hallmark of upscale traditional décor bedrooms.

Particularly if there is a shortage of cupboard space or the bedroom is smaller in size, consider a bedroom bench that includes storage. The Prepac Fremont Espresso Cubbie Storage Bench, with open storage spaces and a seating surface, is a very popular choice.

The Coaster Danielle Leather Storage Bench at the end of a bed in a master bedroom or guest bedroom is a practical yet decorative way to disguise clutter. It is also a great place to store extra blankets or pillows whether for yourself or a guest.

Benches in the Hallway or Foyer

An entry way bench, like the Southern Enterprises Storage Seat Bench makes the foyer or the entrance of your home welcoming, a symbolic gesture to come in and sit down. Many types of hallway of foyer benches include cubbies, lift-top storage and baskets or shelves. A storage bench is an ideal place to store footwear and outdoor accessories.

For families and those that have a larger entryway, a rectangular and longer bench will be ideal. The ability to locate such a bench like the Stanley Furniture Sunset Key Nautilus Maple Shell Bench adjacent to your foyer closet is a desirable layout option as it provides symmetry to the area and provides a visual aesthetic quality with established appeal.

A hall tree coatrack is a functional furniture piece that include useful features like hooks, hidden storage and sometimes even mirrors. The Home Styles Furniture Full Hall Tree Storage Bench is a great example of how much storage capacity a hall tree coatrack bench can have.

Benches in the Kitchen or Dining Room

Bench seating with backs can be used to create a breakfast nook.

A backless bench placed underneath a window can be used as a window seat in addition to providing seating at the dining table.

The Hillsdale Verona 6-Piece Rectangle Dining Set mixes dining chairs with a bench adding another dimension to the dining table and creating visual interest.