6 Ways to Style a Bench
The “6 Ways to Style” series is quickly becoming one of my all-time favorites to curate. They’re super fun to put together and based on your feedback- they seem really helpful for you guys! This month, I decided to style a bench. I feel like a bench is one of the more versatile pieces of furniture you can own. I kind of ran with the entryway vignette / theme for the purposes of this particular post, but benches are also great positioned at the foot of a bed, to fill awkward negative space in a hall, or nestled into a niche or nook. I also like styling a bench into my home office because it gives me extra seating, as well as an additional surface to drop papers or books. Click through for six totally different looks of varying styles and budgets!
CHIC
01: battery powered gallery light // 02: grid gallery wall frames // 03: brass umbrella holder // 04: upholstered bench // 05: rug runner
You guys already know I’m a big fan of a grid gallery wall (get inspiration for that here). I love balancing a bench with art! Imagine the gorgeous statement the above vignette would make in a home entry or mudroom. Paired with an umbrella holder and runner, this cozy spot is functional and charming.
MODERN
01: wall art pair // 02: brass floor lamp // 03: modern upholstered bench
I cannot believe the amazing price for the above bench! Trust me when I say, this $180 modern number looks SO much more expensive than it actually is. I could easily see this pairing in a living space or family room. If you’re wondering what to put on the empty wall in your great room… think outside typical living room furniture. That would be the perfect spot for something of this nature- that compliments a cozy sofa, sectional, and coffee table.
COOL
01: large scale artwork // 02: wall sconce // 03: throw pillow // 04: upholstered bench // 05: pedestal bowl // 06: gradient sheepskin
Next up… cool. The “cool” collages are always the most fun for me. Remember when I had a vintage car print in our old guest room? Apparently, I’m still not over that! The key to pulling off the layered look is tons of textural change- think about different materials that compliment each other.
GLAM
01: matte black pendant light // 02: large scale abstract art // 03: gallop bench // 04: marble end table
I have had that giant abstract art on my wishlist for awhile now. That’s actually what led me to DIY it. This is my most popular art tutorial ever! If you’d like to recreate the above look on a budget, definitely go check that out. In my dream house, I’d envision the above vignette as a focal point at the end of gorgeous hallway… complete with lots of over-the-top millwork.
COASTAL
01: vintage woven baskets installment // 02: faux potted palm // 03: storage bench with seat cushion // 04: black modern planter
Again, I’m over here dreaming of renovating a beach house. I swear- it HAS to happen someday. I’m loving the woven baskets as an art installation. I think the texture and pattern is really fun! Paired alongside a faux palm in a modern planter, you can’t go wrong with a storage bench. It would be perfect for snorkel gear, flip flops, and beach towels as you head out the door toward the ocean.
MINIMAL
01: modern coat tree // 02: extra large round wall mirror // 03: blue velvet parson bench
Lastly is the minimal roundup. Form meets function in this option… a bench for taking off or putting on shoes, a modern coat tree for tossing jackets and hats, all balanced by a giant round wall mirror. I am really digging the parson style bench, and don’t even get me started on that blue velvet! I may or may not be designing a bathroom in that exact color right now (details on that coming soon).
I’m looking forward to adding a couple more benches to our new home. The above image shows the mudroom at our Ohio house. It was one of my very favorite spots. Finn loved to lay by the back door guarding our belongings. We would always find him cuddled up under the bench.
Speaking of benches, I’m also very tempted to try this vintage rug upholstered bench tutorial my friend Ashley put together. I think that could be a fun one!
Let me know if there are other topics you’d like to see on “6 Ways to Style”. In the coming year, I’ve already added the following to the calendar…
- 6 Ways to Style a Bar Cart
- 6 Ways to Style a Mantle
- 6 Ways to Style Double Bathroom Vanities
- 6 Ways to Style a Dining Room Sideboard
I’d love to hear more of your suggestions! Let me know in the comments below.