A farmhouse bench is a thoughtful addition to any home. They naturally emanate warmth and character with materials like wood and leather. Plus, they can be used in almost any room.
However, a farmhouse bench is more than just a stylish and atmospheric addition — they are also full of function. And not just as extra seating. Slip a bench with a flip-top into an entryway for hidden storage. Or replace a few chairs at the dining table with a minimal bench to instantly refresh the space. Need a place to stash the kitty litter? Disguise it with a hollowed-out bench, like #6 on the list below did!
A farmhouse bench may be one of the best things you ever add to your home. But don’t take my word for it— take a look at these benches to see just how stylish, functional, and intriguing they can be!
Every farmhouse entryway can use a good bench! This one has two flanking the bold black door. They not only provide a place to slip on and off shoes, but they also add charm to the room.
Lacking room in your entryway for a bench? Pull the doors off a closet to create a DIY built-in closet bench as this entryway did. The top and bottom shelf fitted with baskets still leave plenty of room to store shoes, hats, and other outdoor wear. While the hooks behind the bench are perfect for hanging everything from coats to wreaths. An alternative to building a bench in a closet is to find one the same length as your closet opening. Then, simply paint the bench the same color as its surroundings to fake the built-in look.
A longer built-in is just what the design doctor ordered for larger families. Long benches give enough room for everyone to spread out, so you won’t have to take turns to put on your shoes. Steal this mudroom’s clean and crisp style by keeping decor minimal and using a simple color palette.
Another example of a bench that flows into a minimal color scheme with ease.
In a setup like this one, consider assigning everyone their own basket and coat hook to keep things extra organized.
Even the cat gets its own space here with a bench that conceals a litter box! The lift top makes it easy to clean, and the hole on the side means the kitty gets access 24/7.
A bench with drawers or cupboards underneath is amazing for hidden storage. The clean lines and minimal aesthetic of the bench above are perfect for this entryway. The addition of the horse art and barnwood ceiling beams give the whole setup a look akin to a modern ranch.
A bench with a flip top is another option if you seek a seating and storage combo. They come in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you are sure to find one that tickles your fancy!
When looking for a bench, don’t forget to think outside the box. Old church pews from antique markets are always popular, but a grouping of old theatre seats can also make a splash inside or outside your home. The old leather on this trio is a match made in heaven for the rustic coffee table they’re paired with.
A bench can also be used for something besides sitting and looking fab. For example, as a thin farmhouse coffee table.
Use a black bench in a light space to create dynamic contrast. You can buy one or update an old one with a can of glossy black paint.
The arches extending from this bench create separation between the hooks, draw the eye up, and help make this whole bench into a statement piece. Then there are the family photos over the bench, which make it feel extra personal and welcoming. While this design uses a ledge to show off photos, a shelf or a gallery wall are also great options for above a bench.
This black and white nook uses a striped rug and cushion to add layers and warmth. And you can’t miss that mirror with the thick black frame—it is not only the perfect place to check your hair before leaving the house, but it helps the small corner feel more expansive. Hanging a mirror in a space helps bounce around light, ensuring the area is well lit and making it feel larger than it is.
Layering mirrors is a unique and artistic approach to decorating above a bench that is sure to turn a few heads. If you are using a traditional bench, like above, surrounding it with modern accessories and displays will ensure it doesn’t feel outdated.
Don’t have a huge entrance? No need to fret! Small benches are still a terrific addition. A planked one like this with exposed nail heads will instantly add a rustic vibe to a room.
A large rug is used to ensure this cute little bench doesn’t get overshadowed by the rest of the entrance. Slipping a rug underneath or slightly in front of any bench works fabulously to bulk it out and ground it.
The duo of distressed window frames hanging on top of this antique bench helps hit home the vintage look of the space. I really enjoy how they contrasted the wood finishes with woven textures, tin, and white shiplap. Thin and simple benches work best in narrow rooms that don’t have a lot of walking space to spare.
This white bench acts as a visual extension of the bed. Since it is the same color as the bedding and approximately the same length and height as the bed, it effortlessly looks like it belongs there. This also means it doesn’t compete with the focal point of the bedroom—the sliding barn doors.
In this laundry room, the wood finish on the thin bench effortlessly ties into the other wood accents. I also think the legs kind of look like clothespins—whether intentional or not—making it extra fitting for the space!
Leftover paint from another project was used to give this bench a new look. One benefit of replacing two chairs with a backless bench at a dining table is that it can make the eating area look less visually cluttered.
Of course, a matching bench and dining table are also an option. Pair them with upholstered chairs with tufted cushions and nailhead trim for some French cottage charm.
Using a simple accent wall like shiplap behind a bench infuses the area with texture but still gives a clean background for other elements to pop against. On this small built-in bench, the white shiplap allows the rose cushion to pop. Not sure you can commit to a patterned fabric? These pink florals aren’t permanent—the fabric is just tucked around the cushion to change things up.
Temporary holiday decor is another way to quickly change up a farmhouse bench. And it doesn’t have to be expensive. For example, you can craft a fun heart above a bench with paper butterflies.
It isn’t uncommon to see a bench placed at the end of the bed, especially those without footboards. Ones with flat and hardtops made from wood or steel excel at doing double duty as an extra table in the room.
A backless bench is ideal for beds with a footboard since it won’t look bulky or block the bed. It is also best if a bench is a few inches shorter than the bed’s length. Aim for a minimum of 4 inches of each side of the bench.
A wood bench is great to cultivate a farmhouse vibe, and they are DIY-friendly. The dark-stained bench in this cottage-chic bedroom only took the owner 30 minutes to build!
Mixing various wood plank colors can create stunning results. And this minimal bench design allows the planks to take center stage. Plus, it is low enough to slip under the table when not in use, saving floor space.
A bench with an upholstered top is a go-to when you are going for something elegant, glamorous, or on par with French country design.
Tufted cushions feel plusher, but box cushions with clean lines are more ideal for minimal spaces.
Splayed hairpin legs contrast the Aztec patterned cushion on this farmhouse bench, helping it instantly capture attention. One method to make a bedroom look cohesive is the match patterns and colors found on a bench to blankets and pillows on the bed.
This dual-tone bench is pure perfection in this eclectic farmhouse bedroom. It sits right between being minimal and ornate with its woven rush seat. This type of bench would also work well in a boho space, cottage, or beach house decor.
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