The Best Benches Level Up Your Seating Slate

While sofas and chairs are typically the primary focus for home seating, benches offer a versatile and often overlooked alternative. Katrina Hernandez and Joshua Greene, co-owners of the New York design firm Hernandez Greene, highlight the utility of benches for providing extra seating without the bulk of larger upholstered pieces. They describe benches as similar to a "kicker on the football team"—not constantly used, but essential when needed. Since establishing their firm in 2014, Hernandez and Greene have frequently incorporated benches into their designs, placing them in various settings such as entryways, at the foot of beds, and in front of living room fireplaces in both Hamptons homes and Manhattan apartments. Selecting the right bench involves considering several key factors. One crucial aspect is whether the bench should be upholstered. For foyers or mudrooms, a hard-seated bench is practical, whereas living spaces like living rooms and bedrooms benefit from a soft, upholstered surface. Proportion is another significant consideration; deep-seated benches are ideal for living rooms, while long, shallow benches are more suitable for hallways. The presence of a backrest is also important: a back can be beneficial if the bench is positioned against a wall, such as in an entryway or breakfast nook, but is generally unnecessary if the bench is freestanding in the middle of a room. The article then showcases five distinct bench designs, each offering unique characteristics and aesthetic appeals. The Heathcote Brass-Tipped Bench from Anthropologie, priced at $1,298, is praised for its distinctive tapered legs, which are squared at the top and round at the bottom with brass caps, and its thick leather top, suggesting suitability for bedrooms or living rooms. The Bench With Back, designed by George Nakashima in the 1950s and available from $7,300 at George Nakashima Woodworker, is presented as a timeless heirloom piece. Available in American black walnut or cherry, it is noted for its enduring design and its status as an original precursor to contemporary rough-hewn slab furniture. The Euclid Bench, priced at $2,800 at Peg Woodworking, features a white oak frame and a woven cotton cord top by designer Kate Casey. This bench is described as an evolution of the Brooklyn aesthetic, characterized by its handcrafted nature, modernized geometric pattern, and bohemian-chic vibe. From Holly Hunt, the Rue de Seine Bench, starting at $5,880, is highlighted for its visually light and airy appearance, balanced by the substantial feel of its tapered metal legs. This design is considered versatile, capable of seamlessly integrating with various furniture periods and room styles due to its elegant quality. Finally, the U Bench, from $5,750 at the Future Perfect, designed by Christopher Stuart and available in steel or bronze, is presented as a sculptural piece that blurs the line between art and furniture. Its aesthetic is likened to a fusion of Richard Serra and Donald Judd, prompting consideration of its functional as well as artistic appeal. #HomeSeating #InteriorDesign #BenchSelection #FurnitureDesign #HomeDecor #LuxuryFurniture #DesignTips #ModernFurniture

Garden benches serve as more than just practical seating; they are an integral part of creating a serene outdoor resting space, offering opportunities for reading, relaxation, or simply enjoying the garden view. A variety of styles and materials are available, ranging from rugged stone slabs to elegant Victorian-style iron benches, catering to diverse aesthetic preferences. Wrought-iron benches, with their intricate curves, add a touch of craftsmanship and romance to a garden. These benches can be painted in colors like forest green or antique white, or allowed to age naturally, developing a soft patina that helps them blend seamlessly into the surroundings. Landscape designers often recommend placing iron benches among tall meadow grasses or within courtyards for a timeless and formal look. For a more naturalistic approach, benches can draw inspiration directly from their environment. This involves utilizing elements like large rocks with flattened surfaces or long planks of wood, which can be optimized for specific locations and create a less formal, more organic feel. Surrounding a bench with lush greenery can transform it into a secluded retreat. Positioning a bench along a garden path bordered by fragrant plants such as lavender, rosemary, or blueberries allows visitors to enjoy their scents or even casually forage for berries. Alternatively, nestling a bench in a leafy corner under the dappled shade of small trees and architectural ferns, or beneath vine-covered arbors with