Did you know that the bench was the most common form of seating in the days when chairs were reserved for the most important people in the room? (That’s where we get the term “chairman.”)
Homeowner Toni Roberts moved her gorgeous settee in her entryway to create a cozy sitting area near her tree. She adorned her bench with a festive seat cushion, a bright pillow, a faux wrapped gift and a mini wreath of green.
PHOTOGRAPH BY JESSICA WHITE; HOME OF TONI ROBERTS
What began as a rudimentary piece of furniture has grown into a musthave in almost every farmhouse. From a plain and simple backless bench to the more fanciful and upholstered settee, benches have become a place for storage, a quick pit stop on the way out the door and, most notably for the home décor enthusiast, a spot for endless styling possibilities.