Source: West Elm
An upholstered bench can really enhance the look and function of your entry or bedroom. Benches come in an array of styles that vary from mid-century modern, traditional to contemporary, and they can set the tone for the rest of your house or provide a comfortable place for you, or your pet, to rest your weary bones at the end of the day.
Check out the tips and tricks below for finding the right bench for your home and then shop the 25 amazing upholstered benches with finds starting at under $200!
Entry
An entry bench is a great way to provide a welcoming entrance as well as a place for guests to take their shoes off. Depending on your space, the entry bench should leave room for a basket at the end or underneath for people to drop said shoes. You can be a bit more daring in an entry with color and I recommend drawing inspiration from adjoining rooms. Of course, a neutral bench also looks great with a patterned pillow to add interest. Here are a few ways that you can help integrate the bench into the overall entry décor.
- Mirror – hang a mirror above the bench to help add visual space to the foyer.
- Art gallery – the entry is a great way to feature a family photo as well as other art that sets the color and style tone for your house. It also helps tie the bench into the overall design rather than looking like it just landed there an
- Lamp – a large floor lamp a the end of a bench helps add some taller visual interest and will tie in the bench with whatever you have above it; i.e. art, mirror, decorative hangings.
- Plant – a large plant at the end of a bench does the same thing as the lamp in adding visual interest. I would go this route if you also have a console table with lamps so do not need additional lighting.
Source: Target
Source: Target
Source: Wayfair
Bedroom
Having a bench at the end of the bed looks great and adds functionality if you have room. It adds seating and also provides a great spot for you to store your decorative pillows at night, provide your pet a sleeping space off the bed, tuck your shoes underneath, or just take a load off when you want to hang out in your room for a few minutes. It takes a minimal amount of space and is a great option when you do not have room for a seating area. A few tips:
- Size – the bend should be no m,ore than 6-8” shorter than the end of your bed and the seat should be no higher than your mattress. King beds are generally 80” wide so the bench should be at least 60” though 65-70” is better. You can combine 2 smaller benched as needed so that the length is at least ¾ the length of the bed.
- Style – you do not need to go with upholstered though that is what I am featuring here. It is good to find a neutral color so that you have the option to change your accessories (bedding, rug, pillows) without having to worry about replacing the bench. One strategy is to choose a bench that is the opposite of your bed; i.e. wooden bench (or with at least some wood) with an upholstered bed or an upholstered bed with a wooden bench.
Source: West Elm
Source: Style by Emily Henderson
Now for the fun part – here are some of my favorites organized by cost from lowest to highest. I am considering the strappy one in the lower cost section as well as 2nd one in the above $500 section. Do you have a bench already or see a favorite below?
Under $500 (lowest to highest)
>$500 (lowest to highest)