Storage Benches - Living Room Seating & Storage in One

Living rooms serve many purposes - they are areas to relax, entertain guests, and spend quality time with family. But with so many activities, it is easy for clutter to accumulate. This is where storage benches provide the perfect solution. These multi-functional pieces of furniture offer comfortable seating combined with hidden storage to help keep your living room organized. Let's explore the many benefits storage benches offer and how to choose the right one for your living room.

Storage benches are versatile and useful additions to living rooms of all sizes and styles. With their dual purpose design, they maximize space by providing seating and out-of-sight storage in a single compact piece. Storage benches allow you to neatly tuck away items like books, toys, shoes, accessories, and more so your living room stays tidy and clutter-free. When closed, the bench adds attractive and functional seating, accenting your living room decor. But storage benches aren't just for small spaces - they can transform any size living room into an organized haven.

Benefits of Storage Benches for Living Rooms

Dual-Purpose Furniture

One of the biggest advantages of a storage bench is its versatility. Combining seating and storage, these benches pull double duty in your living room. The storage compartment hidden beneath the bench seat helps save precious space in a small living room. Rather than purchasing separate furniture pieces like a sofa or ottoman along with a cabinet or shelving unit, a bench efficienty combines both functions. This leaves more open floor area so the space feels open and airy.

Storage & Organization

Storage benches are perfect for helping keep your living room free of clutter. The space under the bench lift-up seat or behind doors/drawers provides plenty of room to organize items. You can neatly store shoes, books, toys, hats, scarves, remotes, blankets, and media accessories inside. Some benches even have customizable compartments, removable trays or baskets allowing you to optimize the layout based on what you need to store. Tucking these items out of sight not only reduces mess, but also creates a calming, tranquil ambiance.

Stylish & Decor Friendly

Even with their storage capabilities, benches are attractive living room additions that enhance your decor. Available in materials like rich wood, luxe leather and soft upholstered fabrics, they blend seamlessly with various design aesthetics from modern and contemporary to traditional and rustic cottage styles. Simple or intricately tufted, acrylic legs or turned wood feet - there are so many options to choose one that complements your existing decor. Place it under a window, at the end of a sofa or facing your TV and it becomes a focal piece lending elegance and sophistication to your living room.

Extra Seating When Needed

Don't be fooled by the slim silhouette of many storage benches - they can comfortably seat multiple people when required. Simply access the storage space as needed, but leave it closed the rest of the time to use the bench top as extra seating. This comes in handy when you have guests over and need to pull together additional seating. Style it with some plush cushions and it doubles as a cozy spot for kids to read or lounge. It's also useful seating near front doors for putting on shoes.

Customizable & Versatile

Storage benches are incredibly customizable and come in a wide range of sizes. Select a bench with ample length and depth to fit your space as well as the storage needs. Whether placed under a large window or in a small entryway, the simple clean lines meld in any decor. But don't worry about sacrificing style for function - there are so many designs available including tufted upholstered benches and wooden benches with elaborate carvings. Use it to set the theme for the room - from modern and tailored to vintage and romantic. Many manufacturers also allow you to select compartment layouts with various drawer sizes or open shelves to organize your space. This versatility and customization means storage benches can adapt to any living room.

Types of Storage Benches

By Material

Storage benches are constructed from diverse materials like:

• Wooden storage benches made of oak, acacia, mango or pine wood. Choose a finish like natural, black, weathered gray or whitewash.
• Leather storage benches in genuine or faux leather. Opt for tufted or smooth styles.
• Upholstered fabric storage benches available in linen, velvet, or cotton prints that are soft to the touch.
• Metal and wicker storage benches with clean lines and eclectic charm.

By Style

Popular living room storage bench styles include:

• Tufted storage benches with classic button tufting and acrylic or tapered wood legs.
• Storage benches with comfy backrests that provide ample support when seating multiple people.
• Ottoman style storage benches with a square, rounded or oval seat minus a back.
• Chest style benches reminiscent of antique chests but sized as a bench.
• Cubbie storage benches with open divided compartments rather than enclosed storage.

