One of the most practical (and therefore popular) pieces of furniture to place at the foot of a bed is the bed bench, sometimes called the “bedroom bench.” The bed benches not only offer comfort when getting dressed, but also help to create order in the bedroom. But choosing the perfect bench for the bedroom is not always easy. In terms of color and style, the practical piece of furniture must match the design of the bed and form a unit with the interior. There are also a few things to consider when it comes to size and proportions. Read our tips and get inspired by the great examples below!
Materials and variants for the bed frame
Materials: Contrast wins
Normally you would choose a bed bench after the bed is already in place - the exception is if you are purchasing a complete bedroom furniture set. Interior designers recommend choosing a bench for the bedroom that slightly contrasts with the bed cushion or vice versa. If yoursUpholstered headboardthen a wooden or metal bench at the foot of your bed could look nice. If your headboard is made of metal or wood, opt for an upholstered bench.
Silhouette: Light and airy
It's best to choose a model with elegant feet. Curved or crossed foot variants look particularly elegant. A massive bench with heavy feet, on the other hand, appears too bulky and blocks the view of the bed.
With or without footrest?
According to unspoken design rules: If thatBed no footboardIt makes sense to add a bench with a backrest. So you can lean on it while you put on your pants, for example. But that is not a must. Of course, the reverse also applies: If the bed has a high footboard, a bench without a backrest is recommended.
Width: The bed bench should be narrower than the bed
To prevent the bench from sticking out on both sides of the bed (which would be both awkward and disproportionate), the bench should be narrower than the width of the bed. 15 to 20 centimeters on each side are permitted. So if you have a queen size bed (160 x 200 cm), that means your bench should be approximately 120 cm wide. For a king-size bed measuring 180 x 200 cm or 200 x 200 cm, the length of the bench could be 140 or 160 cm.
Height: The bed bench should not be too high
Typically a few inches lower than the bed is best. Here you have a little more leeway. For example, if the bed has a footboard, the bench should be the same height or slightly less.
Depth: It depends...
how much distance you have between the bed bench and the opposite wall. The piece of furniture should not block the path. A narrow and high bench takes up less space in a small room.
Now you know what to look for when choosing the right bedroom bench. And now we would like to show you some inspiring examples.
Play with color and pattern!
When it comes to furnishing a large bedroom, you can't just think of onecomfortable king size bed, but also buy a large bed bench. To further enhance the style of the room, designers create strong contrast with color and pattern. In the picture above we can see how beautifully the colorful fabric of the bench cushion contrasts with the white linen bed linen.
Include a different pattern in the room to create a unified look. Here, the bench design repeats the same marble-like pattern used for the wall paneling behind the bed.
Shiny surfaces
Different base and frame variants can also be used to create effective accents in the room. Cozy fabrics and shiny chrome in a gray and black neutral color scheme set the tone in this bedroom. The bench and bed give the room an elevated, modern look.
Warm metal colors such as gold, brass and copper work best as accents when furnishing and decorating. Many designers combine them with pastel colors, light wood and fine concrete.
Create practical storage space at the foot end
Here the bed bench has a dual function: as a seat and as a shelf. The shelf offers space for reading material, blankets, pillows or other things.
This example shows how important it is to choose the perfect shape so as not to compromise the openness of the room. This simple design allows the room to appear uncluttered and provides a beautiful frame for the bed.
Think about how you feel
Consider the emotional impact that light and muted tones can create together in a room. Emotional design is an exciting topic these days. This unique ottoman at the foot of the bed brings character and soul to the tranquil bedroom while creating a feeling of homeliness and luxury.
Create visual connection through color
When furnishing and decorating, it is important to create a consistent look through colors. It is therefore advisable to choose a color that is reflected in the pillows, art and bedside tables. Let these pieces be your pops of color and keep the rest of the palette neutral. This creates a visual balance.
Alternatives to the bed bench: As long as the functionality remains
If a long bench isn't exactly what you're looking for, you could always place a few stools or two matching shorter benches at the foot of your bed. When choosing, you should again stick to the furnishing style in the bedroom.
Two stools with storage space
A bed bench with a lid can often seem bulky. However, if you don't want to miss out on storage space, you can use two stools instead of a bench. Various things can also be stored in the stools.
Floor cushion
Floor pillows are family and pet friendly, but they often seem out of place - like in the middle of a room.
A simple (and stylish) solution: the floor cushions at the foot of the bed. They provide a nice height difference as the eye moves through the room and present an interestingShibori Musteron.
Wooden chest provides an antique charm
Another alternative to the bed bench is the wooden chest. The chest is ideal for storing blankets and pillows and is a real gem. If you are a fan of classic country house style, this model will suit you perfectly.
