Decorating corners and nooks in a home can be challenging. They often have awkward sizes or shapes, making it difficult to maintain both style and practicality. Whether you have an old reception bench near your foyer, a kitchen bench space, or an unused dining room corner, transforming a small nook into a comfortable bench seating area is a fantastic idea. Whether your bench needs some TLC or you want to DIY a new one for your cozy corner, a few upgrades can create a lovely retreat.
To enhance your space, start with necessary repairs, paint or apply wallpaper in suitable colors, and select the right lighting. Then, decorate with cushions, pillows, curtains, tables, shelves, and more. From color tones and lighting to soft textures and plants, adding the right finishing touches will significantly upgrade your nook. The result will make your home warm and inviting for both you and your guests.
Preparing your corner bench space
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The first step to achieving your dream corner bench is to clean it and the surrounding area, ensuring everything is in top condition. Assess your bench for any damage or wear and decide on the changes you want to make. Replace broken wood, use wood filler for small cracks or holes, and consider optimizing your bench for storage. The space beneath a bench is often ideal for storage. Explore easy DIY storage bench ideas for inspiration if you need more storage space. Once your bench is in good shape, stain or paint the wood and move on to upholstery.
Choosing the right fabric and texture can make a room feel significantly cozier, so consider upgrading your upholstery or adding new cushions if your bench lacks them. Plush, comfortable fabrics like bouclé, chenille, and velvet are excellent choices. To reupholster a bench, you’ll need upholstery foam, fabric, batting, and possibly some plywood, depending on your piece. Begin by removing any previous upholstery. Cut your foam to fit the top of your bench. If you don’t already have wood to secure the upholstery to, cut plywood to size as well. Layer the foam on top of your plywood, cover both with batting, and staple it in place. Finish by stapling your fabric over the batting.
How to style your nook to make it cozy
With the bench complete, it’s time to add elements to make the area more comfortable, warm, and inviting. One change that makes a significant impact is the color scheme. To maximize coziness, consider the lighting in your space when selecting 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, soft and neutral colors work well. When adding lighting, focus on layering warm, gentle light sources, as this lighting trick instantly enhances the ambiance in your home.
Rugs, curtains, and natural wood details are also common elements in cozy interiors. Remember to add throw pillows and blankets to make your corner bench nook feel more welcoming and calming. Indoor plants can also have a relaxing effect. Finally, incorporate practical features that enhance functionality. If you enjoy having a snack or cup of tea in your cozy corner, ensure your bench has a table nearby. Love reading? Add some bookshelves. With all or even some of these upgrades, you can transform an old reception bench or corner bench nook into an appealing and functional spot.
