Back to blog
Copenhagen Blog
Sitting Pretty: How to Use and Style Benches in Every Room of the House
From bustling train stations and school cafeterias to shady parks and urban living rooms, benches have found their way into nearly every sphere of life. Whether simple or ornate, these trusty seating solutions are always ready to offer a quick resting spot to whoever needs one. This is true both inside and outside the home.
Though benches can often be overlooked in furniture shopping or interior design, don’t underestimate their power – they combine versatility, functionality, and style in one compact form. In addition to offering an extra place to sit, benches can also enhance your design aesthetic or provide convenient storage space. Their adaptable nature lets them integrate easily into any room in the house.
At Copenhagen, we’ve expertly curated our modern benches to complement a wide range of home environments. Below, we unpack the possibilities of these modest yet mighty seating companions with tips for using and styling benches in your entryway, living room, bedroom, dining room, and office.
Many homeowners have discovered the benefits of placing a bench in their entryway. A bench not only creates a welcoming first impression of your space – it also helps with transitioning between indoors and outdoors. For instance, it’s the perfect place to sit while putting on or taking off shoes. Storage benches like Linq are especially suited for entryways as they provide a handy place to stash items like reusable shopping bags, pet leashes, small tools, and more.
Pair an entryway bench with other items that increase the utility of this transitional space. Consider mounting a coat rack above the bench or placing a freestanding coat tree like the Toby next to it, which allows guests to hang outerwear and hats. Shoe racks and umbrella stands also help minimize clutter while keeping the area clean. Place a tray like the Obscura on your bench for a spot to drop off mail and keys. A simple mirror like the Dario offers an elegant finishing touch while letting household members check their appearance before heading out.
In the living room, a bench shines in its ability to enhance comfort and adapt to a range of needs. The Juliette is a prime example, with its soft cushioning and protected leather upholstery. Use a bench for easily mobile seating when entertaining guests, whether you’re gathering around the coffee table for board game night or mixing and mingling during a cocktail party. You can also place a bench in a corner, by a window, or inside a niche to create a pleasant nook. If your bench has storage, consider using it to keep items like chargers, blankets, board games, or kids’ and pets’ toys stashed away when not in use.
When styling a living room bench, play up the coziness factor by layering on a throw blanket and patterned pillow, like the Barcode in mustard yellow. Bring in a sleek side table like Bink with a small lamp like Zayden to add illumination and encourage lingering. Place a stack of books on the bench with a small figurine on top, like one of the dogs from the Puppies Trio, to create a conversation point.
Opting for a bench at the foot of a bed is a popular design choice – in addition to providing a pleasing visual anchor, a bench can facilitate relaxation and help you prepare for the day ahead. Besides lounging or reading, a bench can be used to set down outfits and bags, so they’re ready to go in the morning. Conveniently, many modern bedroom sets include matching benches – the Gala and Kava collections are two examples with benches that coordinate effortlessly.
Maximize comfort by accessorizing a bedroom bench with a chunky throw blanket and a couple of plush pillows, like the Jolie. A rug placed under the bed and extending past the bench can pull everything together for a cohesive look – we especially like the Eden for its fluid swirl of muted colors. Hang some calming artwork, such as Lingering Love, on a wall nearby to complete your personal haven.
Dining benches offer a flexible alternative to traditional dining chairs. Imagine two guests at the table sitting on the Nani dining bench when a third unexpectedly arrives – they can simply scoot over to make room rather than looking for an extra chair. Aesthetically, dining benches provide a casual and inviting ambiance and can look especially distinctive when placed on one side of a table to contrast with a set of chairs on the other side.
Because dining benches serve a primarily functional purpose, it’s best to leave them clear of decor and accessories. Pairing a bench like the Nani with the matching Nani Table and coordinating Barrow Chairs goes a long way in creating visual impact. Place any decorative elements like vases or candles on the table or sideboard instead. That being said, you may consider adding a cushion to your dining bench if you need extra padding.
In an office, a bench adds a touch of comfort, coziness, and home-like charm to a productivity-oriented space. If you work with clients, a sleek bench like the Jamison provides the perfect seating option for a waiting area. If you work solo, a bench can still offer a spot to step away from work and take a breather.
Coordinate your office bench with a functional side table like Deco – its top and bottom tiers offer space for a curated stack of magazines or a bowl of candy, while its rolling base allows for easy movement around the office. A minimalist coat rack like Killian is a thoughtful touch for clients who want to hang up their coats before settling down to talk. Add some nature with a houseplant or a faux arrangement like the Four Head Yucca, and you’re set.
Whether they’re sprucing up a home office or giving a welcome seat to a tired guest in an entryway, benches have a special ability to make a house feel like a home. Shop online or in-store to explore Copenhagen’s collection of contemporary benches, and feel free to consult our sales and design team for personalized styling tips.