plants like table grapes, kiwi, scented roses, or wisteria, enhances the sensory experience. Concrete benches offer durability and resistance to various weather conditions, making them a practical choice for outdoor settings. They come in different finishes that can complement existing stone and brickwork, creating a timeless appearance that develops a subtle antique patina over time. When selecting a bench location, considering the surrounding planting heights is crucial. In busy areas requiring easy access, lower perennials are ideal. However, for a bench tucked away in a garden, layering plantings with different textures and heights can create a more immersive experience. Classic slatted wood benches, particularly those made of teak, offer an easy elegance, combining warmth and durability. Teak naturally ages into a silvery patina, adding character. These benches can be painted to match a home's exterior or adorned with accent cushions to enhance comfort. For those who prefer a bench to integrate discreetly into the landscape, designs that blend in with the surroundings are an option. A stone bench matching nearby retaining walls can virtually disappear, while a painted metal bench in deep green or charcoal can harmonize with foliage. Carved stone, including antique stone or faux-bois concrete, provides a dimensional quality that flat benches might lack. Faux-bois concrete, in particular, mimics wood grain, adding artistry and surprise, and these benches often feel like a natural part of the garden, especially when placed among plants or under tree canopies. Powder-coated metal benches, made from materials like steel or aluminum, are resilient to outdoor elements and introduce color and texture that evolve with the seasons. For modern gardens, low, streamlined metal benches offer a sharp contrast to foliage. Vibrant, colorful benches can also serve as bold focal points. Finally, mirroring the garden's existing palette by choosing painted benches that tie into floral or architectural elements, such as a bright color for a midcentury home or a rich azul blue to complement a pool's waterline tile, ensures aesthetic cohesion. Neutral-colored benches offer flexibility, allowing for color scheme changes through cushions and throws. #GardenBenches #OutdoorSeating #LandscapeDesign #GardenDecor #OutdoorLiving #HomeGardening #PatioFurniture #ExteriorDesign #Yardzen

This comprehensive guide highlights the top garden benches available, considering factors such as material, style, weight capacity, and size, with insights from a Senior Garden Editor. The article categorizes benches by price point: under $200, under $500, and $1,000 and up, to assist consumers in finding the perfect fit for their outdoor spaces. Among the selections under $200, the Best Choice Products Outdoor Bench is recognized as the overall best, boasting a geometric design available in five colors and an impressive 790-pound weight capacity. Made of alloy steel with a weather-resistant finish, it features a slatted seat for airflow, though cushions are sold separately. While durable, it may show minor wear over time. The Backyard Discovery Farmhouse Garden Bench is noted as the best budget option, inspired by classic farmhouse aesthetics and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Crafted from Meranti wood, it supports up to 600 pounds and is lightweight for easy relocation, requiring annual oil-based stain and sealant application. Its backless design, however, lacks lumbar support. The Costway 47 Gallon Deck Storage Bench is presented as the best storage option, constructed from durable acacia wood with a teak oil coating that enhances its natural grain and protects against the elements. It offers 47 gallons of internal storage with diagonal side slats for ventilation and supports up to 355 pounds. Assembly can be tricky for some users despite included instructions. Moving to other specialized options, the Payhere Glider Garden Bench is highlighted as the best glider, made of cast iron with a sleek design and rust-resistant powder-coated finish. It offers a relaxing gliding motion but has a lower weight capacity of 300 pounds, and its slatted design may require a separate cushion for comfort. The Suncast Elements Resin Outdoor Bench is deemed the most durable, made of all-weather resin that resists warping, stains, rust, and dents. It features a timeless wicker pattern, a contoured back for comfort, and 23 gallons of storage, though some desire deeper storage. The Goplus Steel Garden Bench is the top steel choice, a lightweight (26 pounds) option with a geometric design and PVC mesh backing, supporting 618 pounds. It is offered in black, and cushions are not included. The Post & Porch Solitude