Create a beautiful home with a stylish bench

Benches offer much more than just a place to sit. With their functional and diverse range of styles, benches have become indispensable pieces in various settings, both indoors and outdoors. From providing comfortable seating to offering convenient storage solutions, benches serve multiple purposes while adding a touch of elegance and practicality to any space. At vidaXL, we offer a wide range of benches for both indoor and outdoor use.

The many different types of benches

A bench is not just a bench. There are many different types of this piece of furniture. Let’s take a look at the various types of benches available:

• Outdoor benches: Outdoor benches are designed to withstand the elements while providing a cosy spot to relax and enjoy nature on sunny days. Constructed from weather-resistant materials like teak, aluminium, or wrought iron, these benches come in various styles, from classic park benches to contemporary designs. Whether placed in a garden, on a patio, or by a poolside, an outdoor bench will brighten up your outdoor area.

• Storage benches: Combining functionality and style, storage benches offer a brilliant solution for maximising space while keeping belongings organised. With a hinged or lift-up seat, these benches are ideal for stashing blankets, toys, shoes, and other miscellaneous items.

• Hall benches: Hall benches are specifically designed for the entry point of a home. These benches often feature hooks, shelves, or cubbies for jackets, hats, bags, and similar, helping to keep the entryway tidy and inviting.

• Dining benches: Dining benches have gained popularity as an alternative to traditional dining chairs. These benches provide a casual dining experience, accommodating more guests around the table. Whether upholstered or made from wood, dining benches add a touch of modernity and versatility to the dining area, making mealtime more inviting and comfortable.

• Shoe benches: Shoe benches offer a dedicated spot for shoe storage, ensuring a clutter-free entrance. Featuring open shelves or compartments, these benches allow for easy access to footwear while doubling as a convenient seating area when putting on or taking off shoes.

• Children's storage benches: Designed with the needs of young ones in mind, children's storage benches provide a playful solution to keep toys, books, and games organised. These benches often feature colourful designs, soft cushions, and child-friendly dimensions, encouraging little ones to maintain a tidy living space while enjoying a cosy and functional seating option.

• Dressing stools/benches: Dressing stools or benches are essential additions to bedrooms. These stylish seating options provide a comfortable perch while getting ready.

With so many benches to choose from, we are sure there is one that suits your home and needs.

Choosing the right material for your bench

When it comes to selecting a bench, choosing the right material is probably the most important thing. The material not only determines the durability and maintenance requirements of the bench but also contributes to the overall style and ambiance of the space. Let’s explore some of the many materials for both indoor and outdoor benches.

Indoor benches

• Mahogany: Known for its rich, dark colour and fine grain, mahogany is a luxurious and durable option for indoor benches. Mahogany has a classic and sophisticated look and looks gorgeous.

• Oak: Renowned for its strength and durability, oak is a popular choice for indoor furniture, including benches. Oak benches can effortlessly complement both traditional and contemporary interior styles.

• Acacia: Acacia wood is durable, water resistant, and natural resistant to insects. It often showcases a warm, golden hue and distinctive grain patterns, adding charm to indoor benches.

• Engineered Wood: Engineered wood, such as plywood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF), is a cost-effective alternative to solid wood. Engineered wood benches are lightweight, easy to maintain, and can mimic the look of natural wood.

Outdoor benches

• Metal: Metal benches are popular for their durability and resistance to weather conditions. Materials like cast iron, aluminium, or steel are very popular. Metal benches can feature intricate designs, be powder-coated for added protection, and can withstand outdoor elements with minimal maintenance.

• Solid mango wood: Solid mango wood is a sustainable and eco-friendly option for outdoor benches. It displays a beautiful mix of colours and grains, ranging from light to dark. 

• Paulownia wood: Paulownia wood is lightweight, yet strong and rot-resistant, making it suitable for outdoor use. It has a straight grain pattern and can be stained or painted to achieve the desired look. Regular sealing or painting is necessary to protect paulownia wood benches from moisture and sun damage.

