Some of the most versatile furniture you can purchase for your home, the best benches allow you to fill space like a design industry professional. Insiders know that these particular pieces make sense stationed in entryways as a spot to lace up your shoes, but they’re just as useful situated at the foot of a bed, placed at a dinner table in lieu of dining chairs, and even acting as alternatives to coffee and side tables. A mainstay in modern homes from Maine to Sweden, we’ve even seen designers line walls with benches to create low shelf-style seating (like in this Parisian apartment), as well as build an eclectically cohesive conversation pit (as seen in this Upper West Side home). The TL;DR? Your space can only benefit from having a bench or two around. Below, we pulled some of the best benches of the bunch, including styles that range from modern to rustic, as well as a few customizable options you won’t want to sit out.
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An Office Classic
Originally designed for the office of Herman Miller’s design director, the Nelson bench has a slatted top, sturdy legs, and an optional cushion to support extended periods of lounging. “This wooden bench has been going strong as a staple in our office for a couple of months,” says senior commerce editor Nashia Baker. “The red cushion gives the streamlined platform design more visual interest, plus, it's perfect for those of us who prefer a plush seat to unwind on after meetings.” Spacious enough for two people to sit comfortably without feeling overcrowded, the bench is also more than capable of coffee or side table duty in your own home. It’s also available with metal wire legs for a sleeker look.
A Cool, Coastal Find
The Shore Bench from Serena & Lily is the perfect addition to any sun-drenched room, according to global visuals director Michael Shome. With its airy wicker design, the bench allows for versatility in positioning both indoors and out, as well as long sit sessions thanks to mid-level back support that’s ideal for propping up some smaller throw pillows. “I love the natural mixture of a rough-textured seat against softly lacquered arms and legs,” says Shome. “While I prefer the bench without any cushions, it can easily be softened with a few great earth toned pillows—I may even use it as a plant stand for some of my favorite leafy friends.”
A Striped, Slipcover Situation
“Placed beneath my bedroom window, the Scaletta bench has quickly become my morning coffee perch,” says commerce market editor Kate McGregor. Spacious and slipcovered, McGregor was able to lie fully horizontally on the 66-inch-long bench, though her eventual plans are to transition the piece into a dining bench. “I will say that the perennial performance fabric, while fulfilling my striped upholstery dreams, is rough at first. Not enough to be uncomfortable when you’re sitting in shorts, but noticeable,” she noted of the taupe Oxford stripe fabric. “I’ll take a touch of texture in favor of stain and fade-resistance—for now, it’s a cozy spot to put my makeup on and stare at the skyline.”
A Sultry, Sculptural Silhouette
Content operations manager Livia Caligor found the slightly squiggly, sculptural shape of the Celeste bench by Four Hands was the perfect piece to outfit her entryway. “I was really drawn to the contrast between the stark wood base and the velvet upholstery,” says Caligor. “It felt like a funky but minimalist piece that could add personality to my space without being overbearing.” She told us the ash veneer and mushroom-colored cover is great for lightening her mostly black entryway, adding dimension while keeping its moody vibe. Describing the quality as “solidly built,” Caligor noted that the three-to-four-seater bench is “comfortable without being bulky,” and versatile enough for any room in your home. “The mix of materials keeps it from feeling too traditional, and instead it has this modern, slightly playful edge that I think makes it stand out.”
A Storage Workhorse
Commerce editor Audrey Lee got the totem bench to fill up space underneath an art wall, but ultimately found the best use for it as a storage coffee table. “I don’t see myself ever getting rid of it,” Lee says. “I’m currently using the interior to store spare candles and an extra throw blanket, but it’s got enough space to hide a few winter coats or sweaters from pesky moths. You could even use it as a reading bench with your favorite books sitting inside.” Easy to assemble and available in a dark and light wood tone option to match your preferences, the minimalist, boxy design leans slightly modern, but still classic enough to complement most spaces with the right accessories.
An AD-Approved Designer Collaboration
Even our favorite interior stars know the power behind a well-made bench. Designed by Athena Calderone, the Rodin bench’s sculptural iron legs draw inspiration from the famous French artist for whom the piece is named. Luxurious-looking velvet upholstery paired with the rustic metal frame creates a textural dichotomy that can instantly turn any bare hallway or empty foot of the bed into a topic of conversation.
More AD-Approved Benches
Eny Lee Parker’s signature curvaceous charm gives this cloud-like upholstered bench a friendly feel. The gentle curves can be used to contrast more angular pieces, like a sharp-looking sofa or bed frame, but also pair easily with similarly soft silhouettes. We also like the idea of using it as an unexpected coffee table with a few of your favorite books and candles perched on top.
A broad storage compartment with a sliding wood panel to show off or hide various knick-knacks is the main attraction of this versatile bench. We’re here for the cozy, mixed material look, but you could easily nix the removable foam cushion to create a makeshift media console or record player table.
You can credit the intricately woven cowhide strips for the airy and artisanal look of this modern bench. Its petite silhouette easily places it in narrow hallways, entryways, or living rooms without overwhelming its surroundings. And despite the seat’s delicate appearance, it has a weight capacity of up to 500 pounds.
AD100 honorees Pierce & Ward are the design minds behind this art deco-inspired design with an intricate metal base. And if you’re all about finding cohesive pieces, just know that the capsule also includes throw pillows, stools, and an armchair in matching striped upholstery.
A little bit midcentury, a little bit Scandi, Hati Home’s Bench #2 has modern cottagecore appeal to liven up your dining setup or add some texture to your neutral decor scheme. We think it’d pair nicely with similar white oak furniture and decor, or a leather sofa in the same hue to create your own (almost) matching set.
For anyone with specific tastes, the Ines bench is available in 128 upholsteries that range from boucle and linen to vintage velvet and leather. There’s even an option that allows you to purchase the piece first and decide on a textile later. Contributor Rachel Kalichman once told us that the brand’s Gaby sectional “brings you in with its traditional comfort and high-end details,” so we predict the Ines is a safe bet too.
Nickey Kehoe’s tufted bench can be customized with a textile chosen from the brand’s print-filled inventory, or you have the option to provide your own material for a completely one-of-a-kind heirloom. We like how it looks peeking out in the ocean view master bedroom of this beachside Maine compound, but it could easily adapt to any design style with the right upholstery.
