Stylish Bench Seating to Complement Your Living Room

Adding a bench to your living room can provide stylish seating to complement your existing decor. With so many options to choose from, it's important to consider functionality, material, size and style when selecting a bench that will work best in your space.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Living Room Bench

When looking for the perfect living room bench, start by thinking about how you want to use it and what features will make it most comfortable and functional.

Comfort Features

Look for benches with cushioning, armrests, or a supportive backrest if you want a cozy spot for sitting and relaxing. Tufted cushions and padded upholstery add comfort while also providing a stylish aesthetic. If you plan to use the bench for occasional seating vs. lounging, a harder, non-padded seat may suffice.

Size

Consider the size of your living room and existing furniture when choosing a bench size. Measure the space you want to place it to ensure it will fit comfortably without overwhelming the area. A bench that's too small will feel out of place, while one that's oversized could make the room feel crowded.

Placement

Decide where the bench will go before purchasing, as the ideal spot will impact the size and style you choose. Classic locations include facing the TV, placed along a wall, tucked in a corner, or acting as a room divider. Make sure to leave adequate space around the bench so it doesn't block doorways or foot traffic.

Style

Select a bench that matches your living room's decor and color scheme. For a cohesive look, choose a similar design and materials as your existing furniture. A tufted leather bench offers vintage flair, while a sleek metal and wood bench provides modern appeal.

Popular Living Room Bench Styles

From classic to contemporary, there are many stylish bench options that can complement your living room's look and function.

Tufted Benches

Featuring plush, button-tufted upholstery and often an ornate wooden frame, tufted benches offer elegance and versatility. They work in traditional and glam spaces, providing comfortable seating at the end of the bed, facing a vanity, or anchoring a living room.

Storage Benches

Storage benches maximize function by including lift-top or slide-out drawers to conceal blankets, pillows, toys, or media accessories. The compartmentalized design keeps items organized and out of sight but within reach. Storage benches come in many materials like wood, wicker, or faux leather.

Window Benches

Custom-fit to stretch across the length of a large window or bay window, a window bench takes advantage of negative space to create cozy seating. The spot provides the perfect perch for reading while admiring the view. Top the bench with plush cushions and pillows for added comfort.

Accent Benches

Make a decor statement with an accent bench featuring eye-catching colors, fabrics, or patterns. Painted benches in bold hues, a velvet bench in jewel tones, or a bamboo bench with Bohemian patterns instantly draw attention while providing additional seating. Use an accent bench to add character to a neutral color palette.

Where to Place Benches in the Living Room

Strategically place your living room bench in a spot that enhances both form and function.

Entryway

A bench placed in the entryway or near the front door provides a handy spot to sit when putting on shoes, as well as additional seating for guests. Opt for a storage bench to stow shoes, hats, scarves, and other belongings.

TV Area

Situate a bench opposite the television to create a relaxed viewing area with extra seating beyond the main sofa and armchairs. Choose a mid-sized bench with a backrest for optimal comfort and support if binge-watching movies.

Room Divider

Use a bench as a room divider to delineate different functional spaces in an open concept living room. Position it strategically to separate the TV zone from a reading nook or dining area without fully obstructing sightlines.

Reading Nook

Carve out a cozy reading area by placing a plush, cushioned bench beneath a window or next to built-in bookshelves. Add a floor lamp for ambiance and a throw blanket for curling up with a book. A reading nook bench provides a quiet retreat within a larger living room.

Picture Window

Situate a long bench under a beautiful picture window to provide seating while enjoying the outdoor views. Add plenty of cushions to make the window bench ultra-comfortable. Multiple guests can sit together and appreciate the scenery.

How to Decorate Around a Living Room Bench

A living room bench acts as a chic focal point. Use these design tips to highlight it with stylish decor accents:

Complement with Throw Pillows

Dress up a plain bench with fun, patterned throw pillows that complement the colors and patterns found elsewhere in the room. Velvet and faux fur pillows provide plush texture and a touch of luxury.

Layer in a Rug

Anchor the bench by placing it atop a rug. Layering a patterned area rug underneath adds warmth while visually defining the seating vignette. Coordinate rug colors with bench upholstery.

Add Lighting

Install floor lamps or table lamps near the bench to provide ideal illumination for tasks like reading. Sconces mounted to the wall above the bench offer ambient lighting.

Finish the look with decor accessories like blankets, trays, books, plants and artwork. This pulls the area together and gives the bench a polished, designed feel. Display cherished photos, ceramics or greenery on the bench when not in use.

A thoughtfully chosen bench makes both a stylish statement and a functional addition to your living room's layout and design. With so many options to suit your space and decor, you can easily find the ideal bench to complement your living room's style.