At a Glance:
Interior Design Styles Best Suited for a Bench with Storage
Ways to Use Benches with Storage
Idler’s Home Best Storage Benches Under $500
The storage bench is one of the most useful, versatile, and surprisingly overlooked pieces of furniture. They combine seating and storage to make the most of small spaces and are very affordable. Storage benches are a must for every household and can be used for a variety of purposes and in all design styles. Every room in your home can benefit from a storage bench.
There is a storage bench for every purpose, but not every bench will meet your needs. Here is everything you need to know to decide if a storage bench is right for you, with our four most popular storage benches under $500 from Idler’s Home.
Interior Design Styles Best Suited for a Bench with Storage
Many interior design styles are used in homes today, and storage benches can be found in all of them. While industrial and modern styles are still in use, they are no longer among the most popular.
Here are the best decorating styles for storage benches for the home taken from the most popular interior design styles named by Architectural Digest.
Scandinavian
The Scandinavian design style is functional, rectangular, and clean. Natural materials, woods, and textiles are a common theme. It blends the minimalist style with the modern style’s clean and rectangular lines and Bohemians’ natural theme.
The Scandinavian style is overall characterized by wooden elements with shades of white or beige.
Bohemian (Boho)
The Bohemian design has taken the place of the now passe eclectic style. It has the same “anything goes” philosophy as the eclectic design style but emphasizes natural textures and materials. In a Bohemian room, every piece should be a work of art that contributes to the overall aesthetic. Functional pieces like a storage ottoman bench can provide more opportunities for decor while adding seated storage to the room.
Country House, Cottage, Farmhouse, And Rustic
All four of these interior design styles have similar elements and are often used almost interchangeably. Many furnishings fit into more than one of these categories. The most popular right now is the country house, which blends the feel of a country cottage with the airy, clean, and functional farmhouse design.
In any case, all 4 of these styles can benefit from solid wood bench storage. The natural wood grain is equally appealing in a country house as it is a rustic den.
Minimalism
Minimalism leaves out expendable objects, and bench storage definitely fulfills that requirement. Minimalist rooms make use of multi-function furniture in white and neutral tones. Storage benches in minimalist designs should have a simple construction with blonde wood and the same white or beige cushion.
Although sparse, the minimalist style offers plenty of opportunities to show your personal flair. Add a scarf or other table covering for a splash of color to match your changing moods.
Traditional
There is no doubt that traditional designs will never go out of style. Traditional furniture features hardwoods in deep tones and leather. Traditional storage benches blend in with the traditional style while still making use of a modern invention.
Traditional furniture, including storage benches in the traditional style, is surprisingly affordable with options like engineered wood with wood veneers and faux leather.
Blend Style and Organization
Shop Storage BenchesWays to Use Benches with Storage
You can use storage benches in almost any room, and each room holds different purposes, making them very versatile. Most storage benches are lightweight and easy to move, making it convenient to add seating to any room on a temporary basis.
Here are the most common uses for storage benches around the home.
Master, Kids, and Guest Bedrooms
A storage bench for the bedroom is extremely useful, regardless of how the bedroom is used. In fact, other than a shoe storage bench, the storage bench for bedroom is the most common use for bench storage.
Here are the most common uses for storage benches in the bedroom.
Place at the end of the bed for extra blankets or linens
This use of storage benches is appropriate in any bedroom and is especially helpful if you often find yourself adding or removing covers. Storing extra linens, blankets, and pillows in a bench at the end of a guest bed makes it easy to prep rooms if guests arrive unexpectedly.
Place in your dressing area for out-of-season clothing and accessories
In bedrooms for adults and teens, having a storage bench in the area of the bedroom in which you dress is very helpful. The bench gives you a comfortable place to sit while getting ready for the day or preparing for bed. It also gives you a place to stash jackets while keeping them within easy reach.
Place in a play area in a child’s bedroom
Storage benches are great for kids’ bedrooms, especially in play areas. Children can store their favorite blocks or art supplies within the bench, which can be placed at a play table or building block center. This maximizes space in small kids’ bedrooms and makes it easier for them to clean up.
Storage Benches for the Living Room or Family Room
Storage benches for the living and family rooms are ideal because they offer additional seating in a pinch. Storage benches save space while hiding the inevitable disorganized mess whenever a child stores or retrieves items. This makes them ideal for families, but there are many other ways to use the storage in your living or family room.
Here are the most popular ways to use a storage ottoman bench in the living room regardless of household makeup.
Place in front of a chair for an ottoman with storage
Ottomans are a great way to put up your feet when needed, stow away in a corner or set off to the side when not in use. If you prefer an ottoman for a chair instead of a recliner, why not make sure that the ottoman has bench storage? Some ideas for items to store in a storage ottoman are blankets, throw pillows, books, puzzles, and chargers.