• Recycled pinewood: Recycled pinewood, obtained from reclaimed sources, is an environmentally friendly option for outdoor benches. Recycled pinewood is naturally weather resistant and can be treated with protective finishes for enhanced durability.

These are just some of the most popular types of materials for benches. You can also consider rattan, bamboo, teak, and cedar. Choose a type of material that suits your personal style, your overall décor, what you plan to use the bench for, and your budget. At vidaXL, we offer affordably priced benches, as we believe everyone should be able to have a beautiful bench on display in their home.

Creative ideas for decorating with benches 

Once you have chosen the perfect bench for your space, it is time to decorate it in a way that enhances the visual appeal and functionality. Whether indoors or outdoors, a well-decorated bench can become a focal point, adding character and charm to any area. We have gathered our favourite tips and tricks for decorating with your new bench.

Decorating tips for indoor benches

• Add cushions and throws: Enhance the comfort and aesthetic appeal of your indoor bench by layering it with colourful cushions and soft throws. Mix and match patterns, textures, and colours to create a cosy and inviting seating area.

• Display plants and flowers: Bring a touch of nature indoors by placing potted plants or vases with fresh flowers on your bench. The vibrant colours and fresh greenery will breathe life into the space and add a natural element to your décor.

• Personalise with travel items: If you are an avid traveller, consider displaying travel souvenirs or items collected during your adventures on your indoor bench. It could be small trinkets, maps, or photographs that remind you of cherished memories and add a personal touch to your space. These items are also great conversation starters when you have guests over.

• Utilise storage space: If your indoor bench features built-in storage or compartments, use them to your advantage. Arrange decorative baskets or boxes on the bench to store small items like blankets, magazines, or remote controls, keeping your living space organised and clutter-free. We also love adding a decorative bowl on top of hall benches. A bowl like this is perfect for storing keys, sunglasses, chewing gum, credit cards and similar objects, making them easy to grab when you are flying out the door.

• Incorporate artwork: Hang a piece of art or a gallery wall above your indoor bench to create a visually appealing backdrop. The artwork can complement the bench's style and colour scheme, adding depth and visual interest to the entire area.

Decorating tips for outdoor benches

• Introduce outdoor cushions: Make your outdoor bench more inviting and comfortable by adding weather-resistant cushions. Opt for fabrics designed to withstand the elements while providing a cosy seating experience. Choose colours and patterns that complement your outdoor surroundings.

• Enhance with throw pillows: Decorative throw pillows are an excellent way to add a pop of colour and personality to your outdoor bench. Mix and match patterns, sizes, and textures to create a stylish and inviting outdoor seating area.

• Create a green oasis: Place potted plants or hanging planters around your outdoor bench to create a lush and serene setting. Select plants that thrive in your specific climate and consider incorporating trailing vines or fragrant flowers to add visual interest and a touch of nature.

• Light up the space: Illuminate your outdoor bench area with ambient lighting options such as string lights, lanterns, or solar-powered path lights. This will create a warm and inviting atmosphere, extending the usability of your bench into the evening hours.

• Incorporate functional accessories: Consider adding functional accessories such as a small side table, a tray for beverages, or a cosy blanket for cooler evenings. These additions not only enhance the functionality of the bench but also provide convenience and comfort for you and your guests.

These are just some of the many decorating tips and tricks there are. By incorporating some of these decorating tips, both indoors and outdoors, you can transform your bench into a stylish, personalised, and inviting piece of interior that reflects your taste and lifestyle. Let your creativity lead the way and add decorative elements that enhance the comfort, functionality, and overall ambiance of your bench.

Shop indoor and outdoor benches online at vidaXL

At vidaXL, we offer a wide range of both indoor and outdoor benches. You will find various styles, designs, materials, sizes, and colours in our selection of benches. This ensures that there is a bench for every person and every home. If you have any questions or need help choosing the right bench for your home, feel free to contact our customer service. We love helping our customers find the perfect furniture and decorative elements for their home, and we look forward to assisting you too.

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