The Sleek Furniture Trend That Will Help You Declutter Your Bedroom

While trying to achieve that perfectly cozy bedroom aesthetic, you've likely come across design caveats from experts. There are plenty of bedroom decorating mistakes that give designers the "ick," but one you might not expect is the classic bedroom chair. You might come to regret adding a couple of accent chairs to your room, whether they're for a reading nook or seats for a luxe closet design. These furniture pieces can quickly accumulate clutter, from outerwear to accessories, making the seat functionally unusable and a dreaded eyesore in your space. However, one sleek furniture trend that could transform this messy spot into a multipurpose area is by swapping the classic chair for a shoe bench.

Incorporating a shoe bench into your space is a hack that will make your bedroom more organized than ever. Depending on the style you choose, you could have ample closed storage for hiding shoes, coats, blankets, or bags. A bench also offers the same functionality as a chair, providing seating for getting dressed or simply lounging. While not every bedroom is large enough to accommodate this solution, a shoe bench can be slimmer and lower-profile than a chair, making it a more ideal seating arrangement. Further, the multipurpose storage feature makes it well-suited for small rooms and areas with little closet space, and for kids who need a place to stash their favorite toys within reach.

A shoe bench can be a great solution for maximizing storage space and seating in a small bedroom without sacrificing your aesthetic. Storage ottomans are another go-to choice for many, with some offering deep storage and a pop-up seat so you can add large items. Other benches feature cubed shelving with pull-out drawers or bins, making organizing smaller items a breeze. These pieces can be a genius clothing storage solution for bedrooms without closets. Place shoe benches or ottomans at the end of the bed for a traditional look, or get creative by tucking your bench underneath a window for a comfy reading spot, into a walk-in closet to create seating for lacing up shoes, or at your bedroom's entry point for better accessibility.

The shoe bench is a good swap for accent chairs since it provides additional seating just as a chair would, but it can accommodate more than one person and allow for greater flexibility while you're getting dressed. Additionally, you could opt for a smaller shoe bench or storage ottoman that could double as a vanity stool, making it a versatile choice for any space. When choosing your shoe bench, consider what you intend to store within it and how big you need it to be compared to your space. A bench that's too big could interrupt the room's flow, while a small bench may look disproportionate.

The issue with swapping a bedroom accent chair for a storage bench is that it may not fully eradicate your clutter. If you only need a spot to store shoes or bulky items, it could help. But if your goal is to cut chair clutter with a shoe bench, keep in mind that it could become another catch-all. Both chairs and benches are functional surfaces meant for seating, but it's easy to make a habit of tossing jackets, bags, shoes, or accessories on top to worry about later. If you're struggling with a chair overloaded by clothing, you may need to rethink your problem.

While a lack of storage space can certainly contribute to a messy room, sometimes the real culprit is the existing organization and decluttering routines we have. The pile of laundry on your chair or shoe bench can be a good indicator that your storage system isn't working for you. If your organizational system requires multiple steps, time for folding and sorting by color, or is difficult to navigate or reach, consider rethinking your storage with these clever closet hacks. While a shoe bench can help store bulky items or increase closet space, it can also be a large piece of furniture that can be awkward in some bedrooms. Be sure to consider the purpose of your bench and how you want it to function before adding it to your space.