Benches – Have a seat and organization

Entry #48, March 24, 2010

Benches aren’t just for outdoors! Restoration Hardware’s – Leagrave Bench shown here

When you think of benches do you think picnic or garden furniture?  Benches are still used outdoors, but they’ve also been gaining greater fanfare inside. Use them for seating in a mudroom to a beautiful tucked away niche in a bay window, as window seating.  Let’s show you how benches provide a place to sit, and add hidden storage and organization.

Mudroom: When the kids come from outside with muddy shoes

Don’t have a lot of room? Look at this space-saving mudroom bench from Benches.com

and wet rain gear, you’ll appreciate a place for them to sit, before running through the house. Mudroom benches provide seating, storage, and organization.  Hooks, shelves, and often storage under the seat is ideal. Have open space in your laundry room? Mudroom benches work great here too!

Window seating: Window seating has always been desirable in bay windows with picturesque views.  If you have area in front of a window, consider a window bench. Consider the decor when choosing cushion and pillows to match.  This area will ideally be used for reading, and lounging, so make it comfortable.

Better Homes and Garden’s has a great kid’s room window seat, shown here.

Play, relax, store and chill…

Find a place: Trying to find the perfect spot to create a window seat? Semi-Homemade with Sandra Lee has some great suggestions from a sleeping alcove, to a library nook, window seats can be as small or large as you want.

Add a pillow, a view, and a good book. Your sanctuary is set!

Tips: Measure your bench area and have custom cushions, pillows, and drapery to coordinate in your space.

Remember to have blinds, sheers, or drapery at your window to allow for control of daylighting.

For an added touch, add lighting and this space can be used at night too!

Relax, and enjoy life!

For more home staging ideas on Stagetecture, click here.