Planter Bench is the best with a planter, ideal for smaller gardens with a built-in planter and modern design, made of powder-coated steel. It is backless, limiting back support. The Better Homes & Gardens Davenport Outdoor Loveseat Glider Bench is the best loveseat, made with durable high-density polyethylene wicker and UV-protected cushions from recycled fabric. It features a powder-coated steel frame and supports 250 pounds per seat, with white cushions as the only color option. The Joss & Main Kismet Outdoor Bench is the best foldable option, featuring a customizable acacia wood frame and woven rope backrest, easily portable and supporting over 700 pounds. Its slanted back may require additional back support. For more unique seating, the Pocassy 2-Seat Wicker Egg Chair Patio Glider combines retro and boho styles with a steel frame and hand-woven polyethylene wicker, offering water, rust, and UV resistance. It glides silently and comes in three color combinations, with a weight capacity of 250 pounds per seat, but its overhead frame might be a concern for taller individuals. The Lark Manor Angelah Wicker Outdoor Bench is a stylish option with 14.13 x 39 x 13.5 inches of storage, made from plastic wicker and an aluminum frame that resists fading, fire, scratches, and water. Its slatted seat design means stored items are exposed to weather. Higher-end options include the Birch Lane Bea Teak Outdoor Bench, celebrated for its durability and ornate design in teak wood, with a 500-pound weight capacity and available in two sizes. The Polywood Rockford 72" Chippendale Bench, made from recycled plastic, accommodates three people and is available in various colors, backed by a 20-year residential warranty, though it has a lower weight capacity compared to its size. For premium selections, the Fermob Luxembourg Outdoor Porch Bench, made of lightweight aluminum, offers a 575-pound weight capacity and is available in four colors. The Frontgate Portola Garden Bench features sustainably harvested, kiln-dried teak with a naturally mildew-resistant finish and an elegant curved design. Finally, the Serena & Lily Pacifica Bench, a modern interpretation of wicker made from powder-coated aluminum, offers a stylish design, though its low back might not suit everyone, and coordinating cushions are sold separately. Key considerations for shoppers include size, weight capacity, and material. Measuring the intended space is crucial, and benches vary in seat depth and capacity. Most benches support between 400 to 500 pounds, but some exceed 700 pounds. Common materials like wood (teak, eucalyptus), plastic, steel, and iron are chosen for their weather resistance and ease of cleaning. Teak develops a patina if untreated, while eucalyptus is known for resistance to mold and insects. Metal benches often feature protective coatings against rust but can be heavier. Regarding placement, benches with wider footprints are better for grass to prevent sinking. Weatherproofing wooden benches involves cleaning, sanding, and applying a clear waterproofing stain. #GardenBenches #OutdoorFurniture #PatioDecor #HomeImprovement #OutdoorLiving #GardenDesign #FurnitureReviews #WickerFurniture #TeakFurniture

This comprehensive guide to the best sectionals on the market provides detailed reviews and insights based on extensive research and testing by Better Homes & Gardens. The article aims to simplify the often-overwhelming process of selecting a sectional sofa, a significant investment for any home. It features expert advice from design editors Heather Goerzen of Havenly and Amie Freling-Brown of Meme Hill, who emphasize key considerations such as frame quality, fabric durability, and cushion fill. The article highlights ten top picks across various categories, including "Best Overall," "Best Budget," "Best Modern," "Best Slipcovered," "Best for Families," "Best for Small Rooms," "Best Customizable," "Best Modular," and "Best Reclining." Each sectional is evaluated based on seating capacity, dimensions, upholstery material, and return policy. For instance, the Room & Board Oxford Sleeper Sofa is crowned "Best Overall" due to its versatile features like a storage chaise, trundle bed, and pop-up platform, alongside its wide array of 230+ fabric options. While noted for its firmness, this quality is also seen as a pro for durability, especially in homes with kids and pets. The Ashley Furniture Altari Sleeper Sectional is recognized as the "Best Budget" option, praised for its large seating capacity and sleeper function, despite a thinner mattress and polyester upholstery. The Joybird Wilder Sectional stands out as the "Best Modern" choice, offering clean lines, pillowy back cushions, and almost 80 fabric customization