Best Benches for Functionality and Comfort
Benches have greatly evolved from the stomps of wood we grudgingly sit on in parks and our garages to mandatory household necessities. With extra seating and a place to organize and store some of your household items, when you need to make the most of your indoor or outdoor space, these 7 best benches ideal for indoors and outdoors are surely the way to go.
These benches are designed for comfort and are ideal for anyone on a budget who appreciates craft, style, and quality. Whether in the bedroom to store clean bedding, in the parlor for seating and storing pillows, in an entryway as a place to sit and remove shoes, or in the patio for outdoor chilling, these are the 7 best benches in 2024. You should also check out our buying guide to know what to look for when choosing the bench that’s perfect for your home.
Our Top Picks
Comparing the Leading Benches of 2024
Best Overall
The Garbo Storage Bench features a cushioned bench seat with button-tufted accents, arms and legs that gently curve outward, and a distinguished finish that complements both traditional and modern furniture. The seat opens to reveal generous spacing for storing things that you want to keep nearby but out of sight.
Pros
- The Garbo Storage Bench is very easy to assemble.
- It is also available in multiple designs.
- It is a multifunctional bench and this makes it a perfect home companion.
Cons
- This bench might not have the widest seat, so if you are looking for a family bench, well, you might want to look away but trust us when we say this bench is the best blend of price, quality, functionality and elegance.
Runner Up
This Shaker Style Bench was designed for people who appreciate high-quality wood furniture with a traditional and elegant look. This timeless and elegant masterpiece is made from rubber tree wood from spent plantation trees in Southeast Asia. It’s fairly heavy, but not so much that you couldn’t move it easily. Another great feature of this bench is that it comes unfinished, so you are free to stain it to match other furniture in your house or garden.
Pros
- The International Concepts Shaker style bench is sturdy.
- This shaker bench is also easy to assemble
- It comes unfinished, but with a smooth surface finish which makes it customizable – Just a touch of stain, and you have yourself a perfectly finished bench.
Cons
- If you have marble floors in your home, moving the bench around may cause floor damage from scratching. This can be easily prevented using felt pads on the legs to make it slide easily without scratching the floor.
Honorable Mention
This is another storage bench. Although not as roomy as the Garbo, the Powell Furniture Jane Storage bench comes in its unique design. Featuring an upholstered seat that has a rustic taupe fabric, and a foam cushion under the fabric, this bench is very comfortable. The Jane Storage bench is made of durable rubberwood veneer and MDF construction. It is a very affordable option for those who are looking to get storage benches in their homes.
Pros
- The Jane Storage Bench is easy to assemble.
- It offers a storage unit.
- It is sturdy and very comfortable.
Cons
- The bench is not easily reupholstered
Also Consider
This beautiful ottoman bench is the luxury and sophistication that your home needs. The Christopher Knight Home Scarlett Fabric Ottoman Bench is upholstered in plush button-tufted fabric and Stands on unique crossed legs that give this piece a modern twist. This bench is great for extra seating, or as a footstool. From fabrics to finishes and patterns to prints, this ottoman bench is big on all the little things.
Pros
- The Christopher Knight Home Scarlett Fabric Ottoman Bench comes in a very attractive design that goes well with any decor.
- It is easy to assemble.
- It is affordable.
Cons
- It is lightweight and as such could crumble under large weights. So be careful around this one. Nonetheless, it can seat two to three adults at the same time and is also perfect as a footstool.
Also Consider
If you love bamboo and you are on the lookout for creative, new ways to incorporate it into our home, then this bench is right up your alley. Handcrafted from 100% natural bamboo, the Mosa Natural Bamboo Entryway Bench is an eco-friendly and sturdy bench with a smooth finish. This two-tier bamboo rack and storage bench is a great choice for space-saving.
Pros
- The Mosa Natural Bamboo Entryway Bench is made from 100% bamboo, making it a sustainable product.
- They are easy to assemble and quite affordable.
- It is lightweight but sturdy.
Cons
- It is not very fancy but it’s certainly functional
Also Consider
Whether indoors or outdoors, this water-resistant Farmhouse Dining Bench is appropriate for every occasion. This bench is lightweight and has cross-bars that help keep it stable. It also has non-marring rubber feet that add further stability and prevent floor damage. With this Farmhouse Dining Bench, you have the option to either use the backrest or simply remove it to create a backless bench that provides more freedom of movement. We believe this to be a great companion for your indoors and outdoors.
Pros
- The Farmhouse Dining Bench is easy to assemble and disassemble.
- It has a water-resistant coating that prevents the bench from absorbing water.
- The farmhouse style of this bench adds a warm, rustic tone to your home while its minimalist design helps prevent clutter.
Cons
- You may have a hard time putting a screw or two in on the back support, so you will need to put some muscles into it. But for this beauty, a little arm power isn’t too much to ask.
Also Consider
This versatile piece of furniture with its rustic brown surface and matte black steel frame is primarily a stable shoe bench, but can quickly be transformed into a storage shelf, plant stand, or anything you want it to be. Talk about the chameleon of furniture. It has two storage shelves, a tall compartment, and stable adjustable feet to give the shoe bench a little more stability even on uneven floors. With this shoe bench, the tidy award will finally go to your hallway.
