A rustic bedroom bench is more than just a stylish furniture piece – it offers ample storage to organize your space. Rustic benches blend vintage charm with multi-purpose utility through integrated drawers, cabinets, and compartments.
Keep reading to learn how to choose the right rustic bench and maximize its storage potential for your bedroom.
Choosing a Rustic Storage Bench
Rustic bedroom benches run the gamut from petite accent seating to sprawling storage solutions. Consider these factors when picking your perfect bench:
Size and Proportions
Before selecting a bench, measure your room to ensure the size works. Standard options span twin to king sizes. An oversized bench can dominate, while too small lacks presence. The bench should not obstruct pathways when open. If using beside a bed, allow walking space between furniture.
Weight Capacity
Storage benches must support people sitting on them. Check the product weight limit and construction quality before piling on pillows or laundry. Hardwoods like oak or metal bases provide durability – essential if you want a long-lasting bench.
Integrated Storage Elements
Consider how you want to utilize the storage space. Drawers or cabinets neatly stow items out of sight. Woven baskets lend rustic style while neatly organizing. Larger lift-top benches maximize open storage real estate. Measure your biggest items (laundry baskets, holiday decor) to ensure fit.
Material and Style
Rustic style uses natural, often repurposed wood with patinas or distressing. But a variety of materials like weathered metal and textured concrete also achieve a timeworn look. If you love tufted details, seek upholstered tops in linen or cotton textiles to soften the vintage vibe.
Where to Place Your Rustic Bedroom Bench
Think about your room layout and how you want to enjoy the bench before positioning it:
- Foot of Bed – Favored spot for a combo bench/ottoman.
- Base of Window – Frame views without blocking natural light.
- Alongside Wall – Contain a narrow bench to a wall without jutting.
- Corner of Room – Fills awkward angled space.
Measure dimensions including bench depth when open before placing one. Allow 32-36″ walkways so the bench won’t block room circulation when sat on or opened.
Design Styles for Rustic Bedroom Benches
Define your room’s rustic style before bench browsing. From shabby chic to modern, options blend storage with trendy to timeless rustic flair.
Farmhouse
Classic farmhouse mixes distressed wood, galvanized metal accents, and vintage fabric upholstery. Opt for classic plank pine wood or slatted tops. White painted finishes lighten and brighten while allowing wood grains to show through.
Lodge
Bring the cozy cabin mentality inside with lodge benches in weathered oak or pine with leather strapping. Think ski resorts with natural unvarnished wood mixed with hide elements and red checked flannels.
Modern Farmhouse
A warm, livable contemporary vibe defines the modern farmhouse. Mix stained wood with breezy woven textures in this pared-down look. Concrete bases add organic contrast while metallic pulls infuse edgy personality.
Industrial
Exposed bricks, galvanized metals, and concrete marry with salvaged wood in the raw industrial style. Iron framing, wide plank wood tops, and metal mesh storage inserts play to the warehouse workshop aesthetic.
French Country
Romantic curved profiles reflect French country’s roots with distressed creamy painted finishes. Floral upholstered tops enhance shabby chic softness while carved cabriole wood legs add elegance.
Coastal
Breezy beach cottage style utilizes weathered driftwood, woven sea grass, and washed linen textures. Look for sand and ocean-inspired hues like sea glass green or a weathered grayish blue.
Construction and Materials
Traditional rustic woods allow nicks, knots, and natural imperfections to show through. But durability ensures generations of use for family heirloom pieces. What comprises that rustic look?
Wood Types for Rustic Benches
Hardwoods like oak, pine, acacia, and mango wood drive the distressed aesthetic thanks to bold grains. Knots, splits, and natural markings get enhanced through hand staining. Reclaimed woods salvaged from old barns or buildings also achieve a timeworn patina full of character.
- Pine – Affordable softwood with rustic whorls.
- Oak – Durable hardwood that stains well from blonde to ebony.
- Acacia
- Mango – Exotic look at a budget price thanks to fast growth.
- Reclaimed Wood – Salvaged lumber with authentic aged character.
Metal Elements and Finishes
For added support, metal legs, frames, or accents boost durability and load capacity. Black iron and steel suit industrial style while bronze enhances French country romance. Hammered copper infuses coastal cottages with beachy color.
Upholstery Fabric Options
To cushion bench tops, rustic linen, cotton, hemp and leather coverings add softness without detracting from worn-in styles. Sturdy 100% linen in natural hues enhances distressed wood while washable durable cottons reduce maintenance. Leather lends an expensive upgrade with unbeatable character that develops a patina over time.
- Linen – Natural fiber with texture that softens over time.
- Cotton – Everyday fabric that’s versatile and durable.
- Hemp – Eco-friendly choice derived from cannabis plants.
- Leather – Premium cover that enhances vintage appeal.
