One thing I almost always add to my bedroom design schemes is a bench at the end of a bed. Why? Because it softens the lines of the largest piece in the room. A bench somehow breaks up the transition between the rest of the empty space and the bed, and provides a pleasing silhouette when looking at the bed from any angle.

Plus, a bench is really practical. You can sit on it while putting your shoes on (if shoes are allowed in the house, that is…). You can store things in some of them, such as blankets, sweatshirts, socks, or food (well, only if you are a kid…). You can place pillows on it or sit and relax anytime.

A bed bench is a good thing to invest in and something that can be moved at any time to another place in the house when you need extra seating.

Depending on the size of your bed, you have many options. For a king-size bed, I usually opt for a bench longer than 60 inches. For a full or queen bed, 48-54 inches is good, and even smaller for a twin. While there are no real hard-and-fast rules, a bench that is about two-thirds the width of your bed will look in proportion. Above all, buy what looks good and suits your needs.

At the end of a wood bed, something soft with no wood is a good choice, whereas at the end of an upholstered bed or headboard, wood frames can be interesting, as can curvy arms. Again, no rules, just professional opinions, here.

Now tell me, what do you think of a bench at the end of a bed?

- Katie

Finder's Keepers

I can see this at the end of a glamorous upholstered bed for a Hollywood Regency feel.

Loving the skirt on this and the arms; stick it at the end of a poster bed for a softer feel.

Contemporary and sleek, this would look great at the end of a platform bed or simple upholstered style.

Stick one in front of twin beds or two in front of a full/queen.

I love the simple easiness of this, and the railheads dress it up.