Amish Originals Furniture Co.: Practical Character

Our latest eNews takes a look at benches.

Four legs and a surface that connects them - simple, common benches can be useful, functional art.

More than seating in common areas, benches provide creative space with purpose anywhere in our homes.

Benches are often a temporary-use piece of furniture, offering space for what is about to happen.  Benches are places where we just stop by - to tie a shoe on-the-run, to talk to a friend, to drop a bookbag after school, and to put your feet up at the end of the day.

Visually, a bench adds instant character, texture, and style to hallways, entryways, bedrooms, dining rooms, workspaces, kid's rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, indoor and outdoor living spaces, and porches.

Modern benches vary in size, with or without backs and arms, and can be built-in, castered, or stand-alone.  Cushioned or hard surfaced, formal or casual, benches can be made from pretty much any material including woven grass, metals, leather, hardwoods, mixed-media, and synthetic materials in styles that range from minimalist to windsor to repurposed church pews to weathered iron.

▪ Stack benches of graduated lengths, and even different styles, to create shelving or a usable, decorative focal point.

▪ Boost seating options, especially when company comes.

▪ Add a bench to the mix with traditional seating around the dining table.

▪ Use a bench as a window seat and around seating in a breakfast nook.

▪ Organize kid stuff and clutter using benches with built-in cubbies, shelving, and hidden storage.

▪ Utilize baskets, wood boxes, and canvas boxes for under-bench storage.

▪ Use benches for display, for flat panel televisions, or as coffee tables.

▪ Thinking about adding a bench to the foot of the bed?  Here's a handy rule of thumb from Real Simple magazine: A bench at the foot of the bed works best 1 to 3 inches lower than a fully-made bed, filling the space at least two-thirds of the width of the bed.

▪ An Amish Originals Furniture Co. favorite, the Prairie Mission bench is available in two, three, four, or five foot lengths in Oak, Cherry, or Brown Maple.

To learn more....

Kevin Sharkey's Inspiration: Benches on Martha Stewart Home Design.

Real Simple magazine's Benches for Every Budget.

Elle Decor Best Benches.

Amish Originals Furniture Co. online: Benches.