It’s safe to say that professional interior designers are big fans of weaving benches into their projects. “Over the years, I’ve found myself reaching for them in design plans again and again—not just because they’re practical, but because they add that quiet detail that makes a room feel lived-in and intentional,” says Lisa Graham, the founder of Laurel Alexander Interiors.
Upholstered benches in particular are ideal for adding both form and function to any space, explains Tricia Sullivan, the founder of B.E. Home Interiors. In honor of our new furniture line which contains customizable fabric benches that are perfect for every room of the home, we’re sharing some styling tips straight from the experts. “The thoughtful fabric details, craftsmanship, and scale make them incredibly easy to work into real homes, especially if you’re dealing with limited square footage or want a flexible, design-forward piece,” Graham says of the new collection.
If you've wondered how to best integrate a bench into your entryway, landing, bedroom, living room, and beyond, keep reading!
Entryways
Benches in the entryway are a no-brainer when space allows. “Some of my clients have shoe-free homes, and this is a great place to be able to sit to remove, or put on, shoes and tuck them away under the bench,” explains Dawn Hearn, the founder of Dawn Hearn Interior Design.
Fill the wall space above the bench by hanging up some hooks, where you can hang up keys, small bags, and the like, Hearn suggests. “If the room calls for an elevated look, adding art over the bench, an adjacent floor lamp, and a rug to anchor the whole grouping would look very polished and pulled together,” she adds.
Landings
Not sure how to best fill a landing? Try adding a bench! “I love using a bench at the bottom or top of staircases or on a stair landing when space allows,” says Courtney Aleksa, the founder of Courtney Aleksa Interior Design. “What could typically be considered dead space is now an opportunity to make a design statement with shape, pattern, color, and texture,” she adds, noting that the addition of a bench also provides a spot to sit down briefly or set down items to put away later.
Living Rooms
Mimi Meacham, the founder of Marian Louise Design, likes the idea of using a bench in the living room in lieu of accent chairs. “The bench offers ample seating, yet allows for freer movement and a more open sightline,” she says.
You could also try a bench in front of built-in bookshelves, Graham suggests. “It encourages people to sit, pause, and enjoy the room, while layering in softness and structure,” she says, citing the Celeste Bench as her top pick for this spot.
Bedrooms
In the bedroom, try a classic end of bed bench. You may wish to opt for a bench that is covered in the same fabric as is on your bed so that the piece will serve as a seamless extension, Sullivan suggests. Benches make it easy to lace up your shoes or lay out an outfit for the morning.
Benches aren’t just for adults’ bedrooms, though. Place one in your child’s room, too. Meacham says, “It can be used as a cozy homework station, loungy reading space, or as a small sleeping space for sleepovers!”
Bathrooms
A bench in the bathroom? Why not! “Styled alongside freestanding tubs to hold towels, candles, or a tray with bath essentials brings a warmth and texture that you don’t often find in hard-surfaced rooms,” Graham says, adding that she’d select the Scarlett Bench for the job.