Pros
- It is a very versatile piece of furniture and so useful in many parts of the home.
- It is lightweight and easy to assemble
- The adjustable legs make give it stability on uneven floors
Cons
- The wooden shelf and metal mesh do not appear to be waterproof so it’s not ideal for outdoors
Leading Benches Buying Guide
Why add a wooden bench to your home or garden? It’s convenient, durable, and has a timeless look to it. Best of all, it can bring to your outdoor space the kind of charm that benches in parks or botanical gardens would be jealous of. Now that you’re convinced, you are probably wondering where to start.
A bench is a versatile seating option that adds a great deal of functionality to your space. Highly decorated traditional spaces or sleek minimalist modern rooms are made complete with the addition of a bench featuring just the right touches. These simple two- or three-seaters make it extra easy to host guests comfortably or to relax outdoors in the colorful sunshine. Here’s what you should know when choosing the best bench for your home or garden.
What Types of Benches Should I Buy?
There are two major categories of benches: indoor and outdoor. While outdoor benches may be used indoors, indoor benches are usually not designed to stand up to wind, rain, and scorching sunlight. Always use the benches according to the manufacturer’s specifications and if you can’t help but use an indoor bench outside, make sure it’s at least water-resistant.
Bedroom benches
A bedroom bench is placed at the foot of the bed to provide a place to sit as you get dressed. They are usually upholstered for comfort and may have hidden storage. In terms of style options for bedroom benches, you can find both rustic and modern benches.
Outdoor benches
Outdoor benches can be made of woods like teak or cedar that hold up under harsh weather. Some indoor benches are also coated with water-resistant materials to repel water. If outdoor benches have a cushion, it is usually made with water-repellent and fade-resistant fabric.
Storage benches
When you need to make the most of your indoor space, a storage bench is the way to go. Many modern benches feature some storage element. Storage benches can be used in any room of the house to create a comfortable window seat or bedroom bench. With a removable or hinged top, you’ll get extra seating and a place to hide all your odds and ends. If you have little kids at home or visiting often, you will want to look for an indoor storage bench with a child safety hinge. This added feature prevents tiny hands from slamming down the lid and injuring a few fingers.
Hallway/entryway benches
Adding a bench to your entryway makes it much easier to remove shoes and coats when you or visitors come in. A bench near the door can also help corral items like backpacks and winter gear have a resting place.
For tips on styling your entryway with a bench, watch this video from SBK Living:
Dining benches
A dining bench is a casual seating choice that adds elegance to your decor. Use one or two benches on the long sides of your table to mix and match with your dining chairs. Dining benches can be designed for indoor or outdoor use.
Upholstery and padding are nice in living rooms and bedrooms, where comfort is key. On the other hand, dining areas and entryways benefit from the clean lines and functionality of wooden seats.
How Do I Pick the Right Bench?
Determine where you want to use it. If it’s going to be in the garden or unsheltered patio, then it means your bench will be fully exposed to the elements. In that case, it’s best to skip the cushions. A semi-sheltered patio or porch allows you to more freely consider outdoor cushions. On the other hand, an indoor bench opens up a wide range of possibilities when it comes to materials and style.
Why Do I Need a Bench?
The main purpose of your bench will directly affect the type and style of the bench you should buy. If it’s for storage, you’ll want to look at styles that have shelves, cubbies or a full chest beneath the seating. Consider whether you prefer divided storage, or one large space to help you get more organized. With all these considered, you can proceed to check for benches that agree with your overall decorating style.
How Do I Know the Size of the Bench I Need?
Simply get a tape and measure the length of the area where you’d like your bench to live. Most bedroom benches will fit easily at the foot of a full, queen or king-size bed. For dining benches, it is more convenient that the entire bench fits between the legs of your dining table so you can gently push the bench in when not in use. If you plan to keep your bench against a wall, bear in mind you’ll need clearance to walk about 18 inches away from the wall to account for the bench’s width.
What Bench Style Should I Go For?
Style is undeniably important. You want to purchase a bench that matches the decor you already own. Indoor benches with a modish faux leather covering, benches that feature a fancy tufted top, soft cushioning, and sturdy wooden benches. Modern benches with sleek likes and minimal patterns are also very attractive. You could also look out for models that belong to a collection. This allows you to purchase other coordinating pieces for your home.
People Also Asked
Should my indoor storage bench have an odor?
Some indoor storage benches have a strong odor when they are first delivered. You'll need to take a few days to air out the bench before you begin to utilize the storage. You can also spray a vinegar/water mixture all over the bench and allow it to dry for quicker results.
Should my indoor storage bench have an odor?
Some indoor storage benches have a strong odor when they are first delivered. You'll need to take a few days to air out the bench before you begin to utilize the storage. You can also spray a vinegar/water mixture all over the bench and allow it to dry for quicker results.
Are storage benches expensive?
Storage benches are very affordable. Construction materials and product features determine the overall price of benches. But overall, they are a great value for the price!
Are storage benches difficult to assemble?
Many storage benches are easy to assemble with only a few cases needing extra muscle. Determining how involved the assembly of the storage bench you plan to purchase is before you buy might be a good idea. Manufacturers usually include assembly instructions in the product package. You should find out about yours.