Buying guide for best bedroom benches
Even if your bedroom is fully furnished, you might find yourself looking for another piece that ties the room décor together. A bedroom bench is considered a practical, stylish option.
Bedroom benches typically come in two forms: a storage trunk or chest and a simple bench without storage. Those in need of a place to store linens or towels often gravitate toward trunk or chest designs. They’re also ideal for storing off-season clothing or toys. Others prefer the elegant look of a simple bench with upholstery and carved legs. These benches are often considered statement pieces in bedrooms, especially when they’re adorned with decorative throws or pillows.
No matter what you’re looking for in a bedroom bench — be it storage or style — there’s one out there to suit your needs. This buying guide shares an overview of essential features to compare in bedroom benches to help narrow your choices.
Key considerations
Style vs. practicality
Some people invest in a bedroom bench for aesthetic reasons. The bench is often used as a statement piece or to eliminate negative space in a bedroom. Bedroom benches are also considered a stylish seating alternative to chaise lounges or other chairs.
Others choose bedroom benches for practical reasons. Trunk or chest designs may offer several cubic feet of hidden storage. A bedroom bench can also be used to secure bedding at the foot of the bed, especially for people who toss and turn and find their sheets and covers untucked in the morning.
Size
Bedroom benches are available in a variety of sizes. Their lengths vary considerably, ranging from 30 to 70 inches. They’re usually around 15 inches high and up to 20 inches wide. Some consumers choose a bedroom bench based on the width of their mattress. The bench doesn’t necessarily need to span the entire width, but for aesthetic reasons, many consumers opt for a bench that spans at least two-thirds to three-quarters of the width of the mattress.
For reference, here are standard mattress widths:
Storage
Some bedroom benches with storage can hold just as many linens, towels, or clothes as a small dresser or closet. If storage is a top priority in your search, be sure to compare the bench’s external dimensions to its interior dimensions. Sometimes a bedroom bench appears to have a larger storage capacity than it actually does. For example, certain benches have thick walls and lid, both of which cut into the bench’s overall storage capacity.
Weight limit
Bedroom benches are designed as makeshift seating, though it’s important to note their weight limit. Unfortunately, not every manufacturer makes this information available, and it’s up to you as the consumer to use your best judgment concerning how much the bench can hold. For those manufacturers that do tell you, the weight limit usually ranges from 150 to 500 pounds.
If the hinges on your bedroom bench are hard to open or squeaky, you can spray them with a lubricant.
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Features
Shapes
There’s quite a bit of diversity among bedroom benches, though they come in a few basic shapes: box, table, and H-frame.
Box: These bedroom benches include trunk- or chest-inspired designs. These have a lid that opens to reveal a storage compartment. The lid is usually covered with cushions or upholstery for sitting.
Table: Bedroom benches without arms or storage resemble simple tables. However, because they have upholstered or cushioned seats, it’s quite obvious they’re intended for sitting. Many of these benches have ornate legs.
H-frame: These bedroom benches have arms but lack storage space. These designs, often inspired by antique furniture, may have contoured or detailed arms as well as embellishments.
Materials
Bedroom benches are made of synthetic or natural materials or both.
Synthetic: Synthetic fabrics include microfiber, polyester, and faux leather. Synthetic materials include engineered wood or medium-density fibreboard (MDF). While these materials make bedroom benches more affordable, they don’t always withstand the test of time and use.
Natural: Natural fabrics include cotton, polyester, canvas, leather, and suede. Natural materials include various types of wood, including mahogany, oak, pine, and cherry. These are usually well made, but they require special cleaners like wood polish to maintain their appearance.
Cushions
The cushions on bedroom benches are filled with either foam or cotton-blend batting. While many consumers are attracted to the idea of very soft cushions, they can compress or end up lumpy. Firm, tightly packed cushions retain their shape better and remain supportive.
Embellishments
Decorative bedroom benches often feature embellishments, including nailhead tacks, tassels, fringe, or tufted designs. Even if a bedroom bench only has one of the aforementioned embellishments, it can elevate the style and appearance of the piece.
Variations
There are a couple modern variations on bedroom benches that take practicality to a new level.
Shoe storage: Bedroom benches with integrated shoe storage are ideal for quick access to footwear. They have either a long shelf or cubicles for several pairs.
Collapsible: These bedroom benches are ideal for temporary use. They fold up to a couple inches wide, making them easy to tuck behind furniture or under the bed when they’re no longer needed.
DID YOU KNOW?
Match the legs or feet of your bedroom bench to the color or finish of your bedroom set. While it’s a small detail, it helps tie the bedroom décor together.
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Accessories
Decorative throw: Bourina Textured Knitted Throw
A decorative throw can make a bedroom bench cozier, not to mention it adds panache to an otherwise plain bench. We like this acrylic one by Bourina because the textured design adds depth and dimension to a bench.
Decorative throw pillow: blue page Boho Throw Pillow
Decorative throw pillows can add a pop of color and a touch of style to a bedroom bench. This one by blue page features a variety of woven textures. It’s available in nine neutral color combinations too.
Upholstery protection: Scotchgard Fabric Water Shield
If your bedroom bench has cushioning or upholstery, it’s a good idea to coat it with a water- and stain-repellent spray. We like this reliable formula by Scotchgard, which dries clear and odorless.
Soft storage bins: mDesign Soft Fabric Organizer Set
If your bedroom bench is in need of organization, we recommend investing in this soft fabric organizer set. It includes five partitioned cubes to hold items of different sizes.
Bedroom bench prices
Bedroom benches cost between $40 and $2,000, mostly depending on quality. The more expensive the materials, the pricier the bench.
Inexpensive: If you’re looking for a basic bedroom bench, you can find several decent options for less than $100. Many of these are collapsible or made with synthetic materials. While they’re not the most durable benches, they’re ideal for light or temporary use.
Mid-range: These bedroom benches are made with at least some natural wood parts as opposed to only engineered wood, and they have higher weight limits and are more durable than cheaper options. These cost between $150 and $500.
Expensive: Designer bedroom benches made with premium materials and high-end upholstery cost between $600 and $2,000. There is a noticeable improvement in quality in these designs, especially in terms of the frame.
To prevent your bedroom bench from getting stained, treat it with a stain-repellent spray.
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Tips
- Create a reading space in your bedroom. If you’d like to create a reading nook in your room, place a bedroom bench under a window or in a corner.
- Measure your room first. If your bedroom is small, make sure you account for the door opening and closing when the bench is in position.
- Choose a bold color. Rather than choosing a bench that blends in with other furniture, many consumers opt for a bench in a bold print or color to use as a focal point.
FAQ
Q. Will I need to assemble my bedroom bench?
A. Most designer or high-quality bedroom benches arrive at your home fully assembled. If yours doesn’t, often the delivery crew can put it together for you. It’s common for less expensive bedroom benches to require assembly. However, this is usually a matter of connecting a few components or attaching the feet.
Q. Can I use a bedroom bench in other rooms?
A. Yes. A bedroom bench is a versatile piece of furniture. You can place one in an entryway, at the end of a hallway, or in a large bathroom. One can also be used as additional seating in a living room, sun room, or kitchen.
Q. How do I maximize storage in my bedroom bench?
A. It depends on what you intend to store in it. For bedding or clothing, some closet separators are helpful. For smaller items, such as toys, a series of stacking baskets can keep similar toys together.
