Honestly, most folks I work with end up using those benches as a catch-all for bags and shoes, unless they really commit to making it comfy. I’ve seen a few regret not just going with more cabinets or hooks instead. If you’re not gonna add a cushion or backrest, it’s basically just a fancy shelf at knee height. Storage underneath is handy, but I wouldn’t call it life-changing unless you’re short on space.
I get where you’re coming from—benches do look great in listing photos, but in practice, they’re often just clutter magnets. Have you noticed if buyers actually value them, or do they just see wasted space? I’ve found that unless the bench is really well-designed (think deep drawers, comfy cushion, maybe even a charging station), it rarely adds much to resale. Still, if you’re tight on square footage, sometimes even a “fancy shelf” is better than nothing. Curious if you’ve seen any creative uses that actually worked long-term?
Totally agree with this:
unless the bench is really well-designed (think deep drawers, comfy cushion, maybe even a charging station), it rarely adds much to resale.
- Benches with actual storage underneath (like pull-out bins) seem to get used more and turn into less of a dumping ground.
- Saw one with a flip-up top for shoe storage—looked neat, but honestly, people still just tossed stuff on top.
- If the bench is in a mudroom or entry, hooks above and baskets below help keep it functional.
- Cushions are hit or miss. If it’s not comfy, nobody sits there anyway.
In my experience, unless it’s solving a real problem (muddy boots, school bags), buyers don’t care much. But hey, sometimes it just looks cool in photos and that’s half the battle.
Built-ins definitely win the “looks great in a listing photo” contest, but living with them is another story. I agree with this:
If the bench is in a mudroom or entry, hooks above and baskets below help keep it functional.
Honestly, the only ones I’ve seen actually get used are those with easy-access cubbies or baskets—bonus points if they’re made from reclaimed wood or old cabinets. Deep drawers just become black holes for junk. And if you can’t sit comfortably to pull off muddy boots, what’s the point? I’d rather have a sturdy old bench that’s easy to clean and doesn’t pretend to be more than it is.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually grown to love the old built-in in my front hall. It’s not fancy—just a chunky pine bench with cubbies—but it’s held up for decades and the drawers aren’t as bad as people say. Maybe it’s just because I force myself to clean them out every season... Still, there’s something about a bench that looks like it’s always been there, even if it’s a little less comfy than a standalone one.
