Ellie Prince
There’s something lighthearted and casual about family gatherings. Incorporate bench seating in a cozy space and snuggle up together. Benches are easy to spruce up with a cushion or a few throw pillows. Our favorites are vintage and add an extra boost of character to any room.
Bench Seating For Family Life
If you have a few kids running around, benches can be a real space-saver. A large wooden dining table stays sleek with bench seating on both sides. Less fussing around with chairs and more room for shelves or plain old floor space. (We love the idea of adding some open shelving below windows as long as breakables stay out of hand’s reach.)
Cutest Corners
A vintage dining bench reupholstered in a fresh fabric can be a total style maker. Place bench seating against a supportive wall and place a mirror above. A round table works really well with benches and we love the open leg style of a Breuer style chair. Mixing vintage with modern is 100% French so pay attention to lines and curves instead.
Go Green
If you have a soft spot for green sofas, opt for a long high-backed version with a scalloped back. Bench seating works perfectly in an entryway or as additional seating in a large living room. Take a look at our article on portraits of random people and consider adding one to your fancy decor.
Extra Seating
You can also play around with seating if you have strong hostess tendencies. Long bench seating allows a smaller household to make room for a crowd on occasion. Mix modern and country with caned chairs and a mid-century modern-inspired light fixture.
Live in Your Library
A home library is a welcome addition to any Feng Shui home that encourages learning. Brighten up bench seating with kelly green cushions paired with bright orange floor pillows. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves are surprisingly practical and a larger-than-life coffee table balances the space visually.
At-Home Bistro
A breakfast nook might be just what the doctor ordered. Small spaces benefit from bench seating and a cozy cushion or two. Add a bistro table and rattan chair inspired by your favorite French cafe. The result is simple and elegant and this might turn into your favorite getaway space throughout the day.
Benchwarmer
This month, think smarter, not harder. Incorporate bench seating to help maximize use of space and create cozy nooks. It’s amazing what one little bench can do to transform the vibe of any room.