Design Recipes: Adding a bench to your space

Adding a bench to your space

A hand crafted bench adds an element of grandeur to this home entry.

Photo courtesy Handout/TNS

By Cathy Hobbs

Looking for extra seating for a living space or to add a finishing touch to a bedroom? Why not consider adding a bench? Benches can provide both function and aesthetics to nearly any space.

From custom upholstery to millwork and those of different sizes, shapes and fabrics, benches can serve as the ideal accompaniment to nearly any room of the home.

Looking for opportunities to incorporate a bench into your space? Here are some do’s and don’ts.

DO’S

Do use a bench in an entry area. A bench can provide both function as well as an aesthetic design element to highlight an entry area.

Do consider adding a bench as an additional seating element in a social area, such as a living or family room. Benches can especially work well in areas in which the desire is to not obscure or obstruct a view.

Do consider a pair of benches areas where flexibility or having modular elements is a consideration.

DON’TS

Don’t place benches in areas where they can obstruct room flow, windows or doorways.

Don’t compete with current furnishings. Choose a bench in a material or finish that is complementary to existing décor.

Don’t ignore the opportunity to create custom sized or produced benches to provide seating opportunities for odd sized or shaped areas or spaces.

((above left) A bench helps to both frame this living space and provide additional seating.

Photos courtesy Handout/TNS

((above right) This handy bench is a nice catch all when in a hurry.

Photo courtesy Dreamstime

((left) A matching color bench adds a finishing touch of elegance to this bedroom.

Photo courtesy Dreamstime

Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and a nationally known interior design and home staging expert with offices in New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C. Visit her website at cathyhobbs.com.