12 decorating ideas for incorporating a bench into your interior
Much more than just a seat, the bench becomes a central element of home decor, combining design, comfort and practicality. Its compact format and ability to fit into any decor style make it a versatile piece for every room in the home.
In this article, discover our 12 original and creative decorating ideas for incorporating a bench into your interior.
1. A bench in the entryway
An ideal place for a bench, the entryway is an often-overlooked space. A bench in the entryway is perfect for putting on your shoes before heading out or setting down your belongings when you come home. This versatile piece can accommodate clever storage such as brown wicker baskets or a black metal chest, and transform your entryway in the blink of an eye.
Personalize your entryway bench with fabric or velvet cushions to make it as comfortable as a banquette, beautiful green plants, a few decorative objects and a large designer mirror. You can also add coat racks above your bench to hang your jackets or bags.
Discover more decorating ideas for styling your entryway in our dedicated article.
2. A bench as a coffee table
Cleverly transform your living room with a bench used as a coffee table, an ingenious solution for compact living room layouts. Paired with a long sofa or an elegant rug, the bench adds style without cluttering the room. Choose a wooden piece in solid oak, teak, bamboo or reclaimed old wood, or take a more modern approach with steel or recycled plastic benches.
Becoming a true piece of furniture in its own right, personalize your bench to match the style and colors of your living room for a unique decorative touch.
3. A bench around the dining table
Rediscover the bench’s original function by placing it around your dining table, whether in the dining room or the kitchen. Encouraging conviviality, a bench offers practical seating for several people when you entertain, and can be easily tucked under the dining table to make the most of your space. It can also be paired with chairs or stools to create a variety of seating options.
Suited to every interior style, from modern to rustic, benches can be personalized with fabric, leather, or velvet cushions for added comfort and transformed into a true banquette. You can also use several benches in your dining room or kitchen to create an even warmer, more inviting corner.
4. A bench at the end of the bed
A trending decor idea for the past few years, adding a bench at the end of the bed enhances and brings charm to your bedroom. This versatile piece can display carefully chosen decorative objects or even hold your clothes. Create extra storage space near the bed under your bench with a metal trunk or a fabric basket to maximize your bedroom organization.
5. A bench as a low shelf
Add a sense of scale to your room by cleverly furnishing the lower part of the walls with a design-led bench used as a low shelf. This design piece has a place in every room of the home: from the living room to the bedroom, through to the kitchen and the office, benches are pieces of furniture that adapt to a wide range of uses.
Personalize your bench by adding large frames with beautiful posters, green plants, a designer lamp, or elegant decorative objects such as books or a candle.
6. A bench in the bathroom
Transform your bathroom into a relaxing sanctuary with the addition of a design-led bench, creating a soothing spa-like atmosphere. Practical, especially in long, narrow bathrooms with limited depth, the bench provides the ideal surface for setting down your belongings, sitting, or keeping baskets of toiletries and towels within easy reach.
For bathroom furniture, choose natural materials such as solid oak, teak, or bamboo.
7. A bench under a window
The often-unused space beneath a window can be the ideal spot to create a reading nook by adding a bench, whether in a bedroom, living room, or office. Create a bucolic haven near your bookcase, where you can fully enjoy your favorite books while your room is bathed in natural light from your garden.
Complete the cosy atmosphere with a reading lamp and a throw, creating an intimate and comfortable corner where you can escape into your books. Our tip: place a small metal or wooden trunk under your bench to store your books.
8. A bench in the hallway
An ideal piece of furniture for narrow spaces, the bench is the perfect piece for decorating a hallway. By creating a gentle transition between rooms, a bench makes your hallway feel warmer and more welcoming. Its elongated shape is also perfectly suited to that of a hallway. Then personalize your designer bench with your favorite decorative objects to match your interior style, or add a brown wicker basket or a black steel trunk to optimize storage space in your hallway. You can also add cushions in several colors, in fabric, brown velvet, or even black leather, to add extra comfort and create a kind of small banquette.
9. A bench as a bedside table
A small decorative bench used as a bedside table next to the bed is a decorating idea that will add charm to your bedroom. This practical piece of furniture also provides extra storage space if you don’t have enough furniture.
Our decorating tip: a small decorative bench can also be added anywhere in your bedroom; simply place your favorite objects on it, and that’s it! Discover more bedroom decorating ideas in our dedicated article.
10. A bench behind the sofa
Explore a new dimension of your living room by making use of the space behind your sofa. By adding a bench in this often-overlooked spot, you instantly transform an area that is difficult to decorate into a functional, stylish space.
Personalise your bench behind the sofa with your favourite decorative objects, books, plants or even a designer lamp to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
11. A bench in the child’s bedroom
Create a play space at just the right height for your little ones by adding a bench to the child’s bedroom. Offering a practical storage solution for toys, this playful piece of furniture adds a touch of colour and imagination for your child.
Complete the décor of your child’s bedroom with our KIDS collection, a range of furniture in cheerful colours with a modern design. Discover more decorating ideas for your child’s bedroom in our article: Creating a Montessori-inspired space in a child’s bedroom.
12. A plant bench
Create a refreshing green space in your interior with a plant bench. Add a mini planter and display your favourite plants. Grow your plant collection and create a true indoor garden in your home.
Our décor tip: choose a wooden bench, such as solid oak, teak, reclaimed old wood or bamboo, to enhance the natural garden feel of this versatile piece.
How to create a made-to-measure bench with TIPTOE legs?
The classic height of an indoor bench is around 43cm. Thanks to our steel coffee table leg in the same height, creating a made-to-measure bench has never been easier with TIPTOE!
Available in a wide range of colors, from classic black or white to more contemporary shades like eucalyptus grey or mineral blue, our designer steel leg adapts to every style, from Scandinavian style to industrial style.
How to choose your bench top
See our recommendations for a wooden top below:
- Recommended thickness: 20mm to 40mm
- Max. size for 4 legs (bench): 120x40cm
- Max. top weight for 4 legs: 80kg
- Do not use brittle materials such as glass, marble, or stone
- Do not overtighten with the Allen key: excessive tightening could bend the leg
Use as an occasional bench: the 43cm legs are not designed for everyday seating, but you can use them as occasional seating for 1 person (max. 80 kg)
A bench that reflects your style
TIPTOE’s steel table legs let you create an original bench perfectly suited to your interior. Create a small bench or an XL format, choose your preferred wood finish such as solid oak, teak, bamboo, or opt for an innovative material: recycled plastic. Understated shades like brown, black, beige, or white will pair beautifully with all the colors of our steel legs.
Our designer wooden benches
If you’re not into DIY furniture, discover our DUKE designer benches: in solid oak or recycled old wood, the 120x60cm tops are paired with four 43cm-high metal table legs in the color of your choice.
Thanks to their modern design and clean lines, our wooden benches with steel legs fit into every room of the home and every decor style. Add a unique touch and a splash of color to your interior with TIPTOE’s designer furniture collection, 100% made in Europe.
The bench becomes a centerpiece of your decor and transforms your space, bringing style and functionality to your interior. In our opinion, it will quickly become one of your favorite pieces of furniture!
With these 12 clever ideas, you can bring a designer bench into every room of your home. You can also create custom-made benches with our designer steel table leg, available in several colors. Pair them with a wooden or recycled plastic top for a piece of furniture that truly reflects your style.