I've never had a bench in my home. It wasn't until today — after rearranging some furniture to make room for a Craigslist purchase — that I realized I now have a bench. The realization is actually quite wonderful because we never seem to have enough seating when we have people over.
Our bench is actually a discontinued IKEA cabinet that we used to have books on. It has two large drawers below that are filled with media and things. Now that we purchased the hutch from Craigslist, the top of the cabinet is free. My fiance and I decided that we're going to make a cushion to put on top for additional seating when we entertain.
So, that got me thinking! Benches have been a popular subject on Apartment Therapy throughout the years and some of them have been pretty outstanding. My personal favorite bench inspiration is the Before & After: Michael's Missoni Bench!. It has certainly motivated me to track down awesome fabric for this new cushion!
• Make an Old Coffee Table into a New Bench
• Before & After: Michael's Missoni Bench!
• DIY: Using IKEA Shelf Unit as Storage Bench
• Entryway Bench or…Kitty Litter Box!
• A Bench at the Front Door
Images: 2. Michael Graydon / Style at Home, 3. Rob Brinson for Better Homes & Gardens, 4. Ikea Hacker, 5. Krisel Keeper
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I LOVE the first bench, and remember that it caused a major uproar on the Style at Home blog. Commenters were outraged that the decorators had it professionally upholstered.
Love the Missoni bench! The colors and fabric are a fantastic way to make a sleek bench into a standout piece.
I love the first bench too.
Here's another cool example, from Proper Upholstery in L.A.:
http://upholsteryjournalmag.com/articles/0809_dc23.html
I love that Missoni bench!
Kittie in a bench! Love.
flickr has some great images of DIY/second-hand/IKEA hacks/hallway benches.
I always have the last image in my mind when I walk through my front door. le sigh. Someday.
As someone who is "height challenged" I find benches to be very intimidating. If they are too deep or too high, I find myself feeling like I'm a grade schooler on a punishment bench (my feet don't touch the ground). If they are indeed right for my size, guests think they are an accent piece or a child's toy. No win situation.