Distressed Paint Techniques
To mimic age, artisans use various finishing techniques. Chipped paint exposes underlying wood tones randomly. Dry brushing layers sheer stains letting base colors show through. Crackling varnish bubbles create intricate antique patterns.
Storage Solutions
Cleverly designed benches maximize every inch to address bedroom organization needs. Tailor storage specifics to your own requirements.
Drawers
Deep drawer compartments neatly conceal items you want out of sight but still easily accessible. Try narrow vertical dividers for small goods or wide formats for bulkier clothing items.
Cabinets
Cabinets outfitted with shelves or rods capably handle clothing, linens, and bulky items. Louvered doors allow ventilation while hiding interior jumbles.
Woven Baskets
Spacious sectioned baskets hold laundry, shoes, hats, toys, or linens while bringing textural warmth. Choose stain-resistant synthetic weaves or snuggly soft cotton blends.
Lift-Up Lids
Flip top benches maximize floor space with smart vertical storage. Simply lift open the padded seat to neatly stow bedding inside or store extra throw blankets to grab when chilly.
Under-Bench Clearance
Low profile bench bases afford generous under-bench clearance for laundry baskets or room for shoes to slide right underneath. No more tripping over items spilling out!
Additional Features
Specialized details and add-ons allow custom tailoring for enhanced utility and comfort from your rustic bedroom bench.
Tufted Cushions
Plush tufted detailing sinks you in when sitting while augmenting softness. Deep hand-sewn buttons add tailored elegance for a classic furniture piece.
Removable Seat Cushions
For easy cleaning and seasonal storage, select a bench with removable seat pads. Simply unzip covers and throw in the washer to refresh upholstery.
Flip-Up Seats
Flip-top seat hinges allow compact nesting benches to unfold for extra seating then stow out of the way. Ideal for tight spaces or when you only need seating sporadically.
Nesting Ottomans
Some storage benches pull triple duty as an ottoman and chair alternative. Nesting cube ottomans slide right under the bench when seating needs shrink.
Casters for Mobility
Optional rolling casters lend lightweight flexibility to move benches around your bedroom with ease. Locking wheels then keep them stationary when needed.
Personalization
Make it truly yours with custom details like embroidery, hand-painted designs, or monograms. Or choose signature stains that express personal style from bold ebony to weathered barnwood.
Styling Your Rustic Bench
Well-chosen accents put the finishing tailor-made touches on your rustic bedroom bench focal point while maximizing functionality.
Rustic Bench Decor
- Make the most of vertical space above a bench with wall mounted coat hooks or rustic picture ledges showcasing photos or artwork.
- Layer plush throw pillows and folded blankets for grab-and-go bed warming or guest sleeping comfort.
- Trays corral remote controls, jewelry, books, and bedtime essentials so everything you need is at your fingertips.
Organizing Built-In Storage
Take full advantage of storage bench compartments with organizers tailored to your needs. Stack sweaters in fabric bins; line wide drawers with felt to prevent scratches; or insert adjustable shelves for display space. Getting organized maximizes storage capacity.
Multi-Purpose Furniture
Look for benches that multitask, morphing from seating to surfaces. Flip-top hinged lids reveal handy temporary tablespace for tossing bags or props for getting ready. Nesting ottomans pull double duty as spare seating for movie nights or sleepovers.
Where to Buy Rustic Bedroom Benches
Quality craftsmanship and durable construction ensure rustic benches stand the test of time. Invest in long-lasting benches from leading furniture brands or specialty rustic decor resources.
Top Furniture Brands for Quality
Industry leaders like Crate and Barrel, West Elm, and Pottery Barn offer extensive rustic collections built to last through their popular outlets and websites. National retailers boast expansive inventories with the latest trends and fast shipping.
- Crate and Barrel – Mid-century to modern finds with creative storage.
- West Elm – Globally inspired furniture and home decor.
- Pottery Barn – Accessibly priced furniture pieces for every room.
Specialty Rustic Furniture Stores
For authentic artisan-crafted rustic pieces, specialty decor boutiques curate quality home collections. Though pricier, specialty retailers offer rare handmade finds and personalized consultation services.
Online vs In-Store Shopping
Buying online opens unlimited bench possibilities to your doorstep. But nothing replaces seeing furnishings IRL, feeling upholsteries, and climbing aboard in real life. If possible, hit showrooms to test out benches before buying.
Rustic bedroom benches blend style, comfort, and ample storage in versatile furniture anchoring your room’s design. Choose bench dimensions, materials, and built-ins catering to your needs and tastes for a custom storage solution matching your personal style.
Strategically placed benches operate as seating and organization central to contain bedroom clutter. When thoughtfully chosen, a bench clears floor space while upping cozy character.
With an array of options, rustic benches can be used to sort and store items. Their secret weapons – drawers, compartments, and lidded storage – contain unruly items behind their handsome facades. Part furniture, part storage hero – rustic bedroom benches save the day with winning charm and function.
