Benches are just about the most flexible and functional pieces of furniture you can purchase!

Benches are a beautiful and flexible decorating choice.

Use benches for seating, storage, display and more. They’re a beautiful and flexible design element. Just think of where you can use benches:

• At the bottom of a bed
• Under a window in the living room or great room
• In the entry hall or mudroom
• At the dining room table or kitchen table
• In outdoor living space

Benches come in all shapes, sizes, materials and colors; and they’re so easy to move around for multiple uses as the need arises. Use them:

• for extra seating
• as an impromptu coffee table
• for holding guests’ purses and jackets
• to put on your shoes
• for setting down whatever you’re carrying
• to display a stack of books or a collection of seashells
• …even for just putting up your tired feet!

Benches can also include storage underneath – in closed drawers or cabinets or in wicker baskets – for blankets and pillows in the bedroom or for boots, umbrellas and other outdoor weather gear in the entry way.

Always make sure any bench in your house is built to be sturdy. Even if you think the bench isn’t for seating, you know it will happen at some point, and you don’t want it to collapse.

Add flexibility, function and beauty to your décor this summer with a bench or two!

Benches come in most any style from rustic to high tech. Materials range from wood to metal to upholstered fabric. For a unique look, have a bench made from recycled barn wood or purchase a used church pew. Two or three small benches can be put together to make a long shape – or separated for flexible placement in a room.

Copyright Hunter Douglas.