The most important part of any kitchen is its storage. If you’re like me, then the next day after a big retail outing you are left with an endless number of things to keep track of. Soon, you’ll realize that you don’t have enough kitchen storage to fit everything, and you’ll wish you had more space.
The kitchen is the most important part of the house because it’s where we prepare our food! That’s why kitchen cabinets, kitchen islands, and kitchen pantries are essential for a kitchen. They help us save time in the kitchen and they keep our sacred spaces from becoming eye-sores. However, if your home needs some functionality, storage, and seating, then we might have an option that you’ll love!
The Solution: Add a Kitchen Bench with Storage
For a small kitchen with limited counter space, or when there is an excess of appliances, you will need to find clever solutions for storage. A kitchen bench with storage can be the perfect solution! Now, if you don’t have all the kitchen space in the world, then this kitchen bench will give you plenty of functionality and it’ll even solve your lack of seating.
A kitchen bench is perfect if you:
- Don’t want to sacrifice counter space for all of your kitchen appliances.
- Don’t have enough kitchen storage and you need more space for kitchen items.
- Need more places to seat your household or guests for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- Can’t stand the constant clutter of your home
Let’s explore some options that might work for you:
Corner Bench with Storage
If your home has a limited amount of space, with limited seating options, then an L-shaped bench might be perfect for you. A corner bench with storage can be an excellent way to save floor space, and provide more kitchen storage. They’re also an excellent option if you want to add a kitchen nook into your kitchen!
The banquette seating with storage by our friends at HGTV is a great way to add functionality and style to your home. This seating option is perfect for tight spaces that need some character and creativity. Furthermore, all the materials and resources to create it are super affordable and easy to do.
All you will need to get started is:
A circular saw, drill, level, orbital sander, plywood sheets (cut to the desired size), pre-primed trim, (2) piano hinges, wood screws, sandpaper, paintable wood filler, paint, paintbrush, and painters tape!
If you are a visual learner, then check out this awesome video walking you through the process:
Ikea Hack: Storage Bench
The main reason why people love Ikea furniture is that they’re always trying to think outside the box. However, I personally love Ikea because they give you all the tools to create something expensive at bargain prices.
The DIY Mommy is an Ikea hack expert and transformed kitchen cabinets into a storage bench. The project can be done in one day, and requires very few materials, and can be adapted to your liking.
Check it out:
Pro-Tip: Take a peek at your local Habitat for Humanity or a local surplus store as sometimes you can find higher quality and cheaper cabinets than at Ikea!
Another option to Ikea-furniture hacking is to use drawers to create your storage options. Kelin at Hydrangea Treehouse turned the Ikea Nordli drawers into a window seat built-in. The best part, she was able to do it for under $400. The great part about this DIY project is that it fills up a lot of wall space. This basically means, more storage space and more seating space!
Trending Kitchen Material: Butcher Block
A lot of kitchens are adding butcher blocks to their decor. I am sure you have heard of butcher block counters and butcher block islands. Now, you can take the kitchen butcher block to the kitchen bench. Mixing and matching kitchen styles is a great way to get creative with your kitchen without breaking the bank. Butcher blocks are a great kitchen bench addition to have because they’re extremely sturdy and will last forever.
It doesn’t even matter if you don’t ever cut meat on your kitchen bench, just the look of it is great! Butcher blocks are easy to clean and add a lot of character. Furthermore, they’re so versatile it’s hard not to fall in love with them. Butcher blocks come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors as well. It’s really all up to you on how good you want it!
My favorite example can be found here:
Ways to Upgrade your Kitchen Bench
If you already have a kitchen bench or made one of the options above, then you can improve their style with some easy and fun additions! For example, consider adding hinges, knobs, or other hardware to your drawers. Then, grab a can of Rust-oleum spray paint and give your hardware an easy, yet eye-catching upgrade. Another kitchen bench upgrade is to look into painting the kitchen bench a fun pastel color. I know, I know, you’re probably thinking that kitchen benches don’t get washed often enough and most people wouldn’t want them painted bright colors. However, kitchen furniture can be cleaned and repainted if need be! So it’s not a big deal if you want to try something new. In fact, kitchen benches can be painted just about anything!
Furthermore, you can make the seating portion of the kitchen bench unique by either:
1) Upholstering your bench through a No-Sew technique
2) Using a bench pad for some added comfort
3) Using Butcher block or Natural wood with a stain to add some character
4) Use a headboard to create a back to your bench for added seat comfort
Not into DIY? No Problem!
I know this article was more of a kitchen bench DIY, but if you’re not into DIY projects, or just don’t have the time since you have more important things going on in your life, then check out some of these kitchen benches that are already built and ready to go!
With that said, we highly recommend making your own bench with storage, as it will be a perfect size and shape for your desired location. Furthermore, DIY’ed benches can be pretty high-quality, even on a budget. Plus, the pride and joy of making your own thing can be pretty awesome!
The kitchen bench is a great way to add an extra seat and storage space to your home. If you’re looking for functional spaces or need to increase seating options, then this piece of furniture is for you! You can even make one yourself with some plywood and wood glue if the budget doesn’t allow it. It’s worth considering because there are so many benefits that come with adding a kitchen bench into your life. Furthermore, if you are working on redecorating your kitchen, then check out our post on the best Essential Kitchen Equipment for your home!
Do you have a kitchen bench with storage? If so, what do you consider to be the pros and cons? Did you try out any of the projects above? If so, share your feedback by commenting below. Your comments and social shares help us grow which then allows us to write even more helpful guides– we appreciate your loyalty!
Thank you for improving your home with some Crafts & Bolts!