Few pieces of furniture do so much with so little as a bench. It gives you somewhere to sit and put your shoes on in the hallway, a place for the throw at the foot of the bed, extra seats at the dining table or a sunny reading spot on the porch. And it decorates too: a solid wood or natural-fibre piece brings warmth and that lived-in feel we love so much.
In southern homes the bench has always been there: built-in and whitewashed by the fireplace, wooden in the entrance, rush-seated in the patio. Today we bring that idea back with lighter, more versatile pieces, perfect for autumn, when life moves back indoors.
In this guide we explain where to put a bench at home, which measurements to keep in mind in each room and which material to choose for each use, with ideas to recreate every setting with pieces from our shop.
In this article
Get the look
The bench in the photo above, in solid wood with trapezoid legs, is almost identical to our Sate bench. Pair it with amber glass and a soft light on the wall.
1. Why a bench is so useful
A bench takes up little depth, adapts to almost any corner and does several jobs at once: seat, surface, storage and display. Unlike a chair it has no front or back, so it works just as well against the wall as in the middle of a room.
It is also an easy way to bring in natural materials: a teak, mango or rush-seated bench adds texture without clutter and goes with almost everything.
Five places where a bench makes a difference
- Hallway: to sit and take your shoes off and drop your bag.
- Foot of the bed: for the bedspread, the throw or tomorrow's clothes.
- Dining room: to add seats without crowding the table.
- Living room or corridor: as a low table, book rest or ceramics display.
- Porch and terrace: to make the most of the evenings outdoors.
2. A bench in the hallway
This is where a bench pays off most. A bench at the entrance invites you to leave the rush outside: you sit, take your shoes off and drop the keys. Choose one 30-40 cm deep so it doesn't block the way (leave at least 80-90 cm clear) and around 45 cm high. If your entrance is narrow, you'll find more tips in our ideas for small hallways.
Wooden benches with rope or woven-fibre seats look light and are very sturdy:
Underneath, a few baskets for shoes; above, a mirror or a coat rack. If you love natural fibres, our guide to natural-fibre baskets has ideas for tidying up discreetly.
Get the look
To recreate this bright hallway: a light bench with a cushion, a tall wooden mirror, checked cushions and a fibre sideboard alongside.
3. At the foot of the bed
A bench at the foot of the bed finishes the bedroom like a hotel room: somewhere to sit while you dress and a place for the bedspread when you take it off at night. The rule is simple: it shouldn't stick out beyond the sides of the bed or be higher than the mattress.
The measurements worth remembering
Upholstery in natural tones softens the look and is the most comfortable. If you're getting the room ready for someone, see also how to prepare the guest room.
4. Benches in the dining room
A bench along one side of the table makes the dining room feel lighter and lets everyone squeeze in when more guests arrive. Allow about 60 cm per person and choose a bench 10 to 20 cm shorter than the table, so it tucks underneath without hitting the legs. With a 75 cm high table, the seat should be around 45 cm.
It works beautifully with mismatched chairs on the other side: we explain how in how to choose and mix dining chairs.
Key idea: if the table is wooden, choose a bench in a slightly different tone (lighter or more weathered). The mix looks more natural than a perfectly matching set.
5. Built-in and alcove benches
The built-in bench is a classic of the whitewashed house: running alongside the fireplace, under a window or inside an alcove. If you'd rather not build, you can get a similar effect by placing an upholstered bench in a recess or between two pieces of furniture and dressing it with cushions.
The key is depth (45-50 cm so it's comfortable) and the textiles: plain upholstery in ecru, beige or taupe, and linen cushions you can change with the seasons.
Get the look
To get this effect without building work: an upholstered bench in light tones inside a recess and some plain linen cushions.
6. Wood, fibre or upholstery: how to choose
The material sets the bench's character and also where it can go. This table will help you choose:
| Material | Best for | Where to put it |
|---|---|---|
| Solid wood (teak, mango, suar) | Very sturdy and ages beautifully | Hallway, dining room, covered porch |
| Fibre, rush or rope | Light, fresh and textured | Hallway, bedroom, living room |
| Upholstered | The most comfortable for sitting a while | Foot of the bed, alcoves, living room |
| Aluminium or resin | Withstands sun and rain with no upkeep | Terrace, garden, pool |
Get the look
A simple wooden bench, lime-washed walls and terracotta: this village-house scene takes very few pieces to recreate.
7. On the porch and terrace
On the Costa del Sol the terrace is used almost all year round, and a bench is the easiest way to add seating. With a few cushions and a throw it becomes the best spot for mild autumn evenings; our guide to the terrace in autumn has more ideas.
For uncovered outdoor spaces choose low-maintenance materials such as aluminium by Nardi; if the porch is covered, teak is the warmest option.
Quick checklist
- Measure the depth: 30-40 cm in the hallway, 45-50 cm if it will be a real seat.
- Seat height between 42 and 48 cm (about 45 cm with a dining table).
- At the foot of the bed: narrower than the bed and lower than the mattress.
- In the dining room: 60 cm per person and 10-20 cm shorter than the table.
- Solid wood for everyday use, fibre to lighten, upholstery for comfort.
- Dress the bench: cushions, a throw and baskets underneath.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a bench at the foot of the bed be?
Ideally about two thirds of the bed's width: around 100-110 cm for a 150 cm bed and 120-140 cm for a 180 cm bed. That way it doesn't stick out and the bed stays in view.
Is a bench comfortable in the dining room?
Yes, if it's the right height (about 45 cm with a 75 cm table) and at least 35 cm deep. Add a few seat cushions for comfort during long after-dinner chats.
Which bench is best for a small hallway?
A shallow one (30-35 cm), visually light and, ideally, with a lower shelf or space to keep shoes in baskets. Wooden benches with woven-fibre seats are a perfect choice.
At Pino & Jacaranda we believe the simplest furniture is the most faithful companion: a good wooden or woven bench stays with you for years, moves from room to room and always finds its place.
Because a welcoming home is also built with places to sit down unhurried.
