How do I choose the right size bench for my bed?

A bench should be 60-80 cm deep and roughly 40-50 cm high to match your mattress height. Width-wise, aim for 2/3 to the full width of your bed - for example, a 1.6 m bed pairs well with a 110-130 cm bench.

What are the main types of bedroom benches available?

Common types include upholstered storage benches (padded top with hidden storage), open-shelf benches (light and accessible), slatted or wooden benches (durable, minimalist), and benches with drawers (organised storage but need more floor space).

How much can I expect to spend on a bedroom bench in South Africa?

Basic wooden benches range from R800 to R2 000, upholstered storage benches from R1 500 to R5 000, and premium designer or solid-wood pieces from R5 000 and up. If you need both seating and storage, plan for the mid-to-upper part of those ranges.

How should I style a bedroom bench?

Keep scale in mind and repeat one or two materials from your bedroom. For example, a wooden bench pairs well with timber bedside tables, while an upholstered bench can echo a cushion fabric or rug tone. In smaller rooms, choose an open or slim-profile bench to keep sightlines clear.

What maintenance do different bench materials require?

Fabric upholstery benefits from stain protectors and regular vacuuming; leather or faux-leather wipes clean easily. Solid timber should be wiped with a soft cloth and kept out of prolonged sun, while metal frames are durable but check for sharp edges in family homes.

Bedroom Benches: Smart Seating and Storage

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Bedroom Benches: Smart Seating and Storage | Bash

Bedroom benches - what they do and why they matter

A bedroom bench is more than a place to sit while you get dressed. It can be a storage solution, a finishing piece that defines the foot of the bed, or a flexible seat for a smaller room. We recommend thinking first about how you actually use a bedroom each day - luggage drop, shoe changing, extra blankets - and then match a bench to that use.

Common bench types and when to choose them

Upholstered storage bench: Padded top for seating, internal space for linen or off-season blankets. Good when you need hidden storage.
Open-shelf bench: Simpler, lighter on the eye and ideal for baskets or shoes you want to access quickly.
Slatted or wooden bench: Durable and low-maintenance; pairs well with natural or minimalist schemes.
Bench with drawers: Offers organised storage but needs more depth - choose where you have floor space.

Practical size rules of thumb: a bench should usually be 60-80 cm deep and sit about the same height as your mattress (roughly 40-50 cm). For width, 2/3 to the full width of your bed reads balanced - a 1.6 m bed pairs well with a 110-130 cm bench. These are guidelines; measure your room walkways so the bench doesn’t block traffic.

Budget guidance (South Africa)

Prices vary by material and function. Expect approximate ranges: basic wooden benches R800-R2 000 (estimate), upholstered storage benches R1 500-R5 000 (estimate), premium designer or solid-wood pieces R5 000+. If you need both seating and generous storage, plan for the mid-to-upper part of those ranges.

If you’d like to browse styles and sizes, explore our Bedroom to compare options and see measurements in one place.

Quick checklist before you buy

Measure floor-to-bed distance and bench footprint.
Decide storage type: hidden, drawers or open shelving.
Match bench height to mattress height for comfortable seating.
Consider material for climate and cleaning - leather-look wipes clean; fabrics may need protectors.

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Styling, care and practical examples

Styling a bench is simple: keep scale in mind and repeat one or two materials from the bedroom. A wooden bench pairs with timber bedside tables; an upholstered bench repeats a cushion fabric or rug tone. For smaller rooms, choose an open or slim-profile bench to keep sightlines clear.

Materials and upkeep

Fabric upholstery: Coated or tightly woven fabrics stand up best to regular use; use a stain protector and vacuum regularly.
Leather / faux-leather: Easy to wipe and good if you need low-maintenance seating.
Solid timber / veneered wood: Wipe with a soft cloth; avoid prolonged sun exposure to prevent fading.
Metal frames: Durable for contemporary looks but check for sharp edges in family homes.

How we suggest you place and use a bench

Practical placement examples that work in South African homes:

At the foot of the bed: A storage bench there keeps extra duvets handy for cooler Cape winters or Johannesburg mornings.
Beside a window or dressing area: Use a slim bench as a seat for dressing or as a luggage rest when guests arrive.
In a shared bedroom: Choose a bench with divided storage or baskets to keep belongings separate and organised.

Want style tips and product pairings? Read more in our Bedroom articles or find coordinated soft furnishings in Home Furnishings.

Final checks and delivery notes

Before you complete a purchase, double-check exact internal storage dimensions (if you plan to store bulky items), confirm delivery lead times for your area, and look for assembly requirements. We aim to show clear dimensions and delivery details on each product page so you can compare fairly.

We’re here to make choosing easier - measure once, choose the function you need, and pick materials that suit your household rhythm.

Sources

Bash - Home shop
House & Leisure - Design insights and bedroom styling
ArchDaily - Bedroom design examples

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Bedroom benches: smart seating and storage for South African bedrooms

Match function to form

Why Choose Bash?

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Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Measure first

Material matters

Bedroom benches - what they do and why they matter

Common bench types and when to choose them

Budget guidance (South Africa)

Quick checklist before you buy

Styling, care and practical examples

Materials and upkeep

How we suggest you place and use a bench

Final checks and delivery notes

Sources

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