To some, benches bring back memories of school. To others, benches are forever associated with escapades in the park. The bench, however, has come a long way from school and now plays an important part in interior décor. Whether the area is formal or informal, a bench can introduce an important stylistic element to the overall aesthetics of the room.
As the pictures here demonstrate, benches can be upholstered or plain, fitted with storage, and made of many different materials in various sizes. Put in the foyer, they communicate your home’s design ethos to your guests as soon as they step through the front door. A wooden bench with a storage compartment underneath, kept out on the verandah, is perfect for children to stow away their toys as they come indoors or for adults looking to conceal unsightly junk. In case the shelves under the bench are open, you can add baskets to conceal unattractive items. For added comfort, and padding, you can place a thin mattress on top of the hard bench.
In the bedroom, a tufted or extravagantly upholstered bench can add instant glamour and colour. It can also provide extra storage or take the place of a footboard or just present itself as a place to sit when you need to put on your shoes. There is no shortage of styles here. A leather trunk or a wooden sandook can also double as a bedroom bench, as can a small ottoman. As for styles, you can choose from Colonial, Scandinavian, Art Deco or go all-out ethnic with a colourful wooden bench from Rajasthan or Gujarat.
It’s not just about good looks. A bench is deeply utilitarian. At the dining table, bench seating allows more people to sit down (compared to a table with just chairs). In the living room, a simple bench can double up as a coffee table. It can also act as a base for a painting or sculpture since its clean lines do not detract from the artwork. In the bathroom, a concrete bench can not only act as a useful ledge for supplies but can also be a great place to relax on beneath a refreshing spray.
One final point: a bench doesn’t necessarily have to follow the same style as the rest of your home’s interior décor; it can be the exclamation point to it.