Take a Seat
A solid wood bench makes a versatile addition to any home.
The candlelit warmth of a medieval banquet. The breezy delight of an impromptu picnic. For hundreds of years benches have been associated with eating - coming together with friends and family to spend time together sharing a meal.
The history of the humble bench can be traced all the way back to the Stone Age, when early humans distinguished themselves from animals by constructing rudimentary seats to lift them up off the floor. In the thousands of years since, benches have taken many forms - from ornate wrought iron conservatory styles beloved by the Victorians to simple monastic planks - but their purpose has largely remained the same, to accommodate groups sitting down to dine together.
Elegant and Adaptable
In the modern home, benches are a stylish, flexible option for dining areas, opening up the room and reducing visual clutter. Sleek, low-profile styles provide additional seating without dominating the space, and work in many different setups, even in formal spaces such as the one shown here. For a last minute post-gamedinner party, or when your children’s friends stay for dinner, the bench seat can’t be beat - a table that seats six on a regular day will now accommodate nine or ten.
Multiple Choice
One of the most useful features of a bench is that it’s extremely portable. When not required at the dining table you’ll find it doing double duty somewhere else in the house. If you’re lucky enough to have a piano, your bench will already have a second home. They are also great as display spaces in narrow areas, such as the long hallways of many Montreal apartments. Use them to show off seasonal flower arrangements, Holiday ornaments, or a collection of your favourite framed pictures.
Inner Space
In the open-plan kitchen-cum-living areas of many condos, the bench really comes into its own. Try one alongside the wall of an open kitchen, so you can stay connected with guests as you cook, or keep an eye on the kids while they tackle their homework and you tackle the evening meal. When it’s time for dinner simply bring the bench with you to the table.
In small spaces, the addition of a single, statement piece of furniture can make the room seem larger. Open up a small entryway with the addition of a simple, beautiful solid wood bench - it will give you a spot to set down your mail and groceries when you step into the house, and provide a much-needed place to perch when lacing up your boots for a Canadian winter.
From family dinners to kids parties, backyard BBQs to Sunday brunch, if you’re looking for additional seating options for your home, look no further than the humble bench - an adaptable piece that works as hard as you do.