options, including pet-friendly and stain-resistant materials. Its exceptional durability and the convenience of white-glove delivery are also highlighted. For large families or frequent entertainers, the Sixpenny Devyn Sectional is recommended as the "Best Slipcovered" option, featuring machine-washable covers and comfortable, deep cushions. The Apt2b Tuxedo Sleeper Sectional is deemed "Best for Families" due to its attractive design, made-to-order flexibility with over 50 kid- and pet-friendly fabric choices, and comfortable sleeper feature. For smaller spaces, the Interior Define Sloan Chaise Sectional offers extensive customization, allowing buyers to choose every detail from fabric to cushion fill. The Lovesac Sactional earns the title of "Best Customizable" for its unparalleled modularity and innovative features like embedded sound systems and wireless charging, though it requires self-assembly. The Burrow Sectional Lounger is the "Best Modular" pick, noted for its stylish design and nine possible arrangements, catering to diverse living room layouts. Lastly, the West Elm Axel Motion Reclining Chaise Sectional is celebrated as the "Best Reclining" option, blending classic design with modern functionality through its hidden motorized recliners and durable leather upholstery. The testing process involved a minimum of one month of use for each sectional, evaluating comfort, ease of use, durability against stains, pets, and children, and the overall quality of cushions and frame. The article also provides essential guidance on what to consider before purchasing a sectional, focusing on seating capacity, critical dimensions like overall measurements and seat depth, various upholstery materials (including performance fabrics), and the importance of understanding return policies and arrangement types (L-shape, U-shape, modular). Key takeaways from the expert advice include prioritizing a solid frame (hardwood or steel with reinforced joints), quality cushion fill (foam core wrapped in feathers or synthetic equivalents to prevent sagging), and selecting upholstery material that aligns with one's lifestyle needs for durability. The article concludes by emphasizing that the value of an expensive sectional depends on individual priorities such as comfort, longevity, aesthetics, and customer service. #SectionalSofas #HomeDecor #FurnitureReviews #InteriorDesign #UpholsteryMaterials #ModularFurniture #SleeperSofas #CustomizableFurniture #LivingRoomFurniture

This article highlights the utility and affordability of storage benches available on Wayfair, emphasizing their dual functionality as seating and concealed storage solutions. These versatile furniture pieces are presented as an effective way to maximize space in various areas of the home, including bedrooms, entryways, and living rooms. The article notes that Wayfair offers a wide selection of these benches, many of which are currently on sale for under $200, with prices starting as low as $32. The featured storage benches cater to diverse needs and aesthetic preferences. For instance, the Ebern Designs Folding Storage Velvet Bedroom Bench is described as an all-in-one option that can serve as a coffee table, nightstand, and storage container, available in multiple sizes and colors. Another option, the Beachcrest Home Baier 8-Pair Shoe Storage Bench, is recommended for entryways, offering an upholstered top for comfortable seating while putting on shoes and built-in shelves capable of holding up to eight pairs of shoes. Its cabinet doors are highlighted for effectively securing shoes. The Wade Logan Calletana Upholstered Flip-Top Storage Bench is presented as an ideal solution for concealing blankets, pillows, and other linens. Its lift-up seat provides substantial storage space, and its design makes it suitable for adding extra seating in bedrooms or living rooms. This particular model is available in three colors and is on sale starting at $138. Additional storage bench options mentioned include the Ebern Designs Hahnville Upholstered Storage Bench, the George Oliver Jurre Rattan Ottoman Storage Bench, and the Latitude Run Temon Teddy Storage Bench. Each of these options is also available at a discounted price, reflecting the ongoing sale on Wayfair. The article aims to guide readers toward functional and space-saving furniture solutions that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing, without breaking the bank. The focus is on the current sales and the benefits of integrating these multi-purpose items into home decor to enhance organization and utility. #StorageBenches #WayfairSale #HomeDecor #SpaceSavingFurniture #BedroomFurniture #EntrywaySolutions #LivingRoomStorage #AffordableHome #FurnitureDeals