Place in a corner for pets or kids
A storage bench can be placed in the corner of a living room, which works for two primary purposes. The first way to use a corner bench storage is to keep toys, puzzles, and games in an out-of-the-way play area. This is a good idea when you don’t have children in the home but often have children visit.
The other way you can use a storage bench in the corner of your living room is for pets. You can keep pet toys and supplies inside the bench, and the cushioned top can double as a pet bed for cats.
Place in an entryway for style and organization
The entryway isn’t technically part of the living room, but most people design it at the same time. When the entryway is open to the living room or other parts of the home, the design style must remain the same or at least transitional.
An entryway bench with storage is great for umbrellas, bags, purses, backpacks, and other items frequently ditched at the door. A shoe storage bench is best for families because it eliminates last-minute shoe scavenger hunts with kids.
Another great reason to have a bench in the entryway is when you work from home and have visitors. It gives them a comfortable place to wait without needing to give them access to your home.
Idler’s Home Best Storage Benches Under $500
Convinced you need to use storage benches in your home? Here are our four favorite storage benches under $500.
Signature Design by Ashley® Benches Black Upholstered Storage Bench
This black faux leather upholstered storage bench is best for traditional-styled bedrooms and living rooms but is also suitable for entryways. It has traditional button tufting of soft faux leather and exposed wood legs. The hinged top is supported by durable metal hardware.
Specs:
- Depth 17.5 inches
- Width 54 inches
- Height 18.5 inches
- Weight 58 pounds
The faux leather storage bench is a great option for homes with pets and kids. It is difficult to rip, is easy to clean, and doesn’t stain with fast cleanup. The hinged top makes interior storage easily accessible by all, with a lightweight and easy open lid.
The only downside to this storage bench is its weight and size – you won’t be moving this around at will.
Signature Design by Ashley® Blariden Gray Storage Bench
This storage bench features blonde wood with gray polyester cushioned seat and upholstered baskets. These are best for kids’ rooms for seating and storing lightweight toys. It is made of durable engineered wood with wood veneers.
Specs:
- Depth 15.25 inches
- Width 28.25 inches
- Height 17.8 inches
- Weight 35.2 pounds
The polyester is easy to keep clean, especially when scotch guarded. Its light weight makes it easy to move from room to room as needed. The downside to this storage bench is that the baskets are less durable, and it is not suitable as a shoe storage bench or to store heavy items like books.
Signature Design by Ashley® Neilsville Multi Gray Storage Bench
This beautiful gray storage bench has multi-tone wood grain, attractive black metal hardware, and legs. Rather than shelving or cubbies, this storage bench features two deep drawers. This storage bench works well in Boho, Scandinavian, and industrial design styles. The rustic butcher block finish is equally suitable for farmhouse and country home designs.
Specs:
- Depth 15.75 inches
- Width 52.72 inches
- Height 13.9 inches
- Weight 80 pounds
- Added Feature: vinyl wrapped drawer slides and backs for extra durability
The best thing about this storage bench is that it is the easiest to clean and maintain because it is all replicated pine and metal. The downside is that it’s not a lot of storage space. You can’t store large items, nor should you weigh the drawers down unnecessarily. It also sits lower, which is a major disadvantage for some consumers.
Homestyles® Lloyd Brown Storage Bench
This sturdy and functional entryway bench with storage is the perfect shoe storage bench. It is made of solid ash with an oak finish for a cottage look. It has a white polyester soft pad cushion that is removable for cleaning. The doors drop down for easy access to large cubbies.
Specs:
- Depth 18.25 inches
- Width 47.5 inches
- Height 22 inches
- Weight 71.9 pounds
This storage bench works in entryways of any design style, working well as a transitional piece. It is very heavy to be stable when putting shoes on and taking them off. It is also easy to clean, and the cushion can be scotch guarded to further aid in those efforts. The only thing that could improve this storage bench is if the larger cubbies were divided into shelves for more shoe storage.
Why Trust Idler’s Home?
At Idler’s Home, we believe in providing the highest quality products and service to our community. Over the span of 70 years (and counting), our business has seen successful growth, with over 100 employees and with five locations along the central coast of California. Not only do we offer major appliances, quality furniture, and the best mattresses but we also provide hot tubs and swim spas and perform kitchen design services. In addition, our trained professional installers can set up all appliances we sell while our factory-trained technicians service and repair them if they ever break down. Suffice it to say: Idler’s is dedicated to help you make the vision you have for your home a reality.
Shop Storage Benches at Idler’s
Envision the possibilities for your home and shop storage benches online at Idler’s. Our friendly team is always happy to help you find the right storage bench— whether you call us, email us, or use our online chat feature. Or better yet, stop by any of our five Central Coast locations to experience the quality of our products yourself. Visit us today!
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