Give A Corner Bench A Much-Needed Cozy Upgrade

Corners and nooks can be difficult areas of a home to decorate. They're often awkwardly sized or shaped, which makes it hard to keep them looking stylish while also being practical. You may have an old reception bench in or near your foyer for receiving guests, a bench space in your kitchen, or perhaps an unused corner in your dining room. No matter the location, one great use of a small nook is to create a comfortable bench seating area that's been optimized to suit your aesthetic and needs. Whether you have an old bench in need of TLC or you want to DIY the perfect bench for your cozy corner space, all it takes is a few upgrades to cultivate a cozy little retreat.

To perfect your space, make any necessary repairs, paint or apply wallpaper in optimal colors, and choose the right lighting. Then, you can move on to decorating with cushions, pillows, curtains, tables, shelves, and more. From color tones and lighting to soft textured materials and plants, adding the right finishing touches will help you give your nook a major upgrade. The end result is guaranteed to make your home warm and welcoming for yourself and anyone who comes to visit.

The first step to getting your dream corner bench is to clean it and the surrounding area, making sure everything is in the best possible condition. Start by assessing your bench for any damage or wear and deciding what changes you want to make. Replace any broken wood, use wood filler to patch small cracks or holes, and maybe even consider optimizing your bench for storage. The space underneath a bench is often a great place to keep things. You can explore some incredibly easy DIY storage bench ideas for inspiration if you find yourself wanting more storage space. Once your bench is in good shape, stain or paint the wood and move on to upholstery.

Because the right fabric and texture can make a room feel ten times cozier, you may want to upgrade your current upholstery — or add new cushions if your bench doesn't include any. Fabrics like bouclé, chenille, and velvet are all plush, comfortable choices. To reupholster a bench, you will need upholstery foam, fabric, batting, and depending on your piece, possibly some plywood. Begin by removing any previous upholstery. Next, cut your foam to fit the top of your bench. If you don't already have a piece of wood to secure the upholstery to, cut the plywood to size as well. Layer the foam on top of your plywood, and cover both in batting, stapling it in place. Finish it off by stapling your fabric over the batting.

With the bench complete, it's time to add elements to make the area more comfy, warm, and inviting. One change that delivers a major impact is the color scheme. For maximum coziness, it's also beneficial to consider the lighting in your space when choosing your palette. If it's a bright room, incorporating dark, rich paint or wallpaper can make it feel smaller and more intimate. Alternatively, if the space is already quite dark or small, then colors that are soft and neutral work well. When adding lighting, focus on layering warm, gentle light sources, which is a lighting trick that immediately boosts the ambience in your home. 

Rugs, curtains, and natural wood details are also common elements in cozy interiors. Remember to add throw pillows and blankets, and your corner bench nook will feel much more welcoming and calming. The same goes for indoor plants, which can have a relaxing effect on people. Finally, it can be helpful to incorporate practical features that make the space more functional for you. If you like the idea of having a snack or a cup of tea while relaxing in your cozy corner, make sure your bench has a table nearby. Enjoy reading? Add some bookshelves. With all — or even some — of these upgrades, you can transform an old reception bench or corner bench nook in your home into an equally appealing and functional spot.