I have always had a thing about benches – rustic, painted, plain, old, vintage - small, big - any bench!  I only wish we had an enormous house where I would be able to have one in every room of the house, including the toilet, or simply dotting them around the garden.

My most favourite possession in my home is a really simple wooden bench made for me by my dad (who’s 82 now), and was made around 7 years ago.  I haven’t painted it, just left it in its raw state, and move it between my bedroom, where it sits at the foot of my bed with blankets folded up on it, or cushions, or behind the couch in the lounge.  I would never dare sit on it cos’ it has a tendency to creak and groan, and I am sure would collapse with the weight of a person, so I either put a wicker picnic basket on it, or pile it high with décor mags.  Wherever it is in my home, it makes me smile and appreciate the fact that I still have my Dad around, and that it’s probably the last thing he will ever make for me.  He's also proud seeing it in our home and mentions it every time he visits! :)

I really enjoyed looking for pictures of benches which have been used in decorating, and hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed finding them.

I love the idea of using a bench for a coffee table - or purely a magazine table!

I love the weathered look of this bench, and the chippy paint.  Also used as a table!

Pretty much the style of my bench, but I haven't painted mine, I do however love this duck egg blue colour!

This bench used in a bathroom looks like it is splattered with paint and cement and is straight off a construction site!  Gorgeous!

Properly shabby! and so chic!

I absolutely adore the two little benches under the big one! I need to find two for under mine!

Perfect setting - perfect slatted vintage bench!



I would love an enclosed patio where I could use some benches as patio dinging seating!



Inside or outside - left to weather and age - I would be happy with this.

Without this bench at the foot of the bed, the room would not feel complete!



Love it!



Maybe not a bench for inside - but left outside in the elements - this would weather beautifully!

At this brocante - I spotted a few benches that I would be happy to walk away with!

And the smallest left for last! What a picture!