Features

Consider these feature variations when selecting a storage bench:

• Lift-up lid vs. front doors/drawers for accessing the storage space.
• With or without an added backrest for additional seating support.
• Removable fabric organizers or wooden trays to customize storage.
• Flip-up seat front to easily access interior contents.

Choosing the Right Storage Bench

Measure Your Space

Start by carefully measuring the area where you want to place the storage bench. Note the length, height and depth of the space. This helps determine what bench dimensions will fit best. If placing it against a wall, make sure to measure any existing moldings. Leave a few inches gap on each side for easy access. Measure before you shop since storage bench sizes can vary widely. Even a couple inches can impact how it fits.

Storage Needs

Next, consider what you will be storing in your bench. Make a list - shoes, books, toys, linens, media accessories? Estimate how many of each to determine the amount of storage space needed. Look at bench capacity in cubic feet as well as internal compartment layout. Some allow you to customize dividers, drawers and bins. Optimize these to accommodate the items you need to store for easy organization. Don't size down too small or the bench won't be useful.

Material & Style

Choose a storage bench material and style that fits your existing living room decor. Wood, leather and fabric benches come in range of colors and finishes. Look for a bench that coordinates with your color scheme and complements your other furniture. Accent your contemporary grey sofa with a sleek leather bench or add vintage flair with an upholstered floral bench. For transitional spaces, choose a simple design that blends well.

Added Features

Consider useful add-ons that provide enhanced convenience and functionality:

• Built in power outlets or USB charging ports to charge devices.
• LED lighting inside the storage bench for easy visibility.
• Removable fabric bins on rollers that slide out neatly when you lift the lid.
• Casters or wheels for mobility to conveniently move it around as needed.

Where to Place a Storage Bench

Entryway

A common spot for a storage bench is in the entryway or mudroom near the front door. Place it close to the door with enough clearance to open easily. Use it for siting down temporarily to remove shoes. The storage keeps pairs together and organized. Hang hooks above it for coats and bags.

Living Room

Within the living room itself, storage benches work wonderfully:

• At the end of a sofa anchoring it and providing a place to rest your feet up.
• Facing the TV for extra informal seating against the back of a sofa.
• Underneath large living room windows as a cozy bay window type seating nook.
• Near doorways where you need a slim piece of furniture with seating.

Bedroom

Benches aren't just for living rooms - they also come in handy in bedrooms:

• At the foot of the bed for a place to sit while dressing.
• Under windows as a cushioned window seat storage space.
• Near closets and dressers for storing extra linens, clothing and accessories.

Shopping Tips for Storage Benches

Keep these tips in mind when selecting and buying a storage bench:

• Carefully measure available space and interior storage needs before choosing.
• Purchase from a reputable brand known for quality construction and materials.
• Read reviews and product ratings to gauge real customer satisfaction.
• Consider custom bench construction for a perfect built-in look.
• Check weight capacity to hold sufficient items. Average is 150-200 pounds spread evenly.

Multi-functional storage benches

In addition to seating and storage, some living room benches now come with additional features such as USB charging ports, built-in lighting, or even heating and massage functions. These multi-functional storage benches can not only save space but also provide added convenience and luxury.

Customizable storage solutions

Many manufacturers now offer customizable storage solutions for living room benches, allowing customers to choose the number and size of compartments based on their specific needs. This customization can help maximize the storage capacity of the bench while minimizing clutter and optimizing efficiency.

Eco-friendly and sustainable materials

As more and more consumers become environmentally conscious, living room benches with storage are now being made with eco-friendly and sustainable materials such as recycled plastics, bamboo, or reclaimed wood. These materials not only align with the consumer's values but also contribute to a healthier and more sustainable living environment.

Smart storage solutions

With the rise of smart homes, living room benches with storage are now being integrated with smart technology, such as motion sensors or remote control systems, allowing for more efficient and convenient storage.

Storage benches are attractive, highly functional pieces of furniture that make smart additions to living rooms. With their ability to provide extra seating plus ample organized storage in a slim footprint, they help keep clutter tucked out of sight. Available in a wide range of sizes, materials and styles, you can easily find storage benches to match your living room decor. Place them in entryways, under windows, as sofa accents or wherever you need a multi-purpose furniture solution. With their versatility and style, storage benches are useful investments that both optimize space and enhance your living room design.