Bench marks

If I had to choose one item for the home that was widely underused and sadly under-appreciated, I'd be hard pressed to find a better candidate than the humble bench. In a category all by itself the versatile bench, in all its various shapes and sizes, is both a stylish and practical asset, making its way easily into any room in the house. In today's more diminutive living quarters, little else provides such flexibility. The versatile bench can be called into service as a footstool, an end table, or a generously over-scaled coffee table. Here are just a few ideas on how you can put a bench to work in your home.

Entranceway

Entranceways are often long and narrow, leaving little room for decorating and furniture. However, even a tiny entrance hall can benefit from the inclusion of a narrow bench. Look for a bench that has a shallow depth, simply wide enough to provide a perch while putting on shoes. Also, make sure it is sturdy and easy to maintain since it is likely to get a lot of use from family members as well as guests. A patterned fabric such as a formal brocade, jacquard or damask strikes an elegant pose. More casual fabrics include cotton, linen and chenille.

Living Room

Nothing looks more inviting than a bench in front of the fireplace. For a formal living room, a Louis XVI style bench with a cane seat is an elegant choice. A more contemporary living room might benefit from a low-lying, velvet bench in a punchy colour such as plum. Classic interiors look best with iconic pieces such as the Mies van der Rohe sofa in tufted leather and rosewood. A pair of footstools does the job nicely as well. Any of these options provides easy-to-maneuver additional seating when required.

Of course the fireplace isn't the only backdrop to a bench. Benches also look great tucked beneath larger pieces of furniture such as a desk, a console table, or even under a piano. Perched beneath an attractive window a bench can act as an anchor to elaborate window treatments. I will often specify a bench for open concept spaces. Placed strategically between the living room and dining room benches are ideally capable of defining individual spaces without obstructing views.

Bedroom, bathroom, and beyond

In the kitchen, a wooden bench can act as seating to a rustic wooden table or provide a spot where children can lounge while mom is cooking. Resting at the foot of the bed, an upholstered bench provides a comfortable perch for dressing. The same bench might be filled with books, or as is usually the case in our house, the ideal napping spot for the family pug. In a guest room, a bench can hold clean towels or a gracious tea tray with snacks. Not even the bathroom is off limit to the merits of this adaptable item. Placed beside the bathtub a bench can hold towels or toiletries with equal ease. Seated beneath a console table, it can provide a perfect spot for putting on make up.

In the way that the right scarf can finish off an otherwise plain outfit, the right bench can lend real style to every room in the house.