How to Choose the Right Storage Bench for Your Space

A storage bench is a simple piece of furniture that serves as both a seat and a storage container. In plain terms, it’s “a bench with space inside it to store things”. It often has a hinged lid or drawers that open to reveal a compartment under the seat. Storage benches combine seating and storage by efficiently hiding away various items. Because it offers two functions in one unit, it saves space and keeps clutter out of sight.

You can use a storage bench almost anywhere you need extra storage and seating. For example:

• Entryway or Mudroom: Place a storage bench near the front door. You can sit on it to take off shoes and then store those shoes, hats, or umbrellas right inside. This keeps the entryway neat and makes mornings easier by having everything in one spot.

• Foot of the Bed (Bedroom): Put a bench at the end of your bed. It’s perfect for tucking away extra blankets, throw pillows, or off-season linens. You also get seating for dressing or reading.

• Living Room: Use the bench as extra seating and storage in the family room. It can hold toys, games, or extra pillows and throws. Because “storage benches are extremely useful in many areas of the home,” they are ideal here.

• Porch or Patio: A weatherproof bench on a porch can hold outdoor cushions or gardening tools while doubling as a seat. For example, one Ikea bench description notes it has “plenty of room inside the bench to store and organize your towels and other items,” making it handy near a pool or deck.

• Other Uses: You can also place a small storage bench in a hallway or closet, use it as a toy bench in a child’s room, or even in a bathroom to hold towels.

The key is to position the bench near the items you plan to store. Experts recommend placing the bench close to where you use the items inside it to make your daily routine easier. For instance, keep shoes by the front door, extra blankets in the bedroom, or pool towels by the pool. This way, the bench becomes both a handy seat and a practical organizer in the right spot.

Picking the right storage bench means considering size, material, style, and features to fit your needs. Here are some tips:

• Measure Your Space First

Always start by measuring the area where you plan to place the bench. Note the width, depth, and height available. As one expert advises, “measure the space you have available” to ensure the bench fits without crowding the room. Also consider seat height: a bench should be comfortable to sit on. If it’s for an entryway, about 18-20 inches high is usually good. For a foot-of-bed bench, use the bed length (e.g. full, queen) to pick a matching bench length.

• Consider Material and Durability

Decide what material suits your space and use. Common materials are:

• Wood: Classic and sturdy, wood (or plywood) benches are durable and can be painted or stained to match your decor. Solid wood benches look high-quality but can be heavy.

• Metal: Metal benches (like steel) are often lighter and can withstand more wear. They offer a modern or industrial look and are a good outdoor option since metal is “weather-resistant and sturdy”.

• Upholstered: These have fabric-covered seats for comfort. They come in many colors and fabrics (velvet, linen, etc.), adding a cozy look. Keep in mind fabric can stain, so choose a washable cover if children or pets will use it.

• Wicker/Resin: Synthetic wicker or resin benches look nice for patios. They are designed for outdoors and resist moisture.

Think about how much weight the bench needs to hold (people sitting plus contents). Choose strong materials if it will hold heavy items or children jumping on it.

• Match Your Style and Color

Your bench should fit the room’s style. If you have modern decor, look for sleek lines or metal accents. For a farmhouse look, choose distressed or whitewashed wood. Experts say matching the bench’s color to your room’s palette is key. A bold bench color can also add a pop to a neutral room. Decide if you want the bench to stand out as an accent or blend in.

• Decide on Lid Type and Features

Storage benches come in different styles:

• Top-Opening (Flip Lid): The seat lifts up to reveal storage. This gives a lot of space, but everyone inside must be out of the way to open it.

• Drawers or Cubbies: Some benches have drawers or open cubby compartments underneath instead of a lift-up lid. Drawers let you access one part of the bench without bothering others (good for high-traffic areas). Cubby holes with baskets are great for organized storage.

• Soft-Close Hinges: If you have kids, a bench with soft-close hinges (that prevent slamming) can protect little fingers.

• Additional Cues: Some benches have coat hooks, lockers, or cushion tops. Think about extras like a padded seat (for comfort) or removable cushion (for easy cleaning).

Plan what you will store inside. If it’s shoes, shelves or racks inside may help. If blankets, a simple open space is fine. One source suggests choosing a bench with the right storage type for its use – for example, entryway benches often have shoe cubbies, while bedroom benches might just have a hinged lid.

• Price and Quality

Set a budget, but remember that better materials and craftsmanship last longer. A cheap bench might look nice initially, but it may squeak or break with heavy use. If you go with a DIY or used bench, ensure all parts (hinges, screws) are secure. Investing a bit more in a quality bench can pay off in durability.

In summary, pick a storage bench that fits your room’s dimensions, matches your decor, and has the features (lid, drawers, cushion) that you need. By carefully measuring and considering material and style, you can choose the perfect bench for your space. I hope you like this article, still if you have any questions then let us know.