A storage bench is a smart space-saver because it gives you both extra seating and hidden storage in one piece of furniture. You can use it to stow away all sorts of items, from blankets and linens to tools or office supplies. The key is to keep the bench near the spot where you need those items, so it makes your daily routine easier. For example, an entryway bench is perfect for shoes and scarves, while a patio bench makes summer pool gear easy to grab.
General Organisation Steps
- Empty and Clean. First, clear everything out of the bench and wipe it down. (Storage benches, especially near doors or outside, can get dusty or muddy inside. It’s a good habit to clean the interior every month or so.)
- Sort by Category. Sort your items into groups – for instance, put all shoes together, all garden tools in one pile, all towels in another, etc. Grouping like items makes it easy to see what you have.
- Use Baskets or Bins. Place smaller or loose items (scarves, gloves, art supplies, etc.) in baskets or storage bins inside the bench. For an entryway bench, canvas cube bins are great for hiding winter accessories like hats and gloves. Label each bin if you can, so you’ll always remember what’s inside.
- Pack Thoughtfully. When you put things back in the bench, put large or bulky items in first. For example, slide big blankets or camping gear into the bench first, then tuck labelled bins or smaller items around them. This makes the most of the space and keeps the bench from being a jumbled mess.
- Keep Essentials Accessible. Place items you use often near the front or top of the bench. Rarely-used or seasonal items can go in the back. Also, regularly declutter: for example, many parents rotate and donate outgrown toys from a kid’s bench. Remove anything you no longer need so the bench doesn’t overflow.
Entryway Bench and Shoes
A bench by the front door is ideal for wrangling shoes and outdoor gear. Pick a bench with a lid or built-in shoe cubbies so footwear stays out of sight when not in use. You’ll have a place to sit while tying your laces, and under-seat storage to hide slippers or boots. (John Louis Home notes that an entry bench with cubbies gives “a comfortable spot to sit” and discreet shoe storage.)
Inside the bench, use containers to corral small items. For cold-weather storage, keep hats, gloves and scarves in bins under the seat. Canvas cube bins or baskets fit nicely and look neat. In summer, you might use those bins for sunglasses, pet leashes or sunscreen. Whatever you store, label or group items so you can grab them quickly next time you head out the door.
Tip: Consider a mat or tray just outside the bench for muddy or wet shoes, and periodically wipe out the bench’s interior to keep it clean.
Indoor Bench: Blankets, Linens and More
Inside the home, storage benches shine in bedrooms and living areas. Place one at the foot of the bed or against a wall to hold extra linens. Fold heavy throw blankets and stack them neatly inside – then simply close the lid until they’re needed. Pillows take up a lot of closet space, so stack spare bed pillows or seasonal throw pillows in the bench too. In guest rooms, use the bench to stash spare sheet sets and pillowcases. That way, your overnight visitors have everything at hand, and your linen closet stays uncluttered.
In a bathroom or pool area, a storage bench can hold towels and toiletries. For example, a small bamboo bench in the bathroom doubles as a seat and towel holder – just roll or fold fresh bath towels and tuck them inside. In summer, an outdoor bench (on a porch or deck) is perfect for beach towels and swim gear. This keeps damp towels out of the way and ready for the next swim or shower.
Quick Steps: Use separate bins or baskets for different linens (e.g. bath vs. beach towels). Stack folded blankets flat to avoid wrinkles. Label your bins “extra sheets,” “blankets,” “towels,” etc., so anyone can find or put away items correctly.
Kids’ Toy and Stuffed-Animal Bench
A storage bench is a toy box with a seat – great for playrooms or bedrooms. Look for a bench with safety features (a soft-close lid or no pinch points) so curious fingers are protected. Store stuffed animals and dolls inside, then sit on the bench for story time or play. You can also use bins inside the bench for building blocks, puzzles or craft supplies.
Rotation is key for kids’ benches. Keep a few toys out and hide the rest in the bench or closet. When playtime gets dull, swap in some “new” toys from storage – it feels like a gift, and the clutter stays low. Be sure to declutter the bench regularly: donate or give away toys the kids have outgrown. That way, the bench stays useful and doesn’t overflow.
Outdoor and Patio Bench
A weatherproof storage bench is a great addition to your patio, deck or garden. Use it to stash outdoor items that you want handy. For example, it can hide pool or sports equipment (pool noodles, goggles, beach balls) right by the pool. It’s also ideal for grilling tools and gardening gear – think tongs, spatulas, gloves, small hand tools, or potting supplies. (Keter suggests putting “grilling tools, toys, cushions, gardening equipment, etc.” in a patio bench.)
To organise an outdoor bench, use the same strategy: group similar items first. Put larger objects (like an air mattress or big garden planters) in first, then arrange smaller things around them. Place loose items in bins or bags – for instance, one bin for ball games, another for plant potting tools. Label each bin (“pool toys,” “garden tools,” etc.) so you can grab what you need quickly. Since the bench is outside, choose one made of resin or treated wood to keep cushions and equipment clean and dry.
Office and Workspace Bench
Even in a home office or study, a storage bench can be useful. If you have files or paperwork, pick a bench that is designed for office use. Some come with built-in metal bars for hanging file folders. You can turn one side of the bench into a mini filing cabinet – store bills, documents and folders there, then use the bench surface as a printer stand or extra workspace.
Use the inside of the bench for extra office supplies. Stock it with refill ink cartridges, printer paper, notebooks, pens, printer cartridges and other supplies you don’t need every day. Better Homes & Gardens notes that a bench is perfect for “overstock office supplies” like extra printer paper and ink. When a supply runs low, just pull from the bench stash without leaving your desk. Keep bins or small boxes inside to hold categories of items so everything stays neat.
Maintaining Your Storage Bench
Once you’ve organised your bench, do a quick check every few months. Take everything out, clean inside, and sort through items again. Remove or donate anything you haven’t used. Wipe down the interior to keep dust and dirt from building up. Relabel bins if things have changed. By following these steps, your storage bench will stay tidy and functional.
An organised storage bench makes every day smoother. You’ll find what you need without a scavenger hunt, and your home or office stays clutter-free. With clear bins and smart grouping, even a small bench can hold a surprising amount. Follow these tips – and soon you’ll be enjoying both the extra seating and the neat storage your bench provides.
Feature Image by Pușcaș Adryan on Pexels
