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15+ Creative Built-in Bench Ideas for a Fun Family Room

What do you do when you have to add addition seating to your living space or family? Most of us take a trip to the nearest furniture store and shop around online to pick a piece of furniture that fits our needs. Hs is especially true in case of rental homes where you cannot make permanent changes to the interior. But those who own a home definitely have another cool option in their arsenal – one that is both cost-effective and durable. Built-in benches and seats are increasingly becoming a big part of the modern family room and we are here today to unravel the best held secrets of this cool trend!

Wooden built-in benches are the most popular seating options in the small family room

Conventional idea has trapped many homeowners into believing that built-in seats are good only for outdoor space, the banquette in the corner or a bay window seat with amazing views. Yet, the truth is much different and every family room can benefit from a fabulous built-in bench that adapts to the contours of the space and provides all the seating space you could ask for. Some, also come with the promise of additional benefits that make a big difference to small rooms. So, step in and discover the best ideas –

Explore a World of New Possibilities

You might have limited space to spare for the family room and it could be pretty hard to squeeze in additional seating in the form of club chairs and sofa. Maybe your family room seating options serve you well on a daily basis but fall short during weekends when you host friends and family. Maybe you are just looking for a much cozier space to rest and stretch your legs as the kids have a good time in the family room. No matter what your reason is, the solution to all these conundrums is a great built-in bench that does not get in the way of things and also can be used as a comfy daybed with the right cushions on top.

Built-in benches offer an easy and affordable way to add seating to the active family room
Small built-in bench next to the fireplace is great place to rest and relax during fall and winter
Smart built-in bench of the family room in stone extends the length of the room [From: Elliott Kaufman]
Wall of books all around the room steal the spotlight in here
Beautiful wooden built-in bench next to the fireplace in wood feels minimal and modern [From: Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects]

Maximize Space on a Budget

Built-in benches allow you to make the most of even the tiniest of corners in the family room without taking anything away from the aesthetics of the space. These smart benches can also cut down on decorating costs and in many family homes, a wooden bench is further extended into a functional work desk, bookshelf or decorative shelving to create a ‘wall of wood’ that feels organic. This definitely is a cost-effective option and with many built-in benches coming with drawers and cabinets underneath for storage, you save space and resources in more ways than one.

Delightful window seat in the family room brings colorful personality to the space [From: Kelly Nelson Designs]
Large built-in bench in white with ample drawer space and bookshelves all around is a great addition to the family room [From: Gaetano Hardwood Floors]
Tiny built-in bench with blue drawers and a comfortable sitting space that overlooks the garden
Coastal style built-in bench is just perfect for this family room with ocean views [From: Rock House Design]
Cushions add color to the small built-in seat next to the wooden storage units inside the small family room

Space Around the Bench

How do you want to integrate the built-in bench into the overall setting of the family room? This is one of the first things you need to consider before choosing the material and the form of the bench itself. The bibliophile might want to decorate the space around the bench with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves while those who prefer a lazy and cozy evening could need a fireplace not too far away from the bench. If your family room promises amazing ocean views, charming garden views or even the glittering city skyline, then the built-in bench can be the place from which you can take in these beautiful views.

Custom wooden built-in bench for the family room crafted using recycled wood planks [From: Gruber Home Remodeling]
Gorgeous niche with built-in bench is just prefect for the small beach style family room [From: Anderson & Rodgers Construction]
Lovely wrap around built-in bench in the revamped family room
Same wooden feature in the family room morphs into both the built-in bench and work desk in here
Understated built-in bench is ideal for this refined contemporary family room [From: Prentiss Balance Wickline Architects]

Sherry Nothingam

Sherry is a blogger who loves to live her life to the fullest. She enjoys everything associated with design, décor and stylish modern trends. Born in California, Sherry has grown up on open ranches and in a wild setting, which has defined her taste for design and developed her interest in examining how structures and homes interact with the beauti[...]

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